10 eccentric beautiful places in Himachal you must visit this Monsoon

Oct, 08 2022 Posted By : Akshay Agarwal

Everyone has heard of Shimla, Kullu & Manali, Mcleodganj, Kasauli etc. But Himachal Pradesh is much more than that! Trekking, camping and backpacking from these famous towns to the offbeat spots make the best combination of sustainable travel and rejuvenating experience. Going to the Himalayas for a calm or adventurous experience has to be done right, not among the hustle-bustle that again reminds us of cities.

Here are 10 eccentric spots in Himachal, that are near the famous towns but look much prettier and more #instaworthy.

Situated by the Sutlej river in the Kinnaur district, Kalpa is a village filled with wonderful places. Many apple and apricot orchards, vineyards and lush green fields underlining the snow-capped Himalayas are the spots one must visit. Monsoons are when most family vacations don’t happen and more adventurous people come and also when nature is at its finest. Fruits in Kalpa have a fragrance in the air that might become your favourite memory when you visit Kalpa.

Kothi, Sangla valley and Riba are where you can find orchards as well as mountain-style temples of many goddesses.

How to reach: It is about 240km from Shimla, around 6 hours away. Buses and taxis are the common modes to reach Kalpa.

2. Chalal

On the right bank of the Parvati River, close to the now-famous backpacker town of Kasol, is a hamlet called Chalal. Chalal is a popular destination for hikers looking for a quick trek for its close proximity to Kasol. During monsoons, the river is beautifully ferocious and turquoise. Dipping feet in those cold waters is sure to add some thrill to the trip!

It's known for its raving parties, beginner-friendly trek trail cafes and for star-gazing?.

You could unwind under a starry sky after a day of touring and let yourself loose under the star-studded sky.

How to reach: It is a half an hour walk from the Kasol Bus stand. Crossing the bridge will take you to the forests and continuing the trail, you’ll land in campsites and homestays.

3. Churdhar

At an altitude of 11965 feet, the picturesque Churdhar peak in Sirmaur is one of the tallest peaks in the Shivalik hills. Churdhar, also known as Churichandni (Bangle of Snow), is adorned with some of this region's most breathtaking and picturesque vistas. From the summit, you can see lowland tracts in the south and snow-capped ranges in the north, including the peaks of Badrinath and Kedarnath in the Garhwal region. These Himalayan hills are covered in a plethora of alpine flora and fauna. It is a perennially beautiful place, but in the monsoons, there are more bird chirruping and luscious greenery.

There is a huge sculpture of Lord Shiva situated here, it is a famous spot for trekkers.Below the summit is the deodar-roofed, single-storey, square temple of Srigul with a lingam, dedicated to Shiva (Chooreshwar Mahadev).

Since it is located in the Shiwalik range, it is not snow-capped, and not of very high-altitude. These advantage Churdhar for people of all ages to trek there as well as at any time of the year!

Small dorms and homestays are available for free here (not all, but many).

How to reach: Via cars and buses - Shimla to Sirmaur then take the state highway to Nauradhar. Nearest railway station is Solan.

4. Triund

Triund is a hill situated near Dharamshala and Mcleodganj.On one side, it provides an attractive view of the Dhauladhar Mountains, while on the other, the Kangra Valley. Trekking is highly popular in Triund.

Gallu devi temple in Dharamkot is a place many visit before they begin their trek to this beautiful peak. This one too, is a relatively low-altitude peak, making it suitable for a trek for all age and weather.

If you visit in the monsoons, the view of rainbows from the peak is sure to leave you spell-bound.

How to reach: Dharamkot is where most treks begin from, which is a short bus ride away from Mcleodganj.

5. Hallan

A cluster of small villages near Manali and nestled in the Pir Panjal range, the Hallan valley is a beautiful offbeat spot to visit. Paragliding and zip-lining are very famous in the valley. Apple orchards and red rice farming are a common sight in the valley. Camping and trekking to smaller peaks makes for a great short get-away at very low costs.A known camping site there is Shila Ka Padr. When in Hallan, definitely visit the pristinely emerald green lake, Foota Saur. Hallan is a perfect offbeat spot to enjoy solitude and soak in the Himachali rustic surroundings.

