Offbeat Himachal waiting to be discovered

My first trip to Himachal was when I was 8 years old, Kullu-Manali, like for many others who grew up in Delhi, Haryana or Punjab. I would always ask my dad on the trip “Papa, Pahad kab aayenge?’’. We would just reach the place and explore it at random. The beauty of snow-clad mountains and rolling on the snow in Rohtang in the month of June is the most precious memory I have from my childhood. Many years and many trips later, Himachal hasn’t stopped delighting me with its many treasures. There are 12 fascinating districts in the state and each one has distinct landscape, experience and culture to offer.

There is plenty of material online on places like Shimla, Manali, and Spiti in Himachal and many which are getting the spotlight from last couple of years like Tirthan Valley, Jibhi Valley, Kasol, etc. Recent Himachal Pradesh travel guidelines and news of state being overcrowded with tourists, begs for off-the grid experiences and travel locations surrounded by the mighty Himalayas.

Here are a handful of them:

Find your artsy side in Andretta, Himachal’s hidden pot

With the backdrop of Dhauladhar ranges, Andretta is a unique intersection of art and nature. The lovely hamlet is home to many Artists Galleries, Potter’s village and more. Immerse yourself into the history and artistic lifestyle of the founder, Norah Richards.

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Andretta is just a 20-30 minutes drive from Palampur which is located only 13 km away

Wilder in the Misty aromas of Barot Valley

Crowned as Trekker’s paradise. Barot valley poses unimaginable scenic views. Sound of the gushing Uhl river, a touch of intricately embroidered shawls, every element of this valley is a feast to the senses.

A century-old haulage trolley system and trout fishing will keep you hooked on a summer weekend, if you have more time in hand, explore nearby Luhardi and Multhan villages.

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Barot is 40 km away from Jogindernagar, which is well connected by buses from Chandigarh and Delhi. The drive to Barot via Mandi is a beautiful one with patches of off-roading.

Heritage Walk through the narrow Alleys of Garli and Pragpur Villages

Our travels certainly inspire our lifestyle so does the Soods clan from the 20th century in heritage villages of Garli and Pragpur. The architecture of the place is stirred by the extensive travels of Soods during British Raj. Alleys are full of two-storeyed mansions, jharokha windows and pointed archs. The Chateau Garlic is a colourful blend of Portuguese, Mughal, Rajasthani and Kangari architecture.

If you are in Garli, Take out time to visit Kangra Fort and Masroor rock-cut temple.

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Garli is in Kangra District of Himachal, To go there via bus, one has to get down at Nehran Pukhar, (Delhi-Dharamshala via Jawalamukhi)

Explore the hidden gems of Sainj Valley

Bored of routine and need an easy-breezy mountain rustic life experience, Get down to Deohari village and explore the Sainj Valley on foot. The villages in the Sainj valley are full of traditional Kath Khuni buildings, which boasts of strong-knit Himachali culture and community. The famous Rishi temple, Dhailara Kothi in Raila village, the meadows of Shangarh will take you to Switzerland just like Khajjiar. Countless waterfalls are sure to make your trip and take you away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Go and chase that one sunset in Banogi Thana which will remain forever with you.

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Sainj Valley is 90 kms from Manali, by bus one has to get down at Aut and from their take another bus to the right for 17 kms into the valley

Other Offbeat places in Himachal

In my subsequent blogs, I will cover other offbeat places from Tirthan, Lahaul, Kinnaur, and much more. The experiences in these places are so pleasant that it is difficult to put them in words. But I am going to try for sure.

What are your most memorable offbeat Himachal experiences? What are you looking forward to most?