Himachal is full of famous tourist places like Manali and Shimla, right? But beyond these crowded places lies a world of untouched beauty. If you want to experience the mountains, you need to travel to those small spots. These places are slow in time, where you wake up to the sound of birds.
While travelling, you must seek out these places, but you were not lucky. But worry not, I have a hundred places to explore in Himachal. So, in this blog, I’ll take you through 5 hidden gems in Himachal that are perfect for anyone looking for hidden places in Himachal.
Kalga and Pulga – Fairytale Villages of Parvati Valley
If you dream of living in wooden cottages surrounded by apple orchards, Kalga is the best place to explore. This village in Parvati Valley is quiet and stunningly beautiful. You can spend your days walking through the orchards, talking to locals, or just sitting by your homestay window watching clouds cover the mountain tops. Kalga serves as the starting point for trails like Kheerganga and Bunbuni Pass. Both treks are beginner to moderate level.
Pulga is another village that can grab your attention towards the peaceful valley. It is just 2 km away from Kalga by trekking. If you have a vehicle, you can take a ride as well, but you would miss rivers and waterfalls during the trail.
How to reach: You first take a bus from Delhi to Bhuntar. Head to Barshaini, and from there, a short hike takes you straight into this peaceful paradise, Kalga and Pulga.
Sainj Valley – A Slice of Untouched Paradise
Tucked away in the Great Himalayan National Park, Sainj Valley is a peaceful alternative to the crowded tourist spots of Himachal. The village life here is simple and beautiful. You can take easy walks through the valley and visit Deohari to spend time.
Waterfalls will amaze you with their easy treks. Rupi Riala Waterfall is one of the best when you don’t feel like trekking anymore. Just 10 minutes walking distance and tada! You are watching the best view.
Unlike the more commercial parts of Himachal, Sainj is still pure and untouched, where you can visit Laxmi Narayan Temple, an awe-inspiring moment for all of us. To reach Sainj, you can take a bus to Aut and then a taxi or local bus will take you to the Sainj valley.
Bir – More Than Just Paragliding
When people think of Bir, they think of paragliding, but this town offers so much more. The landing site is a perfect spot to sit and watch the colorful paragliders coming down against a golden sunset. But apart from that, you can visit the beautiful Baijnath Temple, only 10 km away from Bir (take a local bus to reach here).
Take a tour of the Bir Tea Factory to learn how mountain tea is made. Moreover, walk up to Gunehar Waterfall for some peace. And of course, monasteries in Bir will make you believe in positive energy in the mountains. You can take a ride up to Billing, the take-off point for paragliders. Even if you don’t plan to fly, the view from up there is breathtaking. To reach here, you can take the direct bus from Delhi to Bir.
Shangarh – Meadows Straight Out of a Painting
If you want to stand in the middle of wide green fields with mountains surrounding you from all sides, Shangarh will steal your heart. This small village is one of the most picturesque places in Himachal. The Shangarh meadows are the main attraction here, perfect for a quiet walk or a picnic.
You can also visit the nearby Barshangarh Waterfall, which is still untouched by heavy tourism. Shangarh is peaceful, simple, and feels like a place frozen in time. From Aut, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach this hidden beauty.
Shoja – Where Valleys Meet
Shoja is another quiet little village that makes for a perfect stay between Kullu and Seraj valleys. It’s the kind of place where you can sit with a cup of tea and watch the mist roll over the hills. One of the main attractions here is Jalori Pass. From there, you can also trek to Serolsar Lake and Raghupur fort. Bijli Mahadev is also nearby this place, so you can be ready for the trek too.
summing up
These five places are not your usual tourist spots. They don’t have crowded markets, flashy hotels with expensive stays, traffic, or noisy streets. Instead, they give you peace and a taste of real Himachali culture. Visiting these hidden gems in Himachal is more than just a trip; it’s an experience that stays with you.
If you’re planning your next mountain trip, skip the crowded destinations and try one of these hidden gems in Himachal. Carry light, keep offline maps handy, and be ready to slow down and enjoy the simple joys of mountain life.
