Lesser Known and Offbeat Himalayas

If you live in North India, then chances are that most of your holidays are spent amid some pretty Himalayan towns. While many of us like to visit popular hill stations, such as Mussoorie, Nainital, and Shimla, many people prefer to head for offbeat and non-touristy areas that offer outstanding Himalayan character. This keeps them away from commercialised hill stations and brings them peace and quiet amid their chosen serenity.

There is also a category of travellers who want to explore the offbeat Himalayan towns but they have no idea where to start from. If you belong to this category, then allow us to help you with it.

Some of the popular offbeat Himalayan destinations are as under:

Sangla Valley (9000 ft asl)

Sangla area is renowned for its apple orchards, Baspa riverside, and stunning views of the Himalayan ranges in the backdrop. Sangla is suited to those who want to enjoy a really cold climate in summer (night temperatures can be zero degrees Celsius even in June), just sit by the riverside and do nothing at all apart from going on a few walks around the area. In simple words, Sangla Valley is the perfect place to soak in a complete Himalayan experience.

The bus ride from New Delhi takes about 17 hours to cover a distance of 978 kms. There also no direct buses to Sangla. So, you will have to board a bus to Reckong Peo and get off at Karcham and then, take a shared jeep to reach Sangla.

Best time to visit: Sangla is best visited from April to October

Kinnaur and Spiti Valley (7000-16000 ft asl)

Kinnaur and Spiti regions are one of the most remote Himalayan areas of India. A journey through Kinnaur and Spiti valley takes an off the beaten path away from tourists where you experience remote Himalayan villages, rugged drives, high mountain passes and enjoy a totally offbeat experience.

Kinnaur is one of the smallest districts in India by population. Thus, if you love the mighty Himalayas and are looking for some peace to accompany you through your journey as well as during your stay, then perhaps Kinnaur is the best option for you albeit it’s located at quite a distance from Delhi. The best way to reach Kinnaur is via road. The stunning apple orchards, lush green hillside and spiralling roads are reason enough for you to book a cab and head out for Kinnaur.

As for Spiti, it is the land of snow-pierced Himalayan ranges, quiet villages, lush green landscapes and breath-taking monasteries. Do not be surprise if you hear ‘Om’ chants across the mountains for religion is quite revered in this land of Buddhists.

During the night, the whole sky, it seems, comes down to bow down to the land of Spiti. The stars, the galaxies, and the moon look closer to the earth, if you look closely. This is just half of what amazing experiences Spiti has in store.

You can reach Shimla via Delhi and get a cab, bike, or bus for both Kinnaur and Spiti.

Best time to visit: Between June to September

Raison - Naggar (5000-6000 ft asl)

Raison lies mid-way between Kullu and Manali sporting a riverside character. Naggar is set between Kullu and Manali on the other side of River Beas. Both Naggar and Raison offer holiday cottages and hotel stays with offbeat character and superb views. Travellers come here to spend a few days exploring nature and to be completely away from touristy Manali (20-25 kms from either destinations).

It is basically a small group of hamlets and usually serves as a stopover for travellers going to Manali and more popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. However, those who want to explore the wilderness of Himachal without being disturbed by any sort of commercialization shall definitely spend a night or two in this charming little village.

You can hop on a bus that’s going to Manali from Delhi and get off here to experience the beauty of Himachal in a true way.

Best time to visit: All year round

Kullan (Sonamarg)

Kullan area, 16 kms short of Sonamarg is a quiet riverside area with superb views and an orchard character. Here, you go on village walks, explore the riverside, enjoy simple cuisine and have the option to undertake half-day or full-day walks and treks. Unlike Sonamarg, Kullan is open all through the year and is a kind of place for offbeat travellers to spend a couple of days in complete isolation.

It is a perfect blend of tranquility and peace for people looking to stay away from the crowd during their vacations. It is located at a distance of about 900 kms from Delhi and it is recommended to get on flight to Srinagar from where you can book a taxi or a bus to reach Kullan.

Best time to visit: March to November

Ladakh

Ladakh is a popular holiday destination especially after it was featured in the Bollywood superhit movie "3 Idiots". However, its high-altitude lakes, remote villages and rugged countryside character make it more suitable for offbeat travellers looking for an experience of completely ‘another world’.

