10 Unexplored Places in Shimla & Manali That Most Tourists Miss!

10 Unexplored Places in Shimla & Manali That Most Tourists Miss!

Located in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla and Manali are famous for their wonderful sites and tourist attractions. However, beyond the well-known sites are the hidden gems that are not visited much by tourists. Both Shimla and Manali are the best places for backpackers, travellers, and adventurers. Thus, they plan their Shimla Manali tour to the places located in high-altitude places.

Read this blog to know the top new places in Shimla and Manali, the best hiking spots, etc. for your Shimla Manali tour.

Hidden Gems to Book in Shimla Manali Tour Plan

1. Soyal Village, Manali

It is just 18 km from Manali. Soyal Village is paradise on Earth. It is less crowded. This beautiful place offers lovely views of the nearby mountains. One can see the old Himachali life in the Shimla Manali tour.
What to do:

• Enjoy a bike ride from Naggar to Soyal for a lovely trip.
• Enjoy a tasty lunch at the small local cafes.
• Get yourself lost in the lovely climate
• Connect with the locals.

2. Knoi Waterfall, Manali

Located 10 kilometers from Manali, Knoi Waterfall is a hidden natural wonder. This is a hidden gem in Shimla and Manali. The 20-foot drop waterfall into a cave-like base. It gives a lovely experience.
What to do:

• Trek through dark forests to reach the waterfall
• Click lovely photos of the waterfall.
• Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the waterfall

3. Koksar Village, Manali

This village is located on the Leh-Manali highway. It is the coldest village in the Lahaul-Spiti district. Due to being located in a far area, very less people visit this place.
What to do:

• Explore the snow-covered mountains.
• Enjoy the old food.
• Connect with locals.

4. Sethan Village, Manali

It is also called the "Igloo Village" of India during winter. It offers a peaceful place away from city’s busy life. It is also the base camp for the Hampta Pass trek. One can enjoy as well as relax here.
What to do:

• Stay in an igloo during winter months
• Enjoy a free walk along the Hampta Pass trek route
• See the snow-covered peaks.

5. Hallen Valley, Manali

Situated 25 km from Manali, the place is listed in Manali’s famous site. It is famous among Himachali people. People come here to see lovely views.
What to do:

• You can trek here
• See the high Hallen Valley from the height.
• See the small temple near the valley.

6. Naldehra, Shimla

It is a hill resort located just an hour's drive away from Shimla. It is one of the most visited places near Shimla. The place was exposed by Lord Curzon. He liked the beauty of this place.
What to do:

• You can trek here.
• You can see the nearby places.
• Enjoy great views of the surrounding valleys and mountains

7. Narkanda, Shimla

Narkanda is a lovely town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is almost 60 km ahead of Shimla city. Narkanda attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year. It is located at a height of 2706 metres. This Shimla Manali tour is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and greenery.
What to do:

• You can see apple and cherry orchards.
• Explore the nearby places.
• Click some nice photos.

8. Fagu, Shimla

This place is blessed with snow-covered peaks and a lovely atmosphere. This place is located near to the clouds. You will feel like walking in the clouds.
What to do:

• Take an early morning/late evening ride for scenic views
• Enjoy activities
• You can also camp

9. Gauri Shankar Temple, Naggar

Located in the famous town of Naggar, the Gauri Shankar Temple is an unseen place. This 12th-century stone temple presents beautiful skill. It also offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the rush.
What to do:

• See the stone statues on the temple walls
• Learn about the temple's history
• See old sites, such as the Naggar Castle

10. Old Shimla Market

Old Market is famous for its local crafts and old Himachali food. Old Manali Market is a must-visit for those seeking local culture.
What to do:

• See the local markets
• try old Himachali cuisine.
• See the nearby cafes for a relaxed atmosphere.

Offbeat Villages Near Shimla Manali Tour

The table provided below talks about some offbeat villages that can be seen on Shimla Manali tour.

Village	Location	Description	Key Attractions
Shoja	Near Shimla	Known for its beautiful green landscapes. It is a part of the Himalayan National Park.	Waterfall Point, Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort
Kotkhai	Shimla	Famous for apple orchards and old culture.	Apple Orchards, Local Culture
Karsog	Shimla	Known for its scenic beauty and temples.	Temples, Scenic Landscapes
Old Manali	Manali	One can relax here while sitting at the cafe.	Local Markets, Cafes, Yoga Centers
Soyal	Manali	Offers lovely views of the mountains.	Nearby Views, Local Culture
Chichoga	Manali	Located near Mall Road. It offers views of Manali town.	Views, Local Culture
Majach	Near Solang Valley	Known for its lovely sites and waterfalls. You can trek.	Waterfalls, Trekking
Kalga	Parvati Valley	Located in between the apple orchards and snow-laden peaks.	Apple Orchards, Snowy Places
Malana	Parvati Valley	It is popular for its unique culture and ancient customs.	Old Temples, Lovely Culture

 

Best Trekking Spots That No One Talks About

Best Trekking Spots in Shimla

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a well-known tourist destination. The place is known for its scenic beauty and lovely weather. One can enjoy hiking by booking them through then the best travel agency for Shimla Manali tour.
Karol Tibba Trek

• Why Visit: Set near Solan, this trek is an unseen gem offering lovely views of the Solan Valley. It takes you through green fields and forests, giving you an option to stay connected with nature.
• Experience: Hike through forests, and visit the temple. Enjoy scenic views of many peaks.

