Offbeat Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh: 16 Hidden Gems To Explore 

When most people think of Himachal Pradesh, images of Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala come to mind. While these tourist favorites are undeniably charming, there's much more to this Himalayan state than meets the eye. 

Beyond the usual trail lies a world of serene landscapes, untouched nature, and authentic village life. If you're yearning for solitude, cultural richness, and a break from the crowds, this guide to offbeat places to visit in Himachal is just what you need.

Whether you're an adventure junkie, a peace lover, or just someone who enjoys exploring the unexplored, these offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh are the ideal getaway.

16 Offbeat Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh for Unique Experiences

If you are looking for offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh for your next getaway, this guide presents some of the most magical and offbeat places that offer peace away from the crowd.

1. Jibhi – A Quiet Escape in Tirthan Valley

Jibhi is a picturesque hamlet tucked away in the Banjar Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by dense pine forests, wooden cottages, and gurgling streams, this remote village offers a refreshing break from city life. The air is crisp, the atmosphere calm, and the pace of life beautifully slow. With traditional architecture and untouched trails, Jibhi has become one of the most cherished offbeat places to visit in Himachal.

Key attractions: Serolsar Lake, Chehni Kothi, Jibhi Waterfall

2. Kalga – Where Time Slows Down in Parvati Valley

If you’re looking to get off the grid—really off the grid—Kalga is your spot. This sleepy little village sits above Barshaini in the Parvati Valley and offers stunning views of the Himalayas, minus the crowd. Think apple orchards, cozy cafés, and a pace of life that invites you to breathe a little deeper.

Kalga is one of those unexplored places in Himachal where you’ll find soul-searchers, artists, and wanderers, all soaking in the quiet charm. It’s not about doing a lot here—it’s about doing less, more deeply.

Key attractions: Rudranag Temple, Kheerganga Trek starting point, Kalga Apple Orchards

3. Chitkul – The Last Village on the Indo-Tibetan Border

Chitkul feels like the end of the world—and in the best way possible. Located in the Kinnaur district, this is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border. The air here is crisp, the nights starry, and the views utterly surreal.

Far from the chaos of typical tourist destinations, Chitkul offers untouched Himalayan landscapes and a sense of isolation that’s incredibly healing. It’s no wonder it has become one of the most sought-after offbeat places to visit in Himachal Pradesh.

Key attractions: Baspa River, Mathi Temple, Charang Chitkul Pass

4. Shoja – A Quiet Retreat Between Banjar and Jalori Pass

Shoja is one of those blink-and-you-miss-it villages, but if you do stop, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views, warm hospitality, and a connection to nature that’s hard to find. This serene hamlet lies just before the Jalori Pass and is often overlooked by those rushing to reach Manali.

If you love misty forests, wildflowers, and complete peace, Shoja is a perfect escape. It’s also one of the best offbeat places to visit in Himachal Pradesh for trekking and soaking in the simple joys of Himalayan life.

Key attractions: Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort Trek, Waterfall Point

5. Gushaini – The Gateway to Great Himalayan National Park

Nestled by the Tirthan River, Gushaini is one of the most underrated remote hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and those who crave stillness. With wooden homestays lining the river and trout swimming in the clear waters, Gushaini offers a raw, unfiltered Himachal experience.

This village is also a jumping-off point for exploring the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity and alpine beauty. Gushaini is among the offbeat places to visit in Himachal for a truly authentic escape into the wilderness of this region. 

Key attractions: Great Himalayan National Park, Tirthan River, Trout Fishing

6. Barot – A Riverside Village That Feels Like a Secret

One of the lesser-known offbeat places to visit in Himachal, Barot sits quietly by the Uhl River in the Mandi district, completely content being left off the tourist radar. With its pine forests, scenic trails, and old-world charm, Barot is a textbook example of hidden gems in Himachal Pradesh.

Perfect for a weekend getaway or even a solo trip to reset your mind, Barot is as refreshing as the river that runs through it. You won’t find clubs or crowds—just nature, tranquility, and perhaps a few curious mountain goats.

Key attractions: Uhl River, Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, Barot Trout Farm

7. Tirthan Valley – Himachal’s Best-Kept Secret

Often called Himachal's best-kept secret, Tirthan Valley is where time moves a little slower and the views are forever green. This valley is known for its eco-tourism vibe and unspoiled landscapes. You won’t find commercial resorts here—just riverside cabins, campfires, and starry skies.

Whether you’re into trekking, birdwatching, or just doing nothing at all, Tirthan Valley stands out as one of the finest offbeat places to visit in Himachal. It’s also an access point for exploring the Great Himalayan National Park, but the valley itself is more than worth the trip.

Key attractions: Waterfall Trek, Trout Fishing, Villages like Gushaini and Nagini

8. Rakcham – A Scenic Stop Between Sangla and Chitkul

Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Rakcham is a visual treat located between Sangla and Chitkul in the Kinnaur district. Towering mountains, meadows full of wildflowers, and the Baspa River winding through it all—this is the stuff of dreams.

What makes Rakcham one of the most offbeat places to visit in Himachal is that it’s still untouched by mass tourism. The scenery here is dramatic yet calming, perfect for photography, sketching, or simply staring into the distance with a hot cup of chai.