There is nothing like Ladakh anywhere in India, except Spiti Valley. The world's highest mountain passes, spectacular views, ancient monasteries, remote villages and humble hospitality make Ladakh a special destination for offbeat and experiential travellers.

Turtuk Village, Diskit in Nubra Valley, villages in Leh outskirts, Nimmu, Uley, Zanskar Valley, Temisgam, Tsomoriri Lake and Tsokar Lake are areas that are completely away from tourists and perfect for offbeat and experiential travellers.

Ladakh is located at a distance of about 1000 kms from Delhi by road. You can take a flight to Leh and then, drive a bike or car to Ladakh. However, you can choose the route that suits you the best. Do not forget to stop by popular tourist destinations on your way to Ladakh, including Kargil, Sarchu, Shargoi, and Drass.

Best time to visit: April to June

North Bengal (Lava - Rishyap - Rishi Khola - Zuluk)

Hillside areas of West Bengal off Kalimpong (popularly known as North Bengal) are renowned for bird watching and remote Himalayan settings.

The 100 kms stretch from Kalimpong to Zuluk (10000 ft asl) is a journey into another world, seldom visited by tourists at large. The colonial-era architecture, the gentle flow of the Teesta River, the lush green landscapes and the incredible mountain ranges are only a few of the many attractions that will make you want to extend your stay in this little hamlet.

Stays here are mainly homestays or guest houses offering simple character, hospitality and local cuisine. So, if there is an explorer in you, then Zuluk may be the destination to spend a few days discovering Real India in the Himalayas.

There are regular buses available from Darjeeling, Siliguri, and Gangtok for Kalimpong. One can board a flight from Delhi to Bagdogra Airport and well, from there you can book a cab or catch a bus as well.

Best time to visit: March to May, September to October

Arunachal Pradesh

If there is one word to describe the beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, it’s extraordinary. Arunachal Pradesh in North East India is renowned for its orchids, high mountain passes, remote villages and ancient monasteries.

There are no star-category hotels, no fancy restaurants and no touristy elements as you get transported into another world of ever-smiling locals, rugged drives and exceptional Himalayan beauty.

Destinations such as Dirang, Tawang, Ziro Valley, mountain passes such as Sela Pass and Bum La Pass and monastery of Tawang all offer a combination that is simply unforgettable, offering an experience that is unlike anywhere else.

You can indulge in activities, such as trekking, rafting, camping, biking, wildlife safari, tribal tours, etc. during your stay in Arunachal and we can assure the serenity of the places that this state holds in its bosom is simply mesmerizing.

Best time to visit: October to April

Kumaon Himalayas

Little known Himalayan hamlets, such as Pangot, Ranikhet, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar and lakeside hamlets, including Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal are some of the weekend getaways for those seeking solace and peace in their life.

These Kumaoni hamlets are quite perfect for holiday travellers who are looking for a bit of offbeat character and nature-based activities such as walking, boating, bird watching, etc.

The region is known for its experiential retreats that are high on style and character, attracting urban travellers from all over India for being away from touristy areas and experiencing nature in its most authentic form. So, if the idea is to live by the river or stay in a cottage overlooking the Himalayas, then there is no better place than Kumaon.

Best time to visit: February to June, September to December

Garhwal Himalayas

While Kumaon has its own charm, Garhwal Himalayas carry a personal brand of grace. The twinkling lights of Dehradun as seen from Mussoorie, the winter line of Mussoorie, the grandness of Kedarnath, and the stunning vistas of Pithoragarh, are all a part of Garhwal.

However, there are some offbeat getaways for those interested in Garhwal as well, including, Kanatal, Munsiyari, Dharchula, Dhanaulti, Landour, Khirsu etc. You can do your own research before visiting these places but one thing we can assure you is that the stay options in all the above places are aplenty and so are the places to explore and activities to indulge yourself in.

Best time to visit: February to June, September to December

There is so much to visit and explore in the mighty Himalayas. From Himalayan foothills to their highest peak, there is so much that the ‘roof of the world’ has to give, and tourism is a huge part of these offerings. Offbeat and experiential holidays in the Himalayas are meant for well-heeled travellers looking to be away from tourists and experience the Himalayas in their most authentic form.