About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal tour packages at EWS Holidays have been designed to provide a great traveling experience Himachal to passionate tourists and nature lovers. We have exclusive Himachal tour packages for adventure lovers, honeymooners, and holidaymakers. Himachal Pradesh is one of the top-rated tourism destinations in India. Blessed with the natural beauty of the majestic Himalaya, this place often attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. A trip to Himachal is a perfect escape from the cacophony of Indian urban areas. In summer when Indian plains become hot and humid, hill stations of Himachal offer a cozy and breezy atmosphere.

People visit Shimla and Dalhousie to experience the rich heritage of India under British colonial rulers. If you are searching for a romantic honeymoon spot, nothing can be a better choice than Kullu and Manali. Dharamshala, another popular hill station in Himachal, is popular for being the “Little Tibet” in India. This place is regarded as the second home of Dalai Lama. Apart from these popular hill stations, there are many offbeat destinations too. You can visit Kangra Valley in search of tranquility. Some other offbeat places are Palampur, Shoja, Barot, Malana, Chitkul, Tirthan Valley, and many more. All these places represent Mother Nature in its purest form.

Best Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

So, are you planning for the Himachal tour? You can get all the required information in the following section. For further detailed information on Himachal and to book affordable Himachal tour packages, get in touch with EWS Holidays.

How To Reach Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh, a state of India located in the northern region of the country, is well-connected with different parts of India via the road network. Various hill stations of Himachal are well accessible from major Indian cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ambala, Pathankot, etc.

1. Visiting Himachal by Air:

There are three major airports in Himachal Pradesh. They are Gaggal Airport (Kangra), Jubbarhatti Airport (Shimla), and Bhuntar Airport (Manali). Flights operate daily to these airports from major North Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, etc. Gaggal Airport gives easy access to Dharamshala, Una, Dalhousie, Chamba, Kangra, etc. If you want to go to Kullu and Manali, you should reach Bhuntar Airport. Jubbarhatti Airport gives easy access to hill stations like Shimla, Bilaspur, Solan, Mandi, etc.

2. Visiting Himachal by Train

The best way to reach Himachal Pradesh is to opt for railway transportation. The nearest rail stations to Himachal Pradesh are Pathankot, Kalka, Ambala, etc. All these rail stations are well connected with various Indian cities. Kalka Railway Station is the access point to Shimla. From Kalka, toy trains to Shimla have been operated by Indian Railway. It takes around 7-8 hours to reach Shimla from Kalka via a toy train ride. Though it takes a lot of time, the journey is worth trying at least once. The scenic surroundings of Himachal during the toy train ride will always stay in your mind. Those who are aiming to visit Manali should catch the train that will drop you at Ambala Junction. For visiting Dharamshala and Dalhousie, the nearest rail station is Pathankot.

3. Accessing Himachal Pradesh via Road

A road trip to the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh is always enjoyable. For a perfect Himachal road trip, you can start your journey either from Delhi (Distance From Delhi to Manali: 550 km/ Approx 14 hrs. drive. & Distance From Delhi to Shimla: 350 km/ Approx 8 hrs. drive.) or from Chandigarh (Distance From Chandigarh to Manali: 300 km/ Approx 10 hrs. drive. & Distance From Chandigarh to Shimla: 115 km/ Approx 4 hrs. drive). Both Delhi and Chandigarh are well-connected with various major Indian cities via rail and air networks. EWS Holidays offers Himachal tour packages that include a car rental service in Himachal. We assure a completely safe and enjoyable road trip journey to Himachal. We can also arrange Volvo bus services from Delhi to Shimla and Manali.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh?

Hill stations in Himachal Pradesh exhibit enticing natural beauty throughout the year. In different seasons, travelers can enjoy different sorts of experiences in visiting these hill stations. Summer is the best time to visit Himachal, as the clear blue sky will bid you a welcome note to this state. Along beautiful blue sky, you shall find colorful flowers are blooming at every nook and corner of the hill stations. If you love cold weather and want to experience snowfall, winter is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh. Due to heavy rainfall, landslides often happen in Himachal during the monsoon. Hence, it is always better to avoid visiting the hill stations of the Himachal during the monsoon.

