Things to do in

Himachal

Tabo Monastery (founded 996 CE) is one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalaya. The complex is celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved ancient murals and frescoes dating from the 10th century onward, stucco sculptures, cave temples and an important repository of Himalayan Buddhist art and manuscripts. Visiting Tabo offers both cultural insight into Himalayan Buddhism and a chance to see rare early Himalayan wall-paintings in their original setting. Tabo is often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalaya'.

Dhankar Monastery (also spelled Dhangkar or Dankar) is a dramatic cliff-perched gompa and the historic village that crowns a narrow spur above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers in Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh. The site combines spectacular Himalayan panoramas, ancient Buddhist art and architecture, the ruins of a hill fort, and a living, remote village community. Visiting Dhankar offers both cultural insight and short, rewarding hikes amid stark high-altitude scenery.

A high-altitude day-hike from Dhankar village to the alpine Dhankar Lake above Dhankar Monastery in Spiti Valley. The trail offers panoramic views of the Spiti River gorge, terraced hamlets, the ancient Dhankar Monastery and fort, and a serene glacial-fed lake fringed by scree and alpine meadows. The route is moderately strenuous due to elevation gain and thin air, suitable for fit trekkers who have acclimatized in Spiti (Kaza/Dhankar). Duration: typically a half- to full-day return hike. Experience: panoramic vistas, quiet high-altitude lake, local shepherds, and excellent photography opportunities.

Chandratal ("Moon Lake") is a high-altitude alpine lake in Lahaul–Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Camping on the grassy shores of Chandratal at an elevation of ~4,300 m (14,100 ft) offers surreal reflections, wide open skies and some of the darkest night skies in the Indian Himalaya — ideal for stargazing and astrophotography. This activity combines a short trek/drive to the lake, rustic camping, evening bonfire (where permitted) and guided stargazing sessions.

Explore the high-altitude cold desert of Pin Valley National Park in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. This unique protected area combines dramatic barren landscapes, ancient villages, Buddhist culture, and rare wildlife (including Ibex, Blue Sheep and occasional Snow Leopard sightings). The activity focuses on guided drives, short hikes, wildlife and birdwatching, village walks, and cultural interactions with local communities. Suitable for travelers seeking remote high-altitude nature and culture experiences. Note: proper acclimatization is essential.

Overview: Explore Kaza on foot with gentle village walks to nearby hamlets and relaxed stops at local cafés and tea-houses. These walks combine scenic high-altitude landscapes, interaction with villagers, visits to small monasteries and fossil-rich fields, and the cosy, community-driven cafés that serve Tibetan-style comfort food and locally produced apricot treats.

Sangla–Rakcham Valley Drive is a scenic short drive through the Baspa (Sangla) valley in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. The route links the charming town of Sangla with the picturesque hamlet of Rakcham, offering dramatic river views, terraced fields, pine and cedar forests, and vistas of snow-capped peaks. This drive is ideal for leisurely sightseeing, photography, and experiencing traditional Kinnauri villages.

Chitkul is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan road in the Baspa valley of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh. Nestled at the confluence of the Baspa River and steep Himalayan slopes, the village is known for its traditional Kinnauri houses, uninterrupted mountain views, apple orchards, and a peaceful, off-the-beaten-track atmosphere. Visiting Chitkul offers a mix of easy walks, cultural immersion, scenic photography, and short day hikes.

The Bhimakali Temple complex in Sarahan (district Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh) is a centuries-old shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali, the tutelary deity of the former Bushahr principality. The complex is a striking example of traditional Himalayan temple architecture — a multi-tiered wooden-pagoda style structure with ornate timber carvings, sloping roofs and a sanctum that houses ancient idols and ritual paraphernalia. The site combines spiritual importance, living local traditions and a panoramic mountain setting overlooking the Sutlej valley and the higher Kinnaur ranges.

A scenic day-hike to Hatu Peak, culminating at the small but historic Hatu Temple. The trail passes through apple orchards, pine and rhododendron forests and offers expansive views of the Shimla-Narkanda Himalayan panorama. The hike is suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike, with options to start from nearby roadheads for a shorter ascent.

Renuka Lake (Renukaji) is the largest natural lake in Himachal Pradesh, set inside the Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary in Sirmaur district. This activity combines a serene boat ride on the lake with a visit to the nearby small zoo/bird area and sanctuary viewpoints, making it ideal for families, nature lovers and photographers.

Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur is a hilltop Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi (an incarnation of Goddess Durga). The temple sits atop a wooded ridge and offers panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and the Gobind Sagar reservoir. Pilgrims come for darshan, aarti and to attend festivals (Navratri and the annual fair). The visit combines spiritual experience with short uphill walks and local cultural interaction.

Shikari Devi Temple is a small hilltop temple near Mandi in Himachal Pradesh set above open meadows (bugyals) that offer sweeping panoramic views of the lower and middle Himalaya. The site is a popular short pilgrimage and day-trek destination combining cultural interest with excellent nature and photography opportunities.

The Pandoh Dam viewpoint offers a panoramic overlook of the Pandoh Reservoir and the Beas River valley, with dramatic views of the dam’s concrete spillway and the surrounding Himalayan foothills. It is a short, accessible stop popular with photographers, nature lovers and travellers heading to Mandi and nearby hill towns. The site combines engineering interest with scenic landscape vistas—especially striking at sunrise and sunset.

A guided visit to the Norbulingka Institute near Sidhpur in Dharamshala focused on Tibetan arts and crafts. The tour explores traditional Thangka painting, woodcarving, statue-making, Tibetan carpet weaving, and the institute's beautifully landscaped gardens and museum. Ideal for travellers interested in Tibetan culture, traditional handicrafts, and peaceful garden settings.

Explore the colorful markets of McLeod Ganj to shop authentic Tibetan handicrafts and beautifully painted thangkas. This activity focuses on browsing local stalls and licensed shops around the market areas near the Dal Lake road, Temple Road and Jogiwara (main bazaar), where artisans and traders sell prayer flags, jewelry, wood and bone carvings, handwoven textiles, and traditional religious paintings (thangkas). You can also attend short demonstrations or workshops to learn the techniques behind thangka painting and handicraft making.

A range of authentic Ayurvedic spa and wellness therapies delivered in the Himalayan settings of Manali and Dharamshala. Treatments combine traditional Panchakarma procedures, oil massages, Shirodhara, herbal steam baths and guided yoga/meditation to support detoxification, stress relief, pain management and overall well‑being. Many centres pair therapies with personalized consultations by a registered vaidya (Ayurvedic physician) and diet and lifestyle guidance tailored to your constitution (dosha).

A focused winter expedition to track snow leopards and other high‑altitude wildlife around Kaza and Pin/Kibber areas of Spiti Valley. This trip combines guided field surveys, camera‑trap deployment, and scenic high‑altitude trekking across cold desert landscapes. Winter months bring animals to lower ridgelines and valleys, improving sightings for patient teams while presenting alpine challenges—thin air, deep snow and extreme cold.