A Guide to 5 Unexplored Places In Himachal   

What comes to your mind first when someone mentions Himachal? I’ll go first. To explore the unexplored places in Himachal.

We all have the desire to take some unusual breaks, don’t we?

Picture yourself amidst pine forests, strolling around laid-back villages, witnessing breathtaking scenery, enjoying pleasant weather with your favourite coffee in hand. These kinds of places ensure tranquillity in broad daylight!

While there is no dearth of places to visit in Himachal, there are some unexplored places in Himachal that will blow your mind away.

I am not adding Jibhi to the list, though I would love to. But, Jibhi is no more a “hidden gem” and this blog covers unexplored places in Himachal.

This blog is about the places that are yet to make it to the tourist’s list.

Keep reading.

Top 5 Unexplored Places In Himachal 

Shoja, Seraj Valley

Seraj Valley offers lush green meadows, scattered wilderness and meditative peace.

Shoja is one of the most romantic hill stations in Seraj Valley. The village consists of slopping lush green hills, bushy plantations and a quaint atmosphere.

This unexplored place in Himachal is near Kullu.

THINGS TO DO

The place offers more of a relaxation time and fewer activities. Some of the places to visit are:

• Waterfall Point. This is one of the popular destinations and is a 1km walk from Shoja.
• Trek to Raghupar: This is a short trek but a tough trail.
• Jalori Pass is about 5 km.
• Tirthan Valley. It is about a 21 km (1 hour) drive. If you are looking for some quiet time, lose yourself in the alpine meadows, magical forest and feel at home.
• Great Himalayan National Park. The park is about 20 km from Shoja. 

 HOW TO REACH

 By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is 54km/ 2 hours.

 By Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh, which is 279 km/ 7 hours.

 By Road: Shoja is within driving distance from – Shimla (153 km; 6 hours), Kullu (68 km; 3 hours), Jalori Pass (5km).

 It is a little difficult to reach here unless you are driving yourself.

WHERE TO STAY

Being an offbeat place, it doesn’t have a bunch of commercial accommodations, but you will find basic and comfortable places to stay.

We recommend Banjara Retreat and Cottage, Raja Guest House.  Mirella Stays (INR 3000 onwards).

For budget stays, check out this beautiful The Hosteller (INR 1500 onwards).

If you are open to adventurous stays, you can opt for Forest Rest House or similar guests houses nearby. You can also opt for a homestay in a village or get permission to stay in Youth Hostel.

IDEAL DURATION

 1 to 2 days. If you are doing excursions, then add more days to the itinerary.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to June; September to October.

Pro-Tip: June is the best time to witness when iris flowers are in full bloom and the valley turns blue.  

ANDRETTA

If you are an artist or an art enthusiast, you’ll fall in love with Andretta.

This is one of the unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh that has got little tourist attention. This village is anything but another ordinary Himalayan offbeat place.

There is an interesting backstory about this place.

This artistic village is one of its kind and thanks to Norah Richards, an Irish writer and dramatist.

During the British days, Norah Richards arrived in Andretta, bidding goodbye to England forever. Thereafter, there was no looking back.

Being an Irish actress, writer and theatre artist, her love for theatre was infectious and soon her students started picking up the art.

Every year she organized a theatre festival and attracted a lot of artists, Prithvi Raj Kapoor, a pioneering figure in India, being a regular performer!

THINGS TO DO

• Visit Sobha Singh Art Gallery. This museum displays the original creation of popular artist Sobha Singh.
• Visit Norah Richards’s house. Is there anything better than visiting the founder’s house? Don’t miss the small outdoor theatre located right outside the house.
• Find your inner peace at Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery. It is about 12 km from Andretta.
• Experience India’s oldest working studio pottery – Andretta Pottery and Craft Society.
• Don’t miss Palampur Tea Gardens. The abundance of tea plantation, lush green gardens with a backdrop of the Dhauladhar range will leave you speechless. The tea garden is about 13 km from Andretta.

 HOW TO REACH

 By Air: Gaggal Airport (Dharamshala) is 45 km away.

 By Rail: The major railhead is Pathankot, which is 90 km away.

 By Road: The below is the distance from various cities/towns.

 Dharamshala: 45 km/ 1.5 hour.

 Palampur: 13 km. It takes about 20-30 minutes by road.

 Delhi: Buses regularly ply to Dharamshala and Palampur. Hop on from any of the places to reach Andretta.

