If you are an avid mountain lover from India, then the thought of visiting Himachal Pradesh must be something that you entertain on a regular basis. The sheer rawness and beauty of the Himalayas of this Northern Indian State is as close to perfection as nature can get.
A not so densely populated land, its area is zigzagged by numerous Himalayan mountain ranges. Pulling over on the side of a winding road, you will see jutting mountains, deep ravines and far-flung snow-capped peaks, stretching to the horizon.
Himachal Pradesh has been a magnet for tourists, backpackers, trekker and hikers for decades now. Its tourism is world renowned and the majestic views attract thousands of eyes year-round. Every season is a new expression of nature and is a sight to behold.
I had the fortune of visiting this mountain paradise a few years back. We explored quite a few spots, but there is always more to see when it comes to the Himalayas. That trip was a wholesome chunk of travel and has left a deep impact on me, even after all these years. It is the magic of Himachal, if you go with an open mind, it will change you for the better.
It was in the middle of October; we started our journey to Himachal from the beautiful city of Chandigarh. We had taken an overnight train from Kolkata to the capital city of Delhi and from there took another intercity train to Chandigarh. You can always choose air travel instead; Himachal is relatively well connected by a couple of airports.
Our first stop in the mountains was the charming hill station of Manali. It was my first time there and the cosmopolitan vibe of the town just blew me away. It is a melting pot of culture, ethnicity and natural grandeur.
River Beas flows through the middle of Manali, flanked by majestic, ancient pine trees on both sides. Everything about the landscape exudes a feeling of peace and effortless beauty. Even the busy and bustling town square is inherently tranquil.
From my experience, I can say that the natives are always very friendly towards tourists and would help you out if need be.
There is an entire catalogue of activities that one can do during their stay at Manali. You could lazily explore the ageless charm of old Manali or go on a hike through the forest, offering your prayers at Hidimba Devi temple.
Both Rohtang and Hampta Pass are accessible from Manali via roads, although weather conditions may throw a spanner in your plans. There are a host of other activities like white water rafting, paragliding and trekking, that you can embark on while at Manali. Solang valley is particularly famous for paragliding and skiing in winter.
We spent a couple of days in Manali, before moving on to the beautiful town of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of Himachal. Our hotel was at the upper regions of the town, better known as Mcleodganj.
Mcleodganj, is the seat of the Tibetan Parliament in exile. His Holiness the 14th Dalai lama lives in this small hamlet of cafes, monasteries and steep winding roads. It is often fondly referred to as “Little Lhasa” due to the large population of Tibetans residing there.
Cradled on the slopes of the mighty Dhauladhar range, Mcleodganj is home to some of the best window views on earth. The days are bright, and the nights are cold, with a blanket of stars stretching to infinity. There are numerous homestays, hostels and resorts that provide world class accommodation.
The small town is spangled with little bazaars, rooftop cafes and quiet roads through shadowy forests. Hundreds and thousands of tourists from all around the world come here to experience the unique Tibetan culture. And if you are lucky, you might get a chance to have the attendance of His Holiness himself.
The Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
While at Mcleodganj, you can visit a few places around the spot. If you are the adventurous one, then you can participate in the Triund Trekking circuit, it’s one of the most picturesque treks in the subcontinent.
Or you can choose to explore the ancient St John in the wilderness church. Spoiler alert! The church is set to be haunted and comes with a free access to the charming graveyard at the back. During my stay, we did explore the church and its interesting surroundings, but unfortunately did not meet any of the paranormal residents there.
Moving on further into our small Tour de Himachal, our next stop was the old British establishment of Dalhousie, a colonial establishment dating back to the 18th century. Set on the Dhauladhar range, this hill station is renowned for its thick forested roads, colonial churches and views of snow-capped peaks.
Set up by Lord Dalhousie in 1850, the town is comprised of five mountains, Bakrota, Bhangora, Kathlog, Potreyn and Terah. Walking through the city, you will notice the lush greenery that is characteristically unique to this place. No matter where you are in town, the snow-capped mountains of Dhauladhar range is always visible.
Sightseeing here includes a couple of beautiful waterfalls, Satdhara and Panjpula; which are only a short distance away. St Patrick’s Church, situated in the middle of town, is the largest church in the region. Built in 1909, its one of the prominent British colonial relics still standing to this day.
For the outdoor lover, there is a beautiful trek to the Bakrota hill. It is a 5km hike through some dense, forested trails with the company of crickets, towering pines and majestic Himalayan views.
If you are sucker for nature and is protective of your quiet space, then you will love spending some time in Dalhousie, a peaceful abode of clouds, forests and mountains.
Himachal Pradesh is the crown jewel of Himalayan Tourism and should be a must visit for everyone. The variety of landscape and experience of native culture makes this State both a natural and anthropological wonder.
So, clear up your schedules and spend a few quality days or weeks, exploring the grace of this mountain kingdom in the high Himalayas.
Accommodation details-
Chichoga Holiday Inn, Manali
The Bhagsu, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala
Sunrise View, Dalhousie
A beautiful piece of write up.