Off Beat Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

­­Are you tired of being visiting the same old commercialized, tourist flocked, complete hustle-bustle like Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala etc? Do you feel like going to some quite, secluded and peaceful place where you can spend quality time with your family, friends and nature? Do you believe in off the beaten track travel and love to explore new places? Here are few off the beat things you can do and places you can visit in Himachal Pradesh.

TEA TIME AT KANGRA

For those who love the taste and aroma of delicious hot tea, sipping the Kangra tea is a pure pleasure. The high quality tea known for its rich refreshing taste and pleasing aroma is ranked among the best in the world. Also walk through the tea plantations and visit the Kangra tea factory.

DARANGHATI

Daranghati near to Sarahan, is one of the remotest and unexplored passes in Himachal Pradesh situated just above Daran Village. It is famous for Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary but nothing can be taken from the jaw-dropping beauty it offers you. Since, Daranghati is near to Sarahan (which itself offers nice beauty and peace) and lacks too many accommodation options. it can always be covered as a day trip from Sarahan. If you plan to visit in hatchback or sedan then I guess you need to have some really good driving skills, caution and very careful driving to run on this adventurous plus narrow road. If you are especially a rider or driver who loves to enjoy some adventurous roads to reach a secluded place for ultimate relaxation then you should definitely plan a trip to Daranghati very soon. You will not be disappointed at all.

TOY TRAIN KALKA TO SHIMLA

This is the must go place in Himachal as it’s a narrow gauge railway traveling from a mountainous route. Crossing through 864 bridges, 102 dark long tunnels and across 20 stations, this amazing toy train has complete 100 years of charm. Also known as “crown jewel” during British times this trains whistles at 22 km per hour and you can sit on window side and enjoy the smell of fresh dew on vegetation and breath the best possible natural air all around. Himachal Pradesh is always attracting tourists all over India and abroad to get mesmerised in the laps of nature experiencing the thrills of heights it is located at. Apart from the stay, the journey to Himachal is as pleasant as you experience the greatest range of flora and fauna and green colour dominated everywhere. Your trip to Himachal is all complete if you experience above mentioned sites leave with memories of freshness and thrills.

DRIVING AT THE PINNACLE

 

It’s not every day that you get a chance to drive on a road at an altitude of 18,380 feet and the experience of doing so is solely available at the Khardungla Pass meaning “Pass of the Lower Castle” which is the highest motorable road in the world. The long drive through the mountain terrains with breath-taking beauty and clean air is sure to lift up your spirits.

BAROT

Barot has been on my to-travel list for a long time and yet I haven’t been able to include in any of my travel plans. Barot is another off the beaten track destination in Himachal Pradesh that is yet to gain attention of the general tourist. It has some wonderful terraced fields, thick cedar forests and range of outdoor activities on offer for the tourist. The Uhl River flowing next to Barot Village mostly on both sides adds every bit of its unique beauty. So, if you love serenity, some nature walks, or you are a backpacker or love to do some angling then do not hesitate by any means to place Barot village in your upcoming travel plan.

HELI SKIING AT HANUMAN TIBBA

Another adventure of experiencing the beauty of nature is nothing but trying touching the sky. The best powder snow is available only in Himachal where you are carried by a helicopter under blue sky. Snow-capped large mountains are experienced from a height. Listening to the sounds of blades of the chopper what all you can view is the snow all over and the fresh and clean blue sky above you. The experience is like being in laps of nature undisturbed from the rest of the world.

YAK AWAY

Yaks, the regal beasts also known as the “camel of the snow”, descend from the picturesque Himalayas to roam the streets of Shimla and yak rides have long since become a major tourist attraction. Sitting on top of the beast in the midst of the snow capped mountains makes you feel mighty and majestic, so put aside your inhibitions and give it a try.

SUNSET OVER PIRPANJAL RANGE DALHOUISE

 

Dalhousie has some vantage points providing excellent view of sunsets from the mountainous ranges of middle Himalayan. These ranges are visible from mall road Dalhousie and watching a sunset under these ranges is the best sunset possible with all your family and friends.

TRACK A TRAGOPAN

Replacing the Himalayan Monal as the state bird of Himachal and also called as the ‘Jujurana’ meaning ‘King of the Birds’, the Western Tragopan captivates your attention with its beauty and crimson neckline. Since it is a highly endangered species, Himachal has vowed to protect its existence and built nature reserves for the purpose. Don’t forget to witness its splendour.

Written by Ravi Goel