Starting at INR 22,000 INR 28,000
Himachal Pradesh Offbeat Tour Packages
Overview
Are you someone who is waiting to experience the raw beauty of Himachal but not interested in crowded places like Manali and Shimla? If that’s what’s on your mind, then offbeat locations in Himachal are exactly what you’re looking for. And how do you get the same? Cliffhangers India is here to curate the best hidden places in Himachal for your dream trip.
An exploration of the remote locations of Himachal Pradesh offers an unforgettable experience. While the state is generally popular for hill stations like McLeod Ganj and Shimla, a completely different world awaits you at these offbeat spots. You get to discover the path less taken, rather than the usual routes.
If you are wondering how to access them, offbeat Himachal Tour Packages are the way to go. The itinerary of the packages include places like Tirthan Valley, Shoja, Jibhi, Barot, etc.
When you are on such a journey, temple visits, attending the festivals, and local Interaction are part of the package. Other than sightseeing, offbeat activities like hiking, stargazing, forest bathing, trout fishing engage the tourists the most.
At these places, the accommodation generally includes homestays in different villages or camping in open meadows.
It is always advised to go for a guided tour especially for first-timers. The routes of these less explored villages can be confusing. Other than that, you get a detailed insight of different local attractions.
Traveling to offbeat places in Himachal will give the experiences that you will never even expect:
- You escape the tourist rush and find peace in hidden gems.
- You witness untouched natural beauty far from commercial chaos.
- You experience authentic Himachali culture and village life.
- You enjoy crowd free treks and peaceful mountain trails.
- You stay in cozy homestays with heartwarming local hospitality.
- You support sustainable tourism and uplift local communities.
- You embrace slow travel, soul searching, and a digital detox.
With Cliffhangers India, book a much-needed offbeat tour package to Himachal Pradesh and have an experience of a lifetime.
Why Choose Cliffhangers for Himachal Offbeat Tour Packages
Customised Travel Packages:
Neither do we support following any trends nor do we ask you to do so. We are known to offer offbeat travel packages in Himachal Pradesh and other states of India, that are convenient as per your budget, travel duration, etc. The attractions and outdoor activities in the itineraries are personalised as well based on your preferences and likings. Starting from a luxury package to a budget-friendly one, we have a range of options for our customers.
24×7 Support System:
Right from booking a trip or trek with us to finally saying goodbye to Kashmir, we are in constant touch. A 24×7 support system is something that stands us apart. Even in our Taxi Services, we offer late-night pick ups to early morning drop offs. We have local contacts who are quick with responses in case you need any assistance. We make sure to send you useful reminders before and during the trips. Follow-up calls throughout the trip is another effort towards keeping everything smooth and safe.
Flexibility in Travel Plans:
Apart from personalised itineraries, the customers have completed liberty regarding any modification in travel plans. With minimal fees, they can alter dates and even add or remove destinations and activities. As a travel agent, the tourists are never asked to follow any rigid schedules or time tables. We even offer en route sightseeing with enough time to explore.
Client Reviews:
Post trip, we do request our clients for reviews and ratings. We appreciate and thank our customers for positive reviews and continue to evolve the services in the best way possible. We wholeheartedly accept any constructive criticism as well and work on it relentlessly. After all, a satisfied and happy customer is our final motto.
Handpicked Stays and Delectable Meals:
Your happy days are what we hope for. With handpicked stays and homely meals, we make sure you’re having the best time of your life. Trust and safety are what we work towards. When our clients enjoy their best moments with our customized tour packages, we move closer to our goal.
Top 5 Offbeat Places to Visit in Himachal
01. Rasol
Rasol is a quiet village in Himachal Pradesh. It is always part of the offbeat Himachal tour package.
To reach it, you must trek about 5 kilometers from Chalal, which usually takes 3 to 4 hours depending on how well you know the path.
This place is not very well known. The people of Rasol mostly stay away from contact with outsiders. When you visit, you will find them busy with daily tasks like farming and spinning wool by hand.
