A comprehensive guide to Himachal Pradesh Tourism to help you plan your next vacation

Himachal Pradesh, also known as “The Land of Snow,” is a picturesque state located in the northern region of India. It is known for its scenic beauty, ancient temples, and adventure sports. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Himachal Pradesh has something to offer for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the top tourist destinations, things to do, and tips to help you plan your next vacation to Himachal Pradesh.

Why travel to Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination in India known for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and adventure sports. Some of the reasons why travelers visit Himachal Pradesh include:

Scenic Beauty:

Himachal Pradesh is known for its beautiful landscapes, snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and picturesque valleys. The state is home to several popular hill stations such as Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, which offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Adventure Sports:

Himachal Pradesh is an adventure lover’s paradise, with several options for trekking, skiing, paragliding, and rock climbing. Popular trekking routes include the Pin Parvati Pass and the Hampta Pass, while popular skiing and paragliding spots include the Solang Valley and Bir Billing.

Cultural Heritage:

Himachal Pradesh is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples and monasteries that offer a glimpse into the state’s history and tradition. Popular temples include the Jakhoo Temple in Shimla, Hadimba Temple in Manali, and the Laxmi Narayan Temple in Chamba.

Food:

Himachal Pradesh is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Indian and Tibetan flavors. The state is famous for dishes such as dham, siddu, and chha gosht.

Shopping:

Himachal Pradesh is also known for its handicrafts, such as woolen shawls, Kinnaur apples, and Chamba Chukh.

Overall, Himachal Pradesh offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and food, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for a diverse and memorable vacation experience.

Himachal’s People and culture

Himachal Pradesh is a diverse state with a rich cultural heritage. The state is home to several ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, traditions, and languages. The major ethnic groups found in Himachal Pradesh are the Pahari, Kinnauri, Lahauli, and Gaddi.

Pahari: The Pahari people are the largest ethnic group in Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their strong sense of community and traditional way of life. They have a rich cultural heritage, with a strong emphasis on music, dance, and festivals.

Kinnauri: The Kinnauri people are known for their unique culture and traditional way of life. They are mainly found in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their woolen shawls, Kinnaur apples, and traditional Kinnauri cap.

Lahauli: The Lahauli people are known for their traditional way of life and strong sense of community. They are mainly found in the Lahaul and Spiti districts of Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their traditional costumes, which include the “ganchola” (a long and thick woolen robe) and the “perak” (a headgear).

Gaddi: The Gaddi people are known for their nomadic lifestyle and traditional way of life. They are mainly found in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. They are known for their sheep and goat farming, and for their traditional woolen shawls.

The state also has a rich tradition of festivals and fairs, which are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the popular festivals include the Minjar fair in Chamba, the Lavi fair in Rampur, and the Kullu Dussehra.

The state also has a rich tradition of music and dance. The most popular traditional music forms of Himachal Pradesh include the “Langas” and “Mahasu”. The “Langas” are known for their use of the “surnai” (a type of flute), while the “Mahasu” are known for their use of the “dhol” (a type of drum). The traditional dances of Himachal Pradesh include the “Lambadi” and “Nati”

Overall, the people of Himachal Pradesh are known for their warm hospitality, strong sense of community, and rich cultural heritage. They are an integral part of the state’s vibrant culture and a major reason why Himachal Pradesh is such a popular tourist destination.

Permits you need for Himachal Tourism

Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination in India, and there are certain permits and regulations that visitors should be aware of when planning a trip.

Inner Line Permit:

Visitors traveling to certain restricted areas in the state, such as Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti districts, need to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP). This permit can be obtained from the District Magistrate’s office or from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Protected Area Permit:

Visitors traveling to certain protected areas in the state, such as the Great Himalayan National Park, need to obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP). This permit can be obtained from the Divisional Forest Office or from the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

Foreigners Registering Office (FRO) permit:

Foreign tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.

COVID-19 related Permit:

In order to visit Himachal Pradesh, travelers will need to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before the travel. Travelers may also have to mandatorily quarantine themselves for some days depending on the state rules.

