5 stunning off-beat places to visit in Himachal

Jul 27, 2016
2 min read

Here are 5 off beat places that one would love to explore in Himachal.

Jagatsukh

I have to admit that when I go the hills I want to escape the crowds and these days Manali has become so popular that it is almost always crowded. Next time you wish to go in that area stay 3 kilometers away at Prini or 6 kilometers away at Jagat Sukh. I stayed with a family we know at Jagat Sukh but there are home stays around as well. Prini has a few bigger hotels I clearly remember seeing Holiday Inn there. Both Rrini and Jagat Sukh are as scenic as Manali but minus the crowds.

Bharmour, Hardsar and Beyond

If you are heading to Chamba my advice head a little further and go to Bharmour. It is a sleepy little place with an ancient temple compound called Chaurasi Temple Compound. We walked further up to Hadsar in December and then the next day partly on the route to the Mani Mahesh Lake. As it was December I saw a frozen water fall on the way!

Shringi Vatika

Shringi Vatika is a delightful little place on the old Manali Shimla highway near Banjar. It is run by Mr. Manohar Lal and his family. They rent out a few rooms out of their own home and there is a small restaurant attached. There is a beautiful stream that flows through their compound and the lady of the house cooks exceedingly well. Try Sidu and Meetha Rajma when you are there and if you are more adventurous her Nettle Plant Soup as well.

Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake is an absolutely gorgeous lake where hardly anyone goes. On the Delhi Manali highway there is a place called Mandi. Prashar Lake is a detour from there. We took a bus to Bagi from Mandi bus station and then trekked all the way up to Prashar Lake. But there is a road route too all the way up to the lake. There are only two places to stay the forest department guest house which one has to book from Mandi or the rooms available behind the temple devoted to Rishi Prashar. We stayed at the Forest Guest House. I consider Prashar Lake to be one of the best kept secrets of Himachal.

SPITI

My brother, my friends and I trekked through SPITI and the experience was fabulous. We did a homestay trek and we crossed through Kaza, Langza, Komik, Demul, Lhalung and Dhankar. Each and every of these places are magical and I am not exaggerating. The trek also remains special because it was the first high altitude trek I completed successfully. Spiti is one of those places where I surely want to go back.

Beautiful Spiti