The Best Places for Hiking in Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh is a dream come true for digital nomads who love to hike: the northern Indian state is home to rugged Himalayan peaks, tumultuous glacial rivers, and peaceful old growth forests.

Whether you’re working from the bustle of Shimla or holed up at a cozy guest house in the hills of Dharamshala, hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels are waiting just outside your door. Tie up your laces, grab a granola bar, and read on for the best places for hiking in the four digital nomad hubs of Himachal Pradesh.

READ MORE: The Best Digital Nomad Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Manali

For those looking to hike in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is hard to beat. The city of Manali is a surprisingly sprawling one, with the best hikes accessible north of town in the Solang Valley and east of town just outside of Sethan village.

For a taste of local culture, walk the 1.6-mile (2.5-kilometer) Shanag Village Loop. It’ll take you through several quiet villages north of Manali and along the Beas River for a stretch, which is a perfect place to picnic and relax. Another great beginner hike is the popular Jogini Waterfall trail. While the waterfall is considered a sanctum of the goddess Jogini and meant to be a meditation area, know that this is a popular weekend hike and fills quickly with jovial hikers relaxing and swimming.

Those looking for a longer and more challenging trek in Manali can choose between Hampta Pass, a four to five day Himalayan crossing, or the 44-mile (71-kilometer) Pin Pavarti, which reaches heights above an astounding 17,000 feet (5,100 meters).

Dharamshala

While Dharamshala itself is nestled relatively low in the valley, the two hill station towns of Bhagsu Nag and Dharamkot are well-positioned for avid hikers. Each is just 20 minutes north of Dharamshala and just outside of McLeodganj, where the Dalai Lama lives in exile.

The Bhagsu Waterfall hike is a picturesque and short trail that’s popular with visitors of all ages, while the Dalai Lama Temple Loop is paved and accessible for hikers of varying abilities. Make sure to keep an eye out for the cheeky gray langur monkeys that like to hang around the trail! For an intermediate hike, check out the 6.2-mile (10-kilometer) Dal Lake trail, which takes you through old pine forests and alongside the Tibetan Flag Temple up above Dharamkot.

For advanced hikers, you’ll want to try the 11-mile (18-kilometer) Triund Trek or the 16-mile (26-kilometer) Kareri Lake trail. Both offer stunning glacier views after a grueling climb. Unlike the multi-day treks in Manali, both Triund and Kareri Lake can be completed in one day by those with a higher fitness level. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to book with a trekking company who can arrange a two-day trip complete with meals and shelters for you.

READ MORE: 30 Best Places in Himachal Pradesh for Digital Nomads

Shimla

Shimla is a bustling mountain city in Himachal Pradesh, and you might be surprised to know there are quite a few great hikes in this area, too. Chadwick Falls is a quick out-and-back trail to a serene set of falls that beginner hikers will enjoy. Charananan Forest Trek is another nice quick hike, known for great birding opportunities. Intermediate hikers will enjoy the 6-mile (10-kilometer) loop trail between Charabra and Kulfri, which is great for hiking in the summer and even better for snowshoeing come winter.

Shimla is also the launching point for a few legendary but out-of-the-way Himalayan treks. Namely Pin Bhaba and Chanshal Pass, which are both about 100 miles (161 kilometers) away from Shimla itself. These are both very technical hikes so you’ll want a tour company to take you, which you can easily find online or in Shimla once you arrive.

Palampur

Palampur enjoys a quieter hiking scene, as it’s a little more off-the-beaten path than other Himachal Pradesh digital nomad destinations. If you’d like an easy hike, try the loop that goes out to St. John in the Wilderness, a stunning Anglican church built in the 1800s. For something a little more challenging, head to the Garhi Wali Mata trail. This meandering path is under 4 miles (6 kilometers) but has epic Himalayan views and cozy shepherds’ huts to rest in.

While the Palampur area doesn’t have much to offer in the way of multi-day treks, those looking for a rigorous day hike will meet their match in the Rajgundha Valley trek, an 12.8-mile (21-kilometer) trail that starts in Bir Billing. And if you’re already in the area, you may want to partake in the activity that draws visitors from around the world to Bir Billing—paragliding! At just an hour’s drive from Palampur, Bir Billing is the second highest place in the world to paraglide from.