Explore The Best Places to Visit in Himachal in May (Hidden Gems)

Himachal is a place one should visit at least once in his/her lifetime. Normally people visit Himachal in the winter months to experience snow, but in summer Himachal has its unique charm. Keep reading to find out the best places to visit in Himachal in May. 

Let me tell you if you are one of those lucky ones who are planning to visit this beautiful place soon, trust me, you will not regret it! Once you have been there and fallen in love with the mountain peaks you will want to go there again for sure!

Best places to visit in Himachal in May

“Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.”

– Zig Ziglar.

This quote explains the exact emotions of a mountain lover who loves traveling to places of majestic mountain peaks and beautiful valleys!

It’s never easy to reach off-the-beat, quiet places with amazing views like Kinnaur Valley. We will talk about this place in detail later in the post, but you got my point, right? So let’s dive right into it! 🙂

These are some of the best places to visit in Himachal in May.

1. Jibhi – Kullu District
2. Khajjaiar
3. Spiti valley
4. Chandratal lake
5. Lahaul
6. Parvati valley
7. Bir billing – (Paragliding capital of India)
8. Hatu Peak and Tani Jabbar – Narkanda
9. Kasol
10. Kinnaur & Kalpa
11. Sangla Valley – Chitkul and Rakcham
12. Kangra Valley

Let’s get to know about each place in detail!

1. Jibhi – Kullu District

Jibhi is a lesser-known small village located in the Kullu district of Himachal. It’s in the mesmerizing Tirthan valley where you can see lush green mountains covered with greenery!

How to reach Jibhi:

There are 2 diffrent routes you can reach Jibhi.

(1) Via Mandi -> Pandoh -> Aut -> Jibhi

(2) Via Shimla -> Narkanda -> Jibhi

It takes 10-11 hours from Delhi to Jibhi if you are traveling by bus. (Volvo bus/Zing bus = 800-1200 INR per person)

When you reach the Aut tunnel, after leaving the tunnel you can hire cabs from there to Tirthan or Jibhi which cost 1500-2000 INR per person.

(3) You can also take a flight from Delhi to Bhuntar Airport. It can be expensive due to very less flights operating to this place. (10,000 – 12000 INR one way)

*PRICES ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THEY MAY HAVE CHANGED AT THE TIME OF YOUR VISIT*

The best time to visit Jibhi

(1) March to June

(2) September to December

Avoid traveling in the monsoon season because of the landslides it’s risky. Similarly avoid traveling in winter due to heavy snowfall in the region.

Places to see in Jibhi

• Chhoie waterfall trek
• Cafe HP49
• Chehni Kothi
• Balo temple
• Jibhi waterfalls

2. Khajjaiar

Khajjaiar is an offbeat place in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as “India’s mini Switzerland.”

Khajjaiar is located approximately 552 – 600 km distance from Delhi. If you are travelling from Pathankot the distance will be around 95 km.

How to reach Khajjaiar

You can take different routes as per your choice to reach Khajjair, some of which I will list below.

(1) Delhi to Dharmshala: Arrive at Kangra – Gaggal Airport – Take a taxi to Delhousie and stay 1-2 days to explore Delhousie then leave for Khajjaiar which is 21 km from Delhousie.

(2) If you’re a budget traveler, you can start your journey from Delhi – Majnu ka Tila, from here you can take Volvo bus direct to Dharmshala. After arriving at Dharmshala you can rest for a day or 2 explore and leave for Khajjiar.

Dharmshala to Khajjair’s approximate distance is 124 km – 3-4 hours.

It will take around 12-13 hours to reach Dharmshala from Delhi by Volvo bus. Usually, a Volvo bus ticket costs approx 700 INR.

(PRICES MAY CHANGE OVER TIME*)

The best time to visit Khajjiar

(1) May and June

(2) If you want to experience snowfall you can plan your trip during December, January, and February months.

Avoid monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and landslides.

(3) Off-season (cheapest months) are October and November when hotels and homestay prices are down.

Places to see in Khajjair

• Khajjair Lake
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
• Panch Pandav tree
• Khajji Nag Temple
• Khajjair Trek ( From Khajjair to Dainkund peak trek)
• Tibetian Handicraft Center
• Himachal Pradesh Handicraft Center

3. Spiti Valley – best places to visit in Himachal in May

Spiti is a small village in Himachal Pradesh. It is a Tibetan village situated at high altitude. ‘Spiti’ means middle land. The land between Tibet and India.