WHERE TO STAY

The Mirage Andretta, is a popular homestay hideaway in the mountains. The prices usually start from (INR 7000 onwards).

For budget options, check out Hotel Peak Bound, 2 km away (INR 1000 onwards), Hotel Highland Regency, 10 km away (INR 1000 onwards), Andretta Homestay (call them on 0912966660), 

There are other accommodation options that are a little away from Andretta. There is Welcome Heritage (INR 4000 onwards), Sterling Banquet & Hotel, 10 km away (INR 2500 onwards), Chimbalhar Homestay 

IDEAL DURATION

Depending upon the type of holiday and excursions, 1 to 4 days are enough.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to June & Mid-September to November.

NALDEHRA (near Shimla)

This enchanted town, tucked away from the hustle-bustle of Shimla, is one of our favourite unexplored places in Himachal. This small and sleepy town will fill your heart with awe.

The place is perfect for unwinding and indulging in activities amidst gorgeous terrain.

The erstwhile British Viceroy Lord Curzon discovered Naldehra. He was so mesmerised by the place that he built a massive golf course.  

Naldehra is famous as one of the oldest golf courses in the country. An 18-hole golf course is by far the most challenging golf course in India.

It won’t be wrong to say that Naldehra is every photographer’s delight!

THINGS TO DO

• Play at the most prominent golf course. The golf course is at a height of 6000 feet and is amongst the highest and oldest golf courses in India.
• Enjoy the pony ride. If you are adventurous and love being in nature, you can’t go wrong with this activity. Some local vendors offer pony rides in surrounding forest areas.
• Visit Mashobra. About 13 km from Naldehra, is this small town, at an altitude of 2146 feet above sea level. It attracts a lot of tourists for activities like biking, camping, trekking, para-gliding and so on.
• Dine at the revolving restaurant. If you are up for some luxury experience, visit Shimla’s first-ever revolving restaurant. The restaurant offers a magnificent view of the might Greater Himalayan snow ranges.
• Visit Chabba. This is another picturesque village which is 18 km away from Naldehra. If you wish to get triggered by an adrenaline rush, induce yourself in river rafting on the Sutlej River. Trust us, it won’t disappoint you.

HOW TO REACH

By Air: Jubbarhati Airport (Shimla) is 44 km away.

By Rail: The closest railhead is Kalka Railway station which is 112 km away.

By Road: It is 25km from Shimla. However, the roads are winding and treacherous, so expect a good amount of time to reach this town. Don’t miss the scenery while on the road.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many resorts, hotels and homestay options in Naldehra.

Some places that we recommend are: The Manor Service Apartment (INR 10,000 onwards), Woodstock Resort (INR 3000 onwards), The Nilaya Mashobra,(INR 3500 onwards), The Retreat Mashobra (INR 6000 onwards), The Chalet Naldehra (INR 8000 onwards).

IDEA DURATION

2 days or more.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

May to September.

TOSH VALLEY

When you feel like escaping to the undulating hills and connecting with your inner self, straight away head to Tosh Valley. This precious gem is one of the strikingly beautiful, unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh.

Tosh is at the far end of Parvati Valley and does not attract too many tourists. If you are planning a trip to Parvati Valley, do not miss this quaint village that deserves your attention!

THINGS TO DO

• Take a walk through the Parvati River for mesmerizing view and to feel elated.
• Taste Israeli food. Tosh has many Israeli restaurants and cafes. The experience and taste of food will stay with you. The Moon Dance Café, Buddha Palace, Café Freedom are some of the good Israeli places to eat scrumptious food.
• Find some peace in Tosh Mandir. This wooden mandir is in the heart of Tosh village.
• Trek at Kheerganga. This is one of the most popular things to do in Tosh. Enjoy lush green hills and the beauty of the Parvati River during your trek. The best time for this trek is April to June.

HOW TO REACH

Tosh is a place where there is no direct access from any major city.

The best way to reach Tosh is from Kasol (20km) via Barsheni, Manali (96km) or Manikaran (15km).

By Air: Jubbarhati Airport (Shimla) is 44 km away.

By Rail: The closest railhead is Kalka Railway station which is 112 km away.

By Road: Take a state bus from Manali (96 km)/ Kasol (20 km) and get down at Barshaini. From Barshaini, you can trek your way up to Tosh. There are also shared cabs available for this 5 km long route up to Tosh.

