Introduction
Surrounded by the bestowed bounty of nature, Himachal Pradesh is a heaven on Earth. Flanked by snow white beauty and enriched by the grandeur of Himalayas, the northern state is vouched as one of the most popular hill stations of the country. Offering surreal valleys that embark travellers on an unblemished journey of paradise, the valleys are an experience in itself. The valleys also serve as one of the most popular destinations of performing trekking and other adventure activities. The valleys are bound to offer an out of the world travel experience which not only quenches your thirst for some adrenaline rush but also unleashes a sense of beauty that is difficult to ignore. Let us have a look at some of the most breathtaking valleys in Himachal Pradesh for travel bugs to enjoy.
10 Best Valleys In Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is the go-to destination for anyone and everyone who wishes to witness the majestic mountains, endearing valleys, and views that are splendid. Here are some of the best valleys in Himachal Pradesh which one must visit to enjoy a tranquil escape amid the surreal landscapes. Get to know more about these scenic valleys by scrolling down!
- Kangra Valley: Abode To The White Mountain
- Kinnaur Valley: A Blend Of Indian & Tibetan Beauty
- Solang Valley: A Dream Come True
- Spiti Valley: An Epitome Of Sheer Beauty
- Parvati Valley: The Mesmerizingly Beautiful On
- Kullu Valley: The Paradise For Honeymooners
- Sutlej Valley: Blessed With Snow Peaks & Lush Greenery
- Sangla Valley: The Himalayan Beauty
- Habban Valley: Bird Watcher’s Paradise
- Chamba Valley: Historical Valley
1. Kangra Valley: Abode To The White Mountain
One of the most popular valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra is a strikingly beautiful valley in Himachal Pradesh and is a favourite among tourists. Apart from its mountains, it also offers Masroor Rock Cut Temple and dates back to the 6th century. The reflection of the divine temple on the beautiful lake Masroor is beauty at its best. Swamped with a number of streams, the valley is an ideal place for vegetation. Among the ranges, the Dhauladhar range also known as the White Mountain is the tallest peak in the valley. A number of popular hill stations such as Mcleod Gunj and Dharamshala are situated on Kangra Valley.
Location: Bhagpur
Popular places: Mcleodganj , Dharamshala
Activities: visit popular temples like Jwala Devi, Baijnath, trekking, visit tea gardens, visit Dharamshala Cricket ground, and mountain biking
Distance from the city: 14.9 kms
Nearby attractions: Dharamshala, Mcleod Gunj, Dhauladhar range
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2. Kinnaur Valley: A Blend Of Indian & Tibetan Beauty
A perfect amalgamation of the Indian and Tibetian beauty, Kinnaur Valley is also referred to as the land of Gods. Flaunting three distinct mountain ranges including Greater Himalayas, Zanskar and Dhauladhar, the valley is the entry point of the country Tibet. Built during the British Raj, the valley is located on the Hindustan Tibet Road. The locals are dressed up in traditional clothes and welcome a number of tourists to the valley with their warm hospitality. The Kinnaur Kailash Mountain is a home to Shivling and is a divine place for a number of followers. The monasteries date back to 1000 years that goes back to the advent of Buddhism in the valley.
Location: Kinnaur
Popular places: Kalpa, RIbba, Kothi, Nako, Moorang
Activities: Fishing, trekking, rock climbing, walking
Distance from the city: 257.6 kms
Nearby attractions: Kinnaur Kailash, Nano Lake
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3. Solang Valley: A Dream Come True
The name has originated with the amalgamated words of Nallah and Solang. An ideal destination between Rohtang and Manali, the valley brings every traveller’s dream come true. Whereas Shola is the name of a surrounding village, on the other hand, Nallah is a water stream. Located at the top of Kullu valley and popular for adventure sports, Solang valley is a traveller’s delight. Adventure enthusiasts are seen camping in the valley offering a number of campsites on the range. A Ski Himalayas Ropeway has been opened recently in the valley for maximum enjoyment of the tourists.
Location: Burwa
Popular places: Deo Tibba, Kothi, Hampta Pass
Activities: Paragliding, parachuting, zorbing, horse riding, skating, and ATV rides
Distance from the city: 258.5KM
Nearby attractions: Ropeway rides, Paragliding
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4. Spiti Valley: An Epitome Of Sheer Beauty
One of the most popular tourist places in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is the true epitome of sheer beauty. A desert valley of Himachal Pradesh is a vast desert that stands between the two countries of Tibet and India. Its captivating beauty is magnetic which never fails to impress anyone. A home to Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and Pin Valley National Park, the valley is also a popular hub for spotting wildlife. Offering ancient monasteries, locals, humble houses situated against the backdrop of clear blue sky renders a beauty that is difficult to ignore.
Location: Marengo Rangarig
Popular places: Key monastery, Tabo Monastery, Suraj Tal
Activities: river rafting, camping, visit village of Gui, visit Baralacha Pass, visit Buddhist Monasteries
Distance from the city: 440.7 kms
Nearby attractions: Pin Valley National Park, Kibber wildlife Sanctuary
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5. Parvati Valley: The Mesmerzingly Beautiful One
The valley enters the river Beas and stands as a stalwart among the mountain ranges of Himachal Pradesh. The beautiful valley stretches up to the hot springs at Manikaran and beyond. The picturesque meadows and sprawling beauty offers a gorgeous landscape that creates an aura of its own. Popular for cultivating crops of charas, the valley is a happy place for the cannabis lovers. Flowing into the Beas River, up to 10KM of Kullu, the river valley has been on the route to several places. The valley rises from the ManTalai Glacier below the pass and flows rightly in a gradual curve.
