Of snow-capped mountains and smokey lore, Himachal Pradesh is so much more than hill stations with colonial hangovers. There are legends to be followed through Shimla’s mall road and Old Manali’s cobbled streets, ancient lore to be listened to and nirvana to be attained. Tirthan valley with its trout-laden rivers and Narkanda’s snowy slopes draw a sizeable crowd all the year around. From momos to monks, Mcleodganj checks every box on your favourite destination checklist.

Follow Himachal’s winding roads up narrow passes to scenic Spiti with picture-postcard views and 1000-year-old monasteries. Spiti’s stark mountains give way to the contrasting lush Karsog valley with the faint echo of chanting monks following you down. Quaint villages here in the mountains make for memorable stays. From high-altitude treks to mountaineering, paragliding, rafting and some precarious off-roading, head over to Himachal for that adrenaline rush. 

Stroll through the bazaars of Old Manali, with a stop for a nibble of ‘yak cheese’ at any of the eateries, moving on to rustic cafés and junk jewelry shops with traditional wooden Himachali houses beyond. Walk on through to Goshal, Shanag and Burua villages with sprawling orchards along the trail. The stony trail past Buruawould then lead across Solang-Nallah to the wide open fields of of Solang Valley.A favourite skiing destination in winter, get your fix ‘zorbing’ down green meadows in summer.