HimTrails

Just 60 km beyond Shimla sits Narkanda — a quiet apple-country town at ~2,700 m that doubles as one of Himachal's oldest skiing spots. With the spectacular Hatu Peak above and orchard valleys below, it offers the snow and views of the Shimla belt without the crowds, and usually for less money. Here's how to plan a Narkanda trip. Things to do in Narkanda Skiing & snow play on Narkanda's slopes in peak winter — beginner-friendly. Hatu Peak (~3,400 m) — a drive/short trek to a ridge-top temple with 360° views. Tanni Jubbar Lake — a small, serene high lake. Stokes Farm, Thanedar — where commercial apple farming in India began. Best time to visit Narkanda December–February is the snow-and-ski season. March–June is pleasant with blooming orchards, and September–November brings the apple harvest, crisp air and golden views. 2–3 day itinerary Day 1: Arrive via Shimla, settle, sunset forest walk. Day 2: Hatu Peak + Tanni Jubbar; skiing/snow p...

Tirthan Valley is Himachal's quiet, soulful corner — named after the clear Tirthan River fed by glaciers inside the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park. There's no big town, no nightlife, just trout fishing, gentle forest treks and the rare luxury of doing nothing by a mountain river. It's perfect for couples and anyone craving a proper reset. Things to do in Tirthan Valley Trout fishing — the Tirthan is one of India's best trout rivers (permit and guide arranged locally). Great Himalayan National Park — guided treks into pristine, protected wilderness. Chhoie Waterfall — a short forest trek. Jalori Pass & Serolsar Lake — shared with neighbouring Jibhi. Village walks through Gushaini, Nagini and Banjar. Best time to visit March–June and September–November are ideal for treks and river time. The monsoon swells the river and limits trekking; winter is cold, quiet and cosy. 3-day itinerary Day 1: Arrive, riverside cottage, ev...

Bir Billing is famous as one of the best paragliding destinations in the world — but it's also a wonderfully relaxed Himachali village with cafés, monasteries and forest camping. Whether you're here to fly or just to slow down, this guide covers the essentials, including what the famous tandem flight actually costs. Paragliding in Bir Billing: cost, season & safety You take off from Billing (~2,400 m) and land at Bir below, with 15–30 minutes in the air. A standard tandem flight (no experience needed — you fly with a certified pilot) typically costs around ₹2,500–3,500, with higher rates for longer flights and GoPro video. Always confirm the pilot is certified and book through a verified operator. The best flying season is mid-October to mid-November (stable, clear air) and March–June . Flying is usually suspended in the monsoon. Tandem paragliding here is well-established and considered very safe with a certified pilot and good weather discipline. Things to do bey...

Dharamshala is really two destinations stacked on a mountain: the lower town with its famous cricket stadium, and McLeodganj above it — "Little Lhasa," home to the Dalai Lama and a vibrant Tibetan community. Add the dramatic Dhauladhar peaks and the classic Triund trek, and you get one of Himachal's most rewarding short trips. Here's your plan. Things to do in Dharamshala & McLeodganj Tsuglagkhang Complex — the Dalai Lama's temple and the Tibet Museum. Triund trek — a 9 km round-trip ridge trek with epic Dhauladhar views. Bhagsunag Waterfall and the Shiva Café walk. HPCA Stadium — one of the world's most scenic cricket grounds. Norbulingka Institute and Namgyal Monastery . Dharamkot & Naddi — quiet upper villages with sunset views. Best time to visit March–June and September–November are ideal for sightseeing and Triund. Winters bring snow to the peaks. Note that July–August is one of the wettest spells in India here, s...

Most travellers rush through Kinnaur on the way to Spiti — and miss one of Himachal's most beautiful valleys. This is apple country: orchards climbing terraced slopes beneath the towering Kinner Kailash range, ancient wooden temples, and the last Indian village before Tibet. It's also the gentle, gradual gateway to Spiti. Here's how to give Kinnaur the trip it deserves. Top places in Kinnaur Kalpa — wake up to the Kinner Kailash peak right outside your window. Sangla Valley — lush, riverside, the cultural heart of the Baspa. Chitkul — the last village on the old Indo-Tibetan road (~3,450 m). Roghi village & Suicide Point — dramatic cliff viewpoints near Kalpa. Kamru Fort — a tower fort above Sangla. Best time to visit Kinnaur April–June brings blossoming orchards and clear peak views. September–October is apple-harvest season — the valley turns gold and is at its prettiest. Winters are cold and dramatic but some roads get tricky. 5–6 day i...

If you want the Himalayas without the crowds, Jibhi is the answer. Tucked in the Banjar Valley, it's a cluster of tiny villages along a clear stream, wrapped in pine and deodar forest, with wooden cottages that feel half-Himalayan, half-Alpine. It's still genuinely offbeat — perfect for couples, slow travellers and anyone needing to unplug. Things to do in Jibhi Jibhi Waterfall — a short, pretty forest walk. Jalori Pass (3,120 m) — a high pass and trailhead. Serolsar Lake — a serene forest-ringed lake, ~5 km from Jalori Pass. Raghupur Fort — a ruined-fort trek with 360° ridge views. Chehni Kothi — a centuries-old tower temple in classic Himachali architecture. Best time to visit Jibhi March–June is lush and perfect; September–November is crisp, golden and quiet; December–February brings occasional snow and cosy fireplaces. Avoid peak monsoon for the landslide-prone Banjar roads. 2–3 day itinerary Day 1: Arrive, settle into a cottage, Jibhi W...