WHERE TO STAY

If you are looking for luxurious stays, then this isn’t a place for you. However, if you are up for staying in comfortable guesthouses and hostels, do not think twice about visiting this place.

We recommend Pink Floyd Café (INR 3000 onwards), Nomads Hostel (INR 2500 onwards), Whoopers Hostel (1000 onwards), StoneAge Café & Inn (INR 6000 onwards), Tosh Regency (INR 3000 onwards).

IDEAL DURATION

We recommend covering Kasol –Tosh – Kheerganga during your trip. For this trip, 4 to 5 days should suffice.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

April to October. The weather is pleasant during the summer and autumn months.

PARASHAR LAKE

Chances are, you may have heard about this place or seen pictures on social media.

Amongst the scenic valleys of Himachal Pradesh lies beautiful Parashar lake.

In Mandi district, the place is nestled between spiralling snowcapped mountains of Dhauladhar Ranges of Kullu. The lake holds mythological importance, dating back to the era of Pandavas.

Those who are looking for adventure, camping, trekking and such activities in the surrounding vicinity will enjoy this pretty place. The panoramic views of the valley coupled encircling the lake are an enchanting sight to behold.

THINGS TO DO

Primarily, this is a place where you can soak in the serenity, calmness, and beauty of the valley next to the lake.

For souls seeking some activities, we recommend a few things:

• Visit Prashar temple. The Pagoda temple has a rich history and was built in devotion to Prashar Rishi, who meditated in the valley back then. The grand lake provides a glorious backdrop to the temple.
• Go Trekking. You can find many adventure trails here around the year. A hike to the lake, with usually Mandi being the starting point, is popular. The trek is for about 3-4 hours, providing panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
• Visit Hampta Pass. It is about 30 km from the lake. We recommend the Hampta Pass trek for the first-timers as the route is relatively comfortable. The pass is full of breathtaking views.
• Go shopping in Mandi. It will amaze you how this quaint town has many shops that sell from garments to handicraft items to ornaments. To bring home some Himachali taste, you can buy dry fruits and spices.  

HOW TO REACH

The most common way to get to Prashar Lake is to first get to the small town of Mandi.

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is close to Mandi. The distance is about 60 km. Hop on a taxi or bus that will take you to Mandi.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Joginder Nagar Railway station, which is 55 km away.

By Road: Mandi connects to major cities such as Delhi (432 km), Chandigarh (200 km) and Shimla (131 km). From Mandi, Prashar lake is about 55 km.

The route will be Mandi – Bijani – Kamand – Baggi – Prashar Lake. The conditions of the road are average but not advisable during a monsoon.

WHERE TO STAY

The place offers two government-run guesthouses, Dharamshala and a couple of campsites. There are also a few hotels at the lake.

PWD Guest House. Check here for details. Contact them on 01905 222051.

Forest Guest House. They have basic rooms but offer excellent views. FGH is usually meant for government officials, but they do not remain occupied throughout the year. So, the chances are that they can allot the rooms for you subject to last-minute cancellation!

Dharamshala. This is the cheapest form of accommodation at the lake. This is a temple-run Dharamshala offering dormitory rooms at a nominal price. The catch is, the rooms aren’t clean and the washrooms are the problem as well.

Campsite. If you are looking for a campsite, consider this as a perfect location. Some campsites offer it for 1000-1500 for a day, including meals. They are not luxurious, so prepare yourself accordingly.

Alternatively, you can book your stay around the Mandi area. Check out Hotel Prashar Valley View (INR 2500 onwards), Tripper Nest Luxury Home Stay (INR 3000 onwards), Hill View Home Stay (contact property directly), Sri Prashar Homestay 

IDEAL DURATION

If you are travelling by car, the trip can be easily covered in 2 days.

However, if you are planning a trek, then add a few more days to your itinerary.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you are visiting Prashar for lush green valley, then from April to May & September.

If you prefer chilly weather with snowcapped mountains and lakes, then November to February is a perfect time.

It’s always a good idea to travel to unexplored places in Himachal as they are yet untouched by commercialization and have breathtaking views to offer.  

We hope you enjoyed the blog!

If you are planning a trip to Himachal, we have curated Himachal itinerary for 12 days. You may read it here. 

You may also like to read Discover the best Himachal Resorts!

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