Himachal, also known as the land of snow, is the home to the largest glacier in India. It has got its name from the words, “Hima” & “Anchal” which means “snow” & “lap”, which is no coincidence as the state lies in the lap of Himalayan range. Besides its breathtaking serene beauty, stunning rivers, lush valleys, Himachal has a lot of adventurous activities to offer like river rafting, paragliding, ice-skiing, trekking, etc. What better place to build memories with your partner amidst the majestic hills. Exploring the views holding hands, cable car rides, romantic dinner dates are the few highlights. Here are the list of 10 best things to do in Himachal.



River Rafting

If you’re a water-sports lover like us, the white water River rafting or river rafting is known to be one of the best things to do in himachal. We’re so in love with this sport and we’re sure once you do it, you will be too. The snow-fed rivers in the upper himalayas are said to be the best for river rafting in our country. No matter how many times you’ve done it before, it will be as thrilling as it was for the first time. You will feel an adrenaline rush in your veins & every muscle in your body as the raft rushes along with the strong river flows & water splashing over your face.

Rafting has different difficulty levels depending upon the experience the rider holds. But this doesn’t mean that it is a sport restricted for swimmers. Non- swimmers can also experience this sport in the places where guided rafting is conducted. The river Sutlej at Tattapani near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba, the Beas river near kullu offers you tremendous river rafting opportunities. If you’re in for more challenging & daring rapids, the Chandrabhaga (Chenab) in Lahaul is a good option. The beas near Kullu offers a great thrilling experience in a ride of 20kms stretch with extreme white water rapids.

The best time for river rafting is in spring and summers. This sport takes a break during some portions of monsoon due to heavy rains & tides and in winter due to frozen water bodies in some of the areas.



Cost: Varies from INR 500 to INR 1000 per person.

Best Time to Visit: March to early June.



Paragliding

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to fly like a bird in the sky? When we were kids, at least for once we all would have worn a cape pretending to be superman flying in the sky, jumping from beds or some height just to have that feeling. We may not have natural wings but Paragliding is perhaps an activity closest to where you can experience flying freely like a bird in the air.

Paragliding in Himachal can be mesmerising with the view of snow capped mountains, the lush green valleys, the cool & refreshing breeze blowing on your face, the sound of the wind & gurgling rivers, all at once like never before. It is a never to be forgotten experience.

The it-place for paragliding in himachal is Bir-billing. It is known as the Paragliding Capital of india. Now as the government of Himachal has launched a new scheme, “Nai Raahein, Nai Manzilein” to explore possibilities in unexplored areas, there has been many new sites established like Pandhara in Kullu, Chohla Indru Nag in Kangra, Darouta to Lahra in Chamba, Prashar in Mandi, Tikkar & Junga in Shimla. Tourists can also experience paragliding in Solang valley near Manali.



Cost: Cost of paragliding starts from INR 2000.

Best Time to Visit: between March to May and October to November.



Trekking

Trekking is the best thing to do in Himachal if you’re a nature lover and love walking through the trails. Himachal offers a great opportunity for the trekkers to choose their way, be it for camping or hotels or even for markets. For people who can’t go for longer treks but want to have this experience, these short treks to market or to your accommodation can be an alternative.

Himachal offers many more adventurous day treks like Triund trek, Hampta Pass trek, Kheerganga trek, Pin Parvati trek, Prashar Lake trek, Chanderkhani Pass trek. After completing the trek you can also stay there in tents and enjoy the bonfire and camping experience. These treks take you through forests and across rivers which gives you a pleasant and soothing feeling.

Carry water or snacks if required and do not forget to wear comfortable shoes. If the paths are rugged something with good grip is recommended.



Cost: Trekking packages start from INR 3000.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.



Skiing

The best thing to do in himachal when you're with your partner is to go out and have some fun. Skiing can lighten up your mood and bring closeness between you two. You will feel the snow beneath your feet and the wind blowing on your face as you slide down the hill.

