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Think about a sojourn of snow and your grey matter will take you to the majestic rolling hills of Himachal and the quaint hilltowns of Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala. But, Himachal, my friend, is not limited to the same old hot spots that have been mentioned in the travel guidebooks for ages. Make sure to stop by these secret places in Himachal that have successfully remained hidden from conventional travelers for the longest time. If you’re an offbeat traveler, you will want to check out these spots.

Top 18 Secret Places In Himachal

Indian Switzerland has a plethora of hidden, secret, and pristine getaways blazing with beauty. Surprised? Take a look at these 18 secret places in Himachal Pradesh that you will be dying to go to once you have read about them. All of these places are nothing less than perfect. Take a look!

  • Renukaji – Perfect Blend Of Natural & Man-Made Marvels
  • Gada Gushaini – A Treat For The Soul
  • Karsog Valley – Stash Of Stunning Apple Orchards
  • Janjehli – As Peaceful As It Can Get
  • Shoja – Spectacular Views Of The Himalayas
  • Jibhi – Quaint Scenic Hamlet
  • Prini – A Serene Mountain Village
  • Charang Ghati Pass – A Trekker’s Paradise
  • Churah Valley – Challenging Terrains
  • Cliffhanger – Always A Tricky Ride
  • Kalpa – The Land Of Beautiful Apple Orchards
  • Sangla – The Land Of Nagas God
  • Barog – The Mountain Of Silver Bangle
  • Barot – Breeding Ground Of Trout Fishes
  • Chindi – Surrounded By The Pine Forests
  • Chitkul – Resting By The Indo-Tibetan Border
  • Rakcham – Land Of Buddhist Monasteries
  • Thanedar – Exporter Of Apples

1. Renukaji – Perfect Blend Of Natural & Man-Made Marvels

Renukaji has many temples and lakes

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Renukaji is one of the best secret places in Himachal for a variety of reasons. The area has breathtaking architectural sites which shows the delicate carving of the artists. The Renuka Lake is another mirror like lake that reflects the image of God in its beauty. Renuka lake is in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh in India and it is 672 m above the sea level. It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh.

Distance From Delhi: 365 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to November
Famous For:
 It is famous for the pristine lake that offers scenic views.

Must Read: 10 Terribly Overrated Destinations In Himachal & Where To Travel Instead


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2. Gada Gushaini – A Treat For The Soul

Offbeat place in Himachal Pradesh

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Gada Gushaini is a very small but spectacular village in Banjar Tehsil which can leave you ogling. The beauty of crystal clear water with pebbles hindering their ways sounds like wind chaps to the ears. It is one of the best secret places in Himachal Pradesh. Gada Gushaini has not been explored by many adventure loving tourists. One finds nature at its best offering beautiful surroundings, lush green landscapes and avenues for adventure and entertainment, to name a few.

Distance From Delhi: 460 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Famous For:
It is famous for splendid day hikes.

Suggested Read: River Rafting In Himachal Pradesh: Navigate Himalayan Waters On Your Mountain Getaway

3. Karsog Valley – Stash Of Stunning Apple Orchards

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Karsog is a small town and nagar panchyat situated in the lap of Himalayas, near Shimla, at a height of 1,404 metres. It is in 7th Karsog subdivision of Mandi district in Himachal Pradesh in India. Karsog valley is a splendid gem. It is situated in the middle of orchards of apples and compact hilly woods of deodars and pines. You will have the time of your life here. Make sure to indulge in apple picking here with the locals. Add this and other secret places in Himachal to your itinerary.

Distance From Delhi: 472 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Famous For:
It is famous for its lush green mountains and massive fertile lands.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh

4. Janjehli – As Peaceful As It Can Get

Beautiful spot in Mandi district

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Janjehli valley is a Beautiful hilly and green area with full of natural beauty. It is situated at a height of 2150 metres. This place is about 70km far from Mandi town. It is a prepossessing valley with rich heritage covered with greenery and snowy fog all around. Camping in Janjheli is a charm with peace and profuse surrounding. It is one of the best secret places of Himachal Pradesh. Make sure to stop by here if you are looking for a serene and peaceful getaway.

