Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh: Top Experiences

Wondering what to do in the mountains? The best things to do in Himachal Pradesh are riding the Solang Valley ropeway near Manali, walking Shimla's colonial Mall Road, trekking to Triund above Dharamshala, paragliding at Bir Billing, and losing a few slow days in the Parvati Valley. Here's how to fill a great Himachal trip.

1. Manali & Solang Valley

Himachal's adventure capital. Ride the Solang Valley ropeway, try zorbing or paragliding, cross the Atal Tunnel to the stark Lahaul valley, and wander Old Manali's cafes and the ancient Hadimba Temple.

2. Shimla & the toy train

The colonial charm of the Mall Road and the Ridge, plus the famous Kalka–Shimla toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway that winds through 100-plus tunnels.

3. Trek to Triund, Dharamshala

Above McLeodganj — home of the Dalai Lama — the Triund trek is one of Himachal's most rewarding day hikes, with the Dhauladhar range filling the sky.

4. Paraglide at Bir Billing

Bir Billing is one of the world's top paragliding sites — a tandem flight here is a bucket-list Himalayan experience.

5. Slow down in the Parvati Valley

Kasol, Tosh and the Kheerganga trek draw backpackers for riverside cafes, pine forests and hot springs.

6. Khajjiar & Dalhousie

Nicknamed "mini Switzerland", the meadow of Khajjiar near colonial Dalhousie is a gentle, scenic escape.

Plan your trip

Time it with our best time to visit Himachal guide, follow the Shimla–Manali itinerary, and budget with the Himachal trip cost guide. Ready? Explore our Himachal tour packages. Still choosing a state? Read Kashmir vs Himachal.