The picturesque state of Himachal Pradesh is nestled between the snow-topped Himalayan ranges in North India. Known for its panoramic landscapes, this spectacular paradise is blessed with lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, verdant valleys, thundering rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower-carpeted meadows, ancient temples, and magnificent monasteries steeped in time, and Himachal tour packages will combine this and more. Dotted with numerous hill stations, Himachal Pradesh is truly a slice of heaven on earth.

Himachal, the region of ice and beautiful valleys and mountains, has caught the imagination of the Indian populace for a long time giving Himachal Pradesh Tourism its signature charming reputation. Whether it is Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Kufri, Chhel, Palampur, McLeodganj, or Dalhousie, you name the place and the panoramic view is right there in front of your eyes. Shimla, the summer capital of India during the colonial era, has its own pristine beauty and its roads and markets would give you a nostalgic feeling that you never want to let go of. Kullu, famous for its apples, has such a picturesque view to offer that you just linger on for no tangible reason. Manali, another tempting destination has fame among tourists and is very popular as a honeymoon destination in India. The region has a great number of attractions including Bhrigu Lake, the Great Himalayan National Park, Hidimba Devi temple, and the Manali Sanctuary. Make sure you customize your Himachal trip to include the best of everything that Himachal has to offer.

Opt for Himachal Pradesh tour packages from SOTC and come close to nature with no hassle in place. Browse through our exclusive India tour packages to explore the best of the places in India. Also, check out our India honeymoon packages for a wonderful time with your special someone!

Table of Contents

• Most Popular Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages
• Quick Facts About Himachal Pradesh 
• Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh 
• How to Reach Himachal Pradesh 
• Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh 
• Things to do in Himachal Pradesh 
• Foods to Eat in Himachal Pradesh 
• Best Restaurants in Himachal Pradesh 
• Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh 
• Best Places for Shopping in Himachal Pradesh 
• People also ask about Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Most Popular Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Plan Your Himachal Trip with SOTC - Explore Heavenly Himachal

Quick Facts about Himachal Pradesh

Best time to visit Himachal Pradesh

• Summer in Himachal Pradesh
• Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh
• Winter in Himachal Pradesh

Summer in Himachal Pradesh

The summer season starts in Himachal Pradesh in March and you can travel to this place till June. The weather is pleasant during these months. Most people take Himachal tourism packages during this time to take a break from the heat in their city.

Monsoon in Himachal Pradesh

From July onwards the monsoon starts and if you take Himachal tourist packages during that time, you can get stuck in the state for a long time because of landslides and heavy rains. However, you can get great deals on Himachal packages during the monsoon season.

Winter in Himachal Pradesh

The next season that is also opted for by tourists for a trip to Himachal Pradesh is the winter season. The winter season starts in October-end and lasts till February. The winter season is an ideal time for honeymooners as they can witness the mountains covered with snow, and the view looks mesmerizing. You can even take part in various festivals that are celebrated here in the winter season. No matter what season you are choosing for your trip to Himachal Pradesh, you will not have to deal with heat. You can accordingly choose from the Himachal Pradesh tourism packages during these months.

How to reach Himachal Pradesh

• By Air
• By Rail
• By Road

By Air

Himachal Pradesh houses three domestic airports, located in Shimla, Kullu-Manali, and Dharamshala. These airports are well-connected to various cities in the country. Therefore, traveling to Himachal Pradesh is the easiest thing you can do.

By Rail

The hilly terrain in Himachal Pradesh is the reason why the Indian Railway could not do a lot of work on the tracks. However, Kangra, Kalka, and Shimla are connected by a narrow-gauge track to Pathankot in Punjab. As you plan to travel to Himachal Pradesh via train, you will be able to witness the scenic beauty of rural Himachal. The journey will be of around eight hours. Another option is a toy train ride, in which you will cross 102 tunnels, 864 bridges, and 900 curves. It is a 60 miles journey. The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The other trains that are available on the Kalka-Shimla route are Shivalik Deluxe Express, Shimla Express, Rail Motor Car, Shimla Kalka Passenger, and Himalayan Queen. Between March and September, you can find two special heritage carriages Shivalik Palace Tourist Coach and Shivalik Queen Tourist Coach. Between the months of April and June, two more special holiday trains are available on this route.

