When it comes to planning a trip to Himachal Pradesh, most people immediately think of Shimla, Manali, or Dalhousie. However, a lot of the experience of Himachal exists outside of these general tourist areas! In this blog, I am targeting travellers who are looking to experience Himachal Pradesh in a different way – those who want to see the silent valleys, small villages, and the spiritual travelling of more neutral and real Himachal life, which is less visible in the destination’s brochures. The Hidden Himachal package departs and returns from Chandigarh, as we travel into some less-visited tourist spaces, including Barot, Jibhi, Shoja, Gushaini, and Narkanda. All of which offer you peace and tranquillity, natural beauty, and a real escape from city life.
While, depending on your level of comfort, you may want to do this road trip on your own bike or in your own car, adventure enthusiasts always enjoy a bike ride, but cars are generally better for families and groups. If you don’t have a vehicle, it is generally wise to contact an operator or travel agency to book a car (with a local driver) in advance, so you can feel good about the safety of the vehicle and driver while driving through mountain passes.
When you arrive in Chandigarh by plane or train, you should not have any trouble finding an arrival point. The city is clean, designed, and orderly. The city has many hotels to stay at, so you should easily find many that are close to the airport and in Sector 17. Find a place that works for you based on a budget, many hotels and lodging offer good services and have clean rooms.
In the evening, you can enjoy a short boat ride or a walk along Sukhna Lake. You may also check out Rock Garden, an artistic area made from waste materials. Definitely try the local food. The butter chicken, Amritsari kulcha and chole bhature at one of the dhabas are must-haves.
For shopping, Sector 17 Market is the destination. The district is famous for clothes, shoes and souvenirs.
Be sure to get some rest. The following day starts a long drive.
Get an earlier start. The trip from Chandigarh to Barot Valley will take around 8 – 10 hours or more, with your rest stops along the way. The route goes through Bilaspur and Mandi, and you will gradually notice the scenery of city roads to winding hill roads with pine trees appearing on either side.
Barot Valley, situated in the Mandi district, remains relatively untouched and undeveloped when it comes to large-scale tourism. It is a peaceful valley with very green surroundings, and the fresh mountain air is something you have never experienced. The Uhl River runs through the valley, and you will notice trout fish farms during your journey through the valley.
You will stay at a riverside homestay, where locals will offer you a chance to stay in a quaint, cosy wooden home that may lack luxuries but offer comfort with nice views. Consider going for a stroll by the river in the evening, or exploring the Barot Hydel Project, which is among India’s oldest hydropower installations.
The highlight of your day will be grilled trout fish with local spices for dinner. The evenings can get chilly, even during summer, so make sure you take along a light jacket.
Once your breakfast is done, it’s time to drive to Jibhi. The drive is about five hours, and it’s a very windy drive through all the trees, and the scenery is beautiful.
Jibhi is a tiny village nestled in the Tirthan Valley. There are simply new wooden homes, beautiful, quiet streets, and friendly locals. Check into your wooden stone homestay, and all of the very warm and cosy wooden houses.
Walk to the Jibhi Waterfall, which is hidden behind trees and rocks. Take a seat next to the waterfall, listen to the water, and relax. Wander around the village and visit local cafes, like our local favourite, try it all, Hot momos, thukpa, and lemon honey tea. Jibhi is all about slow travel. You can take your time reading a book, taking photos, or chatting with the locals. No sounds, no crowds, just fresh air and silence.
Drive 30 minutes from Jibhi onward to a further remote village named Shoja. Here you will need to drive up to Jalori Pass, at 10,000 ft. Look at this beautiful mountainside backdrop at the conjunction of complete natural beauty. The ride to Jalori Pass is quite steep, but you will be treated to stunning vistas, worth the ride.
Begin the trek to Serolsar Lake from Jalori Pass. This is 5 km one way, allowing around 2 – 3 hours in process. You trek mainly through Oak and Pine Forest with a fair leeway on stopping for it. In my description, I refer to the presence of birds and wildflowers along the route.
Serolsar Lake has clean water with a calm environment and a small temple beside the lake. Sit by the lake, snack and take pictures, you’ll adore the view.
Get back to Shoja before going dark! Stay in a cabin or guesthouse with mountain views, simple food and a quiet evening.
After breakfast, make your way to Gushaini, a small hamlet at the doorstep of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The drive is a lovely one which takes you past, orchards, forests and small villages.
Gushaini will suit you if you love nature. Most of the year, the Tirthan River runs beside the village. Stay in homestays which are a combo of wood and stone – a riverside homestay where the river sound accompanies you all day.
