IRCTC Himachal Tour Packages

IRCTC Himachal tour packages offer a wonderful possibility to see the amazing beauty of the Himalayas while mixing religion, adventure, and leisure. Himachal Pradesh's stunning scenery, lush green valleys, and snow-capped peaks make it a great destination for nature lovers and adventurers. These expertly planned packages often include excursions to renowned places like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the region's rich culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural landscape. Travellers can participate in various activities, including trekking and paragliding and visiting peace temples and local markets. Accommodations are generally comfortable and cater to various budgets, ensuring a pleasant stay. Additionally, IRCTC’s packages often encompass convenient transportation options and guided tours, making it easier for travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and heritage. Overall, an IRCTC Himachal tour package promises an unforgettable experience, filled with adventure, tranquillity, and breathtaking views that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.

Best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh:

Shimla: The capital city, famous for its colonial architecture, lively mall road, and beautiful views from the Ridge.

Manali: A popular hill station Famous for its adventure sports, scenic beauty, and attractions like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.

Dharamshala: Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, this town offers a blend of Tibetan culture and stunning mountains.

McLeod Ganj: A suburb of Dharamshala, known for its monasteries, trekking trails, and vibrant atmosphere.

Kullu Valley: Known for its pristine valleys, apple orchards, and the beautiful Beas River, it’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Spiti Valley: A desert mountain valley known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. Key places include Kaza, Kee Monastery, and Chandratal Lake.

Manikaran: Famous for its hot springs and beautiful Gurudwara, this place is significant for both Hindus and Sikhs.

Kasol: A backpacker's paradise, known for its scenic beauty and vibrant Israeli culture, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and trekking.

Kufri: A small hill station near Shimla, known for its pleasant climate, adventure activities, and beautiful horse rides.

Bilaspur: With the beautiful Gobind Sagar Lake and the historic temples, it's a less explored but captivating destination.

Top Things To Do In Himachal Pradesh

Trekking: Explore the numerous trekking trails, such as the Beas Kund trek, the Triund trek near Dharamshala, and the Hampta Pass trek, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Paragliding: Experience the thrill of paragliding in Bir Billing, one of the top spots for this adventure sport, providing stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.

Visit Monasteries: Discover the serene atmosphere of monasteries like Namgyal Monastery and Tushita Meditation Centre in McLeod Ganj, where you can participate in meditation sessions or simply enjoy the peaceful ambience.

River Rafting: Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping river rafting experience in the Beas River at Kullu, suitable for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

Explore Local Markets: Visit local bazaars like Mall Road in Shimla and Kasol market, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, and clothing, and enjoy local cuisine.

Visit Temples: Explore famous religious sites such as the Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali and the Manikaran Gurudwara, rich in cultural significance.

Wildlife Spotting: Go to the Great Himalayan National Park for wildlife spotting, trekking, and enjoying the rich biodiversity of the region.

Skiing: In winter, visit Kufri or Solang Valley for skiing and snowboarding, making the most of the snow-covered landscapes.

Relax by Scenic Lakes: Spend a day at beautiful lakes like Kareri Lake and Chandratal Lake, perfect for picnics and photography.

Camping: Enjoy camping under the stars at locations like Kheer Ganga or near the banks of the Beas River, surrounded by nature. 

Famous food in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh boasts a rich culinary heritage, with a variety of traditional dishes that reflect the local culture and ingredients. Here are some famous foods to try when visiting the region:

Sidu: A type of bread made from wheat flour, Sidu is often stuffed with ingredients like minced meat or vegetables and cooked over a fire. It's usually enjoyed with ghee or chutney.

Chana Madra: A popular dish made with chickpeas cooked in a yoghurt-based gravy, seasoned with a variety of spices. It's commonly served with rice.

Dham: This is a traditional festival meal, typically consisting of rice, lentils, and a variety of meat and vegetable curries. Dham is usually prepared for special occasions and is a must-try.

Patande: Similar to pancakes, Patande is made from rice flour and can be enjoyed sweet or savoury. They are often served with homemade butter or chutney.

Babru: A Himachali version of stuffed puris, Babru is filled with black gram flour and spices, then deep-fried. It is often eaten with tamarind chutney.

Aloo Palda: A unique curry made with potatoes and buttermilk, spiced with turmeric and ginger, offering a tangy flavour that complements rice.

Kullu Trout: Freshly caught trout from the rivers of Kullu is a delicacy, prepared in various styles like grilled or fried, often served with local vegetables.

Tandoori Chicken: While not unique to the region, Tandoori Chicken is widely enjoyed in Himachal and is marinated with a mix of spices before being cooked in a tandoor (clay oven).

Kade: A type of sweet dish made from wheat and jaggery, Kade is a popular dessert in the region, often enjoyed during festivals.

Chaans: A variety of meat dishes, including mutton and chicken, cooked with local spices that give them a unique flavour, often paired with rice or bread.

Gul Gula: A sweet treat made of flour and sugar, deep-fried to create a crispy exterior, typically enjoyed during festivals or as a snack.

Best Time To Visit Himachal Pradesh

The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh largely depends on the experiences you're seeking, as each season offers its unique charm.

Spring (March to June): This is one of the most popular times to visit. The weather is pleasant, making it best for trekking, sightseeing, and enjoying outdoor activities. Flowers bloom, and the valleys are lush and green.

Summer (June to August): While summer can be warm in the plains, the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh remain cool and refreshing. This is a great time for families and tourists looking to escape the heat. However, be prepared for occasional rain, especially in July and August.

Autumn (September to October): The weather during this time is also pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures. It’s perfect for trekking and exploring the natural beauty of the region. The festivals celebrated during this period add to the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Winter (November to February): If you enjoy snow and winter sports, this is the best time to visit. Popular places like Manali and Kufri are covered in snow, making them best for skiing and snowboarding. However, temperatures can drop significantly, so warm clothing is essential.

How To Reach Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is well-connected by various modes of transport, making it accessible for travellers from all over India and abroad. Here are the main ways to reach Himachal Pradesh:

By Air: Airports: The state has several airports, with the most prominent being Kangra Airport (Dharamshala) and Shimla Airport. 

Flights: Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kullu. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your destination.

By Train:

Railway Stations: Himachal Pradesh is not directly connected to major railway networks. However, the nearest railway stations are in Kangra (Nagrota) and Kalka.

Kalka-Shimla Railway: The Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge train is a popular and scenic route that offers breathtaking views of the hills and landscapes, making it a great choice for travellers. 

By Road:

By Bus: Himachal Pradesh has a well-developed road network and numerous private and state-run buses connect major cities and towns. You can find frequent services from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Amritsar.

By Car: If you prefer driving, Himachal Pradesh can be reached via well-maintained highways. The roads offer stunning views but be prepared for some winding and hilly terrain.

Popular Routes:

From Delhi: Take the NH44 and NH5 to reach Shimla (approximately 350 km, around 7-8 hours by car).

From Chandigarh: NH5 leads directly to Shimla (approximately 120 km, around 3-4 hours by car).