Mountains have a unique charm to them. And if you happen to be a mountain-lover, you just can't help but visit and explore the scenic hill towns of Himachal Pradesh, which for long, have been favourites of many a traveller. But with sudden boom in the tourism industry, exploring Himachal is no longer as cheap as it used to be. So what should you do if you wish to explore Himachal without burning a hole in your pocket?
Well, keeping in mind the travellers who would choose experiences over luxuries, we have prepared this guide to exploring the best of Himachal destinations well under 5k, 10k, and 15k, excluding the costs involved in journeying to and from the destinations. Read on t0 start planning on your adventure.
Places under 15k
Spiti Valley is one of the least travelled and most beautiful destinations in Himachal. This high-altitude valley is home to a number of tourist attractions that can be easily explored in under Rs 15,000.
Must-visit attractions: Tabo village, Key Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Komic, Langza, Hikkim, Kibber, Chicham, and Mud village are must-visit attractions in Spiti valley.
Best time to visit: June - October
Approximate trip duration: 6-8 days
If we were to name one of the best places to visit in Himachal for adventurers, Kinnaur district is an easy pick. This beautiful region is home to some iconic attractions, including Chitkul–the last village of India, and the stunning Sangla valley.
Must-visit attractions: Nako village, Rakcham, Sangla valley, Chitkul, Kalpa, and Reckong Peo are some of the must-visit places in Kinnaur.
Best time to visit: May to October, except from mid-July to August.
Approximate trip duration: 6-7 days
Home to numerous temples and the pious Ravi river, Chamba region is also known for its surreal natural beauty, historical paintings, and its art and craft. The best thing about Chamba region is that it's not as crowded as other tourist destinations in Himachal.
Must-visit attractions: Chamba town, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, and Rang Mahal are some famous attractions in Chamba district.
Best time to visit: April to November, except from mid-July to August, is the best time to visit and explore Chamba district.
Approximate trip duration: 4-5 days
For those of you who often make last-minute holiday plans, Shimla is definitely one go-to destination you can always bank on. Winter or summer, Shimla and the nearby places always have something on offer for tourists.
Must-visit attractions: Shimla Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, Naldehra, Shoghi, and Mashobra are some famous tourist attractions in and around Shimla.
Best time to visit: Whole year, except during monsoon and late-January to mid-February
Approximate trip duration: 5 days
Places under 10k
Not just couples and honeymooners, you will find adventurers and trekkers wandering around in Manali, for it is home to starting points of many a trek in the region. No wonder it is one of the top tourist destinations in north India.
Must-visit attractions: Old Manali, Mall Road, Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, Jogini Falls, Naggar Village, and Manali Sanctuary are some great places of attraction for tourists.
Best time to visit: Whole year, except from mid-January to February and July-August.
Approximate trip duration: 3-4 days
Located in Kullu district, Kasol is a peaceful hamlet sitting on the banks of the Parvati River. Also famous as Mini Israel, Kasol is backpackers' paradise and serves as starting point for Malana and Kheerganga trek.
Must-visit attractions: If you're visiting Kheerganga, Malana, Manikaran, and Tosh are some unmissable places.
Best time to visit: The whole year, except during monsoon and late-January to February.
Approximate trip duration: Four to five days
Feeling bad because you couldn't travel to Kashmir due to one or the other reason? Well, try visiting Banjar and the surrounding places and you are most likely to be left spellbound with the natural beauty. You might not even miss Kashmir here!
Must-visit attractions: Shoja, Jibhi, Gushaini, Sainj, and Thachi make for some great places to explore near Banjar.
Best time to visit: Whole year, except during monsoon and late-January to mid-March.
Approximate trip duration: 4-5 days
Places under 5k
Want a quick weekend escape into the mountains? What better than travelling to Dharamshala! From spiritual bliss to mind-blowing natural beauty that blends perfectly with its cosy cafes, Dharamshala has it all for the tourists.
Must-visit attractions: McLeod Ganj, Naddi Viewpoint, Triund, Dharamkot.
Best time to visit: Whole year, except during monsoon.
Approximate trip duration: 2-3 days
Apart from being famous as the best destination for paragliding, Bir is also home to a number of Buddhist monasteries and small hamlets nearby where you can enjoy some peaceful time away from daily hustle.
Must-visit attractions: Besides exploring Bir, you must visit Palampur, Barot, Andretta during your holiday in this part of Himachal.
Best time to visit: The whole year, except during monsoon.
Approximate trip duration: 2-3 days
Want to witness Shimla-esque beauty sans the crowd? Narkanda is the place you must visit. And if you happen to be there during winter, don't forget to enjoy snow activities like skiing and more.
Must-visit attractions: Hatu peak, Tani Jubbar lake, Narkanda Temple, and more.
Best time to visit: Whole year, except during peak monsoon.
Approximate trip duration: 2 days
How can we not talk about high-altitude lakes and treks when we are talking about places to visit in Himachal? So here's the Parashar Lake, which not only gives you a chance to witness the magical natural beauty but also brings out the hiker in you.
Must-visit attractions: Parashar Lake
Best time to visit: April - June and September - November
Approximate trip duration: 2 days
Now, all you need to do is pick your destination and travel. If you think we missed something, let us know in the comments below.
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