April to June (Summer): The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is from April to June. Though summer means scorching sun in most of the Indian cities, hill stations of Himachal are exceptions. They offer mildly cool weather with a clear blue sky to the tourists. You can enjoy adventure sports, trekking, hiking, and many other activities during this time. Places to visit in summer in Himachal: Shimla, Rohtang Pass, Manali, Kullu, Kasol, Chail, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, etc.

July to October (Monsoon): In India, the monsoon starts in July and stays till the middle of October. During this time, heavy rainfall happens. Accessing the hill stations becomes a little risky due to landslides and slippery road conditions. It is better to avoid planning trekking or an adventurous Himachal trip during this time. Places to visit in monsoon in Himachal: Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, etc.

November to March (Winter): As raining clouds fade away, the clear blue sky once again appears on the snow-clad mountain peaks of Himalaya. Weather also turns suitable for tourism again. From the month of December, most of the hill stations in the Himachal become extremely cold. This is the ideal time for enjoying skiing, skating, and other snow adventure activities. Places to visit in winter in Himachal: Manali, Dalhousie, Kullu, Solang Nala, Dharamshala, Shimla, Kasol, Chail, etc.

Popular Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Pradesh is popular for its hill stations which offer exquisite scenarios for tourism. There are uncountable hill stations in this small state, though a few places are most popular among the tourists. If you are searching for a Himachal Pradesh package tour, you should make sure that a few of these hill stations are included in the package.

Shimla:

Known as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is one of the most popular tourist places in India. This place is popular among honeymooners, nature lovers, etc. The hill station was developed during the British colonial rule in India. Old mansions and buildings give you the glimpses of colonial charms of Shimla. Situated at an altitude of 2276 Meters, the place offers mesmerizing scenic surroundings. You can sit and spend a whole day at your hotel terrace, watching the picturesque surroundings of this hill station. Shimla tour packages at EWS Holidays include the following sightseeing places:

• The Mall: This is the heart of Shimla. It is a place to find exquisite restaurants, cafes, shops, etc.
• Jakhu Temple: Situated on Jakhu Hill, this is a shrine of Lord Hanuman.
• Dorje Drag Monastery: A beautiful Buddhist monastery, offering a peaceful aura.
• Christ Church: This church was built in the colonial era. It is recognized as the second oldest church in North India.
• The Ridge: The heart of Shimla’s social and cultural life.
• Tara Devi Temple: A holy shrine of Goddess Kali. It is located at a distance of 11 KM away from the Shimla bus stand.
• Sankat Mochan: Another temple of Lord Hanuman in Shimla. As the name suggests, Lord Hanuman wipes out the sorrow and pain of his devotees visiting the temple.

Manali:

After Shimla, the second most popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is Manali. The hill station is blessed with natural splendors. It is an ideal place for couples or honeymooners. EWS Holidays offers romantic Manali tour packages to tourists. For a memorable honeymoon trip to Manali, you can get in touch with us. What are the things to see in Manali? The tour packages to Manali include the following sightseeing destinations.

• Rohtang Pass: Situated at an altitude of 13,050 feet, Rohtang Pass offers mesmerizing scenic beauty. Summer is the best season to visit here. In winter, you may find roadblock issues due to heavy snowfall.
• Hadimba Temple: Your trip to Manali would be incomplete without the divine blessings of Hadimba Devi. This ancient cave temple is said to be more than 400 years old.
• Vashisht Hot Spring: Situated at the Vashisht Ashram campus, this hot sulfur spring has healing power. People who bath in this hot spring can attain permanent cure or relief from chronic joint, neck, shoulder, and muscle pains.
• Jogini Falls: A short trekking from Vashisht Temple will take you to Yogini Falls. The place is surrounded by spellbound scenic beauty.
• Solang Valley: A perfect picnic spot for family holidaymakers. Only 13 KM away from Manali, this place offers a perfect abidance to spend a good time with family and friends. One can participate in various adventure activities at Solang Valley.
• Jagatsukh: This is the former capital of Manali, famous for being a holy place for the followers of the Hindu religion.

Dharamshala:

Dharamshala, the adobe of spirituality, is the second home of the Dalai Lama. This is a pilgrimage destination for the followers of Buddhism. However, others can also visit the hill station to experience the scenic beauty of nature. Dharamshala can be accessed by reaching Gaggal Airport. If you are planning for a train journey, you need to reach Pathankot station. From there, you shall get private cars or taxis for Dharamshala. Dharamshala tour package includes the following sightseeing places.

