If your heart beats for adventure and you’re eager to make 2024 unforgettable, get ready to uncover the hidden treasures of Himachal Pradesh. Whether you’re chasing breathtaking views or soulful experiences, this September is your perfect chance to explore like never before. Let’s dive into the magic of Himachal and satisfy that wanderlust craving!
Love to travel and can’t resist capturing the serene views from your eyes, you should know November is a perfect time to visit Himachal Pradesh in 2024. This beautiful state, bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on the North, Punjab on the West and South-West, Haryana on the South, Uttarakhand on the South-East and China on the East, unveils its breathtaking natural beauty in full glory. The fresh mountain air and clear blue skies make it an ideal season for exploring its charming landscapes. During this month, Himachal is adorned with a mix of autumn hues and the first snowfall, creating a magical contrast that’s simply mesmerizing. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Himachal offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With a blend of thrilling outdoor activities and serene surroundings, places to visit in Himachal Pradesh in November promise an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Also Read: Top things to do in Jaipur: Exploring the Pink City with a new spark!
How To Reach Himachal Pradesh?
By Air: Himachal has three domestic airports—Bhuntar near Manali, Jubbarhatti near Shimla, and Gaggal in Kangra. These airports have flights from Delhi, making travel quick and convenient. For international travellers, the nearest airports are in Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Train: While Himachal’s terrain makes building railways difficult, you can still reach the state by train. Pathankot in Punjab is the closest major railway station. From there, you can take a train to various parts of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Solan and Una are key stations in the state, and the scenic toy train from Kalka offers a unique way to reach Himachal.
By Road: Himachal is well-connected by road, with several highways linking it to major cities across India. The state has eight national highways and 19 state highways, making road travel an excellent option. However, driving can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain, so it’s best to travel during daylight hours for safety.
Places To Visit In Himachal In September
1. Shimla
Shimla, known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ and the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a favourite destination for travellers. Situated at 2,200 meters, it is named after Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali. Surrounded by greenery and snow-capped mountains, it’s perfect for trekking and adventure lovers. Shimla is one of the must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh, which turns into a snowy wonderland in winter, ideal for ice skating and skiing.
The city is famous for its colonial-era architecture, including landmarks like the Viceregal Lodge, Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Christ Church, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. The Ridge, a popular open space, offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and is a great spot to enjoy sunsets and sunrises from Scandal Point and Observatory Hill. Explore Mall Road, Summer Hill, the Himachal State Museum, and Jakhoo Hill, home to the Jakhoo Temple, which stands tall at 108 feet and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. With its mix of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Shimla has something for everyone.
Local Tips: Take a leisurely toy train ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway and indulge in local delicacies like chana madra and siddur.
2. Kullu-Manali
Kullu and Manali, often seen as one destination, are two of the most popular spots in Himachal Pradesh, offering a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. Located along the banks of the Beas River, these towns are surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains and lush valleys. Kullu is known for its scenic charm, with must-visit places like the Great Himalayan National Park, Bijli Mahadev Temple, and Parvati Valley, where you can enjoy nature and wildlife.
Manali is one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its vibrant Tibetan monasteries, the historic Hadimba Devi Temple, and adventure spots like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. These places to visit in September are perfect for skiing, paragliding, and more. Rohtang Pass, at 3,798 meters, offers incredible views of glaciers and peaks, but it’s only accessible from May to November. Himachal in September is a beautiful feeling. Whether you’re into trekking into Anjani Mahadev trek, deciding to raft, or just soaking in the serene surroundings, Kullu Manali, with its delicious Mandyali Dham and momos, is become a perfect destination to spend your time when you are looking for peace.
Local Tips: Try paragliding in Solang Valley, visit Vashisht Hot Springs and Tirthan Valley for quieter space and explore the vibrant cafes in Old Manali.
3. Spiti Valley
End your search for places to visit in September with nature’s own paradise! Spiti is a high-altitude desert valley in the Himalayas, known as the “Middle Land” because it lies between Tibet and India. It’s one of the most remote places on Earth, cut off from the rest of the world for about six months each year due to heavy snowfall. September is the perfect time to visit Spiti Valley. The roads are open, and the weather is ideal for exploring its high-altitude villages, ancient monasteries, and beautiful lakes without the intense winter chill.
To get to Spiti by Train: The nearest railway station is in Shimla. You can take a bus or hire a cab or Jeep to reach Spiti. By Air: The closest airport is in Kullu. You can hire a taxi or rickshaw from the airport to continue your journey. By Road: Spiti is mainly accessible by road since no direct trains or flights exist. Always check road conditions before planning your trip, as some roads may be closed for half the year due to snow.
Top Attractions: Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Kibber Village, and Dhankar Monastery.
Local Tips: Stay in a homestay to get a taste of local life, try the traditional butter tea, and definitely visit Chandratal Lake for its stunning views. As Ranveer Singh says in Lootera, “I have spent a lot of time in the Himalayas… Spiti Valley, and I’ve fallen in love with that place.”
4. Kalpa
Himachal in September and its Kinnaur district, Kalpa, is beautiful and is famous for its mesmerizing views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountains and lush pine forests. The area is known for its apple orchards, contributing to its charming landscape. You can catch spectacular views of the Kailash Shivling from Kalpa, which changes colours beautifully throughout the day. A short 11-kilometer drive from Kalpa will take you to the Chandika Temple, a standout landmark with its unique architecture.