While you are in the village, you can also visit the Jamadagni Rishi Temple, which is dedicated to a form of Lord Vishnu.
Nearby, another village called Kasol is also worth visiting.
- Best Time: March to June for pleasant trekking weather
- How to Reach: Trek 5 km from Chalal near Kasol
- Highlight: Secluded Himalayan village with the Jamadagni Rishi Temple
- Travel Tip: Start early and respect the locals’ privacy
02. Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is another offbeat place in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Even today, it remains less crowded and peaceful. It is about 60 kilometers from Manali, and you can easily reach it by taxi or cab.
One of the main attractions here is the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to many plants and animals. If you’re lucky, you might even see rare species like the Snow Leopard or the Himalayan Brown Bear.
The valley is also known for its small villages, which are spread along green fields and flowing streams. Walking through these villages gives you a look at the daily life and customs of the people who live there. It is a quintessential part of the Himachal Pradesh offbeat tour packages.
- Best Time: March to June and September to November
- How to Reach: Drive or taxi from Bhuntar airport or Aut on the Manali highway
- Highlight: Great Himalayan National Park and scenic riverside villages
- Travel Tip: Book your stay in advance and carry cash
03. Kaza
Kaza is a small town in the well-known Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It lies between dry mountains and green patches, making it a good stop for those who enjoy adventure.
One of the main places to visit here is the Kaza Monastery, which stands on a hill. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the area and gives a wide view of the valley.
There are many things to do in and around Kaza, like trekking, camping, and nature walks. You can also explore nearby villages such as Hikkim, Langza, and Kibber, which give a closer look at local life.
Keep in mind that for some areas in Spiti Valley, tourists must get special permits. It’s better to arrange these before your visit.
- Best Time: May and June for open mountain passes.
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla or Manali (summer only).
- Highlight: Ancient monasteries and gateway to Spiti’s high-altitude villages.
- Travel Tip: Arrange permits and acclimatize to the altitude.
04. Solan
Solan is a small town located in the lower hills of the Himalayas, near the border of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. It is a calm hill station, good for a peaceful break from busy city life.
Solan is known as the “Mushroom Capital of India” because it produces many mushrooms every year. It’s also called the “City of Red Gold” due to the large amount of tomatoes grown here.
The town has several old religious sites like the Shoolini Mata Temple, Jatoli Shiv Temple, and the Menri Monastery, which is one of the well-known monasteries in the area.
There is also a 300-year-old fort on a hilltop nearby that gives wide views of the surroundings. Other places you can visit include the Nalagarh Fort, Majathal Sanctuary, and Dagshai, a quiet former British cantonment with a small Jail Museum.
- Best Time: March to July for mild weather.
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road, train, or taxi from Shimla or Chandigarh.
- Highlight: Known as the “Mushroom Capital of India” with historic temples and forts.
- Travel Tip: Try local mushroom dishes and visit during the Shoolini Fair.
05. Narkanda
Narkanda is a quiet town about 63 kilometers from Shimla, surrounded by forests, hills, and green apple orchards. It also serves as a route connecting Shimla to the regions of Kinnaur and Spiti.
Located at around 9,000 feet, Narkanda gets a lot of snow in winter, which makes it a good place for skiing.
One of its main attractions is the Stokes Farm, the oldest apple orchard near Shimla, about 16 kilometers away.
For those who enjoy adventure, the Hatu Peak Trek is a popular activity. The trail passes the Hatu Mata Temple and the peaceful Tannu Jabar Lake. From the top of Hatu Nag hill, you can see wide views of the valleys, making it a memorable visit.
- Best Time: March to June for apple orchards, December to February for snow.
- How to Reach: 63 km by road from Shimla.
- Highlight: Apple orchards, skiing, and the Hatu Peak trek.
- Travel Tip: Pack warm layers and check road conditions in winter.
06. Shoja
Shoja is a quiet hamlet located near Jalori Pass in the Seraj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its dense pine forests, tranquil environment, and scenic mountain views.
