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The Best Offbeat Destinations to Visit in Himachal, India

Chitkul Village | © Vishalnagula / Wikimedia Commons
Chitkul Village | © Vishalnagula / Wikimedia Commons
Photo of Poonam Binayak
Poonam Binayak
India Writer11 September 2017

Himachal Pradesh should be on the bucket list of every traveler. When it comes to exploring this ‘Abode of Snow’, many flock to the famous hotspots, like Kullu-Manali, Shimla, Dalhousie, McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala. But if you like to take the road less traveled, there are hidden gems tucked away in this northern Indian state that will enthrall you with their unblemished natural beauty, picturesque landscapes and serenity. Here’s a rundown of some of the best offbeat destinations to visit in Himachal.

Barot

Adventure, wildlife, nature, serenity and spectacular view of the Himalayas – what more do you need for a holiday? Encircled by lush deodar forests and the majestic Himalayas, Barot is situated on the banks of the Uhl River and offers plenty of outdoor activities, foremost of which is angling for trouts. Another popular activity is trekking through the scenic forest trails into the mountains, which are home to a variety of flowers and herbs that have healing properties, as well as enjoying the bird’s eye views. Across the Uhl River lies the Dev Pashakot Temple in which resides the local deity of rain. Also, visitors can spot a variety of Himalayan wildlife—including the Himalayan black bear, kasturi deer, ghoral, leopard, pheasants and more—at Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Barot, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh

Chitkul

Snow-laden mountains, lush green vegetation, mustard fields and apple orchards are the highlights of Chitkul, the last inhabited hamlet near the Indo-China border. The potatoes and peas grown here are some of the finest in the world—and expensive, too. In the temple resides the 500-year old deity of Chitkul, plus this village happens to be the final point of the popular Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama (the abode of Lord Shiva), so pilgrims stop at the temple and worship the goddess of Chitkul. The town experiences cold, harsh winters, so pack accordingly.

Chitkul, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh

Baspa river flowing through Chitkul | © Sukanya Ray / Wikimedia Commons

Shoja

This tiny hamlet nestled in the Seraj Valley is unspoilt by commercialization. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of snow-covered mountains or go for a walk to the Waterfall Point, just a kilometre from Shoja, and get drenched under sheets of cold water. Serolsar Lake is a must-visit spot that offers a mesmerizing sunset view; the walk there is equally scenic, traversing the Jalori Pass, which is covered in lush oak trees.

Shoja, Himachal Pradesh

Rakchham

Between Chitkul and Sangla, at an altitude of 3048 meters, Rakchham is surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains. There isn’t much to see in this tiny hamlet, but the peaceful setting and scenic beauty make it a perfect spot for those looking for a few days alone in nature. There are two temples dedicated to Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. You can also spot plenty of mountain animals here, like the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, blue sheep, goral and brown trout.

Rakchham, Himachal Pradesh

Rakchham | © Shivya Nath / Flickr

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