Where to go in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal's classic route runs from Shimla to Manali; Kangra adds Tibetan McLeod Ganj, Bir's paragliding and Dalhousie; the Kullu side valleys of Kasol and Tirthan are quieter; and the high road through Kinnaur leads to Spiti. Roads are slow, so allow most of a day for long moves. Pick a place to see things to do, stay areas by budget, food and transfers.

Shimla & Kinnaur · Shimla, Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa

• Kalpa: Sunrise over the Kinner Kailash range from an orchard village (1–2 nights)
• Sangla & Chitkul: Kinnaur's Baspa valley of apple orchards, wooden temples and the last village before Tibet (2–3 nights)
• Shimla: The old summer capital: Mall Road, the Ridge and the toy train (2–3 nights)

Kullu & Manali · Manali, Sissu, Kasol, Tirthan

• Kasol & Parvati Valley: Pine forests, riverside cafés and the hot springs of Manikaran (2–3 nights)
• Tirthan & Jibhi: Quiet river valleys at the gate of the Great Himalayan National Park (2–3 nights)
• Manali: Snow peaks, apple orchards and the road to Lahaul (2–4 nights)
• Sissu & Atal Tunnel: Lahaul's waterfalls and snowfields just beyond the Atal Tunnel (Day trip or 1 night)

Kangra & Chamba · Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Bir, Dalhousie

• Dalhousie & Khajjiar: Colonial hill town with deodar forests and the Khajjiar meadow (2–3 nights)
• Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj: Home of the Dalai Lama, Tibetan culture and the Triund trek (2–4 nights)
• Bir Billing: Paragliding capital with Tibetan monasteries and tea gardens (2–3 nights)

Spiti · Kaza, Key, Tabo, Chandratal

• Kaza (Spiti): High-desert monasteries and fossil villages at 3,800 m (2–4 nights)