Skiing is operational only during winter seasons, from November to Early March. This state has a number of places where skiing is organised. Many skiing spots provide packages too which are inclusive of accommodations and meals. Kufri, Narkanda, Solang valley, Rohtang Pass are the few locations where skiing is organised. Kufri is said to be the Skier’s Paradise and the winter sports capital of India. The town also hosts a winter sports festival around the month of February.

Even If you’re not much into skiing you can do sledge riding or play in the snow.



Cost: Skiing starts at INR 300 per person per hour.

Best Time to Visit: November to February.



Sightseeing

Sightseeing with your partner can be very romantic. Himachal has a lot to offer when it comes to nature. The meaning of the word Himachal is adequate to give you an idea of what to expect here. As himachal is situated in the lap of himalayas, scenic river valleys are the attraction to the state. Surrounded by the majestic snow covered mountains, the beauty of himachal is beyond imagination.

Major attractions here are Manali, a hot-spot for family vacations and honeymoons; Kullu, often heard with manali, yet another tourists spot on the banks of river Beas; Kasol, on the banks of parvati river famous for scenic waterfalls and undisturbed trekking routes; Chalal, known for its trance and psychedelic rave parties; trek to village Malana, famous for Malana Cream (cannabis); Chamba, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and many others.



Cost: Packages start from INR 5000.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.



Camping

Camping & bonfire under the starry night can be very fascinating. One of the best things to do in Himachal is to have the experience of camping. The stars which are not clearly seen at night from our cities due to pollution can be seen at campsites in Himachal. If you love anything or everything about stars or into astrophysics, this can be a mesmerising view. You can even carry a telescope with you and read the position of stars. Relishing the cold night under the stars, having dinner near a bonfire, spending the night in the tents and waking up to the mystic view of the mountains and the lush valleys is the most romantic thing you can do with your partner.

Along with the accommodation & catering services and facilities, many campsites offer a variety of activities as well, like fishing, hiking, skiing, rafting, etc. Campsites near Kasol, Tosh, Jibhi, Waichin, Triund, Kheerganga are the hot-spots for tourists.



Cost: Packages start from INR 2000.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.



Dinner Date

Sometimes what words can’t express, gestures do. Planning a romantic dinner date for your partner isn’t as difficult as it sounds. What can be more romantic than having dinner with the love of your life under the light of the moon? River flowing underneath, wind blowing through your hair, music touching your soul, a long romantic walk after dinner and falling in love with each other again under the starry sky. Feels good, isn’t it? Can it be more romantic? No, right? When merely just thinking about being in this moment makes chills run down your spine, just imagine how it would feel like when your fantasies will come to life.

The cafes on Mall road of Manali is the best place to plan a date night if you’re looking for something sophisticated and well planned. But if you’re seeking isolation from the city, we would recommend you Parvati Valley or Jibhi valley where the lodges and the campsites also offer honeymoon packages which include dinner dates.



Cost: approx INR 1500 for two.

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.



Bike ride & road trip to spiti

It’s no lie that every traveler dreams of going on a road trip to spiti. Why? Because Spiti is wonderful, it's serene, it’s stunning. Nested between Tibet and India, this cold deserted mountain valley has a unique vibe. It's hard not to fall in love with this place. Spiti, being one of the Himachal's valleys, is nothing alike. It is the most bizzare place to see in himachal. Spiti is not only known for its scenic views and its mesmerising beauty but these mighty mountains have always been counted as life-giving, where the seeker found peace and solace. Spiti is a mixture of both traditional history and modern world. Novelist Rudyard Kipling defines Spiti as a world within a world, a place where God lives.

Tabo monasteries, Kye monasteries, Chandratal, Kazo, Kibber are the highlights of the valley.



Cost: Packages starts from INR 15000

Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to mid-October



Kullu dussehra

Who doesn’t enjoy a carnival? Yes, you heard me right. A Carnival, where you can enjoy several cultural events and activities amidst huge feast stalls, clothes and antiques on sale, souvenirs for you to take home.