Spiti is known for breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and adventure-tracking trails.

How to reach Spiti

1. Fly to Shimla then take a cab/bus to Kaza a town in Spiti Valley. (Distance-480 km-21 hours to complete) Bus charges=860* INR
2. Fly to Kullu then take a direct cab to Spiti.
3. Reach Manali and from there take a bus.
4. Drive from Delhi/Chandigarh to Kaza.

*Important note for travelers: After reaching Spiti you must take 1-2 days to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Rest as much as possible and take a small hike near your stay. Research “High Altitude sickness” before your trip and prepare in advance.

The best time to visit Spiti

(1) April & May

• Snow starts melting during these months.
• The Manali – Kaza route is still closed.
• Shimla-Kaza Road has mostly been opened by now.
• Tourist numbers are increasing during these months.
• Most hotels are functional during these months.

(2) June & July

• Main season to visit Spiti.
• Manali-Kaza road opens up.
• The weather is pleasant during these months in the Spiti.
• Snow is mostly melted.
• All roads are open during these months.
• All sightseeing possible.

*Avoid August because the monsoon season is at its peak. Landslides are common during this season. Road conditions degrade.

Places to see in Spiti

• Tabo Monastery
• Key Gompa (Key Monastery)
• Chicham bridge
• Langza village, Komic village, Hikkim village.
• Komic Monastery
• Langza Buddha statue
• Pinvalley National Park
• Kunzum Top
• Himalayan cafe, Sol cafe.

4. Chandra Taal Lake

Chandra Taal Lake is a beautiful lake located in Himachal Pradesh – in Lahaul & Spiti district. It is situated at 14000 feet height from sea level.

It is located in a high-altitude area so travelers should take extra care and prepare before reaching here. Research “High Altitude Sickness” and make sure you follow all the guidelines to prevent it!

How to reach Chandratal Lake

(1) If you’re traveling from Manali, then reach GRAMPHO via crossing ROHTANG PASS (13,058 ft). From here Chandra Taal Lake is 65 km.

(2) You can also reach here by ATAL TUNNEL to GRAMPHO.

• To cross Rohtang an online permit is required.
• You can hire a local cab from Manali to Chandra Taal Lake.
• You can also rent a bike from Manali. (Cost approx 1500 INR*)
• Chandra Taal Lake is a summer destination, it is closed during winter months due to high snowfall and roads are closed during that time.

The best time to visit Chandra Taal Lake

Mid-May to September

For Real-time updates on the road status of the Chandra Taal Lake route follow Lahaul and Spiti Police’s Facebook Page.

Places to see near Chandra Taal Lake

• Kunzum Pass
• Pin Valley National Park

5. Lahaul

Lahaul also known as the “Country of Gods” is located 33 km distance from Manali on the Manali – Leh Highway.

For adventure-loving travelers it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal in May.

How to reach Lahaul

You can fly down to Bhuntar Airport near Kullu and then travel by road to reach here. The distance is 170 km.

Or from Delhi or Chandigarh via Manali to Lahaul by road. (Local buses, Cab)

Places to see in Lahaul

• Sissu village
• Lahaul Valley
• Triloknath temple
• Kardang Monastery
• Hike to Shashur Monastery
• Mrikula devi temple

The best time to visit Lahaul

In the summer months (May to October)

When the roads are clear and ice-free.

Days are bright and sunny during these months and colder evenings.

6. Parvati Valley

This amazing valley with lush green forest and river with mountain view is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh

situated near Bhuntar.

How to reach Parvati valley

• You can travel by Volvo bus from Delhi to Bhuntar. (costs 1000-1600 INR*) (takes 9-12 hours)
• Similarly, you can take a Volvo bus from Chandigarh to Bhuntar. (costs 700-1200 INR*) (overnight)
• Pro tip: Catch the earliest bus to Bhuntar so you can escape the traffic! 🙂
• After reaching Bhuntar you can take a local bus (cost 50-60 INR*) or shared Cabs (400-600 INR*) to Parvati Valley.

Best places to see in Parvati Valley

• Kasol Market
• Parvati River
• Grahan village
• Off-limits Cafe

The best time to visit Parvati Valley

During May and June.

7. Bir billing – (Paragliding capital of India)

Bir Billing is situated in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Actually, Bir and Billing are two separate places. From one place you can paraglide and from another place you land.

How to reach Bir-Billing

• You can take a flight from Delhi to Kangra airport. From here Bir is 70 km.
• The nearest train station is Pathankot railway station. (140 km from Bir)
• There are also Government and private Volvo buses available from Delhi to Himachal.