• Naam Art Gallery: A Buddhist art gallery, which exhibits Tibetan artifacts, paintings, etc.
• Tibetan Museum: Stays open from 9 Am to 5 PM for the tourists from Tuesday to Sunday.
• Bhagshunag Falls: Situated adjacent to the ancient Bhagshunag temple, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Himachal.
• Dharamkot: An ideal picnic destination, located near Dharamshala.
• Tsuglagkhang Temple Complex: This is the biggest Tibetan Temple outside Tibet. The temple complex has a café, naming Namgyal Café.
• Dal Lake: Only 4 KM away from Dharamshala, this is a beautiful and sacred natural lake.

Dalhousie:

EWS Holidays offers many options for Dharamshala and Dalhousie tour packages. These two places are often visited in one trip by most of the tourists. It is ideal to spend two to three days at Dalhousie, which is a popular tourism destination in Himachal. British colonial rulers had built this hill station. It has been named after Dalhousie, former Governor-General in India. Tour packages to Dalhousie include the following sightseeing destinations.

• Khajjiar: A picturesque and serene tourist spot near Dalhousie, offering a splendid scenic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. For its mesmerizing natural beauty, the place is often called as “Switzerland of India”.
• Daikund Walk: a small walk from the Kala Tope toll booth will take you to a viewpoint that offers a spectacular glimpse of the Dhauladhar mountain range. A further walk for around 1KM will take you to an ancient shrine of Goddess Kali.
• Kala Tope Wildlife Reserve: You need a permit to access the Kala Tope wildlife reserve. The place is inhibited by various species of birds and animals.
• Subhash Chawk: This is the heart of Dalhousie – just like The Mall and The Ridge of Shimla. You can find local shops, restaurants, and cafes at Subhash Chawk.

Kasol:

Beautiful landscapes and interesting cultural hues are the two major attractions of Kasol, a small hill station in the Himachal. The place is exclusively suitable for backpackers and adventure lovers. It gives a mesmerizing view of the Parvati Valley. This hill station is also interestingly known as “Mini Israel in India”. A blend of Indo-Israeli culture and foods can be experienced here by tourists. From Kasol, backpackers can explore various trekking routes. Some of the popular trekking tours in Kasol are Kheer Ganga Trek, Pin Parvati Trek, Sar Pass Trek, Yanker Pass Trek, etc. EWS Holidays can also arrange remote village tours from Kasol. Malana is such a place where modernization has not left its footprints yet. People in this village enjoy a simple lifestyle that is far from the cacophony of the urban cities in India. The most important thing is the food of Kasol. When you visit this place, you must pay a visit to local cafes and restaurants to try delicious and healthy Israeli foods.

Kasauli:

Situated at an altitude of 1927 meters, Kasauli has been recognized as the gateway to Himachal Pradesh. It offers a beautifully serene and blissful ambiance to travelers. You can spend a couple of days in complete leisure at this place. For its romantic aura, the place is growing popular among couples and honeymooners. Nature lovers would find it worth visiting the place, as it offers nature in the purest form. There is no urban cacophony – no trace of air pollution. Enjoy the fresh air and captivating beauty of nature with your Kasauli tour packages at EWS Holidays.

Chail:

If you are planning for a stress-busting weekend at an offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh, Chail should be the destination for you. Situated around 49 KM away from Shimla, the place has an interesting history associated with it. It was a small unknown and remote village in Himachal until the Maharaja of Patiala discovered this place. In Chail, he later had built a palace, wildlife sanctuary, Polo ground, etc. Today, people visit Chail for its magnificent natural splendors. It also gives scope for heritage tourism to history lovers. There are some crucial religious places too in Chail. Among those places, Chail Gurudwara is a frequent tourist destination. Explorers and religious travelers also visit Hindu shrines like Kali Ka Tibba, Siddh Baba Ki Tibba, etc. Contact us for gathering more information on a travel guide to Chail. We also offer affordable Chail tour packages for tourists.

Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal tour packages offer uncountable activities for the tourists. From adventure sporting activities to spend unforgettable moments with your spouse, you shall get various amusement opportunities in Himachal.

Adventure Sporting Activities in Himachal:

Are you an adventure lover? If yes, then Himachal tour packages give you a unique opportunity to try various adventure sports. The state is famous for offering a few adventure sporting activities. In the following section, these adventure sports in Himachal have been listed.

