Have you ever dreamt of ditching the crowds and getting lost (in the best way possible) amidst the jaw-dropping Himalayas? Yeah, we too.
Himachal Pradesh is like a dreamland, with all its snow-capped peaks, small villages with apple-cheeked happy locals, and enough adventure to delight your heart. But here’s the thing: most travelers tend to stick to the more popular destinations like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala- which are awesome, don’t get us wrong. But if you’re looking to swap the tourist trail for something a little more off the beaten path, Himachal has a secret stash of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
At Infinite Journeys, we curate customized Himachal tour packages for families, couples, groups and solo travelers. We, as Infinite Journeys, are keen to introduce offbeat destinations of Himachal – away from crowd and chaos, to our discerning guests. Here are a few offbeat locations that you must explore if your idea of a perfect vacation is – snow, nature, and peace – without compromising on the luxury stay, and good hospitality.
Thanedar
Located in the Sutlej valley, Thanedar is known as the ‘Fruit Bowl of Devbhoomi’. Covered with lush green apple, plum and apricot orchards, it offers scenic walks amongst the trees. History buffs will be interested in learning about American social worker Samuel Stokes, also known as Satyananda, who introduced modern apple cultivation here in the early 1900s. Thanedar has sights like Tani Jubbar Lake and Hatu Peak that can be explored by travelers.
One can trek to Hatu Peak. Alternatively, one can trek from Hatu Peak to Jawbag which is a 45-minute ridge-walk. It’s an easy walk that can practically be done by everyone of any age and basic fitness levels.
Love trekking? Let us help you customize your tour plan for Thanedar.
To read more about Thanedar, Apples and Satyanand Stokes, you can read our blog.
Sangla
Nestled around 220 km from Shimla, the Sangla valley is surrounded by towering mountains. Home to numerous small villages, locals follow a sustainable way of life and visitors can experience their culture. Activities include the hike to Chitkul, the last village on the Indian side (before Tibet) and Kalpa, known for its apricot orchards. You can witness the unique architecture of the Sangla Bering Nag Temple, the Sangla Buddhist Monastery, and the Kamru village fort. Beware! Strolling next to the mesmerizing Baspa riverside can make you addicted to the untouched natural beauty. With scenic landscapes around every corner, Sangla makes for a transcendent Himalayan experience. Plus, Sangla transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls!
Tirthan Valley
Located near the small town of Banjar in Kullu district, the lush Tirthan valley is heaven for nature lovers. For trek lovers, The Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP) awaits you at Tirthan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to rare snow leopards and varied flora and fauna. Imagine hiking next to the Tirthan River, deep within dense forest, camping under the stars on your way to the Tirath glacier. Sounds thrilling, right? We can make it happen for you!
You can also take a drive to Jalori Pass. It connects Jibhi Valley to Shimla and is famous for scenic views, and snow-capped mountains. Once at Jalori Pass, you can take a quick, easy-level hike to Serolsar Lake (5 km one way). The total hike time is approximately 4 hours. Infinite Journeys team can plan all these activities through our customized Himachal tour packages.
Sojha
Nested about 5 km from the famous Jalori Pass, Sojha is barely discovered by travelers. It offers majestic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges. Here, one can experience pristine natural beauty and a glimpse of traditional village life. Interestingly, the Sojha area is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park. You can witness forests of deodars, conifers, and toosh. Once in Sojha, you can explore Chahini Kothi, a heritage skyscraper. Hike to pretty Serolsar Lake or the ruins of Raghupur Fort – the adrenaline rush is guaranteed! Indeed, this offbeat destination makes for an ideal detour while passing through the Tirthan valley.
Jispa
Located in the Lahaul Valley, Jispa offers easy access to Baralacha La Pass, making it an offbeat destination for nature lovers. It is an ideal pitstop while traveling to or from Leh. Adventure seekers can trek to high-altitude lakes and relax by the riverside. Wake up to a view of the Bhaga River and snow-capped mountain peaks. Truly, Jispa is an offbeat destination you need to break free from the city chaos and reconnect with nature. Let our team at Infinite Journeys be your guide to planning a customized holiday experience in Jispa!
Sonaugi
Do you wish to experience the Himachali Kathkuni style stay? Sonaugi, a small village near Manali, is your offbeat place to be! You can choose to stay at an exclusive rustic homestead that offers a unique experience of earth-friendly spaces designed in the local Kathkuni architecture.
With breathtaking mountain views and activities like hiking, this small village of Sonaugi offers unspoiled nature and peace. You can take a blissful walk to the Beas River, where the paths decorated with deodar, cedar trees will provide a different experience altogether. If you wish to take a longer walk/hike, we can help you plan for the Jana Village Walk or Nashala Village Walk.
Wrap Up!
Himachal Pradesh has countless off-the-tourist trails that await discovery. While places like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala will always draw large crowds, venturing to these lesser-known destinations help travelers truly immerse themselves in pristine nature and local culture. For an unforgettable holiday amid unexplored Himalayan beauty, Infinite Journeys provides customized itineraries with luxury stays and scenic views of these offbeat destinations. We understand that when you seek an offbeat destination, you want to unwind in the lap of nature, feel rejuvenated, and simultaneously indulge in the luxuries of a popular destination with comfortable accommodations, excellent hospitality, and thrilling activities. Roger that! We’ve got you covered!
Can’t wait to visit these offbeat destinations? Explore Infinite Journeys’ exclusive itineraries that cover one or more of the destinations mentioned above :
- The Sangla Sojourn With Thanedar and Sangla
- Unexplored Himachal With Thanedar and Sojha
- Offbeat Himachal (with Manali) With Sonaugi
- Himachal Off The Beaten Track – I Tirthan and Sonaugi
- Best Kept Secrets of Himachal Sojha and Sonaugi
- The Golden Triangle of the Himalayas Sojha, Sangla and Thanedar
Get in touch with us and customize your holidays like never before!
