Things to do in

Himachal

Cafe-hopping in Old Manali is a relaxed walking experience through the narrow, aromatic lanes of Old Manali, sampling coffee, baked goods, and local snacks at charming riverside and courtyard cafes. Expect a bohemian vibe, live music at some stops, spectacular views of the Beas River and surrounding mountains, and a mix of international and Himachali flavors.

Kasol village stroll combined with its vibrant café culture offers a relaxed, sensory experience in Parvati Valley: riverside walks, Israeli-style cafés, local bakeries, handicraft stalls and easy access to nearby hamlets like Chalal. This activity is ideal for casual explorers, food lovers and photographers wanting to soak in mountain-river vibes without strenuous trekking.

Classic high-altitude meadow trek in Parvati Valley ending at a grassy plateau with geothermal hot springs, panoramic Himalayan views and an iconic overnight camping experience.

Manikaran Sahib is a historic Sikh Gurudwara and pilgrimage site located in the Parvati Valley beside the Parvati River. It is famous for its natural hot springs, a centuries-old langar (community kitchen) that cooks food using geothermal heat, and adjacent Hindu temples, including a Shiva temple. The site holds religious significance for Sikhs and Hindus and is a popular stop for tourists traveling through the Kullu-Manali region.

Tosh is a small, scenic mountain village in Parvati Valley (Himachal Pradesh) known for its pine-forested slopes, wooden guesthouses, river-side camps, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe. Staying in Tosh offers an authentic Himalayan village experience — simple homestays and guesthouses, short nature walks, nearby waterfalls, star-filled skies, and easy access to local treks. Ideal for travelers seeking tranquility, nature, and short trekking options.

Scenic viewpoints and sightseeing around the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala — famous for its unique setting with the Dhauladhar mountain range forming a dramatic backdrop. The site combines sport, architecture and Himalayan panoramas, making it a must-see for photographers, cricket fans and travellers seeking spectacular valley and snow‑capped peak views.

Tsuglagkhang Complex, commonly known as the Dalai Lama Temple, is the spiritual heart of McLeod Ganj. Located in the scenic upper Dharamshala area, the complex includes the main temple and shrine, the Namgyal Monastery, the Tibet Museum nearby, prayer halls with a large golden Buddha, colorful prayer flags, traditional murals, and quiet courtyards. It is an active place of worship and learning — respectful behavior is required. The site offers not only spiritual and cultural insights into Tibetan Buddhism but also panoramic views of the Dhauladhar ranges.

Namgyal Monastery (the personal monastery of His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and the adjacent Tibetan Museum in McLeod Ganj form a compact cultural and spiritual complex that offers deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism, monastic life, and the history of modern Tibet. Together they are a peaceful place for reflection, learning, and respectful observation of daily religious practice.

A popular day/overnight trek from McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala) that climbs to the Triund ridge in the Dhauladhar range. Offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar peaks, Kangra valley and is suitable for beginners with basic fitness. The trail passes through oak and rhododendron forests and local settlements, finishing at a grassy ridge ideal for camping and sunset/sunrise views.

Kareri Lake Trek is a scenic, moderate trek in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh that leads to a pristine high-altitude oligotrophic lake tucked beneath the Dhauladhar range. The trail passes through forested slopes, alpine meadows and shepherd hamlets, offering uninterrupted views of snow‑clad peaks and a quiet, reflective lake at the end of the trail. It is popular as a short weekend trek from Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj.

Paragliding at Bir–Billing is one of Asia’s premier free-flying destinations. Launch from Billing (high-altitude grassy ridge) and glide down to the tranquil landing site in Bir village, experiencing long, stable flights over the Dhauladhar range and the Kangra valley. The site hosts international competitions and offers options for tandem flights, short discovery courses, and full pilot training (progressive, certified courses).

Baijnath Shiva Temple (Baijnath, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh) is a well-preserved 12th-century stone temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Physicians). Located on the banks of the Binwa River, the temple is noted for its classic North Indian (Nagara) architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a tranquil hill-country setting. The complex includes the main sanctum, a small courtyard, and several smaller shrines. It remains an active pilgrimage site and is culturally important to the Kangra region.

Explore Kangra Fort — one of the oldest forts in India, set on a hill overlooking the Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range. The fort features extensive stone ramparts, ruined palaces and temple remnants that trace centuries of Himalayan history and multiple dynasties. Visit for panoramic views, photography, and to experience living history in a relatively less-crowded heritage site.

A unique 8th–9th century monolithic rock-cut temple complex carved out of a single large sandstone outcrop. Often called the "Masroor Temples," this group of 15 cave-like temples blends Gupta and North Indian styles, thought to be dedicated to Hindu deities (Shiva, Vishnu and others). The complex sits on a hill offering panoramic views of the Kangra valley and surrounding Dhauladhar range, and is prized for its exquisite carvings, architectural symmetry and archaeological importance.

Colonial Heritage Walk in Dalhousie is a guided walking tour that explores the hill station's well-preserved British-era architecture, quiet cantonment lanes, and historic public spaces. The walk highlights Dalhousie's colonial past through churches, bungalows, municipal buildings and viewpoints that reveal how the British shaped the town's layout and lifestyle.

Picnic and Zorbing at Khajjiar Meadows combines a relaxed outdoor meal on one of Himachal Pradesh's most picturesque grasslands with a short, adrenaline-packed zorbing experience. The meadow is often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" for its lush green carpets surrounded by deodar and conifer trees and distant Himalayan views—an ideal setting for family picnics, couples, photographers and light adventure seekers.

Chamba is a picturesque hill town in north-western Himachal Pradesh, known for its historic temples, royal heritage and traditional Pahari art. The Bhuri Singh Museum (named after Raja Bhuri Singh) is the town's premier cultural attraction — housing an excellent collection of Pahari miniature paintings, royal artifacts, manuscripts, coins, weapons and temple carvings that trace the region's artistic and religious history.

Riverside camping on the banks of the Uhl River in Barot Valley — a peaceful mountain retreat in Mandi district. The activity offers a mix of relaxed nature immersion (meadows, pine forests, riverbanks), light treks, trout fishing, village interactions, and stargazing. Camps range from simple tents to semi-permanent dome tents and cottages run by local operators, often including basic meals and guided walks.

Prashar Lake (Prashar Ji) hike near Mandi, Himachal Pradesh — a moderate-high altitude trek to a pristine alpine lake famous for its floating island, a 3-story pagoda temple of Rishi Prashar and sweeping views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The route combines a short drive on narrow mountain roads with a scenic uphill walk through meadows, deodar forests and rocky ridges. Ideal for day-hikers and overnight campers who want sunset/sunrise over the lake.

Key (Kee) Monastery is the largest and one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Spiti Valley. Perched dramatically on a hill above the town of Kaza at an elevation of approximately 4,100 m (13,450 ft), it belongs to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) order. The complex—an assemblage of whitewashed caves and stacked buildings—has been a religious training centre for monks for centuries and contains ancient murals, thangkas, a small museum, and a lively monastic community. Visiting Key offers not just religious and architectural interest but sweeping views of the Spiti River valley and surrounding peaks.