Permits for Adventure Sports:

Visitors engaging in adventure sports, such as paragliding, rock climbing, and trekking, need to obtain permission from the appropriate authorities.

It’s also important to note that visitors should always carry a valid ID and their permits with them while traveling in Himachal Pradesh. It’s advisable to check the state Government’s official website to get the most recent information about the permit rules and regulations before planning your trip.

Highlights in Himachal

Shimla:

The capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a popular hill station known for its Victorian-era architecture, lush green forests, and snow-capped peaks. The town is also home to several temples, churches, and museums. The famous tourist spots in Shimla include the Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, and the Himachal State Museum.

Manali:

Another popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is known for its natural beauty and adventure sports. It is a popular destination for trekking, skiing, and paragliding. The town is also home to several ancient temples, such as the Hadimba Temple, and the Manu Temple.

Dharamshala:

Known as the residence of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala is a beautiful town situated in the Kangra Valley. It is known for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and temples. The famous tourist spots in Dharamshala include the Dalai Lama Temple, the Bhagsunath Temple, and the McLeodganj Bazaar.

Kinnaur:

Kinnaur is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh known for its apple orchards, Kinnaur Kailash, and the Kinnaur Kailash Parbat. Kinnaur is also known for its Kinnaur Kailash Temple and Kinnaur Kailash Parbat which is a trekking destination.

Chamba:

Chamba is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh known for its temples and architecture. The famous tourist spots in Chamba include the Laxmi Narayan Temple and the Champavati Temple.

Food in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Indian and Tibetan flavors. The state’s cuisine is heavily influenced by the local climate and the availability of ingredients, making it unique and distinct from other parts of India.

Dham: Dham is a traditional Himachali dish that is typically served during festivals and special occasions. It is a combination of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices that is cooked together in a large pot.

Siddu: Siddu is a popular dish made from wheat flour, yeast, and jaggery. It is steamed and then served with ghee or butter. It’s a staple food in the Kinnaur district.

Chha Gosht: Chha Gosht is a traditional meat dish made from mutton or lamb. It is cooked with a variety of spices and is typically served with rice or roti.

Patande: Patande is a traditional dish made from boiled potatoes and wheat flour. It is a popular street food in Himachal Pradesh and is often served with chutney or pickle.

Aam ka Achaar: Aam ka Achaar is a popular dish made from raw mangoes and various spices. It is a traditional pickle that is often served as a side dish.

Kinnaur Apples: Kinnaur is known for its delicious apples, which are a major agricultural product of the region.

Chamba Chukh: Chamba Chukh is a traditional spicy condiment made from dried red chili, tamarind, and jaggery. It is a popular condiment that is often served with rice or roti.

These are just a few of the many delicious dishes that Himachal Pradesh has to offer. Visitors can also find a variety of Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisines in the state, especially in the tourist places. The food culture of Himachal is diverse and you will find something to your taste.

Accommodation in Himachal

Himachal Pradesh offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.

Budget-friendly Hotels: For travellers on a budget, Himachal Pradesh offers a variety of budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses. These accommodations are often located in convenient locations, close to popular tourist destinations, and offer basic amenities such as private bathrooms and air conditioning.

Homestays: Homestays are a popular accommodation option in Himachal Pradesh, as they offer a unique and authentic experience of staying with a local family. Homestays are often located in remote and scenic locations, and offer a chance to experience the local culture and way of life.

Resorts: Himachal Pradesh is home to several luxurious resorts that offer a range of amenities such as spa, swimming pool, and fitness centers. These resorts are often located in scenic locations and offer spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Camping: For those who want to experience the great outdoors, camping is a popular option in Himachal Pradesh. There are many camping sites located in remote and scenic locations, where you can pitch your own tent or hire a pre-pitched tent with all the facilities.

Tree houses: Himachal Pradesh has many tree houses accommodation options, which are popular among nature lovers, adventure seekers and backpackers. The tree houses are usually located in remote and scenic locations and offer a unique and exciting way to experience the state’s natural beauty.

It’s important to note that the availability and pricing of accommodations can vary depending on the time of year and the location. It’s recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons to ensure that you have a place to stay during your visit.