By Road

You can choose to travel to this beautiful state via road only if you are alright with the sharps turns. The state boasts eight national highways and 19 state highways that keep Himachal Pradesh connected with other states in the country. If you are traveling by your own car or are booking a cab, then you can visit even the remote places here. However, if you travel via bus, you have to follow a certain route. You can choose from state-owned buses or private buses. During the winter season, you might come across some roads that get blocked because of heavy snowfall. Therefore, when you plan to travel to Himachal Pradesh via road, you have to choose the months accordingly.

Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Whether you want to take a break from the scorching heat or witness snowfall, this state will never disappoint you. So, before you finalize your plan, let us discuss some of the tourist places in Himchal Pradesh that are worth visiting. You are likely to find many of these places in our Himachal tour packages. 

• Shimla
• Kullu-Manali
• Dharamshala
• Bir Billing
• Chitkul
• Malana
• Barot
• Mandi 
• Mcleodganj
• Dalhousie
• Kasol

Shimla

Shimla is certainly one of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. The weather in Shimla is charming and you can see a touch of British sophistication in the hill station. You can visit this place at any time of the year. However, if you still want to know the best time to travel to Shimla, then you should plan your Himachal holidays between May and July or November and January. In the last part of December and in January, you can even witness snowfall in Shimla. When you are here, you can try your hands at polo and even indulge in shopping. Shimla is one of the common destinations in most Himachal tourist packages.

Kullu-Manali

Kullu-Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal; thus, is another destination that you can find in the majority of the Himachal Pradesh tour packages. Kullu-Manali is highly frequented by tourists from across the world. The snow-capped mountains of this destination look gorgeous. While you are here, you can visit the Manali Bird Sanctuary, visit age-old temples, go trekking, river rafting, camping, and even try adventure sports at Solang Valley to make your trip to Himachal Pradesh even more interesting.

Dharamshala

From its climate to spirituality in the air, from temples to monasteries, you can have several reasons to visit Dharamshala. This is one of the places in India where the multi-cultural Indian community and Indo-Tibetan community live with each other in peace and harmony. You can visit the Bhagsunath Temple here which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and along with that, you can also visit Bhagsu Falls. You can also visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and the Kangra Art Museum in Dharamshala. Visiting Dharamshala can make your Himachal holidays worth it.

Bir Billing

Bir Billing is popular for adventure sports that can give you an adrenaline rush. You can indulge in paragliding under the guidance of experienced instructors. You can also visit monasteries here located in Bhattu and Choggan. Once you are free, you can take a tour of Palampur Tea Cooperative to see the tea-making process.

Chitkul

Chitkul is a sleepy town located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Chitkul is a place where you can spend some time. You can enjoy your time at the Baspa River or visit the Mathi temple. You can also opt for hiking to Charang Chitkul Pass. Chitkul is a place where you can connect with yourself during the Himachal holidays.

Malana

At Malana, you will get plenty of time to stay away from your gadgets and enjoy the greenery that surrounds you. The small village is gorgeous and the weather will take your breath away. The views of Deo Tiba and Chandrakhani crests from Malana look simply stunning. You can get to know the culture and customs of the village by attending the Malana festivals. You can also trek through the forests here. Since you can have a memorable time in Malana, you must get this included in the Himachal tourist packages.

Barot

Imagine spending your vacation camping, fishing, and trekking. Sounds like a dream, isn’t it? Well, this dream can come true if you plan your trip to Barot. If you want to take a break from your routine, you can head to Barot without a second thought.

Mandi

Mandi is also called Chhoti Kashi because the place is home to many temples. You can take a tour of more than 81 temples in Mandi and also spend time on the banks of River Beas. Covered with thick pine and deodar trees, Mandi is an ideal place for people who love greenery.

Mcleodganj

Mcleodganj is located very near Dharamshala and is one of the inclusions in the Himachal Pradesh tourism packages. In this little town, you can see Tibetan settlement and culture. While you are here, you can enjoy scenic vistas and delicious food. 

Dalhousie

Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, Dalhousie certainly has to be included in the Himachal tour packages. Away from the crowd and hustles of city life, Dalhousie is a place where you can find peace. The scenic views here are mesmerizing and without visiting Dalhousie, your Himachal Pradesh tour cannot be completed.

Kasol

You would be able to find a lot of Israeli crowds in Kasol. Although a much-preferred destination for youngsters, you can consider Kasol even if you are planning Himachal tours with your family. Ensure Kasol is included in the Himachal tourism packages. Some of the adventure activities that you can do here are hiking and trekking. While you visit Kasol, you can also take a tour of the nearby holy town of Manikaran.

