Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s much admired and lauded tourist destinations. And more so, during winter, when several places in the state receive fresh snowfall. The pristine and peaceful locales are alluring and definitely worth your time and money. This winter, if you are tempted for vacation in the hills, explore these offbeat destinations.
1. Malana
Located in the valley of Parvati in Kullu district, Malana is among India’s most beautiful destinations. Legend has it that the wounded Army of Macedonian emperor Alexander, took refuge here and a lot of soldiers stayed back and the residents now are their direct descendents. Giving credence to this story is that the Malana village is governed by its own set of administrative laws, similar to what was practised by Ancient Greeks and the villagers speak Kanashi, a language unknown to outsiders.
2. Chitkul
This small village in Kinnaur is the last populated village on the Indo-Tibetan border. It is known for its potatoes and peas of great quality. During winter, Chitkul looks straight out of a fairy tale – surrounded by snow-clad mountains on three sides and dense forest cover on the last side, with small houses dotting the forest line.
Also Read: Four best places that you must visit in Odisha this Winter
3. Barot
Located in the serene valley of Mandi, Barot is a mesmerizingly beautiful place with quaint wooden bridges and stunning mountain streams. It is also known for its freshwater trout. Barot offers a wide range of outdoor activities including treks, walks through forests, camping and angling. During winters, this untouched valley is a paradise for snow trekking.
4. Khajjiar
Renowned as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar in Chamba is still a relatively unexplored destination. During winter, this small town housing the Khajjiar Lake and lush grassland turns into a winter wonder spot as its landscape gets covered in snow. It gets its name from Khajji Nag temple, devoted to the Lord of Serpents.
5. Jibhi
Nestled in Tirthan valley, this tiny hamlet in Kullu district is a hidden gem of the hill state. Known for its beautiful location right in the lap of the Himalayas, Jibhi has temples, waterfalls and freshwater lakes. It turns magical and fairytale-like in winter when there is fresh snowfall.
While these places may get a bit challenging because of low temperatures, the breathtaking views they offer should be tempting enough to plan that trip.