In the times where coronavirus has restricted our daily life movements, coming across articles like this makes us crave even more for a getaway. Right? But as they say ‘Hope keeps us going.’; this too shall pass, and we will soon be able to plan our vacations to nature’s paradise.
Enough can’t be said about the beauty, glory, and charm of the state. The snow-clad mountains, clear waters, peaceful skies, endless pastures, winding roads, and more – all add to the tranquility of the place.
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Himachal Pradesh has been home to various cultures and you can enjoy their imprints while touring. Until the pandemic dies, gear yourself with all the interesting things that you can do in Himachal Pradesh. Here’s a list of a few wonderful things to do to make your trip memorable.
Sight-Seeing
Nestled amidst the mighty mountains, Himachal Pradesh is one of the destinations that are a perfect blend of beauty, art, and culture. Sight-seeing tours to places like Shimla, Manali, Kullu, Spiti, Kaza, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Palampur, Khajjiar, Chamba, McLeodganj, Naddi, Kufri, Narkanda, are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A trip to Himachal is packed with entertainment and beauty. The natural beauty of the place, rich culture, flora, fauna, the design of the edifices, and more walk you through the time. If you are a nature-lover and a seclusion seeker, trust me, there’s nothing better than this visual treat.
Temple Hopping
‘Agar ye nahi kiya to kya kiya?’ (If you don’t do this, did you even do something? When in Dev Bhoomi Himachal, visiting temples and monasteries is mandatory. The peace and serenity here are contagious.
A few religious places that you might like to visit are Sankat Mochan Temple, Jakhoo Temple, Vashishth Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Dhankar Monastery, Tara Devi Temple, Masrur Temple, Hadimba Devi Temple, Nako Monastery, Chamunda Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery, and more. As soon as you will step into any of these, you will feel as if you have been transported into another world – a world where you are away from the deafening noises, and where tranquility is your best friend.
Adventure Sports
There are lots of adventure activities that you can do in Himachal. You can try trekking and camp under the canopy of stars, or you can indulge in adventure sports like rafting, zip-lining, mountain biking, skiing, paragliding, ice-skating, zorbing, snowboarding, and lots more.
Bir Billing is one of the most famous paragliding spots in Himachal Pradesh. Other places where you can try different adventure activities include Triund, Pandoh Lake, Hanuman Tibba, Solang Valley, Malana, Kasol, Spiti Valley, Shimla, Narkanda, Dharamshala.
Heli-Skiing
Hanuman Tibba in Manali is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range and the most popular spot for heli-skiing. Try heli-skiing here. You will enjoy the adrenaline rush in your body while the cold breeze will slush through your face, and your eyes will enjoy the mesmerizing views.
Photography
The vicinities in Himachal Pradesh are meant to be photographed. The clear water of the lakes, admirable towns, adventurous mountainous roads, snow-clad mountains, lush green valleys, rugged landscapes, flora, fauna, architecture, and everything else – there is no dearth of subjects for the photographers. So, when you plan your trip to this awe-inspiring place, don’t forget to pack your cameras. Click those aesthetic pictures, upload them on your Instagram, and bless your feed with incredibly amazing vibes.
Shopping
Though there are no big malls in Himachal, you can always take souvenirs from local shops. This pretty state is famous for its woolen shawls, garments, and the famous Himachali Topi (cap). You can also buy some pretty woven carpets, stone gems, local jewelry, ceramic utensils, and more.
Exploring Culinary Delicacies
You need to taste the Himachali cuisines to warm your souls. Try new tastes and ingredients – beverages, desserts, local cuisines, street food, typical Pahari dishes. Since Himachal Pradesh is a popular tourist destination, you will find several food corners and restaurants that serve authentic and delicious food. Explore the delectable menus of the state. Apart from this, you ought to have hillside Maggi from the roadside stalls! (Nothing can beat this!)
Watch the Tibetan Opera
The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) was established in Dharamshala in 1959. It endorses the Tibetan culture and art. Also known as the Lhamo, the Tibetan Opera is a 9-day long celebration where ancient Buddhist folk tales and various stories of historical events are recited. So, if you are around the corner, you must not miss this. You ought to enjoy every moment of the gala.
Star Gazing
Everybody loves stars. Star Gazing is something that is so surreal. Isn’t it? One of the perks of being in Himachal is that you get to see clear skies. You can just lie down on the roof or the lawn, and look up at the sky to watch tiny things shining and spreading lights of hope and happiness. Just imagine! When in Himachal, take some time out for stargazing because this is something you don’t want to miss. Trust me!
That said, a trip to Himachal Pradesh is all you need to rekindle your spirits. You won’t even realize how quickly a week would pass. The trip will leave you wanting for more. And as much as you would want the time to freeze, you will have to return. But, only to plan another trip super soon!
Let’s hope the COVID-19 pandemic goes away for good so that we can start planning our trips to the ‘Jannat’ (heaven) on earth. Are you already excited about your trip to this beautiful state? Tell me in the comments. Also, if you have already been to HP, how did you spend your vacation? I’d love to hear about your experience.
PS: This article is written to help you plan your vacation to Himachal Pradesh. But given the current COVID scenario, it is wiser to stay at home, and take all the necessary precautions to keep the virus away.