Shoja serves as a base for treks to Serolsar Lake and the historic Raghupur Fort. The village is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking solitude away from crowded tourist spots.
This beautiful village is often known as the best kept secret of Hiamchal pradesh. And that makes it one of the best offbeat places to visit in Himachal.
- Best Time: April to November
- How to Reach: By road from Banjar or Bhuntar airport via Jalori Pass
- Highlight: Pine forests, Serolsar Lake trek, and peaceful mountain setting
- Travel Tip: Carry warm clothes even in summer evenings and explore local trails on foot
07. Malana
Malana is a unique and ancient village in the Parvati Valley, famous for its distinct culture and self-governance. It lies about 21 kilometers from Kasol and is accessible by a steep trek.
The village is known for its traditional lifestyle, ancient temples, and the production of Malana cream (charas). Visitors get a rare glimpse into a society that has preserved its customs for centuries.
No list of hidden places in Himachal will be complete without Malana. Here you will experience the true meaning of pahadi life that made you come to this page.
- Best Time: March to June and September to November
- How to Reach: Trek 3 kilometers from Jari village near Kasol
- Highlight: Distinct culture, ancient temples, and traditional governance
- Travel Tip: Respect local customs and avoid photography inside the village
08. Barot
Barot is a quiet valley tucked away in the Mandi district, known for its lush greenery, trout fishing, and hydroelectric power station. It is about 60 kilometers from Mandi town and accessible by road.
The area is popular for angling, trekking, and camping along the Uhl River. Barot offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by dense forests and wildlife.
Barot is also the entrance to the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans 278 square kilometers. Monkeys, Black Bears, Monal, and Wild Cats call it home. Trek routes to the Kullu and Kangra Valleys begin in Brot.
- Best Time: March to June and September to November
- How to Reach: By road from Mandi or Pathankot via Jogindernagar
- Highlight: Trout fishing, camping, and forest treks
- Travel Tip: Carry fishing gear if interested and book accommodations early during peak season
09. Sangla Valley
Sangla Valley in the Kinnaur district is a picturesque destination known for its apple orchards, traditional villages, and the Baspa River. It lies about 200 kilometers from Shimla and is reachable by road.
The valley offers cultural experiences with visits to villages like Kamru and Rakcham, ancient temples, and scenic trekking routes.
The Sangla Holi is one of the best to attend. From here you can also visit Chitkul the last village of India. The village life here is perfect mix of mountain life and spiritual retreat.
- Best Time: May to October
- How to Reach: By road from Shimla or Rampur via NH5
- Highlight: Apple orchards, Baspa River, and traditional Kinnauri culture
- Travel Tip: Acclimatize well due to altitude and carry cash as ATMs are limited
10. Rumsu Village
Rumsu Village, perched high above Naggar, is a tranquil spot favored by trekkers heading to Chanderkhani Pass. It features traditional wooden homes, a historic temple, and serene forest surroundings.
The traditional Kath Kuni-style wooden houses, which embody the true Himachali way of life, are what distinguish it from other villages. Rumsu is also well-known for being the starting point for the Chanderkheni Pass trek, which leads to Malana base.
- Best Time: April to November
- How to Reach: Drive from Naggar, then a short hike to the village
- Highlight: Alpine meadows, cultural festivals, and peaceful forest trails
- Travel Tip: Stay in wood-carved homes and engage with locals during village fairs
Best Offbeat Activities to do in Himachal
Stargazing
The Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh accommodates some of the most offbeat villages.
Since there’s minimal to no pollution here in the beautiful valley, it is an ideal place for stargazing. You can visit hamlets like Chicham, Dhankar and Langza to witness some of the clearest skies and the celestial bodies of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Engage in photography at such places and click gorgeous shots. Interested visitors can plan guided tours where you are provided telescopes and possible guidance.
March to October is the ideal time for the offbeat activity, that is, stargazing and Spiti Valley is the place to be.
