About Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the “Dev Bhoomi” of India, stretches from the Shivalik foothills to the high deserts of Lahaul and Spiti. It has India’s best-loved hill stations – Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie – plus pilgrim towns, apple valleys and Himalayan passes.
Below is a quick guide to every district with links to our detailed guides, packages and taxi rates.
Himachal Pradesh – Quick Facts
| Capital | Shimla |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 350 m – 4,000 m+ |
| Airports | Bhuntar (Kullu), Gaggal (Kangra), Shimla; Chandigarh is the main gateway |
| Railways | Kalka – Shimla and Pathankot – Joginder Nagar toy trains; Una |
| Best time | March – June, October – February for snow |
| Ideal trip | 6 – 10 days |
Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
- Mandi
Town of 81 temples on the Beas – Prashar lake and Rewalsar nearby. - Solan
Mushroom city with the Shoolini temple and Chail nearby. - Una & Chintpurni
Plains district with the Chintpurni Shakti Peeth. - Bilaspur & Naina Devi
Gobind Sagar lake and the hilltop Naina Devi temple. - Hamirpur
Baba Balak Nath temple at Deotsidh. - Paonta Sahib
Gurudwara of Guru Gobind Singh on the Yamuna. - Renuka Ji & Sirmour
Largest natural lake of Himachal and the Nahan town. - Kangra & Palampur
Fort, Shakti Peeths and tea gardens. - Chamba
Old princely state with stone temples. - Lahaul & Spiti
Cold desert valleys beyond the Atal Tunnel.
Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
- March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families
- July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible
- October – November: clear skies and autumn colours
- December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush
How to Reach Himachal Pradesh
- By air: Chandigarh airport is the main gateway; Bhuntar, Gaggal and Shimla have small flights.
- By road: From Delhi via Chandigarh on NH-44 / NH-5 / NH-3.
Himachal Pradesh Distance Chart
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi – Shimla | 345 km | 8 hrs |
| Delhi – Manali | 540 km | 12 hrs |
| Chandigarh – Manali | 310 km | 8 hrs |
| Shimla – Manali | 250 km | 7 hrs |
| Manali – Dharamshala | 230 km | 7 hrs |
| Dharamshala – Dalhousie | 120 km | 4 hrs |
| Shimla – Kaza | 420 km | 2 days |
| Manali – Kaza | 200 km | 8 hrs |
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
Himachal Pradesh Map
Himachal Pradesh Travel Tips
- Hill roads are slow – plan 30 – 35 km per hour.
- Outside taxis need a Himachal permit; local taxis are used for Rohtang and Solang.
Entrance & Permit Fees in Himachal Pradesh 2026
Permits
- Rohtang Pass: ₹500 + ₹50 per vehicle (included in our cab rate).
- Spiti / Kinnaur border area: foreigners need an Inner Line Permit; Indians do not.
- Vehicles from other states pay the Himachal entry tax at the border – our cab rates include it.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
| Place | 🇮🇳 Indian | 🌍 Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Shri Naina Devi Jiropeway approx. ₹150 return | Free | Free |
| Mata Chintpurni Temple | Free | Free |
| Jwala Ji Temple | Free | Free |
| Pinjore GardenYadavindra Gardens | approx. ₹30 | approx. ₹30 |
| Rohtang PassRohtang permit ₹500 + congestion charge ₹50 per vehicle (HP Govt.) is included in our cab rate – nothing to pay · closed on Tuesdays | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Tabo Monastery | approx. ₹25 | approx. ₹300 |
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Taxi Service in Himachal Pradesh
Book a private cab with Travel Himalayas – fixed rates, experienced hill drivers, toll and parking included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best hill station in Himachal?
Manali for snow and adventure, Shimla for colonial charm, Dharamshala for Tibetan culture, Dalhousie for quiet forests.
What is the best time to visit Himachal Pradesh?
March – June: pleasant days (15 – 28 °C) – peak season for families. July – September: monsoon – green hills, lower rates, landslides possible. October – November: clear skies and autumn colours. December – February: cold, snowfall in the higher hills – Christmas & New Year rush.
How to reach Himachal Pradesh?
By air – Chandigarh airport is the main gateway; Bhuntar, Gaggal and Shimla have small flights. By road – From Delhi via Chandigarh on NH-44 / NH-5 / NH-3.