7N/8D
Offbeat Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, Tirthan Valley
Hotels 
Meals
Sightseeing
Transfers
Trip details
Here’s an offbeat Himachal Pradesh itinerary that takes you to lesser-known yet stunning destinations, away from the usual tourist spots. This 7-night, 8-day itinerary explores the serene beauty of Himachal Pradesh’s hidden gems, offering a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Key Highlights of the Itinerary
- Shimla: Chail Palace, The Ridge, Mall Road.
- Tirthan Valley: Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan River.
- Jibhi: Jibhi Waterfall, peaceful village life.
- Shoja: Serolsar Lake, alpine trekking.
- Kalpa: Kinnaur Kailash Range, Kinnaur Kailash Temple.
- Nako: Nako Monastery, Nako Lake, Spiti Valley.
- Sangla: Baspa River, Chitkul, Kinner Kailash Range.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Himachal’s offbeat destinations is between March and June for pleasant weather and September to November for clear skies and the beauty of autumn.
- Accommodation: Stay in homestays, guesthouses, or boutique hotels in smaller towns to experience the region’s authentic culture and hospitality.
- Transportation: Travel by car is the most convenient way to explore Himachal’s offbeat destinations. Renting a car with a local driver is highly recommended.
- Weather: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially in the higher altitudes. Carry warm clothing, even in summer months.
- Activities: Apart from sightseeing, consider light trekking, nature walks, birdwatching, or even fishing in the Tirthan River.
Arrival in Shimla
- Morning: Arrive in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Check into your hotel and relax after your journey.
- Afternoon: Visit Chail, a quiet hill station about 45 minutes from Shimla, known for its tranquil ambiance and the Chail Palace.
- Evening: Explore The Ridge in Shimla and enjoy a leisurely walk to Mall Road for some shopping and local snacks.
- Overnight stay: Shimla.
Shimla to Tirthan Valley (Approx. 150 km)
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Tirthan Valley, a peaceful offbeat destination known for its lush greenery, gushing rivers, and tranquil atmosphere.
- Late Morning: Check into your homestay or guesthouse in Tirthan Valley.
- Afternoon: Visit the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich biodiversity. You can take a short trek or explore the surrounding nature.
- Evening: Spend the evening by the Tirthan River, enjoy fishing, or go for a leisurely walk through the village.
- Overnight stay: Tirthan Valley.
Tirthan Valley to Jibhi (Approx. 30 km)
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Jibhi, a scenic village located in the Seraj Valley, surrounded by pine forests and apple orchards.
- Late Morning: Check into your accommodation and unwind in this serene location.
- Afternoon: Visit the Jibhi Waterfall and take a short hike through the forest. The area offers plenty of opportunities for photography, nature walks, and quiet moments in nature.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
- Overnight stay: Jibhi.
Jibhi to Shoja (Approx. 10 km)
- Morning: Head to Shoja, a small, less-explored village known for its untouched natural beauty and great trekking options.
- Late Morning: Arrive in Shoja and check into your stay.
- Afternoon: Explore the Serolsar Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by pine trees, which can be reached by a moderate trek.
- Evening: Enjoy the peace and quiet of the village and the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight stay: Shoja.
Shoja to Kalpa (Approx. 140 km)
- Morning: After breakfast, head towards Kalpa, a picturesque village in the Kinnaur Valley, which offers spectacular views of the Kinner Kailash Range.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel in Kalpa and spend the day soaking in the beauty of the valley. Visit the local Kinnaur Kailash Temple for some cultural insight.
- Evening: Enjoy the sunset views of the Kinner Kailash peaks, which are particularly stunning in the evening.
- Overnight stay: Kalpa.
Kalpa to Nako (Approx. 100 km)
- Morning: Depart for Nako, a hidden gem in the Spiti Valley, famous for its ancient Nako Monastery and the beautiful Nako Lake.
- Afternoon: Explore the village, visit the monastery, and walk around the Nako Lake, enjoying the tranquility of the region.
- Evening: Relax and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- Overnight stay: Nako.
Nako to Sangla (Approx. 80 km)
- Morning: After breakfast, travel towards Sangla, a charming village located in the Baspa Valley in Kinnaur district.
- Afternoon: Visit the Baspa River and Chitkul, the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border, known for its untouched beauty and scenic views.
- Evening: Enjoy the serene surroundings and the majestic views of the Kinner Kailash Range.
- Overnight stay: Sangla.
Sangla to Shimla (Approx. 230 km)
- Morning: After breakfast, head back to Shimla. You can stop at small villages along the way for a cup of local tea and explore hidden gems.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Shimla and explore any last-minute sights or enjoy some quiet moments before your departure.
- Evening: Depart for your onward journey or flight from Shimla.
