After successful blogpost about Top 10 Hill stations in North India, we received lot of queries to also share about comparatively lesser known hill stations. And this blogpost is about some of my favourites. While sharing the list I request to request that if you any of these places, be mindful that these are not as popular and hence less commercialised and less polluted. So please be sensible and ensure that your visit doesn't create any problems to the ecosystem of the place.
Tucked away in the remote recesses of the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh, lies the tiny town of Barot. To a large extent untouched by tourism, the town offers a peaceful getaway to travellers, away from the hustle-bustle of daily life. Surrounded by century-old, tall deodars, Barot is a time capsule and visiting Barot is like taking a peek into the bygone era when human beings still knew how to live in peace with their surroundings and with nature. The river Uhl runs through the town twisting its way amongst boulders and polishing pebbles till they glitter like silver and gold, and birds of all colours and sizes sing their various songs while flitting in and out of sight.
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Masrur is approximately 30 kilometers from Kangra town of Himachal Pradesh, on Nagrota Surian link road and is famous for remarkable group of rock cut temples. It's a quiet place around hills with no hotel around this place. You can find some homestays or govt guest houses nearby. Apart from this beautiful temple, you can visit Pond dam and if you are there in winters, you can see millions of birds flying around with hundreds of species from different parts of the world.
Above photograph shows the temple in Masru, which is a 15 monolithic rock cut temples in the Indo-Aryan style and amazingly carved. These awesomely ornamented cave temples are the only rock shrines in the northern part of India. The main shrine contains three stone images of Ram laxman and Sita but the presence of the figure of Shiva in the center of the lintel affords a strong presumption that the temple was originally dedicated to Mahadeva.
Bathu Temples, Himachal Pradesh :
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It's a cluster of antique, unique, tall temples which remain dipped in water for most of the time in an year. Finally temples are exposed during months of March to June. Lot of pilgrims visit these temples during this time. Throughout the year, this place, commonly known as 'Bathu ki Larhi' (a string of Bathu stone-structures) enjoys the unique distinction of being a popular tourist spot. It's an awesome place for not so religious people as well. It's fun to take a boat to reach these temples in middle of huge reservoir. And this part of the region has plenty of birds all around.
It's a cluster of antique, unique, tall temples which remain dipped in water for most of the time in an year. Finally temples are exposed during months of March to June. Lot of pilgrims visit these temples during this time. Throughout the year, this place, commonly known as 'Bathu ki Larhi' (a string of Bathu stone-structures) enjoys the unique distinction of being a popular tourist spot. It's an awesome place for not so religious people as well. It's fun to take a boat to reach these temples in middle of huge reservoir. And this part of the region has plenty of birds all around.
Sarahan in Shimla region of Himachal Pradesh is quite popular because of royal palace and famous Bhimakali temple there. While almost no one knows about Sarahan in Kullu, which is little away from main roads although connected through rough road. Sarahan in Kullu is awesome because it's located around some of the most beautiful natural beauties. Can you imagine a huge lush green ground for camping with water streams flowing through it and snow covered mountains all around. Walk for 20 mins and you hit a huge waterfall which was visible from this ground I mentioned above. There is a small village with unique styled houses and solar lights on pathways inside the village.
During the night, you can see millions of stars in the sky. I can go there any number of times. There is also a HPPWD guest house in Kullu-Sarahan which you can book.
Camping around Dhomri /Narkanda :
Now that lot of travellers are moving away from typical tourist destinations, people are choosing places like Narkanda and the popularity of such places is increasing fast. Narkanda is located on NH-22 which connects Shimla with Kinnaur and surrounded by snow covered peaks. Beautiful landscapes with snow covered peaks, blue sky and high deodars make this place very special. Narkanda is not only a small town in Himachal, but it's a region which has lot to offer for explorers/travellers.
During the night, you can see millions of stars in the sky. I can go there any number of times. There is also a HPPWD guest house in Kullu-Sarahan which you can book.
Camping around Dhomri /Narkanda :
Now that lot of travellers are moving away from typical tourist destinations, people are choosing places like Narkanda and the popularity of such places is increasing fast. Narkanda is located on NH-22 which connects Shimla with Kinnaur and surrounded by snow covered peaks. Beautiful landscapes with snow covered peaks, blue sky and high deodars make this place very special. Narkanda is not only a small town in Himachal, but it's a region which has lot to offer for explorers/travellers.
