This is Part 3 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 2: Jammu and Kashmir.
Himachal Pradesh is India's favourite mountain getaway. Within one state you can ride a heritage toy train, paraglide over a valley, meet Tibetan monks and drive through a cold desert that looks like the moon.
Why go
- Easy access to the Himalayas from Delhi and Chandigarh.
- Adventure: paragliding at Bir Billing, trekking, rafting and skiing.
- Culture: Tibetan Buddhism in Dharamshala and Spiti, and ancient wooden temples.
Best time to visit
March to June is ideal for most hill stations. December to February brings snow to Shimla, Manali and Kufri. Spiti and Lahaul are best from June to October. Avoid the peak monsoon (July-August), when landslides can block roads.
Top places to see
- Shimla: the Mall Road, the Ridge, Christ Church and the UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla railway.
- Manali: Old Manali, Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul.
- Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj: home of the Dalai Lama, Tsuglagkhang complex and the Triund trek.
- Spiti Valley: Key Monastery, Kaza, Chandratal Lake and villages like Langza and Komic.
- Kasol and Parvati Valley: riverside cafés and treks to Kheerganga.
- Bir Billing: one of the world's top paragliding sites.
- Dalhousie and Khajjiar: colonial charm and meadows.
Getting there and around
Shimla, Kullu (Bhuntar) and Kangra (Gaggal) have small airports with limited flights; Chandigarh is the main hub. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi are popular and affordable. Within the state, buses and taxis are the main options. Spiti is best done in a sturdy vehicle with an experienced driver.
Practical tips
- Avoid weekends and holiday periods in Shimla and Manali, when traffic jams are common.
- Check road status before travelling to Spiti, Lahaul or high passes.
- Carry warm layers year-round; nights are cold even in summer.
Sample itineraries
- 5 days: Shimla (2 days) and Manali (3 days).
- 7 days: Dharamshala, Bir and Manali.
- 8-10 days: Spiti circuit from Shimla to Kaza, ending in Manali.
What to eat
Look for a traditional dham, siddu, chha gosht and trout. Read our recipe for Himachali madra.
Next in Incredible India: Uttarakhand.