How to Reach Kalpa: By Air: The nearest airports are in Kullu/Bhuntar (225 km) and Shimla (445 km). From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Kalpa. By Road: If you’re driving from nearby cities, Kalpa is easily accessible with well-maintained roads. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) also offers good bus services from places like Delhi, Punjab, and other parts of Himachal Pradesh. By Train: The Shimla railway station, about 244 km from Kalpa, connects major cities, including Delhi. From Shimla, you can catch a bus or taxi to reach Kalpa.
5. Kufri
Kufri is a gorgeous hill station in Himachal Pradesh, known for its trekking and hiking trails. In winter, it becomes a hotspot for skiing and tobogganing on its snow-covered slopes, with the Mahasu Ridge being perfect for skiing beginners. Located just 20 km from Shimla, Kufri offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
A must-visit is the Himalayan National Park, which covers 90 hectares and is home to over 180 bird species and animals like the snow leopard and musk deer. You’ll also get spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains.
Mahasu Peak, the highest point in Kufri, provides breathtaking views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges and features the Nag Devta temple dedicated to the Snake God. For a peaceful retreat, Fagu is a beautiful snow-covered village with serene views. Kufri is also known for its apple orchards, lush pine, and cedar trees. Don’t miss out on the unique Yak safari experience!
6. Kasol
Kasol is a stunning village in Himachal Pradesh renowned for its natural beauty. Due to its large Israeli community, it is often called the “Little Israel of India.” Kasol is a top destination for those seeking scenic landscapes and adventure.
The Parvati River runs through Kasol, making it a hotspot for rafting and kayaking. Nearby, you’ll find the Manikaran Mahadev Temple and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, nestled between the Beas and Parvati Rivers. This sacred site features a hot spring believed to have healing properties.
Kasol is a backpacker favourite and serves as a base for trekking to Malana and Kheerganga. Kasol is the perfect place to explore and unwind if you love nature and adventure.
7. Dharamshala And McLeodganj
One of the most majestic places to visit in Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala and McLeodganj, just 5 km apart, are two of the most popular tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. You can even hop between them in just ten minutes via the skyway, which features a mono cable system with 18 gondolas, each carrying up to 1,000 people per hour.
Both towns, predominantly home to Tibetan Buddhists, are havens of peace and tranquillity. Key attractions include Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall, Triund Trek, Dalai Lama Temple (Tsuglagkhang Monastery), Namgyal Monastery, and Gyuto Tantric Monastery Temple. In Dharamshala, Dal Lake is a must-see, and the Stadium is a must-see. Also, if you are patriotic by heart, you can enjoy an evening at the Kargil War Museum and Park.
Aside from spiritual sites, the stunning landscapes of the Dhauladhar mountain range, lush pine and deodar forests, and scenic tea gardens make it perfect for nature walks, picnics, and adventurous treks. Explore the historic Kangra Fort and the informative Kangra Museum for a deeper dive into the region’s history and culture.
8. Khajjar
Near Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, is the charming hill town of Khajjiar. Known for its pine forests and stunning landscapes, Khajjiar offers breathtaking views and uneven terrain that adds to its allure and is often called one of the best places to visit in September.
One of Khajjar’s highlights is the best travel destination of Himachal in September, a picturesque nine-hole golf course set amidst this natural beauty. Khajjiar is a popular spot for adventure lovers, offering activities like paragliding, hiking, and horseback riding. It’s often called “Little Switzerland” because of its scenic resemblance to Switzerland, a nickname given by Willy P. Blazer, Vice Counselor of Switzerland. Explore why Khajjiar is considered the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India for yourself!
Local Tips: Stay at a cosy lakeside resort for a peaceful getaway and enjoy a relaxing walk around Khajjiar Lake. Don’t miss visiting the Khajji Naga Temple to see its unique wooden architecture and intricate carvings, and make sure to have a picnic on the beautiful green lawns nearby.
9. Chail
Chail is a gem near Shimla. This stunning natural view of Himachal in September is famous for two main attractions: the world’s highest cricket pitch and the Chail Palace, a beautiful heritage hotel nestled among pine and deodar trees. Perched higher than most hill stations, Chail offers stunning views of lush greenery.
For everyone searching for places to visit in September, nature lovers and photographers are drawn to Chail’s misty hills and vibrant valleys. With its untouched beauty, Chail is also perfect for hiking and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re seeking a peaceful summer retreat, Chail is a top choice in Himachal Pradesh.
Local Tips: Stay at the historic Chail Palace for a royal experience, and hike to Kali Ka Tibba for panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
10. Chitkul
Chitkul, the last village, is the next one to explore in Himachal in September. Situated on the historic Indo-Tibetan Highway, it is one of the top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at 3,450 meters in the Kinnaur Valley. It is about 28 kilometres from Sangla and 600 kilometres from Delhi, a gateway to breathtaking scenery and tranquillity.
The village is known for its beautiful meadows, majestic mountains, and lush orchards. It’s a fantastic spot for nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities for trekking and exploring wildlife. If you’re after a peaceful escape into nature, Chitkul is a perfect choice.
Local Tips: Stay in a charming local guesthouse for an authentic experience and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Take a stroll through the picturesque village of Chitkul, visit the ancient Hanuman Temple, and don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding apple orchards.
Image Credit: Pinterest