Things to do in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is not all about scenic beauty and good weather. You can actually get to do a lot of things here. And if you are an adventure freak, then you are surely going to like this state. There are many places in Himachal Pradesh where you can try paragliding, trekking, hiking, skiing, etc. And if you just want to camp around a bonfire at night, while trying your hands at fishing in the morning, you will get this kind of opportunity as well in Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the things to do in Himachal Pradesh that you must not miss out on trying. If you check out the Himachal tour packages, you will find many of these activities included in them.

• Trekking
• Nature meet
• Explore Khajjiar lake
• Try golf
• Witness Tibetan culture
• Skiing
• Paragliding
• Shopping
• Visit monasteries

Trekking

Trekking at Triund hill is one experience that you would cherish all through your life. Triund hill is located on the lap of the Dhauladar range. The trail at this hill is for experienced trekkers. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are well-prepared for it. While trekking, you can enjoy the view of Shri Kunal Pathri Devi Temple, Gallu Devi Temple, Shiva Cafe, and Bhagsu Waterfalls. The best time for trekking on this trail is between March and June. As you opt for Himachal tourist packages, you must try this activity.

Nature meet

You must spare some time and visit the Great Himalayan National Park in Himachal Pradesh. Located in Kullu, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find the region dotted with Alpine peaks and meadows. You can come across more than 375 species of animals here. If you want to see the animals in their natural habitat, you can go on a jungle safari. The suitable time for a tour of this national park is between March and November. You can accordingly take a Himachal tour package.

A tour of Khajjiar Lake

Khajjiar Lake is one of the prime attractions in Himachal Pradesh’s Khajjiar. The verdant meadows beside the lake make it look like a painting that came to life. You can also admire the view of mount Kailash from this lake. Near the lake, you can indulge in activities like paragliding, horse riding, and zorbing. You can even check the Himachal tourism packages to see if a tour to Khajjar Lake is included.

Try golf

If you are a golf enthusiast, you can try it for free in Naldehra. It is a nine-hole course, which is surrounded by deodar trees. Apart from the sport, the view from this golf course is also splendid. You can visit the golf course throughout the year. 

Witness Tibetan culture

Learning about a new culture is always fascinating. And if you are the kind of person who likes knowing about different cultures, then you must visit Himachal Pradesh to meet the Indo-Tibetan community here. The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts was established in 1959 here to endorse and conserve the art and culture of Tibet. The prime highlight of the institute is the traditional Tibetan Opera or Lhamo. The celebration is carried out for nine long days.

Skiing

Heli-skiing to be precise is one of the offbeat activities that you can try when you are visiting Hanuman Tibba. You can try heli-skiing in the snow-covered Himalayas. The difficulty level is moderate to challenging. The best time to try this activity is between January and February. Therefore, you should look for Himachal tourist packages that feature places where you can try skiing.

Paragliding

Do you want to take fun and thrill to a different level? If so, you must try paragliding when you are at Bir Billing. The destination is located at an altitude of 2300 meters. As you try this activity, you would be jumping from a height of 8000 feet. This is the kind of memory that will make you feel proud throughout your life. The activity is available between 6 am and 9 pm every day. The suitable months are March to May, and October to November. You are most likely to get paragliding included in the Himachal packages.

Shopping

If McLeodganj is one of the places that you will be covering on your Himachal Pradesh trip, then you will also get ample opportunities to indulge in shopping. You can buy handloom crafts from the streets of this destination. The things that you can purchase are Tibetan Handicrafts, Singing Bowls, Paintings, Buddha Statues, Rugs, Colorful Notebooks, Handcrafted Diaries, Handmade Paper, Carpets, etc.

Visit monasteries

Whether you are visiting Dharamshala or McLeodganj, you will be able to visit several monasteries. You can see how the Tibetan monks lead their life here. If you are lucky enough, you can even get a chance to see The Dalai Lama. Even if you are not a Buddhist, visiting these monasteries will certainly bring you peace.

Foods to Eat in Himachal Pradesh

Himachali cuisines have their own fan base. When you are in Himachal Pradesh, you must not miss the chance to dig into the pahadi cuisines. Made of fresh and organic vegetables and meat, the food made in the restaurants, cafes, and highway eateries here is so good that the taste will be stuck on your tongue for a long. Here are some of the popular foods of Himachal Pradesh.