The Best time to visit Bir-billing

During summer months = April, May, and June.

Places to see and things to do in Bir-billing

• Do Paragliding
• Visit monasteries
• Visit Machial lake

8. Hatu Peak and Tani Jabbar – Narkanda

Hatu Peak and Tani Jabbar are located in Himachal Pradesh in the Shimla district.

It’s located near Narkanda.

How to reach Hatu Peak and Tani Jubbar

• The nearest airport is Jubbar Hatti Airport. (Shimla Airport)
• The nearest railway is the Kalka Shimla Railway line. (Via toy train)
• You can also reach here from Shimla.

The best time to visit Hatu Peak and Tani Jubbar

• In the month of May to June
• And September to November.

Places to see near Hatu Peak

• Tani Jubbar lake
• Narkanda city
• Hatu Mandir (Maa Kali Mandir)

9. Kasol

Kasol is a small village located in Himachal’s Parvati Valley.

It’s a beautiful village surrounded by mountains and lush green forests.

How to reach Kasol

• You can take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi’s “Majnu ka Tila” to Kasol. (Costs 1000-1200 INR*)
• Or you can take a Volvo bus from Delhi/Chandigarh to Bhuntar and from there you can take a shared taxi or bus to Kasol.

The Best time to visit Kasol

Other than the monsoon, all the other months are good to visit Kasol.

Places to see in Kasol

• Manikaran
• Grahan village
• Tosh village
• Kheer Ganga trek

Must visit cafes in Kasol:

• ATS cafe
• Panjtara cafe
• Meraki cafe
• Moon dance cafe

10. Kinnaur & Kalpa

(1) Kinnaur: Located 200 km away from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.

(2) Kalpa: Kalpa is a small village in the Satluj River Valley above Reckong Peo. It is in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

How to reach Kinnaur & Kalpa:

Kinnaur:

• Nearest railway station = Shimla Railway station
• Nearest Airport: Shimla airport (Jabbarhatti airport)
• From Shimla, you can hire a taxi or catch a bus to reach Kinnaur.

Kalpa:

• Kalpa is located 44 km from Kinnaur. You can visit by local cab or bus.

The Best time to visit Kinnaur and Kalpa

Kinnaur: April to June

Kalpa: March to June

Places to see:

• India’s last village “Chitkul”
• Sangla Valley
• Kinnaur Kailash
• Sangla Buddhist Monastery
• Hindustan ka aakhri Dhaba
• Nako village
• Kalpa
• Reckong Peo

11. Sangla Valley – Chitkul and Rakcham

This place is a very offbeat place and a favorite for travelers who want to visit a quiet place and relax a bit that is why it is one of the best places to visit in Himachal in May.

Sangla Valley: It is located 250 km away from Shimla. One of the most beautiful valleys.

Chitkul: On the Hindustan – Tibet highway road, before the beginning of Tibet India’s last village, Chitkul. Altitude 11320 ft.

Rakcham: 1o km away, below Chitkul a small village named Rakcham is situated near Baspa river.

How to reach Sangla Valley:

Nearest Railway station: Kalka Railway station (288 km)

Regular buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla head towards Sangla.

Nearest airport:

Shimla Airport (238 km)

Dehradun Airport (125km)

The best time to visit Sangla Valley

April to October

Places to see in Sangla Valley

• Baspa riverside
• Bering Naag temple
• Chitkul
• Kamru fort
• Sangla Buddhist Monastery

12. Kangra Valley

Kangra Valley is located in western Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh.

You can see snowy peaks of mountains from here.

How to reach Kangra Valley

• The nearest airport is Kangra Airport. ( Gaggal Airport)
• The nearest railway station is Pathankot railway station.
• By road:
• From Delhi: 456 km
• From Shimla 220 km
• From Chandigarh: 223 km
• Volvo buses, public transportation, and taxis are readily available.

The best time to visit Kangra Valley

January to June and September to December

Places to see near Kangra Valley

• Kareri lake
• Malana village
• Indrahar pass
• Gyuto Monastery
• Bhagsu waterfalls
• Masroor rock cut temples
• Palampur
• Kangra fort

Conclusion

Himachal is one of the rare places that you can not completely cover in one trip. It has so much to offer to every traveler.

Hope you found this article useful. These are the best places to visit in Himachal in May. The list is long and time is limited! So choose wisely. 🙂 I hope to see you in my next post. Till then keep exploring!

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