Distance From Delhi: 488 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Famous For:
It is famous for its outstanding trekkking trails.

Suggested Read: 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Himachal Pradesh To Treat Your Inner Adventurer

5. Shoja – Spectacular Views Of The Himalayas

Amazing getaway in Himachal Pradesh

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Close to Jalori Pass, mid-way between Kullu and Shimla, Shoja or Sojha is an absolutely splendid and striking hill station of Himachal. Famous for bird watching, overnight camping, nature trails, and trekking—Shoja offers the most spectacular views of the encircling Himalayan Ranges. This place is a tranquilizer for people searching for peace. The wooden houses and the slow moving passes take you to the stairway of heaven. When touring Himachal, do explore one of the gorgeous hidden places in Himachal. 

Distance From Delhi: 505 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Famous For:
It is known for clear views of the majestic Himalayas.

Suggested Read: 30 Best Hill Stations In Himachal To Experience Pure Bliss

6. Jibhi – Quaint Scenic Hamlet

The uncharted village in Tirthan Valley

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Jibhi is a little known scenic hamlet in the Banjar Valley or Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It can be easily approached from the Chandigarh-Manali Highway. It is accessible from here. The way to Jibhi is worth traveling watching around the panoramic beauty. There are many eating cafes and dhabas around to enjoy the local exquisite cuisine. The small village looks like a fairytale story. It is perhaps among the romantic spots for a honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh.

Distance From Delhi: 512 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: March to May
Famous For:
It is famous for being the most well-kept fishing camps.

Suggested Read: 18 Secret Places In Himachal Tourists Haven’t Discovered Yet

7. Prini – A Serene Mountain Village

Prini Lake is near to Prini village

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Prini village is located in Manali Tehsil of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, India. The small village has a splendid waterfall in the Manali–Jagatsukh road. The village is covered with paddy fields and has well established transportation system. The moisture in the air smells like petrichor–as refreshing as the mud’s scent after first rain. Make sure to stop by here to take in the lush gree surroundings and the beauty of this quaint hamlet. This is among the best hill stations in Himachal Pradesh.

Distance From Delhi: 539 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: All year long
Famous For:
It is famous for being home to people from various backgrounds and ethnicities.

Suggested Read: 19 Photos That Will Make You Want To Leave For Himachal NOW!

8. Charang Ghati Pass – A Trekker’s Paradise

Trekking is worth in Charang Ghati Pass

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The pass is new to your ears, but if you love trekking then this is where you should be heading. Trekking in Charang Ghati Pass starts from Kinnaur. The parikrama around the beautiful hills on the backside offers views that are worth dying for. Charang Valley Trek is one of the most difficult treks in Himachal. Make sure to take a guide with you if you plan to undertake this trek. Also make sure to trek this region in the peak season.

Distance From Delhi: 579 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Famous For:
It is famous for its gorgeous trekking trails.

Suggested Read: 10 Valleys In Himachal Pradesh That You Must Visit For Their Heavenly Landscapes!

9. Churah Valley – Challenging Terrains

The unexplored Valley near Chamba

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Tucked away in a quaint corner of Himachal Pradesh, the Churah valley in Chamba is on a road less frequented by anyone. The concealed place in Himachal is connecting Jammu and Kashmir from its other end. Bike riders are challenged to get there and see the awe inspiring beauty of the valley. There are many hidden vistas, glacial lakes and dal in the vicinity. Make sure to take the road less traveled because it is here that you will experience adventure.

Distance From Delhi: 670 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Famous For:
It is famous for being a gateway to four major towns of North India including Chamba, Pangi Valley, Punjab, and Jammu-Kashmir.