• Madra
• Dhaam
• Tudkiya Bhath
• Chha Gosht
• Babru
• Kullu Trout fish 

Madra

The main ingredients of this dish are chickpeas and vegetables. The spices include cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.  Madra originated from the Chamba district in the state. However, now you can find it in various places in Himachal Pradesh.

Dhaam

If you are one of those people who take health seriously and do not prefer compromising on food type and quality, then you will love to have dhaam. It is a complete vegetarian platter that includes daal, rajma, kadi, rice, curd, and jaggery. Each of the items in this platter is mouthwatering and is prepared with utmost care. You will be served this if you visit Himachal Pradesh during festivals and occasions. So, now you know when to visit Himachal Pradesh to enjoy Dhaam.

Tudkiya Bhath

You must have tasted many types of pulao but this one is different. The locals in Himachal Pradesh cook this pulao in a very different way. The ingredients that are added to this pulao are cinnamon, cardamom, onion, tomatoes, garlic, lentils, potatoes, and yogurt. For an even better taste, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to your Tudkiya bhath. You can very easily find this dish in Chamba.

Chha Gosht

Marinated lamb meat cooked in the gravy of yogurt and gram flour, Chha gosht is one of the dishes that is loved by non-vegetarians. The ingredients that are used in this dish are bay leaf, cardamom, ginger-garlic paste, coriander powder, red chili powder, and asafoetida. The taste of Chha gosht is unmatched. To get the best taste of this dish, you can eat it with roti.

Babru

In most places in India, it is called kachori, but here you will have to call it babru. It is flatbread and the stuffing in it is of black gram paste. These are mostly served hot and are crispy on the outer side. You can have a babru at any time of the day and you will easily be able to digest it. You can either have it with Madra or Tamarind chutney to get an enhanced taste of it. Once you try babru, you will forget all other kachoris. The best place to find babru is Shimla.

Kullu Trout fish

The name of the dish says all about where to find this item. To make this dish, Trout fish is marinated and cooked in minimal spices. This helps in keeping the original taste of the Trout. You can have this dish with other boiled vegetables. This dish is not only super delicious but also very good for your health. You will not feel heavy after eating this dish. It is a must one to go for, especially for non-vegetarians.

Best Restaurants in Himachal Pradesh

Now that you know some of the popular dishes that are among the must-try options, you also should have information about the best restaurants in Himachal Pradesh where you can find them. Please keep reading to know about them. 

• Renaissance, Manali
• Honey Hut, Shimla
• Lung-Ta, Mcleodganj
• Tibet Kitchen, Dharamshala
• Dylan’s Toasted And Roasted Coffee House, Manali

Renaissance, Manali

With a homely atmosphere and a beautiful ambiance, Renaissance in Manali is the restaurant that you would love to be at. You can admire the view of the lofty mountains from this restaurant. Some of the best cuisines that you can find here are Himachali food, Italian, and Mexican. The specialties of this restaurant which you must try are hot chocolate and hot & sour chicken soup.

Honey Hut, Shimla

While Mall Road is dotted with several restaurants and cafes, Honey Hut is considered one of the most sought-after options. You can get here Himachali, French, and Italian cuisine. The food here is sumptuous, while the prices are low. You might have to wait for your turn to place an order here since the restaurant is mostly crowded.

Lung-Ta, Mcleodganj

The properly designed dinner space in this restaurant is surely going to woo you. The warm atmosphere and delicious Japanese cuisines are the reasons why this restaurant has gained so much attention from locals as well as tourists. You can get vegetarian-friendly cuisines here, and you even will not have to worry about the bill. The rates of the dishes served here are budget-friendly. Of what they earn out of their restaurant, a certain percentage is given to Tibet Welfare through their non-profit operation.

Tibet Kitchen, Dharamshala

If you have done your research on Dharamshala while planning your trip, you must have come across the name of this restaurant. The ambiance is cozy and may appear a bit congested. However, no matter how the seating arrangement is, the restaurant is well-frequented by tourists and locals. You can taste authentic Tibetan food here. 

Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House, Manali

If you are tired after exploring the attractions in Manali and feel like sipping on some hot coffee, then you must visit Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House. Apart from coffee, you will also get pizza, cakes, bread, and cookies here. The portion size is quite huge. So, if you want to eat a pizza, ask your tripmates if they also would like to have it, since finishing one pizza by a person can be a bit too much.