Dhanu Devta Temple Trek

• Why Visit: This trek is best for families and learners. It provides a still atmosphere through apple orchards and pine forests. Also, it is just 7 km long, which takes almost 3-4 hours to complete.
• Experience: See the scenic trails. Visit the temple, and enjoy views of Shimla’s hills and the Sutlej River.

Mashobra Trek

• Why Visit: It is a gem of natural scenic surroundings. It has many big lands and orchards. The trek in the Shimla Manali tour plan provides a peaceful experience.
• Experience: Trek through hidden streams. See apple and apricot orchards, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Best Trekking Places in Manali

Manali is home to many lovely trekking trails in the country. Have a look at some of the best treks in Shimla Manali tour.
Lamadugh Trek

• Why Visit: This short trek offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking a quick adventure.
• Experience: Enjoy scenic views of the Dhauladhar range. Also, see lush forests, and enjoy the atmosphere of the Himalayas.

Bijli Mahadev Trek

• Why Visit: Located 64 km from Manali, this trek takes you to an old temple. From there see the Kullu and Parvati valleys.
• Experience: Test yourself with this trek. Visit the old Bijli Mahadev temple. Also enjoy lovely views of the nearby places.

Hampta Pass Trek

• Why Visit: The most exciting crossover trek in the country is the Hampta Pass Trek. It covers two valleys in the same journey – Manali and Spiti.
• Experience: Go through the difficult trails, cross rivers, and see the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.

All these treks offer a mixture of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and journey. Due to all these reasons, trekking here becomes perfect for those looking to explore beyond the popular trails in Shimla and Manali.

You can book it from the best travel agency for Shimla Manali tour.

Secret Viewpoints for the Best Sunrise & Sunset

Refer to the table provided below to know the viewpoints for the best sunrise and sunset in Shimla and Manali:

Viewpoint	Location	Details	Best Time to Visit
Jakhoo Hills	Shimla	This place offers lovely views of the Himalayas. It is an ideal spot for sunrise and sunset. The Jakhoo Temple adds a spiritual touch to the experience.	Spring (March to June) Autumn (September to November)
Hatu Peak	Shimla District	One can see the lovely sunrise views.	Early morning for sunrise
Chadwick Falls	Shimla	The nearby Glen forests provide serene landscapes during sunrise and sunset.	Monsoon (July to September) for greenery
Rohtang Pass	Manali	The place has amazing sunrise and sunset views of the Pir Panjal and Lahaul ranges.	Early morning for sunrise Late evening for sunset
Solang Valley	Manali	You can see the clear skies during sunrise and sunset.	Anytime
Prashar Lake	Mandi District	The lake is also an ideal place to see the sunrise and sunset.	Early morning for sunrise, late evening for sun

 

Less-Known Temples & Heritage Sites

Refer to the information provided below to know the less-known temples & heritage sites in the Shimla Manali tour plan.

• Jakhu Temple, Shimla
• Kamna Devi Temple, Shimla
• Hatkoti Temple, Shimla
• Hatu Mata Temple, Shimla
• Mahunag Temple, Shimla
• Manikaran Sahib, Manali
• Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali
• Manu Temple, Manali
• Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, Manali

Quiet Cafes in Shimla and Manali

Both Shimla and Manali have lovely cafés serving tasty old-style food.  Whether you want to enjoy a hot cup of coffee or want a quick bite of a sandwich, or a full course meal with a view, the cafes suit everyone.
 

Cafés	Famous For
Born Free Café, Manu Temple Road, Manali	Himachali cuisines, Pasta, Israeli dishes, smoothies
Johnson’s Café, Circuit House Road, Manali	Trout fish, wood-fired pizzas
The Lazy Dog Café, Old Manali	Sandwiches, coffee, local dishes
Cafe 1947, Near Manu Temple	Pizzas, risottos, burgers
Wake & Bake Café, Mall Road, Shimla	Hummus with falafel, shepherd’s pie
Cafe Simla Times	Pizzas, Himachal trout
Cafe Sol	Pasta, desserts

 

Local Markets in Shimla and Manali

Old Shimla/Manali Market

Many markets in Shimla and Manali have a huge range of local handicrafts. Also, you can try authentic Himachal food there. Old Markets are must-visits during the Shimla Manali tour plan for those seeking local culture.

Experience: Explore the local markets, try old-style Himachali food, and visit nearby cafes for a relaxed atmosphere.
Names: Shimla Market, Lakkar Bazar, Tibetan Refugee Market, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Manu Marke, etc.

Best Time to Visit These Hidden Places

Best Time to Visit Manali

Set in the heart of the Himalayas, Manali is one of the famous tourist places. It is a haven for mountain lovers. Also, it is a popular tourist spot. Due to this it attracts a large number of travellers round the clock. One can enjoy hiking, paragliding, rafting, and other outdoor events.

So, the best time to visit Manali Himachal Pradesh, is from March to June as the temperature is between 10°C and 25°C with pleasant weather to enjoy. But if you want to see the snowfall and enjoy snow activities, then visit during the Winter season.

Best Time to Visit Shimla

The best time to book the Shimla Manali tour is between March to June as the weather remains nice. The temperature varies from 15°C to 30°C. But if you want to enjoy Snowfall in Shimla, then you can visit during the winter months - November to January.

Conclusion

For a easy and enjoyable experience, connect with the best travel agency for Shimla Manali tour. Talk to the experts who can create a custom plan that includes these hidden gems, local cafes, etc.
So have the best experience in your Shimla Manali tour.