Suggested Read: Romance In The Hills: 15 Best Honeymoon Destinations In Himachal Pradesh

10. Cliffhanger – Always A Tricky Ride

Cliffhanger is a town in Luj

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The Dhankar village and Gompa located in the Spiti valley between Kaza and Tabo is also known as Cliffhanger. The place seems as if the earth has ended its sphere in Cliffhanger. The hill top view and the adventure attached to the place is the charm of the latitude. Make sure to bike there or take a bus and stop by there to take in the dangerous yet magnificent views. If these views don’t blow your mind away, we don’t know what will.

Distance From Delhi: 760 Kilometers
Best Time To Visit: February to June
Famous For:
It is famous for being the most adventurous road in India.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Resorts In Manali To Pamper The Nature Lover In You

11. Kalpa – The Land Of Beautiful Apple Orchards

Kalpa

Image Credit: Carlos Adampol Galindo for Wikipedia

This is one of the biggest villages in Kinnaur district, which is surrounded by the lush-greenery and snow-covered mountains of Kinnaur Kailash. Alongside that, there is a myriad of apple orchards where the apples are the main crops to sell for the locals. From here one can enjoy the sight of the Kailash shivling which changes its color throughout the day. There is also a temple which is devoted to goddess Chandika, which is located at a distance of 11 kms from Kalpa. This is one of the best-hidden places in Himachal to explore.

Distance From Delhi: 565 Kms
Best Time To Visit: April-June
Famous For: Ancient temples, Apple Orchards

Suggested Read: 15 Homestays In Manali You Must Consider Staying In For Your Vacay

12. Sangla – The Land Of Nagas God

Sangla

Image Credit: Anamdas for Wikipedia

Located at a distance of 57kms from Kalpa valley, this beautiful valley of Himachal is located by the bank of River Baspa. This is one of the most mesmerizing unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh which showcases a tranquil beauty. Surrounded by the natural scenery, this place is covered by the snow-clad mountains which are also the main highlights of this place. There is also a temple in the region which is devoted to the Nagas God and is one of the must-visit places in Sangla.

Distance From Delhi: 563 Kms
Best Time To Visit: March-June
Famous For: Temple of Nagas God

Suggested Read: 30 Places Near Manali That Are Perfect For A Dreamy Holiday In The Hills

13. Barog – The Mountain Of Silver Bangle

Barog

Image Credit: NikkSingh for Wikipedia

Resting in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, the Barog is located between the Kalka-Shimla Highway. This is a beautiful layover for the people driving towards Shimla and enjoys a great time away amidst greenery. Surrounded by the beautiful pine and oak forests, this little village offers a magnificent view of the Churdhar Peak which is also called the ‘Mountain of the Silver Bangle’. This tiny village place has lately been quite famous for corporate getaways and thus it is one of the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh. 

Distance From Delhi: 288 Kms
Best Time To Visit: July-September
Famous For: Pine forests

Suggested Read: Manali In January: Know What Makes It A Great Time To Explore This Paradise

14. Barot – Breeding Ground Of Trout Fishes

Barot Valley

Image Credit: Harvinder Chandigarh for Wikipedia

Barot valley is located in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh which is also considered to be one of the best places to visit experience outdoor activities. The village is also considered to be a prime location where the breeding of trout fishes takes place along with many fishing farms. Barot also accommodates the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary which is also home to some local Himalayan species like Himalayan Gorals, Himalayan Black Bears, and many other pheasants.

Distance From Delhi: 489 Kms
Best Time To Visit: April-June
Famous For: Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary

Suggested Read: 7 Vibrant Manali Festivals That Make This Resort Town Even More Amazing

15. Chindi – Surrounded By The Pine Forests

Chindi

Image Credit: Travelling Slacker for Wikipedia

This is quite an offbeat and one of the hidden tourist places in Himachal which are located on the Shimla-Mandi highway passing through Tattapani. Situated at a distance of 90kms from Shimla, this town is home to some sacred temples like Mahunag and Mamleshwar Mahadev, Kamaksha Devi, Pangna Killa, and Shikari Devi temple. The village i.e one of the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh is also surrounded by many apple plantations and pine forests which adds to the beauty.