Ideal Places for a Honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh

While planning our honeymoon, we mostly seek places that have great weather, many attractions, and several activities to do. Well, you can find all this in Himachal Pradesh. The weather in Himachal Pradesh needs no explanation, the attractions are so many that you would need lots of days to cover them, and the activities will keep you active for many days. If you are ready for all these, then start looking at the Himachal Pradesh honeymoon packages and choose one from the list. Here are some of the places that you must consider visiting as you opt for the Himachal tourist packages.

• Chail
• Chamba
• Dalhousie
• Solan
• Narkanda

Chail

Chail is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh that is popular for its verdant greenery and lofty hills. No matter how many days you spend at this place, it will never be enough. While you are here, you can visit Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Siddh Baba Mandir, and once you are done you can spend time with your partner. Chail is one of the places that you will often find in the Himachal Pradesh tourism packages.

Chamba

Chamba came to the limelight after the Bollywood film ‘Taal’. Perched on the banks of River Ravi, Chamba is one of the ancient towns in the state. You can witness the pristine waterfalls here cascading from heights and explore the area around Khajjar Lake. You can stay here for 2-3 days to feel nature closely. You can therefore choose from the Himachal tour packages and plan your trip accordingly.

Dalhousie

What makes Dalhousie unique is that it is located on five hills. The valleys here are filled with Pine trees and the gorgeous mountains in the backdrop make it look no less than heaven. Dalhousie is one of the top honeymoon destinations and is a part of many Himachal tour packages. A trip to this beautiful land will surely make your mood even better. While you are here, you can visit Daikund Peak, take a tour of Rang Mahal and Khajjiar Lake, and even explore Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary.

Solan

If you want to add a bit of thrill to your honeymoon trip, then you should not give it a second thought and choose Solan as your destination. You can start with paragliding, and then on the next day, you can opt for trekking. Solan is a charming hill hamlet and you can get an opportunity to visit Meteol Tibba and Karol Tibba. For trekking, you can make your way to Monkey Point. So, quickly find Solan in the Himachal tourism packages and start your journey.

Narkanda

You will surely find Narkanda in the Himachal tourism packages. If you wish to visit a place that remains under the blanket of snow, then book your trip to Narkanda. The apple orchards on the snowy landscape look like a postcard. You can hike to the apple orchards and even witness the snowfall. The memories of Narkanda will remain with you forever.

Best Places for Shopping in Himachal Pradesh

When you are visiting one such stunning destination, you must do a lot of shopping. You can buy locally made things from here and even souvenirs as memories. There are many markets in various places in Himachal Pradesh that must be visited during your trip. Let us discuss a few of them here.

• Tibetan Market, Shimla
• Himalayan Craft, Kullu
• Manu Market, Manali
• Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Dalhousie
• Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala

Tibetan Market, Shimla

Located on the hills of Shimla, Tibetan Market is the right place from where you can buy beaded accessories. Even the other items you find here are genuine. However, you must use your bargaining skills here, and if you are not good at it yet, start practicing. Stoles, shawls, jackets, and souvenirs are some of the items that you must buy from here. As you choose from the Himachal tour packages, you can check if Tibetan Market is included in it or not.

Himalayan Craft, Kullu

Have you been planning to buy bohemian-style items to decorate your home? Well, you can find them at Himalayan Craft in Kullu. You can even get your name, address, or other personal information on the items painted. You will come across various name plate designs that you can opt for. If you have great convincing skills, you can even try to get something custom-made from here. If you are adding Kullu to the Himachal tourism packages, you must take a tour of Himalayan Craft as well.

Manu Market, Manali

From books to handloom, apparel to footwear, crockery to utensils, and even imitation jewelry, you will get almost everything here. When you have ticked all the items on your shopping list, you can try the various snacks and other food sold by vendors here. You can get Manali added to your Himachal tourism packages and visit Manu Market.

Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Dalhousie

If traditional handicraft items are what you find interesting, then this is the place you must head to. Mats, jewelry, momentums, and even Chinese items, you name it, they have it all. You can keep up with your shopping spree till the time you are really tired.

Kotwali Bazaar, Dharamshala

Some of the most sought-after items here are sweaters, woolen clothes, shawls, carpets, Tibetan rugs, stone Buddhas, crystals, etc. Once your shopping here is done, you must go ahead and try the thukpa and momos here. Dharamshala is one of the popular places included in the Himachal tourist packages and a visit to Kotwali Bazaar is a must.