How to reach: The highway connecting old Manali-Kullu and the new one is where Hallan is situated. Hence, it is mostly reachable by cars/ taxis. Hallan is closer to Naggar, car from there would cost less than it’d from Manali.

6. Jibhi Falls

Situated near the town, Jibhi falls in Jibhi is a very picturesque spot one must visit in the monsoon because waterfalls are more tremendous when it rains. The Tirthan river flows across this town, it is an offbeat trekking location. The village has excellent rustic architecture and many apple orchards and hill lemon- Galgal trees are studded along the trek near Jibhi.

The Raghupur Fort trek is an easy trek which is surrounded by dense oak forests and mystic natural views. In the fort, you get plenty of time for bird watching and even get to collect a bunch of crystals from the crystal mine which falls in the way.

How to reach: Jibhi is near Mandi but taking buses from Manali to Aut village then a connecting bus to Jibhi is the easiest way to reach.

7. Beasar

Nestled in the pine forests of the Pir Panjal,Beasar is a hamlet 14km away from Kullu. It is a hidden gem of Kullu due to its beautiful Pahadi-style architecture of houses and temples. Visiting the 3 temples is the specialty of this hamlet being a part of your itinerary. These temples have beautiful wood-carvings that have an underlying fragrance due to the wood, that’s very pronounced only in the monsoons. Do check out the 3 beautiful temples dedicated to Kumbardhan, Fugni Mata, Birnath (deities). Beasar is sure to make your gallery look #instaperfect.

How to reach: It is easily reachable through the state highways from Kullu by car.

8. Jogini Falls

Near the locally well-known temple of Vashisht Kund in Manali, this beautiful 150 feet waterfall of Jogini is there. It is about 45 minutes to 1 hour of easy trek from Vashisht. It is well-suited for people of all ages. Visiting in the monsoon makes the usually bustling Kullu valley relatively calm and the falls all the more luscious. The temple is also a must-visit place when you’re in Manali. Don’t forget to take a look at the glittery rocks by the banks of Beas!

The trekkers are enchanted as they cross several smaller streams with a dazzling view of River Beas and the snow-clad peaks of Rohtang. A complete treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers

How to reach: trekking up to the falls from Vashisht is the only way to reach.

9. Raison

On the way from Kullu to Manali, the serene village of Raison is located. The vistas here are green meadows with fluffy mountain sheep underlining the snow-capped mountains. Raison, a cohort of settlements on the banks of the Beas River, is located 13.5 km from Kullu, 14 km from Naggar, and 27 km from Manali. Himachal Pradesh Tourism manages large camping grounds there. It is a top adventure destination in the state of Himachal Pradesh as well as a top rafting destination. One of the best things to do in Kullu and Manali is rafting in Raison. Apple orchards and sheep-watching are the fun activities to look forward to in Raison. It is known for its woollen shawl weaving businesses, called Pattu. Do not miss to grab a Pattu as a souvenir for you and your dear ones! The views and easy-treks are why many people visit Raison.

How to reach: All buses going through Kullu to Manali stop at Raison. Another easy way to include Raison in your itinerary is by keeping Beasar and Raison together and reaching there by car.

10. Beas Kund Lake

Beas Kund trekking is one of the best and easiest hikes in Manali. The Beas Kund trek distance is rich in natural splendour and is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Manali.

Discover the valley's raw and pristine beauty, which is absolutely unique. From Beas Kund, enjoy breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal range and other marvellous peaks. Trek to the fabled Beas Kund Lake, where Rishi Vyas (the author of the Mahabharata) used to bathe.

Another fantastic reason that makes Beas Kund Trek remarkable is the campsites. Spend the night by the rushing waters of the Beas River. Meanwhile, enjoy the delight of moonlight and stargazing before heading back to the pretty homestays here.

How to reach: via car from Manali to Solang and then trekking upto the lake is the most common trek route.

Late-June to August is the main monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh. Hence with appropriate gears and essentials, discover nature and yourself by immersing into the Himalayas. #Himalayay

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