Distance From Delhi: 402 Kms
Best Time To Visit: July-August
Famous For: Apple plantations

Suggested Read: 10 Breathtakingly Beautiful Places To Visit In Manali In July

16. Chitkul – Resting By The Indo-Tibetan Border

Chitkul

Image Credit: Footloosedev for Wikipedia

This is a little hamlet that is located in an offbeat location of the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Resting at the Indo-Tibetan border, this is the last village in the trail that is inhabited. It is also the last place in India which can be visited without any permit. Resting by the side of River Baspa, this place looks like a beautifully painted picture. Surrounded by the fruit-laden orchards and plush-green vegetation, this valley is especially known for its potato and peas vegetation. This is one of the hidden places in Himachal. 

Distance From Delhi: 585 Kms
Best Time To Visit: May-October
Famous For: It’s the last village in India

Suggested Read: Darjeeling Vs Manali: An Escape To Greenery Or A Resort To Snow, You Decide

17. Rakcham – Land Of Buddhist Monasteries

Rakcham

Image Credit: TrekEarth.com

This valley is considered to be one of the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh which are enclosed by the pristine mountains. With the river Baspa meandering its way through the valley, this place is truly heaven to be explored by the travelers. Standing between the towns of Sangla and Chitkul, this place is located at a close distance from the Indo-Tibetan border. There are many Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples found in the region. Alongside that, it is also home to many Himalayan animals like Musk deer, Blue Sheep, Brown Trout, and Himalayan Black Bear.

Distance From Delhi: 577 Kms
Best Time To Visit: March-October
Famous For: It is home to Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer

Suggested Read: Manali Vs Dharamshala: Choose Your Escapade For Next Summers

18. Thanedar – Exporter Of Apples

Thanedar

Image Credit: Tripzuki.com

Surrounded by the apple and cherry orchards, this hidden place in Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful getaway that is perfect to enjoy a relaxing time. This place exports cartons of fresh and juicy apples all over India and even overseas. Alongside that, there are many resorts that are beautiful and make a great escape amidst nature. The valley also has some ancient temples like Nag Devta Temple and lakes and churches which can be explored while admiring the beauty of the snow-covered mountains. So what are you waiting for? Explore these secret places in Himachal whenever around.

Distance From Delhi: 417 Kms
Best Time To Visit: April-September
Famous For: Nag Devta Temple

Further Read: Romance In The Hills: 15 Best Honeymoon Destinations In Himachal Pradesh

Escape the overrated destinations in Himachal and head to these secret places in Himachal instead. And hey, going alone is not a good deal, share this with your friends right away and pick a place! Do tell us about the places you visit in the comments section below. Plan a wonderful trip to Himachal right away!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Secret Places In Himachal Pradesh

Which is the most beautiful place in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal Pradesh are Kullu-Manali, Kasauli, Malana, Dalhousie, Bir Billing, Dharamshala and Kasauli.

What is the famous food in Himachal Pradesh?

Some of the famous and traditional foods in Himachal Pradesh are Chana Madra, Tudkiya Bhat, Bhey, Chha Gosht, Aktori and Kullu Trout Fish.

What are the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in the summer season?

Summer is considered to be one of the best times to visit Himachal Pradesh and some of the best places to visit during this time are Tabo, Kaza, Kinnaur, and Mashobra.

Which is the coolest place in Himachal Pradesh?

The coldest place in Himachal Pradesh is Spiti Valley which is located at a height of 12,500 feet above sea level and gets 250 days of sunshine in the entire year.

Which fruit is famous in Himachal Pradesh?

The most famous fruit in Himachal Pradesh is Apples which are exported all over India and around the world. There are many apple orchards in Himachal Pradesh and one of the famous places to find apple is Kotgarh.


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