Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide 2020

The North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is blessed with Nature's bounties and an abundance of picturesque hill stations. The beauty of this hill state has always drawn travel enthusiasts from around the country and globe. 

From emerald vales to snowy peaks, from captivating colonial architecture to the spirituality of mountain monks; from gushing streams to Alpine forests, Himachal Pradesh has plenty to offer to tourists If you are planning for a trip to Himachal Pradesh this 2020, this Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide 2020 may come handy.

Read on: How to reach

By Rail Traveling by rail is one of the most preferred ways to travel to the state. The Kalka railway station and the Pathankot Railway station are the two most important railheads in the state. 

Narrow gauge rail lines connect Kalka to Shimla and Pathankot to Kangra. So, after traveling by train to Kalka or Pathankot from any major railway station of the country, you can again board a train to reach Shimla or Kangra. 

By Air Flights to Himachal Pradesh are available from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai etc. The state has three domestic airports; i.e. the Kullu-Manali Airport, the Kangra Airport and Shimla Airport. 

If you wish to travel to Himachal Pradesh by Air, you need to check with the airport authorities for the flight schedule as there may not be regular flights to Himachal Pradesh.

By Road The well-developed road network connects Himachal Pradesh to other states. Himachal Pradesh can be reached by buses or taxis from other important cities of North India such as Delhi, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Srinagar. 

Even the different hill stations within the state are connected through road transport services. Best time to visit Summers (March-June) is the best time to travel to Himachal Pradesh. 

In the summer months, the average daytime temperature is around 24-degree centigrade while the nighttime temperature is around 15-degree centigrade. The weather during the summer is pleasant and just ideal for sightseeing. 

Monsoons (July-August) need to be avoided as many parts of the state become inaccessible due to landslides. If you wish to experience the surreal, snowy beauty of the state, you may even plan for A Romantic Winter in Himachal (October-March). 

Tourist attractions This travel guide of Himachal Pradesh needs to be taken into account before setting out for your sightseeing trips. The must-visit tourist attractions of the state are:

1. Shimla

Shimla, the state capital and one of the most crowded hill towns of the state portrays a curious admixture of the old and the new. Colonial-era architectural relics impart the hill station with an old-world charm. Shimla boasts of housing Asia's largest ice skating rink. 

The major tourist attractions of Shimla are The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Gaiety Theatre, Naldehra Golf Course, Kali Bari Temple, and Kufri. It is the best destination to enjoy the Himachal Honeymoon Package.

2. Kullu

Kullu is a sleepy hill town laid out along the banks of River Beas. Kullu is a hotspot for passionate rafters. The hill station is captivating and rejuvenating for travelers who wish to spend a quiet vacation far away from the maddening crowds of the city. The top attractions of Kullu are The Great Himalayan National Park, Raghunath Temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple.

3. Manali

The hilly retreat of Manali offers the perfect escapade to people who wish to unwind themselves in the lap of Mother Nature. Adventure seekers make a beeline to Manali every year to experience the real rush of adrenaline. 

The best places to visit in Manali are Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Vashist Hot Springs, Beas Kund, Jogini Falls.

4. Dalhousie

Remnants of the British era are still visible in this charming hill town dotted with many significant colonial edifices. The serenity of the place seeps deep down into your being and awakens a sense of inner solace. 

The best sightseeing places are Dalhousie or Khajjiar, Panchpula, Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Subhash Baoli, Chamunda Devi temple, Rock Garden. You can just click at Scenic Himachal & Golden Temple for more.

5. Dharamshala

This is a Buddhist spiritual paradise in the state and is home to His Highness; Dalai Lama. The hill station is dotted with monasteries, colorful flags and traditional artworks related to Buddhism. 

Some of the best attractions of Dharamshala are Namgyal Monastery, Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Gyuto monastery, Jwala Devi Temple, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dalai Lama Temple.

6. Kasauli

This dreamy hamlet evokes a sense of peace in you as you spend time communicating with the beauteous nature. Gabled houses from the colonial era. Strolling down the Gilbert Nature Trail will let you catch a glimpse of the scenic countryside and leave you spellbound.

7. Spiti & Lahaul

This barren cold desert cradled at an elevation of 3810 meters above the sea level is dotted with numerous monasteries. The panoramic views it offers can calm down your inner tempest. 

Putting up at a homestay is the best option to explore the local culture of Spiti. Accommodation The state offers you with plenty of accommodation options as per your budget and preferences. 

From luxury resorts to budget hotels, from local homestays to backpacker's hostels, from Dharamshala to camping sites, the state can offer you multiple choices when it comes to putting up during your Himachal Pradesh holidays. 

Some of the best luxury resorts/hotels in the state are GenX Great Himalayan Resort (Mcleodganj), Wildflower Hall (Shimla), Aamod (Dalhousie). Some of the good budget hotels in the state are Hotel Baljees Residency (Shimla), The Tranquil Inn (Manali), Hotel Holiday Inn (Mcleodganj). 

Some of the best backpackers hostels in the state are Zostel (Old Manali), The Culture Nation Hostel (Kullu), Nomads Hostel (Kasol). Himachali cuisine is well defined by the phrase Pahari Khana. It is highly nutritious, tasty and a tad bit spicy too. 

During your vacation in the state of Himachal Pradesh, don't forget to sample some of the most authentic dishes of the state such as Madhya (a specialty of Kangra region), Dham, Babru, Chha Gosht. If you have visited the state during the festive season, you shouldn't forget to sample the freshly baked, aromatic Akrotiri

Some of the most famed eateries in the state are Fascination (Shimla), Caf Shimla Times (Shimla), Dylan's Toasted and Roasted (Old Manali), The Chocolate Log (Mcleodganj), Nick's Italian Kitchen (Mcleodganj). 

Shopping Information about shopping in Himachal should find a place in any Himachal Pradesh Tourist Guide because tourists love to pick souvenirs from new places they travel too. 

The state is enriched by an intriguing craft culture. Some of the best items to shop at Himachal Pradesh are traditional woolens, shawls, caps, woodwork, metalwork, painting, traditional Pahari jewelry, Tibetan carpets, Rumals, locally made jams and pickles. Best places to shop in Himachal Pradesh are Lower Bazaar (Shimla), Sultanpur Market (Kullu), Tibetan Bazaar (Kullu), Mall Road Bazaar (Manali), Bhagsu Roadway Bazaar (Mcleodganj).

Besides, there are numerous government emporiums where you could shop a wide range of artifacts and traditional products at an affordable price. Costs of Traveling The average cost of daytime traveling in Himachal Pradesh ranges between Rs 500 and Rs 2000 for tourists who are looking for a luxurious vacation, per day expense could be as much as Rs 15,000. 

For mid-budget tourists, the average per-day expense could range between Rs 2500 and Rs 5000. For tight budget tourists, the average per-day expense could range between Rs 300 and Rs 1000. In other words, the cost of traveling in Himachal Pradesh very much depends on your budget and your preferences. 

Before embarking on a Himachal Pradesh tour, go through this Travel Operator for Himachal Pradesh to get a fair idea of what to expect during your vacation at Himachal Pradesh. Skyway Tour, one of the most reputed travel agencies of the country, is offering you with some of the best Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages, which is suitable for a family holiday, special honeymoon, etc., Explore the Skyway Tour Packages for Himachal Pradesh without delay!