Location: Kullu district
Popular places: Chojh Bridge, Parliament square, Jamadagni Rishi Temple
Activities: immerse in spirituality, experience the ambiance near waterside, trek in Kheerganga
Distance from the city: 248.8 kms
Nearby attractions: Khir Ganga, Pandu pul, Rudra-Mag waterfall
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6. Kullu Valley: The Paradise For Honeymooners
One of the most beautiful valleys and a home to honeymooners in India, Kullu valley offers a stunning landscape. The valley offers a traditional charm and essentially serves as an entry point between the plains of Northern India and Leh, Ladakh. The valley is cradled with adorable apple orchards, forests and temples. The beauty along with the surrounding orchards makes the valley an ideal retreat in the summers. A prominent site for Hindus, Buddhist and Sikhs, the valley is also known as the ‘Valley of Gods’.
Location: Kullu district
Popular places: Pandoh Dam, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Bhrigu Lake, friendship Peak, Manikaran
Activities: visit temples, relish on exotic apples, pears, plums, almonds, shop for pashmina and enjoy adventure sports
Distance from the city: 208 kms
Nearby attractions: Temples, Shopping for pashmina
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7. Sutlej Valley: Blessed With Snow Peaks & Lush Greenery
Located nearby Sutlej River and bestowed with ample water from the water body along with the snow makes the valley a fertile one. Surrounded with icy-cold water, rocky hills, snowy peaks and lush greenery and mesmerizing views, the valley serves as the perfect backdrop for your exotic holiday. The valley also houses the popular Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary and Harike Bird Sanctuary that makes it the ideal place for wildlife lovers. Along with the bird, tourists can also spot animals such as jackal, jungle cat, tufted duck, yellow eye pigeon and several other gifts of nature. A number of homestays and farm houses are located here to offer a breathtaking view amidst the lap of nature.
Location: Bahawalpur
Popular places: Kamru Fort, Lyon, Chitkul Village
Activities: bird watching, visit apple orchards, wildlife excursions, hiking, kayaking, rafting
Distance from the city: 562 kms
Location: Thanedar hill, Srikhand Mahadev range
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8. Sangla Valley: The Himalayan Beauty
Sangla valley also referred to as Baspa valley is a Himalayan beauty in true sense. A highly popular valley among hikers and campers, the breathtaking valley opens its arms to the adventure enthusiasts. Known for its old charm, the valley is the perfect hideout from the hustle bustle of the city as it witnesses less crowd as compared to the other valleys located nearby. The valley features a number of ancient temples, monasteries and is also one of the less explored valleys in the town. A number of towns including Bashahr, Kamru, Chitkul, Karchham, and others are dotted in the valley. A number of adventure activities are enjoyed on the valley such as hiking, camping, trekking, and river crossing.
Location: Sangla
Popular places: Baspa Valley River, Kamru Fort, Shree Badri Vishal Ji Temple
Activities: Trekking, camping, hiking, river crossing
Distance from the city: 221 kms
Nearby attractions: Chitkul, Karchham, Batseri and Kamru
9. Habban Valley: Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Habban valley is set in a village of the same name and is surrounded by Deodar forests. The valley is located at a distance of 70 kms from Solan and is one of the most beautiful valleys one can witness. The valley is famous amongst bird watchers as the dense forests of Fir and Baan trees provide a habitat to local and migrant birds. You can also witness a large number of fauna such as peacocks, deers, tiger, ghol, and kastura. The valley is filled with apple and peach orchards and it adds to the beauty of the valley. It is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh.
Location: Haban Marhechi, Himachal Pradesh
Popular places: Banalidhar and Churdhar
Activities: Nature trails, hiking, bird and wildlife watching and trekking
Distance from city: 73.7 Kms
Nearby attractions: Banalidhar, and Churidar
10. Chamba Valley: Historical Valley
Chamba Valley is one of the most exquisite and delightful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The valley is surrounded by snowy Dauladhar ranges on one side, and on the other side you can see the Ravi river. The valley dates back to 920 AD and the history associated with the valley attracts a large number of tourists throughout the year. Chamba valley houses a large number of temples, museums, and lakes that not only packs an itinerary, but also reflects the history of this valley.
Location: Chamba
Popular places: Laxmi Narayan temple, Brajeshwari temple,
Activities: Nature walking, visiting the ancient temples, hiking, shopping
Distance from city: 289 Kms
Nearby attractions: Chamera Lake, Manimahesh Lake, Chaugan
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Frequently Asked Questions About Valleys In Himachal
How to reach Solang Valley?
Solang valley can be reached conveniently by train, road and air. The closest airport to the valley is Kullu Manali airport located in Bhuntar. A taxi or a car can be hired from the airport to reach the valley, situated at a distance of two and a half hours.
What is Kullu valley so popular among tourists?
The Kullu valley is widely popular for the majestic hills that are surrounded with deodar and pine forests along with its sprawling apple orchards. The valley also offers a wide amalgamation of wildflowers.
What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh includes the spring to summer months (February to June). This is when the weather is pleasant and ranges between 22-37 degree Celsius.
Is paragliding enjoyed in the valleys of Himachal Pradesh?
Yes, paragliding along with varied other adventure sports are enjoyed on the valleys of Himachal Pradesh.
What are the popular activities to perform in Himachal Pradesh?
Some of the popular activities to perform in Himachal Pradesh include mountain biking, camping, paragliding, rafting, skiing and so on.
Where are apple orchards located in Himachal Pradesh?
Apple orchards are situated in Sangla Valley, Kalpa Valley, Sutlej valley and Kullu valley.
Which nearby towns in Himachal Pradesh are a must to visit?
Some of the most important towns in Himachal Pradesh include Shimla, Dharamshala, Manali, Kasol, and a few more.