Himachal Pradesh or the “Land of Gods,” is a place where mountain peaks hold tales of olden-days folklores and the scent of pine and cedar always lingers in the air. Himachal Pradesh has something for everyone, be it the paragliding adventure taken above the Dhauladhar Range to have the adrenaline rush of your lifetime, spiritual solace at a Tibetan monastery and the first snowfall of the season.

Owing to its varied geography, ranging from green valleys to desert at a high altitude, “when to go” basically depends on what one chooses to do. Here’s a complete travel guide for planning your Himachali trip.

January –

January is a snow holiday destination; a major part of the state gets a snow cover. Travel spots like Shimla, Manali, and Dalhousie get copious snowfall, and the temperature drops below freezing at times. Carry warm thermals and waterproof shoes. January marks for a snowfall, when you can enjoy the most exciting activities like skiing at Solang Valley and ice-skating at Shimla.

February –

Snowfall continues in February, though the rigors of January’s hardness diminish. This is a month of Losar Festival or Tibetan New Year, an explosion of color in McLeod Ganj and Spiti. The Halda ad Sazo Festival takes place in Lahaul and Spiti during this month. It is best for winter photography or Tibetan culture.

March –

As the winter snow melts in lower areas, rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom in the valley. The climate is quite cold but not harsh; one of the reasons why tourists prefer this season to witness. This month is best for river rafting in the Kullu region and visits to tea estates in Palampur.

April-June –

This is the most famous touristy season of the year. The Indian plains are scorching at 40 degree Celsius, while Himachal is a cool haven. The high mountain passes, like Rohtang Pass and Kunzum are generally opened in late May or June. It is suited for family holidays, paragliding in Bir Billing, and Triund treks.

July-August –

The mountains become a bright emerald green in color, waterfalls appear at every nook and cranny. This is the time when landslides and cloudbursts are common. The time to venture on a trekker’s adventure in the mountains but is the best time to experience a staycation. Do not travel via Kinnaur and Spiti highways during rainy conditions.

September –

The rains are over in the month and the air and land are clean and crystal clear. It may be the best time for trekking as the hills are green and the sky is a brilliant blue. This month is best for high-altitude treks like Hampta Pass and Beas Kund.

October –

Autumn in Himachal Pradesh is a treat to the eyes with its golden and orange shades. The apple season has already begun in Kinnaur and Kotgarh. The climate is quite chilled with a clear sky, provides a breathtaking sight of the Dhauladhar Range of Mountains.

November –

It is also the most serene month of the year in the hills. The autumn falls are gone, with the first sign of winter frosts appearing. It is very good time for budget travelers who are looking to unwind before the prime tourist months of December.

December –

The snow king return by mid-December when you can plan a trip to Shimla and Manali turn into party destinations during the celebrations of Christmas and New Year. It is best for cozying up by the bonfire, café-hopping at Old Manali.

Top Tourist Destination based on the Season:

Shimla, Manali is an ideal family destination during summer, between April and June. Winters (December to February) are the best for snow activities. These places can become very crowded in peak times. One must book in advance at least two months beforehand.

Dharamshala and Dalhousie is the best time from March to June, and September to November. Dharamshala gets very high rainfall in India; during the monsoon season (July to August), the rains can be quite severe.

Spiti Valley and Lahaul is best from June to September. Spiti being a rain shadow zone, unlike the rest of Himachal, gets relatively less rain, making it an excellent destination in case one needs to escape during the monsoon season. The temperatures in Spiti can drop as low as 30 degrees in winter, with major roads being blocked due to snow.

Tirthan Valley are best between the months of March and June, October to November are the best months to witness fall foliage.

Travel tips for visiting Himachal Pradesh:

1.  Clothing layers – Even during summer it may be chilly at night in the highlands. A thin jacket should always be carried with you. During winter, the three layers clothing is highly recommended.

2.  Health & Altitude – If heading to Spiti or Kinnaur, move slowly. Take a night stay in Shimla or Manali to acclimate. You may suffer from Acute Mountain Sickness.

3.  Booking – Either in the peak season of summer or the New year season, the price of hotels and taxis may double. So, book in advance, if you wish to save money.

4.  Regional Transport – The Kalka-Shimla Toy Train is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, that you should not miss. The booking with IRCTC in advance.

5.  Respect culture – When visiting monasteries, travel in a clockwise direction and ask for photography permission of the monks or monastery interiors.

Conclusion:

Himachal Pradesh is an incredible place to be at any time of the year, though it is the timing of your trip that will determine your experience. Make plans for May or September for adventures, romantic getaways in January, solitude and untamed nature in Spiti in July, and you will feel alive in the mountains.