Sarolsar Lake & Jalori Pass for some awesome Hiking -
Jalori pass is popular amongst bikers as one of the special stops. There are 2-3 tea, snacks shops and you can also get basic lunch. It's a beautiful place and there are quite a few hikes around it. The popular one being the hike to Sarolsar Lake. There are few camps around the forest in Jalori Pass and other surrounding areas. Folks carry their own tents and stuff. There are no organised spots for campers but you can certainly find appropriate spots where you can get water, well placed in terms of safety and star gazing etc.
Jalori pass is popular amongst bikers as one of the special stops. There are 2-3 tea, snacks shops and you can also get basic lunch. It's a beautiful place and there are quite a few hikes around it. The popular one being the hike to Sarolsar Lake. There are few camps around the forest in Jalori Pass and other surrounding areas. Folks carry their own tents and stuff. There are no organised spots for campers but you can certainly find appropriate spots where you can get water, well placed in terms of safety and star gazing etc.
Rewalsar Lake to see thousands of fish & Experience Peace:
I thought a lot if I should include Rewalsar in this list or not because I had mixed experiences of this place. When I thought more, I felt it can be a good place given diverse experiences it offers and yet not touristy. The lake has thousands of fish in it and clearly visible at some specific spots. One can also spot turtles. The lake is surrounded by few Hindu & Buddhist temples. There is a also a sikh temple - Gurudwara to experience peace. There is an interesting hike/drive which takes to Naina devi temple and on the way you see sever water reservoir which look beautiful. There are plenty of places to plan picnic and places to walk around.
I thought a lot if I should include Rewalsar in this list or not because I had mixed experiences of this place. When I thought more, I felt it can be a good place given diverse experiences it offers and yet not touristy. The lake has thousands of fish in it and clearly visible at some specific spots. One can also spot turtles. The lake is surrounded by few Hindu & Buddhist temples. There is a also a sikh temple - Gurudwara to experience peace. There is an interesting hike/drive which takes to Naina devi temple and on the way you see sever water reservoir which look beautiful. There are plenty of places to plan picnic and places to walk around.
Cherry Plucking Experience in Kotgarh region of Himachal Pradesh
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It was time when I was in Kotgarh region of Himachal Pradesh during my 5 year Sabbatical. Kotgarh hills are popular for it's high quality fruits. Around Kotgarh hills, there are various orchards of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Kiwi, Almonds, Apricot etc. During the month of May, cherries were shining all over the hill. We were coming back towards Shimla from Kinnaur, when we thought of taking this detour through Kotgarh & Karkanda. And Kotgarh region welcomes us with hills full of bight-red colored cherries of big size. I had hardly seen such big sized cherries in markets around me. I am sure that these are available in some of the speciality stores, but most of these are exported outside the country.
Although we wanted to buy few boxes, but we also wanted to experience the way folks pluck these cherries and enjoy this juicy fruit. We couldn't see anyone around but encountered few dog having huge size and relatively calm. Those were really scary. Somehow, this increased our curiosity to figure out ways to climb us the hill and pluck few cherries. Anyways, you don't need to that and rather chose a nice homestay to spend your vacation along with enjoying fruits. Just time it well. Even in other months, this place looks awesome.
It was time when I was in Kotgarh region of Himachal Pradesh during my 5 year Sabbatical. Kotgarh hills are popular for it's high quality fruits. Around Kotgarh hills, there are various orchards of Apples, Pears, Cherries, Kiwi, Almonds, Apricot etc. During the month of May, cherries were shining all over the hill. We were coming back towards Shimla from Kinnaur, when we thought of taking this detour through Kotgarh & Karkanda. And Kotgarh region welcomes us with hills full of bight-red colored cherries of big size. I had hardly seen such big sized cherries in markets around me. I am sure that these are available in some of the speciality stores, but most of these are exported outside the country.