If you feel like you can take a break from your mobile network and connect with nature, then go for a walk, sit next to the river or enjoy a bonfire in the evening with the silence of nature looking after you. We ate local dishes like Siddu, rajma-chawal and fresh vegetables from the farmer’s plot.
Some homestays also offer fishing, short treks, or village tours. It’s all about resting and breathing.
Treat this day slowly. Wake up to the sound of chirping birds and the sight of mist on a river. Take a walk around the village and talk with locals.
Take the Rolla Trek, an easy 6 km walk inside GHNP. The trek takes you through meadows and forests. Peaceful walks on vintage bridges and mini streams. Start in the AM, easy walk.
In the village, lunch with local families, if offered, when you are back from your trek. Or just sit by the river. Drink coffee. Take pictures, write in a journal, or draw a sketch. This is the charm of Gushaini, you can do nothing, and that’s good enough.
Once you’ve had breakfast, start your drive to Narkanda, a town close to Shimla. The drive will take 6–7 hours to cover the distance, but you will drive through apple orchards, deodar trees, and sleepy villages.
Narkanda is at 8,800 feet and is home to Hatu Peak. Visit the Hatu Temple on top of a hill. The view from the peak is truly amazing. All you can see are snow-clad peaks with valleys below.
Look for a guesthouse or a small hotel in the market area. In the evening, have dinner of local dishes such as stuffed parathas, dal, or veg thali at the dhabas.
If winter, it is possible to see snow here even in the summer, it is cool and peaceful.
Begin your return trip to Chandigarh early. It’ll take roughly 6 hours, and you can stop for chai, parathas, or corn at roadside stalls and enjoy the final views of the mountains.
You will reach Chandigarh by the evening, and if you have time, buy souvenirs or go to Elante Mall for dinner. The journey might be over, but the memories will last a lifetime.
This Hidden Himachal Road trip will take you through untouched valleys, rivers, forests, and local life. It is not just a trip, it is relaxed in contrast to fast life in the city.
Barot: Riverside homestays near the Uhl River
Jibhi: Wooden cottages and tree houses
Shoja: Forest cabins and eco-stays
Gushaini: Homestays by the river with local meals
Narkanda: Guesthouses with a view of apple orchards
This hidden Himachal tour package is different. It provides a real mountain experience, local silence, and unseen beauty. No crowds, no overpriced packages. Just nature’s beauty, local people, and quietness. It is suitable for couples, solo, families, and photographers who want something away from tourists & well-trodden paths. Booking a tour like this one also helps local people and small villages by using homestays.
Himachal Pradesh has tons of secrets that are not advertised in posters and travel websites. By getting a hidden Himachal tour package, travelers receive more than just the ability to capture a moment in photographs. They receive memories of real places, local warm food, local clean air, and the peacefulness of nature. The sounds of the river from Gushiani, walking through the forest at Shoja, or resting on a cold clean rock on the green walking paths are all moments of this journey that feel closer to mother nature. The next time you search for a Himalayan tour package, try for something hidden & off the beaten path; the experience lasts longer than a memorable photograph.
Yes, these off-the-beaten-path places are peaceful and relatively less crowded. But it's best to have a plan when travelling and always have emergency numbers saved in your mobile, and tell someone the way you are going.
In villages like Barot and Shoja, you will have weak mobile network coverage. BSNL and Jio are the best in these areas, but it is best to inform your family beforehand.
Yes, solo travellers can visit, but you should have pre-booked your accommodation, carry a power bank, offline maps and basic first-aid kits. People in these areas are very generous and friendly.
You do not need permits to visit most places like Barot, Jibhi, and Tirthan Valley. However, always check the local news or tourism updates before planning your visit, also be careful when going to these places during the season (snow falling or heaving rain).
During winter, temperatures can go down to -5°C or lower in Shoja or Jibhi. You can't go wrong with heavy woollen clothes, layers, thermals, gloves, and shoes with a good grip.
You will mostly get local Himachal food like rajma-chawal, siddu, and momos. Don't expect fast food and big restaurants, but the homemade food is awesome.
Buses will go to the main towns, for the lesser-known places, you may need to take a cab or a shared vehicle. Pre-booking taxis is probably best in these areas.
A small SUV, or any car with good ground clearance is best. Most routes are narrow and sub-par, the roads can be rough when it rains or snows.
Yes, small local fairs and temple festivals do occur in the villages like Gushaini or Jibhi. They are not commercial, but they can give you a beautiful insight into the Himachali way of life.
At least 2–3 weeks before your arrival, especially if it is during a holiday period. Because these are not crowded places, stays are limited, but they are cosy and worth experiencing.
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