Which places comes to mind, when I say Himachal Pradesh? Let me guess, Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and McLeodganj, right?
In this blog post, let’s explore the offbeat places of Himachal Pradesh also known as Hidden Gems of Himachal Pradesh. If you are looking for a peaceful budgeted retreat, then you are on the right page. These hidden gems take you to the mesmerizing beauty, authentic local food and culture. These come with less crowded tourists and inflated prices.
Here your guide to 7 offbeat and budget-friendly places in Himachal Pradesh you must check out on your next trip.
Dharamkot – The Hippie Hamlet Above Dharamshala
Dharamkot, a peaceful quaint village famously known as “Mini Israel”, and the credit goes to the Israeli travelers. The village is situated a short distance of Mcleodganj, you can take a bus or cab to reach Dharamkot. Once you reach here, take a short tuk-tuk ride uphill to Dharamkot.
Dharamkot is famous among backpackers, artists, spiritual seeks and nature lovers. You don’t need to rush here, sit and relax your mind with breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar ranges. You can read books with mesmerizing views, yoga or meditate at Vipassana Meditation Centre, or just chill with local people. You are in Dharmkot, so don’t miss Israeli dishes like Shakshuka, Hummus & Pita at cafes like Trek & Dine or Bodhi Greens.
For adventure lovers, go for a hiking at Triund, or visit Bhagsu Waterfall at Mcleodganj and don’t miss the delicious food at Shiva Café.
Budget tip: Dorms and guesthouses start as low as ₹300–₹500 a night.
Shangarh – Serene Meadows and Soulful Silence
Shangarh, situated in the buffer zone of Great Himalayan National Park and is an untouched beauty. The mesmerizing beauty, traditional wooden temples, pine-covered hills, and vast green Shangarh meadows.
The untouched beauty is surrounded by deodar forests and is the best place for spiritual people. Explore nearby villages, famous Shangarh Temple and Pundrik Rishi Lake. If you want an adventurous ride, go for a hike or trek. Don’t miss the authentic local food and try siddu. Cab is the best option to reach here, if you want to go by bus take a bus to Aut (nearKullu), then local buses or taxis go to Sainj, and onward to Shangarh.
Budget tip: Stay with local families or in basic guesthouses starting around ₹500 a night and enjoy authentic Himachali meals.
Chitkul – The Last Village on the Indo-Tibet Border
The last village on the Indo-Tibetan Boarder, Chitkul is situated at Kinnaur district is untouched beauty and a paradise for nature lover. Chitkul is at a remote location and located along the Baspa River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
If you want a peaceful retreat, Chitkul is the best place to relax amidst the view of snowy mountains and take photographs of nature. You can visit the ancient temple of goddess Mathi Devi. If you are adventurous, trek to Nagasti ITBP post with valid ID cards.Don’t miss the local cuisine, like rajma-chawal, momos, and thukpa. Alsom try Chulli ka wine (apricot wine) which is rare to find, but locals can help you out. To reach here, you can take a local bus or shared cab to Sangla, then continue 20 km to Chitkul by local jeep or taxi.
Budget tip: Try local homestays for ₹400–₹700 per night, and relish rajma-chawal with a view.
Kalga, Pulga & Tulga – The Tranquil Trio in Parvati Valley
You must have explored the beauty of Kasol, but have you heard the quaint villages in Parvati Valley. If you want to connect with nature and look for a peaceful retreat from hustle bustle life, then Kalga, Pulga, and Tulga villages has all for you.
These three villages give breathtaking views and are surrounded by apple orchards and pine forests. It’s time to detox your body from digital life, and popular among backpackers and artists, read books, write or just a peaceful escape to mountains. Take a walk through the mystical Fairy Forest in Pulga or simply chill in boho cafes with mountain view, eat delicious food (prefer Banana Pancakes or any Israeli Platter) and read your favorite novel.
To reach these villages, first reach Barshaini, then hike for around 15-30 minutes uphill to the villages.
Budget tip: You can find rooms in quaint homestays or cabins for ₹300–₹500 per night. Don’t miss the walk through the Fairy Forest in Pulga.
Shoja – The Hidden Gem of Seraj Valley
Shoja, a less crowded and misty village with breathtaking views surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peak mountains. This untouched landscape is perfect for a peaceful retreat, and close to nature where you can hear the chirping of birds. Shoja Village of Himachal Pradesh is also known for its alpine beauty and traditional Himachali wooden houses. If you love adventure, Raghupur Fort is the best place to trek, and you can also visit Serolsar Lake.
A simple authentic food, daal-chawal, red rice, and ghee-roti is perfect for a healthy lifestyle, which you can easily get at homestay. If you are non-vegitarian, try chha gosht (Himachali yogurt mutton curry).
To reach Shoja Village, take a bus to Aut, then head towards Banjar and Shoja by local taxi or shared cab.
Budget tip: Choose between hostels or charming homestays starting from ₹500. Pack a few snacks as shops are limited!
Kaza – A Budget Backpacker’s Gateway to Spiti
This time don’t plan only Spiti Valley, explore Kaza, a vibrant place for adventure lovers. Kaza is a lesser-known place and thus, it’s budget friendly. Kaza, a high-altitude village, is situated at 12500 feet, surrounded by mountains, and stark desert landscapes. There are ancient monasteries, like Langza, Hikkim, and Kibber to meditate.
The heart of Spiti Valley, Kaza is more than just a stopover — it’s a vibrant hub for adventurers. With its dramatic mountain backdrop, monasteries, and friendly locals, Kaza is both culturally rich and budget friendly. Visit Key Monastery, Langza (Fossil Village), Hikkim (World’s Highest Post-Office), and Kibber to meditate. You can also explore Spiti Riverbanks and chat with locals and enjoy the peaceful village life.
Don’t miss Tingmo (steamed buns), Thukpa, Yak butter tea, and Spitian bread with apricot jam at Kanza village. There are two ways to reach Kaza, first from Shimla via Reckong Peo that opens throughout the year, and other one is from Manali via Kunzum Pass which is available for tourists from June–October.
Budget tip: Basic guesthouses and Zostels range from ₹500–₹700. Eating at local dhabas keeps your wallet happy and your belly full.
Sethan – A Snow Lover’s Secret Just Outside Manali
Sethan Valley, located at a short drive of 12kms from Manali, turns into winter wonderland in snows and green retreat in summers. Sethan is a tiny Buddhist Village which offer peaceful retreat, and away from hustle bustle tourist place. You can visit Sethan, throughout the year, but if you are planning in winter, you can enjoy a stay at Igloo, and do winter activities like snow trekking, and snowboarding. While, in summer, the valley turns into a lush green beauty, and an ideal place for stargazing, nature walk and a great view of Dhauladhar range and Beas valley.
Sethan Valley is famous for the hot pahado wali maggi, momos by the fire, local authentic meals with soup and rice. As I mentioned above, it’s only 12kms away from Manali and local cab or bike are easily available.
Budget tip: While igloo stays can be pricey, there are budget homestays that offer meals and stay for under ₹1000.
Travel Tips to Explore Himachal’s Offbeat Location
- Transport: Local buses are cheap but infrequently, I would advise going by shared cabs and hitchhiking (in safe zones) are great options.
- Stay: Instead of staying at a luxurious hotel, choose homestays for cultural immersion and cheaper rates.
- Eat Local: You guys enjoyed a lavish dish and tried a local authentic food at local Dhaba’s or homestay.
Final Thoughts
which are away from crowded tourist places. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, these offbeat destinations promise authenticity, connected with nature and a budget friendly trip.
Don’t wait and explore these places, do share your thoughts on the blog.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema……
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