Although we wanted to buy few boxes, but we also wanted to experience the way folks pluck these cherries and enjoy this juicy fruit. We couldn't see anyone around but encountered few dog having huge size and relatively calm. Those were really scary. Somehow, this increased our curiosity to figure out ways to climb us the hill and pluck few cherries. Anyways, you don't need to that and rather chose a nice homestay to spend your vacation along with enjoying fruits. Just time it well. Even in other months, this place looks awesome.
Lahaul Valley - Sister of Spiti Valley :
Most of the travel enthusiasts know about Spiti Valley and that's one of my favourites too. But many don't know about Lahual valley which is adjacent to the Spiti Valley. In fact, the name of the district if 'Lahaul & Spiti'. When you go to Leh from Manali, you cross through Lahaul valley and if you go deep towards left, you explore some of the wonderful places of Lahaul valley. Trilokinath temple is one of the amazing places in this valley and there are many more like that.
Most of the travel enthusiasts know about Spiti Valley and that's one of my favourites too. But many don't know about Lahual valley which is adjacent to the Spiti Valley. In fact, the name of the district if 'Lahaul & Spiti'. When you go to Leh from Manali, you cross through Lahaul valley and if you go deep towards left, you explore some of the wonderful places of Lahaul valley. Trilokinath temple is one of the amazing places in this valley and there are many more like that.
There are plenty of touristy place in Himachal and hence there are lot of awesome places which are not developed as tourist places thankfully. The whole region around Bhakhra Dam and Govind Sagar lake is like that. This whole stretch is awesome. Driving around Bhakhra Dam and then Govind Sagar lake is amazing experience. One can find a handful hotels, home-stays in this area to stay and experience the place better.
There is so much to experience in this part of North India. And probably one of the best places to try fresh fish. Not only that food in this region is different and that is special when we think of exploring anything new.
Bada Bhangal - A remote area to reach & experience rich mountain culture
It's hard for me to describe Bada Bhangal well and why it's very special amongst all options you see in this post. So instead I would recommend checking link above and read more about this place.
Kalpa, Kinnaur :
It's hard for me to describe Bada Bhangal well and why it's very special amongst all options you see in this post. So instead I would recommend checking link above and read more about this place.
Kalpa, Kinnaur :
Kinnaur is brilliant region in Himachal Pradesh and especially popular for apples from this region. Most of the apple crops form this region of Himachal Pradesh is exported. Apple harvesting season can be great time to visit Kinnaur. Kalpa is a small town above Rekong Peo which is administrative centre of the district. Kalpa Has few beautiful temples to explore and good number of Bollywood movie are shot around Kalpa. Highway being one of the most popular one. Apart from the beautiful temples, lovely town, Kalpa is surrounded by beautiful mountains and snow covered hills at some distance.
There are some wonderful walks around the town and one can go to place called Roghi village which has some scary roads and cliffs.
There are some wonderful walks around the town and one can go to place called Roghi village which has some scary roads and cliffs.
Kamrunag hike is popular because of faith and I love such places where tourists don't go but only locals for religious regions. Why? Usually locals don't make the place dirty and respect local vegetation and culture. And what can be better than that to explore. But at the same time, we need to follow same principles when we visit these places. Kamrunag is a day hike which exposes you to varied vegetation, culture, food and lot more. It's located in Mandi region of Himachal Pradesh. Do check out the title link.
Bijli Mahadev - A wonderful hike around Kullu-Manali :
I was debating in my head if Bijli Mahadev deserves to be in this list and then I thought that you may go to Kullu-Manali but still interested in doing which other tourists/travelers don't do. Take a day hike to Bijli Mahadev and enjoy spectacular views from the top. It's a fantastic and if interested you check this link to know about lot of other such places in Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.
SunderNagar, Mandi
This one specially described by someone who belong to Sundernagar - "The need of hour is to develop and include new locations on tourist map so that people travelling to Himachal Pradesh don’t have to travel to same places time and again. Being from Sundernagar and being based out of Himachal for last 12 years, I come across new people almost every day in my life. If I tell them that I belong to Sundernagar, almost all of them connect it with the Lake and having passed through town on way to Manali. But what many of you might not know that there are quite a few places around Sundernagar which have potential to be on tourist map if proper infrastructure is developed. I would like to present through some pictures some off beat locations one can explore around main township of Sundernagar."
