Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state in India and it has so much to offer to its visitors. From lush green valleys to breathtaking mountain views, this place is an ideal destination for nature lovers. In this article, we will explore 10 Beautiful places of Himachal Pradesh also known as hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh that are still relatively unknown but are definitely worth visiting. So get ready to pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
Introduction to Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state located in the northern part of India. With its capital at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west, Haryana to the south and southeast, and Uttarakhand to the southwest. The state covers an area of 55,673 square kilometers, making it the 18th largest state in India. Himachal Pradesh is home to a population of 6.8 million people.
The name “Himachal Pradesh” literally means “snow-laden province”, and true to its name, the state experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months. The landscape of Himachal Pradesh is varied, with high mountains and valleys, dense forests, and rivers. Some popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Dalhousie, and Dharamsala.
Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful state with a lot to offer tourists. If you are looking for an offbeat destination where you can enjoy nature at its best, Himachal Pradesh is definitely worth considering.
10 Undiscovered Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
If you are looking for a hidden gem in India, Himachal Pradesh is the place to go. From the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas to the serene lakes and valleys, there is something for everyone in this beautiful state. Here are some of the best-undiscovered places to visit in Himachal Pradesh:
1. Tirthan Valley:
Tirthan Valley is a hidden paradise located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The valley is surrounded by tall mountains and is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state. Tirthan Valley is the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. There are plenty of trekking trails in the valley that lead to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Dalhousie:
Dalhousie is a small town located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,950 m and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Dalhousie is known for its Victorian architecture and its many churches that were built by the British during their rule in India. The town also has some lovely picnic spots where you can enjoy scenic views while munching on snacks from one of the local cafes.
3. Prashar Lake
Prashar Lake is a beautiful, serene body of water located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. The lake is surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped mountains, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
The lake is believed to be formed by a meteorite, and its depth is unknown. Legend has it that a sage named Prashar lived in a hut on the banks of the lake and that he used to meditate there for hours at a time.
The best time to visit Prashar Lake is from June to September when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.
4. Manimahesh Lake
Nestled in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, at an altitude of 4,080m, Manimahesh Lake is one of the most sacred lakes in India. The lake is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh and can be accessed via a challenging trek from Bharmour. The trek to Manimahesh Lake is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers.
The lake is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva and is also known as Mana or Mahimaheshwar. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Manimahesh Lake to take a dip in its holy waters. The best time to visit Manimahesh Lake is during the month of August when a fair is organized near the lake to mark the beginning of the Hindu month of Shravan.
5. Kareri Lake
Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. Its area is 21,495 square kilometers (8,294 square miles). The state is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west, Haryana and Uttarakhand to the south, and Tibetan Autonomous Region to the east. The state has 11 districts. The climate of Himachal Pradesh varies from cool and temperate in the lower reaches to cold, alpine, and glacial in the higher mountains.
Kareri Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake located in the Kareri Bhangotu village of Dharamsala district, Himachal Pradesh. The lake lies at an altitude of 3,208 meters (10,513 feet) above sea level. It is fed by melting snow and glaciers. Kareri Lake is a popular trekking destination among adventure enthusiasts.
6. Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh. The sanctuary covers an area of 595 sq km and was established in 1992. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including the snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan thar, Tibetan gazelle, musk deer, red fox, ibex, brown bear, and weasel. The sanctuary also has a rich bird life with over 100 species of birds being recorded.
The Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to see some of the rare and endangered wildlife of the Himalayan region. The sanctuary offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
7. Bharmour Valley
The Bharmour valley is one of the hidden beauties of Himachal Pradesh. This secluded valley is situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The Bharmour valley is home to some of the oldest temples in the world, which are said to date back to the 8th century. The valley also has a number of scenic lakes, such as the Chandratal Lake, which is a popular spot for camping and trekking.
8. Malana Village
The village of Malana is one of the most remote and hidden places in all of Himachal Pradesh. It’s located in a high mountain valley, far from any main roads or towns. The only way to reach it is by hiking for several hours or taking a jeep or horse up a steep, narrow trail.
But the effort is worth it, because Malana is like nowhere else on Earth. The village has its own unique culture and history, which is completely different from the rest of India. For centuries, Malana villagers have lived in isolation, cut off from the outside world. They have their own language, customs, and laws. Even today, they remain largely self-sufficient, growing their own food and raising their own livestock.
Visitors to Malana are treated with curiosity and suspicion by the villagers. They are not allowed to enter homes or touch holy objects. But if you respect their traditions, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse into a fascinating way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.
9. Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is one of the hidden gems of Himachal Pradesh. This park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and it is a great place to explore if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. The park is full of hiking trails, and there are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. If you are lucky, you might even spot a snow leopard!
10. Churdhar Peak
Churdhar Peak is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh. Standing at an impressive 12,000 feet, Churdhar is the highest peak in the Shivalik Range. The views from the top of the peak are simply breathtaking, with snow-capped mountains and dense forests as far as the eye can see. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a rare Himalayan animal or two!
How to Reach and Accommodation Facilities in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is a state in the northern part of India. It is spread over an area of 55,673 square kilometers and is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir to the north, Punjab to the west, Haryana to the south-west, Uttarakhand to the south-east and by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the east. The average altitude of Himachal Pradesh is 1,950 meters above sea level. The state has a population of 6.8 million people.
The capital city of Himachal Pradesh is Shimla which is also its largest city. Other important cities in Himachal Pradesh include Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamsala, Solan, and Chamba.
The official language of Himachal Pradesh is Hindi but many other languages are spoken in different parts of the state such as Punjabi, Pahari-Pothwari, Kinnauri, Dogri, and Lahauli.
Himachal Pradesh is well connected by roadways and railways with the rest of India. The state has an extensive network of roads with a total length of over 33 thousand kilometers. The major National Highways that pass through Himachal Pradesh are NH 3 (Agra-Ambala-Kalka), NH 22 (Chandigarh-Shimla) and NH 21 (Mandi-Leh).
Conclusion
Traveling helps to broaden our perspectives and develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding toward others. It can also be a great way to reduce stress and improve our overall mood. Through travel, we can create lasting memories and experiences that enrich our lives. Exploring the hidden beauties of Himachal Pradesh is always an unforgettable experience. With its breathtaking mountains, lush forests, and captivating heritage sites, it never fails to leave you mesmerized. From the many unexplored spots we have discussed today, each one has something unique to offer that will make your experience even more special. So if you ever find yourself in this beautiful state, don’t forget to pay a visit to these 8 undiscovered places for a truly memorable holiday!
