Best Places to Visit in Varanasi
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India’s Best Places to Celebrate New Year 2025
December 2, 2024
Himachal Pradesh is not just about stunning mountains and popular tourist spots; it also has hidden treasures where you can enjoy the true essence of the Himalayas in peace and adventure. This New Year, skip the usual crowds and explore lesser-known destinations in Himachal. Here, you can find a mix of relaxation, exciting experience and adventurous activities.
Here are 7 offbeat places in Himachal where you can celebrate the New Year with unique experiences.
1. Jibhi – A Hidden Gem in the Mountains
Jibhi is a lovely village in the Tirthan Valley. It is known for its wonderful beauty, traditional wooden houses, and soft-hearted locals. You can visit ancient temples, fish in the Tirthan River, or hike up to waterfalls hidden within the dense forests. The magical environment makes it perfect for a peaceful yet festive New Year celebration.
The following are attractions of the place:
1) Fishing beside the River Tirthan: You will catch trout (fish) while casting your fishing rod into the river in perfection.
2) Chehni Kothi: One gets a perfect view and peace in the historic tower temple.
3) Trek to Jalori Pass: This small trek reaches a wonderful 360-degree mountain view.
4) Bonfire Nights: You can sit over a bonfire in starlit night skies.
2. Tirthan Valley – A Fusion of Adventure and Peace
Tirthan Valley is a perfect mix of adventures and peace. It is known as one of the best secret destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It becomes popular for the quiet rivers, dense forests, and exciting outdoor activities. It is also home to the Great Himalayan National Park, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. But this will give you a flavour of nature to celebrate your New Year.
Activities in Tirthan Valley
1) Trekking: While trekking in the Great Himalayan National Park, you spot rare birds and wildlife.
2) River Crossing and Fishing: You enjoy the thrill of crossing rivers.
3) Camping under the Stars: You enjoy a budget-friendly yet royal camping experience.
4) Bonfires and Village Walks: Interact with locals and learn about Himachali traditions
3. Kalpa – Land of Apple Orchards
Kalpa is a beautiful village in Kinnaur. It is set amidst orchards of apples and wonderful views of the Kinner Kailash range. This place surely provides a snowy feel to the New Year with the snow-covered view of mountains. Here you will have simple rural life with the best of Vedic Himachal touch.
Kalpa offers entertainment and the best activities in Himachal;
1) Visit Apple Orchards: You can get fresh apples straight from trees.
2) Narayan-Nagini Temple visit: This is a beautiful wooden architectural temple.
3) Village walks: You experience Kinnauri culture and local hospitality.
4) Photography: Capture the snow-covered peaks and beautiful landscapes with your presence in the photographs.
4. Shoja – For Nature Lovers
Shoja is a small and scenic little place. It is perfect for a quiet New Year weekend. It is surrounded by lush pine forests. Soja is one of the best places to visit in Himachal and least-visited offbeat Himachal destinations. This place offers a peaceful environment with several easy hiking trails and waterfalls to enjoy during New Year.
Things to Enjoy in Shoja:
1) Waterfall Trek: Ideal trek with the hidden waterfall to surprise nature lovers.
2) Raghupur Fort Trek: Short trek to the ruined fort with a great view.
3) Village Life Experience: Experience life in a village by staying in a traditional wooden house.
4) Nature Walks: Nature Walks which you can enjoy within the village. It undergoes thick pine forest along with a lot of opportunities for bird watching.
5. Chitkul – The Last Indian Village
Chitkul is the last village on the India side, before reaching the Tibet border. It is famous for its peaceful beauty with snowfall. The place offers a unique cultural experience with natural beauty because of its position on the Baspa River. Spend this New Year surrounded by a snowy background.
Adventure and Fun in Chitkul:
1) River-Side Bonfires: Experience a bonfire along the icy Baspa River.
2) Mathi Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Chitkul.
3) Camping under Open Sky: This would show you gazing at stars in the pure mountain air.
4) Trekking and Village exploration: Presents rich culture in Chitkul.
6. Barot- Peaceful haven in Himalayas
Barot is a small village which offers both adventure and relaxation. This falls in the serene valley of Uhl, it is an all time favourite of nature lovers. The river, forests, and the scenery offer an ideal opportunity for a peaceful yet active celebration of New Year.
Barot provides you with the most amazing outdoor activities in Himachal:
1) Fishing: Uhl river is famous for trout fishing.
2) Trekking and Bonfires: Camp peacefully in the beautiful valley.
3) Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary: A walk in the sanctuary reveals rare Himalayan animals.
4) Deodar Forest Walks: Relax under large deodar trees.
7. Spiti Valley – Land of Landscapes
Spiti Valley is the perfect place for those who want to have an adventure-packed New Year celebration. It is called “Little Tibet” with the rugged landscapes, monasteries, and a peaceful atmosphere. This place has a spiritual ground, the land of great landscapes, and rich culture.
Activities in Spiti Valley
1) Visit Key Monastery: the largest monastery in Spiti- a place of peace, including the entire ‘village homestay’ experience, a way to live with locals and experience the unique culture of Spiti.
2) Star gazing: when there are no clouds to hide the Stars.
3) Snow leopard: Spotting a snow leopard, if you are lucky.
Each of these Himachal offbeat destinations will give you a special way to celebrate New Year with all these qualities happening together – spirituality, adventure and scenic beauty.
Budget-Friendly Luxury: A Royal Experience
The main attractions of these places are that one can experience something royal without spending much. Himachal’s villages are actually wallet-friendly and more luxurious. One can stay in homestays, go on treks into lush forests and heritage sites while having the experience of royalty minus the price tag.
Camping in Tirthan valley or under the open sky of Spiti Valley feels appreciation for indoor glamour. A simple riverside bonfire can be a memorable celebration while hearing stories with fellow travellers.
Conclusion:
New Year Celebrations in offbeat Himachal destinations gives you a thrilling adventure along with nature’s beauty. Nature’s peace will come along with travelling, whether it is toward visiting hidden temples, hiking through valleys, or camping by rivers. Every destination has its importance. For those who want to experience something different, the less-known places to visit in Himachal offer the perfect way to celebrate the New Year.