Karsog valley may not be well known but is one of most beautiful natural region in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. and apart from natural beauty, there are some heritage sights which are unique and hard to find. Different forts , temples and old houses are worth seeing while spending some time at peace with nature.
Barog is one of the most beautiful railway station on Kalka-Shimla railway track. Above photograph shows Barog railway station which is close to Solan town of Himachal Pradesh. What is special about this station is that it has guest house where you can book room through railways website. The place is surrounded by pine forest and place looks magical when surrounded by clouds.
Janjehli Valley :
.jpg "Offbeat Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh for outstanding & unheard Experiences")
Janjehli valley is a Beautiful Hilly & Green area with full of natural beauty. The valley is situated at a height of 2150 metres. This place is about 70km far from Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh. On the way towards Janjehli from Mandi you will come across various beautiful valleys like Keolidhar Valley, Bagsaid Valley and Bheemshila. Near to Janjelhi Valley is Bulah, an open, Green ground with lush green meadows and full of natural beauty.
Chauntra in Mandi region for beautiful Monastery and surrounded by snow capped mountains :
Chauntra is a quiet town of Himachal Pradesh where there is this beautiful monastery surrounded by beautiful mountains and there are other places of interest in this part of Himachal - Bir Billing, Barot, Baijnath, Dharmshala, Mcleodganj, Palampur etc.
Tani Jubber Lake :
Baijnath :
Baijnath is a quiet place and easily reachable from Palampur through wonderful drive through tea gardens. Baijnath has a shiva temple on a hill facing a water stream on one side and green landscape on other. There are many beautiful drives around Baijnath. Check this link to know more about Baijnath and interesting places around it.
Asia's Highest Hockey Ground in Shilaroo :
Not sure if you that Asia's highest hockey ground is in Himachal Pradesh. This can be an awesome place to visit and appreciate this extra ordinary beauty around Himalayas.
Should we talk about few Hikes/Treks, where I have been to and can recommend :
Hatu Peak :
Hatu peak is phenomenal place around Narkanda in Shimla region of Himachal Pradesh. There is a beautiful temple on the top and this place offers great panoramic views of surrounding hills & valleys. Hatu peak is quite popular amongst bikers and hikers. This peak is one of the eary receivers of snowfall. Check out more about Hatu Peak in link above photograph to plan your trip. There is a HPPWD guest house at the top if you can get booking in that one.
Old Chamunda devi trek is 2 days affair. One day to trek up till the top and another day to come back. At the top, temple campus has small room with small arrangements to stay. This is one of the wonderful treks in Kangra region of Himachal Pradesh. From the top you see snow covered mountains and they are very close. That also means that temperature at the top is usually very low and it's very windy as well.
If you don't want to come across any tourist, explore true rural India while hiking and want to see mountains of different height from different points of hike, this is the place. This place is popular amongst local because there is temple on the top. Which also means that you get basic stuff on he way and on the top through a few of the small shops. Do check out the title link, to know more if you are interested in planning something extremely different.
.jpg "Offbeat Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh for outstanding & unheard Experiences")
Hampta pass is a special pass that takes you from lush green mountains of Kullu valley to barrens of Lahaul valley on other side. It lies at an altitude of 14000 ft. (approx). Local shepherds use this high altitude pass to take their herds for grazing in Lahaul Spiti where special grass known as “Neeru” grows considered a very good source of nutrients for sheep and goats.
Shrikhand Mahadev is one of the best treks and difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh. This is usually open during July and August months. Since it's also a pilgrimage, your stay and food is sorted through tents on the way. Check out the title link to know about Shrikhand Manadev trek, and if you are into serious trekking you would love to plan this one.
Diankund is a small day-trip from Kala-top which is close to Dalhousie. If you plan to visit Dalhousie-Khajjiar, this trek can be unusual one to make your trip special. There are more such treks around Dalhousie. Do check out this link to know more about Diankund trek and others around Kala-top, Dalhousie.
I was debating in my head if Bijli Mahadev deserves to be in this list and then I thought that you may go to Kullu-Manali but still interested in doing which other tourists/travelers don't do. Take a day hike to Bijli Mahadev and enjoy spectacular views from the top. It's a fantastic and if interested you check this link to know about lot of other such places in Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh.
