6 Beautiful Valleys To Explore In Himachal Pradesh

The North Indian hill state of Himachal Pradesh is such a place that it never ever fails to surprise you with its bountiful nature and its environs. Regardless of how many times you visit this pristine state you will always find something new to visit be it in the shape of valley’s or some remotely located pilgrimage destination. The present day trend is seeing more and more people opting for the less travelled or frequented, in other words unexplored places to visit in Himachal, untouched by commercialization. So much so that these hitherto unexplored areas are fast turning into tourist hot spots.

In this article, we have chosen a few of them and tell you about them so that you can plan a visit to these places on your next getaway, on any of the Himachal tour packages of your choice.

# Malana

Situated in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, this amazing and stunning village has a very distinct and interesting history tied to it and is home to very few families that stay here. The most revealing part of its historical claims that the inhabitants of this village happen to be the direct descendants of Alexander the Great.

The people of this village are very strictly the “touch me not” types, meaning that any visitor to this place is not permitted to touch anything or person in the village so much so that even in stores when you buy something you are asked to keep the money on the shelf and are expected to pick up the purchased goods off the shelf, a no-touch delivery system.

# Tirthan Valley

An ideal location for a relaxing and rejuvenating family vacation, or if you are planning an exotic honeymoon trip, then Tirthan valley is just the place to be at. A destination hitherto unexplored and seemingly untouched by any sort of commercialization, surrounded by the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) this destination is situated right beside the Tirthan River. The place, where you get to experience nature in its purest form also houses some medieval colonial structures that add to its beauty, places where you can find to spend time on your family vacation or your honeymoon.

# Chitkul

Chitkul, a village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is a place accessible only during the summer months, as it is mostly covered by snow during the winter period forcing even its inhabitants to move down to lower or reasonably warmer areas. It is also said to have the cleanest air compared to anywhere else in India, according to the Center of Atmospheric Sciences IIT Delhi. It, incidentally, also happens to be the last village in India, on the old Hindustan – Tibet trade route, where you could travel to without seeking any kind of a permit.

The legend here has it that the local Deity is a relation to the Deity of Gangotri and it is until very recent times that the local populace used to physically carry this Deity to Gangotri over the high mountain passes. Generally, the travelers to this quaint village stopover at Sangla and chalk out a day’s trip to Chtkul and back. The pristine river Baspa keeps you company during this round trip. It is also believed that this Goddess of Chitkul has been residing here in a temple supposed to be 500 years old. So to experience this and know more about this place and its history why not pick and choose anyone of the Himachal tour packages.

# Pabbar Valley

Swift brooks, picturesque hamlets, a variety of fruit orchards, have in the past drawn particular attention of the British Viceroys whom camped here to recuperate and rejuvenate, during their time. The Pabbar Valley, home to a vibrant mix of exquisite nature, has to offer, any and everyone who visits this pristine valley, something to enjoy and take back, when walking through it. The trek through this valley is a very comprehensive one that takes you through quaint hamlets, yet untouched by any form of tourism in other words virgin land, to cedar forests, birch and oak forests to, finally the mighty snow-capped mountains and valleys thereof.

# Thanedar

An 18 Kms drive from Narkanda or alternatively 80 Kms drive from Himachal’s capital Shimla lay the twin towns of Thanedar and Kotgarh, blessed an old-world charm, tempting apple orchards, pristine beauty, thick forest cover rendering crisp, clean air that has a tranquilizing effect on your soul and surrounded by picturesque villages, are a home to Apple and Apricot orchards having a history of their own, and are an ideal destination for families or honeymooners looking for a nature-centric and a comfortable experience far from the madding crowd. Various retreats adorn the place where you could check-in for a comfortable stay, here, moreover, this place is also known for its soft adventure tourism, as in, leisurely walks, treks, etc. The place is dressed in a spotless white cover of snow during the peak winter months of January to March.

# Gushaini

A quaint village with lush green surroundings that exudes an atmosphere of happiness and a rustic setting all with its wooden hutments and the buildings and smiling kids running around in the village streets and the meadows enjoying their simplistic lifestyle, Gushiani sits prettily on the banks of the pristine Tirthan River. It is an ideal getaway for trekking enthusiasts, in the Tirthan Valley. Moreover the confluence of the two rivers, nearby, namely, the Tirthan and the Flachan is a sight to behold.

It, incidentally, also happens to be a stopover for those planning to visit the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), and for those seeking to rejuvenate themselves far from the city’s hustle and bustle this place provides an ideal getaway, with its surrounding peach, pear, pomegranate, and apple orchards, a simple walk through them while relishing the fruits fresh off the trees and the sound of the Tirthan flowing through, is an experience that can only be believed when actually visited in person.