Where to do: Spiti Valley villages like Chicham, Dhankar, and Langza offer spectacular night skies from March to October.
Trout Fishing
Located in the Kullu district, Tirthan Valley is a quiet and lesser-known paradise for anglers.
The waters of the Tirthan River are home to brown and rainbow trout. Such huge fish pollution makes it a great spot for fly fishing.
With an advance fishing permit from the local authorities, visitors can enjoy fishing in an ambience surrounded by pine forests, traditional villages, and snow-capped peaks.
The area is also great for riverside picnics, birdwatching, and staying in eco-friendly lodges. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a curious beginner, trout fishing in Tirthan is a peaceful, rewarding experience.
Where to do: Tirthan Valley in Kullu is perfect for trout fishing with a permit amidst serene nature.
Exploring Ancient Villages
Kinnaur is a culturally rich and remote region known for its mystical beauty and traditional Himalayan life.
A unique offbeat activity is walking through ancient villages like Kalpa, Chitkul, and Sangla. These villages are home to wooden temples, Buddhist monasteries, and homes built in the traditional Kath-Kuni style. You’ll witness locals engaged in farming, weaving, and storytelling traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Conversations with the residents reveal a deep respect for nature and spirituality. Exploring these places on foot allows you to absorb the untouched charm, try authentic Himachali cuisine, and experience slow travel.
Where to do: Discover traditional life in Kinnaur’s villages Kalpa, Chitkul, and Sangla on foot.
Attend a Local Festival
Instead of just sightseeing, tourists can enjoy themselves in local culture. Attend a traditional Himachali festival in regions like Lahaul or Chamba.
The Halda Festival in Lahaul, is a mid-winter celebration honoring the goddess of wealth and features fire rituals, dancing, and communal feasts.
Similarly, the Minjar Festival in Chamba is a colorful celebration of harvest and local legends.
These events are filled with folk music, local costumes, handcrafted ornaments, and authentic rituals that few outsiders get to witness. Attending one allows you to understand the community spirit, ancient beliefs, and rhythms of life in the mountains.
Where to do:Join the Halda Festival in Lahaul or Minjar Festival in Chamba for authentic Himachali celebrations.
Make sure to research regarding the time duration of the festivities before planning the trip.
Best Time to Visit Offbeat Places in Himachal
Choosing the right time to explore lesser-known destinations in Himachal Pradesh depends on your travel goals.
For those interested in nature walks, adventure sports, and pleasant weather, the spring and early summer months (March to June) are most suitable. This season offers mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C, making it perfect for activities like hiking, mountain camping, and paragliding. Places such as Tirthan Valley, Kinnaur, and Dalhousie offer serene escapes during this time.
If you’re drawn to snow-covered landscapes and winter thrills, then plan your journey between November and February. These months bring intense snowfall and sub-zero temperatures, ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow-based adventures. The Spiti Valley and its surrounding regions provide a truly offbeat and exhilarating winter experience.
Preparation is key for any trip. In warmer months, bring breathable fabrics, sun protection, hydration supplies, and durable footwear.
During cold weather, pack layered clothing such as thermal wear, woolen sweaters, warm coats, and accessories like gloves and scarves to stay comfortable.
| Season | Activities | Temperature | Offbeat Place to Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
March to June (Spring & Early Summer) |
Nature walks, adventure sports, hiking, camping, paragliding
|
15°C to 30°C
|
Tirthan Valley, Kinnaur, Dalhousie, Spiti Valley, Jibhi, Shoja
|
|
September to November (Autumn)
|
Clear skies, colorful landscapes, trekking, village walks
|
10°C to 20°C
|
Sangla, Kalpa, Barot, Kangra, Shoghi
|
|
November to February (Winter)
|
Snow landscapes, skiing, snowboarding, winter adventure
|
-8°C to 15°C (sub-zero in higher altitudes)
|
Spiti Valley, Narkanda, Kaza, Shoja, Prashar Lake |
|
July to September (Monsoon) |
Heavy rainfall, lush greenery, limited outdoor activities, risk of landslides |
15°C to 25°C
|
Shimla, Manali, Solang Valley, Kufri (avoid higher altitudes)
|
How Much Does an Offbeat Tour Cost in Himachal
An offbeat tour in Himachal Pradesh will cost you somewhere around INR 20000 per head. The package includes hotel accommodation, taxi transfers, meals, sightseeing and much more.