SunderNagar, Mandi
This one specially described by someone who belong to Sundernagar - "The need of hour is to develop and include new locations on tourist map so that people travelling to Himachal Pradesh don’t have to travel to same places time and again. Being from Sundernagar and being based out of Himachal for last 12 years, I come across new people almost every day in my life. If I tell them that I belong to Sundernagar, almost all of them connect it with the Lake and having passed through town on way to Manali. But what many of you might not know that there are quite a few places around Sundernagar which have potential to be on tourist map if proper infrastructure is developed. I would like to present through some pictures some off beat locations one can explore around main township of Sundernagar."
Pangna fort in Karsog valley of Mandi region in Himachal Pradesh :
Karsog valley may not be well known but is one of most beautiful natural region in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. and apart from natural beauty, there are some heritage sights which are unique and hard to find. Different forts , temples and old houses are worth seeing while spending some time at peace with nature.
Barog Railway station has guest rooms - Imagine spending vacations around a beautiful Railway station in Himalayas
Barog is one of the most beautiful railway station on Kalka-Shimla railway track. Above photograph shows Barog railway station which is close to Solan town of Himachal Pradesh. What is special about this station is that it has guest house where you can book room through railways website. The place is surrounded by pine forest and place looks magical when surrounded by clouds.
Janjehli Valley :
.jpg "Offbeat Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh for outstanding & unheard Experiences")
Janjehli valley is a Beautiful Hilly & Green area with full of natural beauty. The valley is situated at a height of 2150 metres. This place is about 70km far from Mandi town of Himachal Pradesh. On the way towards Janjehli from Mandi you will come across various beautiful valleys like Keolidhar Valley, Bagsaid Valley and Bheemshila. Near to Janjelhi Valley is Bulah, an open, Green ground with lush green meadows and full of natural beauty.
Chauntra in Mandi region for beautiful Monastery and surrounded by snow capped mountains :
Chauntra is a quiet town of Himachal Pradesh where there is this beautiful monastery surrounded by beautiful mountains and there are other places of interest in this part of Himachal - Bir Billing, Barot, Baijnath, Dharmshala, Mcleodganj, Palampur etc.
Tani Jubber Lake :
The Tani Jubber Lake is placed among the scenic surroundings of Thanedar nearly 4 kilometers. Thanedar has a very special place in the history of Himachal Pradesh, India. The first apple sapling was planted here in Kotagarh near Thanedar. Kotgarh is 15 km from Narkanda which is a famous hill station for its Apple, Apricot Orchards that are found all over the area. During this trip we also enjoyed fresh Apples and Apricots from Kotgarh. The beautiful Tani Jubber lake lies between the snow-covered mountains in the backdrop of lusting greenery and apple orchards.
Baijnath :
Baijnath is a quiet place and easily reachable from Palampur through wonderful drive through tea gardens. Baijnath has a shiva temple on a hill facing a water stream on one side and green landscape on other. There are many beautiful drives around Baijnath. Check this link to know more about Baijnath and interesting places around it.
Asia's Highest Hockey Ground in Shilaroo :
Not sure if you that Asia's highest hockey ground is in Himachal Pradesh. This can be an awesome place to visit and appreciate this extra ordinary beauty around Himalayas.
Should we talk about few Hikes/Treks, where I have been to and can recommend :
Hatu Peak :
Hatu peak is phenomenal place around Narkanda in Shimla region of Himachal Pradesh. There is a beautiful temple on the top and this place offers great panoramic views of surrounding hills & valleys. Hatu peak is quite popular amongst bikers and hikers. This peak is one of the eary receivers of snowfall. Check out more about Hatu Peak in link above photograph to plan your trip. There is a HPPWD guest house at the top if you can get booking in that one.
Trek to old Chamunda devi temple in Kangra valley of Himachal Pradesh
Hike to Murari Devi Temple :
Shikari Devi Hike :
Scaling the heights of Shrikhand Mahadev - one of the most challenging treks in India
Trek to Diankund & Pohlani Temple through clouds - Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling -
- Manage your waste well and don’t litter
- Use dustbins. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin.
- Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem.
- Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits.
- Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite
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