• River Rafting in Himachal: In Himachal, there are a few places where you can try river rafting. For beginners, Tattapani near Shimla and Pirdi on Beas River near Kullu are the best places for trying guided river rafting. If you are seeking a more daring experience, river rafting a Spiti River in the Spiti district is highly recommended. The season for river rafting starts from the month of October. The season lasts till May, and after that monsoon enters India. In monsoon, river rafting in Himachal Pradesh is not safe.

• Paragliding in Himachal: How many times in your life you wished to fly like a bird? Many people have such a desire, and paragliding is something that can fulfill the desire to fly like a bird. Himachal tourism offers the opportunity to enjoy paragliding. Bir Billing in the Kangra district of Himachal should be your destination for guided paragliding. You will be surprised to know that the place hosts the “Paragliding World Cup” every year. Solang Valley, situated 14 KM away from Manali, is another place where tourists can find opportunities to enjoy paragliding. Winter (November to March) is the best time for paragliding.

• Skiing in Himachal: People plan their trips to Himachal to try skiing. The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh for skiing is between the months of December and February. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses. Tourists also try guided skiing with many local services. Rohtang Pass is the best destination in Himachal for skiing. Chandrakhani Pass near Manali is another place where you can try skiing. Some other skiing destinations are Solang Nala, Hanuman Tibba, etc.

• Trekking in Himachal: Adventure lovers often look for various trekking destinations in India. Himachal Pradesh is blessed with many offbeat tourist spots where tourists can have a great experience of trekking. Trekking through the dense Oak Tree forest and rhododendron trees is an experience that you will never forget. The uneven mountain trails offer a thrilling trekking experience. Some common routes for trekkers in Himachal Pradesh are Beas Kund Trek (Manali), Dhauladhar trek (Mcleodganj), Indrahar trek (Kangra), Kareri Lake trek (Dharamshala), Pir-Panjal trekking (Chamba district), Pin Parvati trek (Kullu), etc.

Things to Eat in Himachal Pradesh:

Holidaymaking becomes even more enjoyable when you find delicious foods at a tourist spot. Himachal Pradesh is often appreciated by foodies for its wonderful cuisines. Imagine delicious foods on your table with picturesque hills and crisp mountain air in your surroundings. This is what you can experience with Himachal tour packages of EWS Holidays.

Chinese and Tibetan foods are popular among the local people in Himachal. You can try momo, dumplings in soup, hot thukpa, Tibetan bread, noodles, fried rice, chili chicken, and many other popular as well as tasty dishes. The influence of Punjabi cuisine can also be noted on the traditional Himachal cuisine. Butter naan, dal makhani, Kadai paneer, butter chicken, Tawa mutton, and many other vegetarian and non-vegetarian items are available at local restaurants. Since hill stations of the Himachal were built in British colonial rule, the influence of colonial cuisine can also be seen. Many posh or upscale restaurants in Himachal serve Anglo-Indian and continental foods. Tea is the most popular beverage in this region.

EWS Holidays can arrange an exclusive candlelight dinner in Himachal for couples or honeymooners. We take care of your health, hygiene, and comfort. We have various Himachal package tours that include complimentary breakfast and dinner. For details, you can check our Himachal tour packages.

Things to Shop in Himachal Pradesh

Your trip to Himachal can stay in your mind forever if you purchase local souvenirs or handcrafted items. In Dharamshala, you shall get Buddhist paintings and Tibetan carpets. In Dalhousie, there is a Tibetan Handicrafts center. Here, you can get various showpieces, souvenirs, etc. Kullu Shawl Market supplies shawls to various parts of the country. In fact, many shawls are exported to foreign countries. You can get beautiful shawls and sweaters in Kullu. Apart from dresses and handicraft items, pickles in Himachal are also popular. Himalayan honey can also be purchased, as it has various medicinal values.

Heritage Walk in Himachal Pradesh

There are many places in the Himachal to observe the heritage of India in past. You can pay a visit to the 200 years old Chaujjad Haveli, which is located in Pragpur town in Kangra Valley. Pragpur is known as the first Heritage Village of India. Some other heritage mansions are Butail Niwas and Banta Dwar. Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in the North Indian Himalaya region. From Kangra Fort, you can further trek towards Masroor Rock Cut Temple. This temple is believed to be designed by cutting a single rock. More than 500 years old Naggar Castle in Kullu Valley is another place that is suitable for a heritage walk in the Himalayas.

