Seven off-beat places in Himachal Pradesh to experience snowfall

The Himalayas, the world’s highest mountain range, grace India with their majestic beauty. While most of India enjoys warm weather, the Himalayas offer a refreshing contrast with their cool and snowy destinations. Many tourists from across India visit the Himalayas in winter to witness the magic of snowfall, which is a rare and memorable experience for them. However, some of the popular places for snowfall in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, such as Kufri, Narkanda, Auli, Harshil, and Khajjiar, have become overcrowded and overexploited over the years. As a result, the snowline has receded further up the mountains, and these places have lost some of their charm. In this blog, we will explore some of the hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh that still retain their pristine and serene appeal.

Khanag

Nestled in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, this quaint town is a hidden gem that few people know about. It lies on the scenic road that connects Shimla and Tirthan valley and offers a few cozy homestays for visitors. From this town, you can explore the nearby attractions of Jalori pass, Serolsar lake, and Raghupur fort, or enjoy hiking through the lush meadows at high altitudes. The town is also home to many apple orchards and gets covered with a thick blanket of snow in winter.

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Sissu

Sissu is a charming town in the Lahaul and Spiti district that has gained popularity after the opening of the Atal tunnel. It is only a 1.5-hour drive from Manali, and it offers a stunning view of the snow-covered landscape. One of the attractions here is the Sissu waterfall, which freezes in winters and creates a spectacular sight. From Sissu, you can also visit Jispa, Keylong, and Barlacha La, and experience the rustic beauty of the mountains.

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Chitkul

Chitkul is a remote village in the Kinnaur district that is often called the last village in India. Until a few years ago, this village was the last inhabited place before the border with Tibet. Now, the road has been extended further, but the village still retains its charm and attracts bikers and backpackers. Chitkul has breathtaking scenery of rivers, peaks, and forests, and it is a perfect place to enjoy nature and solitude.

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Kalpa

Kalpa is a gem of Kinnaur, famous for its view of the Kinnar Kailash mountain and its delicious apples. The village has a temple and a monastery that reflect the culture and spirituality of the locals. Around Kalpa, you can visit the suicide point and explore the nearby villages. You will be amazed by the simple and peaceful life of the people here. You can also go to Pooh, Nako, Tabo, and Kaza, which are some of the popular destinations in Kinnaur and Spiti.

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Haripurdhar

Haripurdhar is a hidden treasure in the Sirmour district that is rarely visited by tourists. The town is known for the shrine of Maa Bhangayani, who is revered by the local pilgrims. Behind the town, you can see the majestic Churdhar mountain range, which is a great destination for trekking enthusiasts. From Haripurdhar, you can either go to Uttarakhand or the hinterlands of Himachal Pradesh for a more offbeat experience. The nature here is pristine and quiet, and the snowfall is abundant in winter.

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Devidarh

Devidarh is a newly accessible place in the Mandi district, surrounded by tall deodar trees. It is a small meadow at a high altitude, which turns white in winters. From Devidarh, you can hike to the Shikari Devi temple, a famous pilgrimage site in Himachal Pradesh. You can also visit Janjheli and Thunag, which offer a true-blue offbeat experience. The place has only a few homestays, and you should not expect any luxury or services here.

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Bharmour

Bharmour is a town in the Chamba district that is famous as the starting point for the Mani Mahesh pilgrimage. The town is usually less crowded in winters, but it receives plenty of snow and offers a wonderful winter experience. From Bharmaur, you can visit other famous places in Chamba, such as Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Chamera lake, and Sach Pass. You can also visit some temples around Bharmaur for a spiritual experience.

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I hope you will visit these destinations in the coming winter season. However, how to find the right place at the right time with the highest chances of snowfall? We will cover this in the next blog! Stay tuned.