Key attractions: Baspa River views, Glacier Walks, Meadow Trails

9. Daranghati – A Hidden Wildlife Escape in Himachal

Daranghati is not a name you’ll hear in most travel guides—and that’s exactly why it deserves a spot on this list. Tucked away in the upper reaches of the Shimla district, this place is home to dense deodar forests, alpine meadows, and a wildlife sanctuary that’s rarely explored.

If you’re looking to connect with nature on a deeper level, Daranghati is a peaceful haven where you can walk for hours and not see another soul.

Key attractions: Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, Trekking Trails, Dense Deodar Forests

10. Renukaji – A Mythological and Natural Wonder

Renukaji is an offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh in many ways. Renuka Lake, named after the wife of sage Jamadagni and mother of Lord Parshuram, is the focus. The woman-shaped lake, the biggest in Himachal, possesses great mythological value.

The serene destination with temples and dense forests around provides a spiritually fulfilling and scenic refuge off the tourist grid.

Key attractions: Renuka Lake, Suketi Fossil Park, Jaitak Fort

11. Barog – A Peaceful Stop with Colonial Charm

Barog, located on the Kalka-Shimla toy train route, is one of those charming hill stations that rarely make it to mainstream itineraries. But trust us, that’s part of its appeal. Surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills, Barog offers old-world serenity combined with surreal mountain views.

This quaint town is one of the unique offbeat places to visit in Himachal, which once served as a stopover for British officers. You can still feel those colonial influences in its architecture and ambiance. It’s perfect if you want to slow down and unwind without wandering too far from the plains.

Key attractions: Barog Railway Station, Barog Tunnel, Pine Hill Eco Camp

12. Dagshai – A Quaint Cantonment on a Hilltop

Perched high above Solan, Dagshai is one of the oldest cantonment towns in India, yet it one of the favorite offbeat places to visit in Himachal among those who like to learn more about colonial history. The town’s peaceful atmosphere, colonial-era buildings, and untouched surroundings make it a top pick among offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

Dagshai’s history is intriguing and it once housed a military prison during British rule. Today, it’s more about misty walks, panoramic views, and echoing silence. Perfect for a digital detox weekend.

Key attractions: Dagshai Central Jail Museum, Catholic Church, British-era cemeteries

13. Narkanda – Apple Orchards and Snowy Peaks

While many rush past Narkanda on their way to Spiti or Kinnaur, this quiet hill town has a rustic charm of its own. Known for its apple orchards and snow-covered slopes, Narkanda offers the best of Himachali hospitality and Himalayan beauty.

It’s one of the few offbeat places to visit in Himachal where you can ski in winter and hike through thick forests in summer. Whether you visit for adventure or solitude, Narkanda won’t disappoint.

Key attractions: Hatu Peak, Tannu Jubbar Lake, Stokes Farm (apple orchards)

14. Nahan – A Little Town with Big Scenery

Nahan is one of those offbeat places to visit in Himachal that surprises you with its simplicity and beauty. Tucked away in the Sirmaur district, this hill town offers lovely weather, scenic lakes, and a clean, well-maintained setting. It’s also incredibly easy to reach from Chandigarh, making it a great weekend getaway.

Unlike the more crowded hill stations, Nahan gives you space to breathe. It's the kind of place where you stroll without a plan, sip tea at local stalls, and let the mountain breeze do its magic.

Key attractions: Rani Tal, Renuka Lake (nearby), Suketi Fossil Park

15. Fagu – A Tiny Hamlet Wrapped in Mist

Fagu is often bypassed in favor of its neighbor, Kufri—but for those who stop, it’s a dreamy detour. Perched on a ridge with sweeping views of orchards and valleys, Fagu is all about mist, solitude, and slow living.

Ideal for doing absolutely nothing, Fagu lets you reconnect with nature and yourself. If you're after unexplored places in Himachal that are postcard-perfect yet peaceful, Fagu is highly recommended. 

Key attractions: Fagu Apple Orchards, Bhantia Devta Temple, Katir Village walks

16. Kalpa – Where the Mountains Touch the Sky

Situated against the stunning Kinnaur Kailash range, Kalpa is a stunning piece of Himalayan heaven. The scenery here is just breathtaking—snow-covered peaks radiating golden hues at dawn, monasteries elegantly settled on cliffs, and rivers gently flowing below.

Kalpa is the perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and natural wonder. While it’s remote, that only adds to its irresistible charm. It’s one of the best offbeat places to visit in Himachal, offering a peaceful retreat for those who want to escape the crowds and experience the true essence of the Himalayas. 

Key attractions: Kinnaur Kailash, Suicide Point, Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery

Conclusion 

There's something special about finding places that are not overwhelmed by tourism. The quietness, the authenticity, the genuine interaction with locals and scenery—it all adds up to a more fulfilling travel experience.

These offbeat places to visit in Himachal aren’t just destinations. They’re reminders that sometimes, the road less traveled really does make all the difference.

With Exoticamp, you're not just traveling—you’re camping under starlit skies, waking up to mountain sunrises, and soaking in the beauty of Himachal the way it was meant to be seen. Choose Exoticamp for journeys that are raw, real, and refreshingly different.