Shimla to Kalka Toy Train Ride:

The toy train route from Kalka to Shimla has been listed under UNESCO World Heritage. If you are interested in a toy train ride in Shimla, you need to reach Kalka station. From Kalka, a toy train on the narrow-gauge line will take you to Shimla in seven hours (approximately). Tickets for Shimla-Kalka and Kalka-Shimla toy trains can be booked via the online portal of IRCTC. The journey through the forests of lush green pine trees is refreshing. The train crosses through 103 tunnels. Overall, it is an unparalleled experience for travelers.

Pilgrimage Tours in Himachal:

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with the treasure of divinity and spirituality. There are many ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries. Apart from that, there are a lot of famous churches which were mostly constructed during British rule in India.

Buddhist Monasteries

India is the epicenter of Buddhism. Lord Buddha took birth in India, and from here Buddhism had spread in various Asian countries. Dharamshala is now the second most sacred place for the followers of Buddhism after Tibet. This hill station has a Buddhism research institute, monasteries, and a Tibetan museum. Dalai Lama also regularly visits Dharamshala. Some popular Buddhist monasteries in Himachal are Kye Monastery (Spiti Valley), Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, etc.

Ancient Hindu Temples

Hindus from all over the world come to Manali to visit Hadimba Devi Temple. This pagoda-style wooden temple is said to be more than 400 years old. Manali is also the gateway to Vashisht Ashram where you shall find a natural sulfur hot spring. The sacred water of this hot spring can cure muscle and joint pains. Naina Devi Temple, situated in the Bilaspur district of Himachal, is also popular among the devotees. Baijnath Temple is regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Jakhoo Temple located on the Jakhoo Hilltop is another sacred Hindu shrine that is situated close to Shimla. Apart from these, there are many other temples in this small state in India.

Famous Churches in Himachal

During British rule in India, Shimla used to be the summer capital. Along with Shimla, many other hill stations were developed in North India during this time. Today, many ancient buildings that are turned into government offices or guest houses, or museums bring back the memories of the colonial era in India. The churches of Himachal are also carrying the old-school colonial charms. Some of the famous churches in Himachal are Christ Church (Shimla), St. Mary’s Church (Shimla), St. John’s Church (Dalhousie), St. John Church (Mcleodganj), etc.

Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh:

A trip to Himachal Pradesh during the fairs or festivals is a different kind of experience altogether. If you are interested to explore local culture, faith, and lifestyle, you should pay a visit to Himachal during the festive times. Some of the notable festivals of Himachal Pradesh are listed below.

• Kullu Dussehra: Held in the month of October or November, the Kullu Dussehra festival is held. In India, Dussehra is the festival to signify triumph over evil. On this day, an effigy of Ravan has been burnt in many places. But, Kullu Dussehra is celebrated in a different way. On this auspicious day, a chariot ride (Rath Yatra) of Lord Raghunathji has been organized. You shall observe a spectacular procession of local people. Many tourists also join the processing to attain the divine blessings of Lord Raghunathji.

• Losar Festival: Held between January and March, this Buddhist festival takes place in the Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Followers of Buddhism from all over the world reach various monasteries in the Spiti district to celebrate the event. The event typically lasts for 15 days.

• Himalayan Festival in Kangra: This festival is ideal for those who have a fascination with purchasing handcrafted items or showpieces. This three-day international festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Tourists and local people equally participate in this event.

• Winter Carnival: If you love holidaymaking in winter, you should not miss Himachal Winter Carnival in Manali. It occurs from 2nd to 6th January every year. Joining the carnival will give you an opportunity to taste local foods and learn about winter sports in Himachal. You can also gather knowledge on trekking routes and various offbeat tourist spots in Himachal.

Apart from these festivals, you can also visit Himachal Pradesh during Diwali, Christmas, New Year, etc. All these festivals and events have been celebrated with great enthusiasm in this beautiful state in India.

Nightlife in Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal tourism gives you a little opportunity to enjoy the nightlife. With the rising sun, the day starts early in Himachal. After sunset, people go to sleep early. In Shimla, you shall find some pubs and restaurants that may remain open till 10 PM the night. Beyond that time, it is not recommended for tourists to stay outside. Enjoy cozy and warm hotel rooms instead of any misadventure in the nighttime during your trip.