However, the cost depends on a number of factors. It fluctuates accordingly. Starting with the number of people travelling. Group tours often cost less than solo travel.
Coming to the number of days you are travelling in Himachal Pradesh, it varies directly with the price. The longer the itinerary, more the cost.
When you plan an offbeat tour, city transfers and sightseeing are part of the package. There are various cab options. Economical choices include sedans, suitable for solo travelers and couples. More luxurious options remain SUVs, perfect for group tours.
Last but not the least, cost of an offbeat Himachal tour package heavily depends on the season you are travelling in. During peak season, the prices rise up due to higher demand. For a more pocket-friendly trip, book it during the off-season or shoulder season.
How to Book your Offbeat Tour
Below, we have mentioned in detail, the procedure to boom your offbeat tour with Cliffhangers India so that you can plan your Himachal Pradesh trip smoothly:
- Please contact us via our official website: www.cliffhangersindia.com.
2: Our treks and trips are available for selection from the home menu. It will lead you to the registration options, where you may choose from a variety of customised plans to get the one you want.
3: You can get in touch with us directly if you’d like a luxury travel itinerary or a personalised trip here that includes certain experiences. With us, you can choose from a variety of sites and locations that suit your preferences.
4: If you would like to be notified as soon as a new trip is launched, please subscribe to our newsletter.
5: For additional information, call us at 8899366900.
6: Make sure you confirm the availability of any tour or trek before going for the payment link.
FAQ's
Can I customize my offbeat tour?
Tourists can customize their offbeat tour in Himachal Pradesh. They have complete authority to choose the various remote places for sightseeing, different activities and more. Even the duration of the trip and the choice of cab is personalized too.
Are offbeat places in Himachal Safe?
Yes, offbeat places in Himachal are fully safe to travel to. Even the locals and villagers are more than happy to help the visitors in navigating through the routes. For a more secure experience, you can have a guided tour at such lesser-known places.
Which is the most beautiful place in Himachal?
Spiti Valley is the most beautiful place in Himachal. Accommodating some of the most remote villages, the valley showcases pure natural beauty. It is a hotspot for a number of activities as well, adding a thrill to the entire experience.
What offbeat destinations will I visit on an offbeat Himachal tour?
You will get to explore serene and less crowded places like Kasol, Tosh, Jibhi, Shangarh, and even the remote Lahaul Valley. These destinations offer you a peaceful escape with stunning natural beauty and a chance to experience local culture away from the usual tourist spots.
What activities can I enjoy during the offbeat Himachal tour?
You can look forward to activities like nature walks, trekking, paragliding in Bir Billing or Solang Valley, horse riding in Khajjiar, and visiting Tibetan monasteries. These tours are designed to give you both adventure and relaxation amidst pristine landscapes.
When is the best time for me to visit Himachal on an offbeat tour?
The ideal time for your offbeat Himachal trip is between March and June or September to November. During these months, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the crowds.
What does an offbeat Himachal tour package usually include for me?
Your package will typically cover comfortable accommodation, meals (usually breakfast and dinner), transportation in a private vehicle, sightseeing as per the itinerary, toll taxes, parking, and driver allowances. Some packages also offer guided tours and adventure activities to enhance your experience.
How is an offbeat Himachal package different from a regular Himachal tour?
Unlike regular tours, your offbeat package will take you to less touristy, peacefu; locations where you can immerse yourself in nature and local culture. You will avoid crowded places and enjoy a more authentic, peaceful Himalayan experience tailored to your pace and interests.
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