Things to do in

Himachal

Experience a slow, scenic journey through the Himalayas on the historic Kalka–Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the British era, the narrow-gauge railway winds 96 km through 102 tunnels, over 800 bridges, and along steep hillside curves, offering panoramic views, colonial-era stations, and a unique cultural and engineering heritage.

Stroll The Ridge and Mall Road is a relaxed, iconic walking experience in Shimla that combines panoramic mountain views, colonial-era architecture, lively shops, cafés, and local culture. The Ridge is an open, spacious promenade offering sweeping views of the surrounding Himalaya and hosts landmarks like Christ Church. Mall Road, running parallel and linked to the Ridge, is Shimla’s main commercial street — pedestrian-friendly, dotted with shops, eateries, and souvenir stalls. This activity is a must-do for first-time visitors and those wanting a calm, immersive city walk.

A short, scenic pilgrimage trek up Jakhoo Hill in Shimla to the ancient Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The trek offers panoramic views of Shimla, dense deodar and pine patches, and close encounters with the famous resident monkeys and the iconic 108-foot Hanuman statue near the temple.

Kufri, near Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, offers easy, beginner-friendly skiing slopes and fun snow-play activities set against panoramic Himalayan views. This activity is ideal for families, first-time skiers and anyone looking for a snowy day out — from guided ski lessons to sledging, snowball fights and photography. Expect scenic ridgelines, a short chairlift ride and small commercial facilities at the Kufri/Fun World area.

Skiing at Narkanda is a popular winter snow-sport activity held on the slopes around Hatu Peak above Narkanda in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an elevation of about 2,700–2,800 m, the area offers scenic, family-friendly beginner to intermediate runs with panoramic views of the Himalaya (including the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges). The destination is ideal for first-time skiers, casual day trips, and short multi-day courses. Expect crisp mountain air, pine forests, and a charming hill-town atmosphere in Narkanda village.

A moderate day-hike from the hill town of Narkanda to the sacred Hatu Peak (approx. 3,400 m). The trail passes apple orchards, dense oak and rhododendron forests and culminates at the Hatu Temple and a wide summit offering sweeping panoramic views of the Greater Himalaya. Suitable for fit beginners and experienced hikers looking for a short high-altitude trek close to Shimla.

Chail Palace (a former summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, now run as a heritage property) and the nearby Chail Cricket Ground (famous as the world's highest cricket ground) form a compact, scenic heritage-sightseeing experience. This activity combines palace architecture, colonial-era charm, panoramic Himalayan views and a stroll across an iconic sporting ground set amid deodar forests.

Experience the heart of Himachal's apple country. This guided orchard tour takes you through the famous apple belts of Thanedar and Kotgarh in Shimla district — walk between terraced orchards, meet local farmers, taste fresh apple varieties (and products), learn about cultivation and post-harvest processes, and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views. The tour suits families, couples, foodies, and anyone interested in agritourism.

Hadimba Devi Temple (Hidimba Temple) is a 16th-century wooden pagoda-style shrine set in a serene cedar (deodar) forest in Manali. Dedicated to Hidimba — a character from the Mahabharata — the temple is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings, multi-tiered roof, and peaceful surroundings, making it a must-visit for spiritual, cultural, and photography interests.

Solang Valley near Manali is a compact adventure hub set against the Pir Panjal range, offering adrenaline activities including tandem paragliding, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides and zorbing. The valley provides sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, pine forests and the Beas river — making every activity scenic as well as thrilling. Operators here cater to beginners and experienced enthusiasts with certified guides and safety gear.

Rohtang Pass is a high-mountain scenic drive north of Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of approximately 3,978 m (13,050 ft), it offers panoramic Himalayan views, year-round snow (in the open months), glacier-fed streams, and opportunities for light snow activities. The drive is a popular full-day excursion from Manali and best suited to travelers looking for dramatic mountain scenery with short walks and photo stops.

Hampta Pass is a classic high-altitude trek in the Kullu-Manali region that links the lush Kullu Valley with the stark, arid landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti. The route offers dramatic contrasts — dense pine and rhododendron forests, rolling meadows, glacial streams and a saddle-like pass at around 4,270 m (14,000 ft). It's popular with beginner-to-intermediate trekkers and is often done as a 3–4 day trek starting from Manali.

Bhrigu Lake Trek is a moderately easy to moderate-high altitude trek above Gulaba near Manali, leading to a serene alpine lake named after the sage Bhrigu. The trek is famous for panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, snowfields for most of the year, and a shallow turquoise lake that often remains frozen in early/late season. It's ideal for beginners with basic fitness, families, and acclimatized trekkers.

Beas Kund is a classic high-altitude alpine trek near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The trek takes you to the glacial source of the Beas River through lush meadows, rhododendron forests and rocky moraines, offering spectacular views of peaks such as Indrasan, Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba. It is suitable for moderately fit beginners with some trekking experience and is popular for camping, sunrise views over the Himalayas and wildflower-filled slopes in summer.

Relax in the natural hot springs at Vashisht (just north of Manali) — a soothing thermal bath set in a traditional Himachali village with a 350-year-old Vashisht temple nearby. The springs are famous for their warm, mineral-rich waters believed to have therapeutic properties. Visitors can choose public stone pools or private bathing rooms at local guesthouses. The site offers scenic views of the Beas Valley and immediate access to local cafés and handicraft shops.

Naggar Castle is a 15th-century stone-and-wood fortress with panoramic views over the Beas River and the Kullu Valley. Close by, the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery houses the collection and legacy of the Russian painter and philosopher Nicholas Roerich, showcasing Himalayan-themed canvases, sketches and Roerich family memorabilia. This combined visit mixes heritage architecture, panoramic Himalayan vistas and a focused cultural-art experience of Roerich's work — ideal for history buffs, art lovers and photographers.

Experience an adrenaline-packed white-water rafting trip on the Beas River through the scenic Kullu Valley. The activity combines exciting rapids, lush pine and apple orchards along the banks, and panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills. Suitable for beginners (with guided support) and intermediate rafters looking for a short but thrilling river run.

Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. The park protects pristine Himalayan ecosystems—ranging from dense oak and rhododendron forests to alpine meadows and glaciated peaks. Hikes range from easy day-walks along the Tirthan and Sainj valleys to multi-day alpine treks through remote hamlets, high passes and seasonal meadows. Expect rich biodiversity, traditional mountain villages, and limited infrastructure—making planning and local guidance essential.

Trout angling on the Tirthan River offers a peaceful, scenic freshwater fishing experience in the heart of the Kullu district. The river is known for its healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, clear cold water, and unspoiled Himalayan surroundings. Anglers can enjoy fly-fishing or spin-fishing along well-spaced pools and riffles, often with the Great Himalayan National Park as a backdrop. This activity suits beginners to experienced anglers and emphasizes sustainable practices such as catch-and-release.

Jalori Pass (approx. 10,800 ft) is a scenic mountain pass in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh. The short hike from the pass leads to Serolsar Lake, a tranquil high-altitude lake set amid deodar and pine forests with a small shrine nearby. This is a moderate, high-value day-hike offering panoramic views, alpine meadows, and cultural touchpoints — ideal as a half-day to full-day outing from nearby towns.