10 Things to do in Himachal Pradesh in November

November marks the start of winter in Himachal Pradesh, turning this magical northern state into a paradise of snow-kissed landscapes and serene retreats.

As the chill sets in, Himachal Pradesh invites travellers to experience its raw beauty and rejuvenating tranquillity. Snow-dusted mountains, misty valleys, and crisp air set the perfect backdrop for escaping the rush of everyday life.

The November weather attracts people to Himachal Pradesh with its perfect balance of peace and adventure; whether one needs to relax amidst nature or go on an adventurous escapade, this is the time and place for it.

Himachal’s towns are quite vibrant, from Shimla’s serene colonialism to the mystique of McLeod Ganj, especially while drenched in their seasonal winter charm. It has fewer tourists during November, which makes it an excellent time for quiet discovery and a great sense of authenticity in the Himalayan atmosphere. Trekking or sitting over an open fire for the treat of local dishes or perhaps just soaking in these very magical landscapes, Himachal Pradesh in November can be a real retreat within retreats at the heart of the mountains.

In this blog, we will look at the top things to do in Himachal Pradesh in November and the best places to visit in Himachal in November. Without any further ado, let’s dive right in!

10 Best places to visit in himachal in november:

Explore Shimla’s Colonial Architecture

Shimla’s colonial architecture seems to spring to life as the winter season falls on the town. Christ Church, with Gothic spires, stands proudly atop the Ridge, casting a charming presence against misty and chilly surroundings.

Walk along Mall Road, and historic structures such as Gaiety Theatre and Town Hall each reflect Shimla’s British-era heritage.

A tour of the grand Viceregal Lodge offers glimpses into colonial history, but in its stone architecture and lush gardens, one can only appreciate the beauty of timeless elegance.

These sites capture Shimla’s storied past while creating a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere that is particularly magical when the early winter chills set in November.

How to Reach Shimla-

The city is very well connected in terms of transportation and you can reach here by Road, Train and Flight.

• By Road – You can easily drive to Shimla as the roads are wide and in good condition throughout the year. You can also board a bus for a comfortable journey to Shimla.
• By Train – A fun way to travel to Shimla is by train. You can reach Kalka by train and from there you can board the famous Toy train to cover the remaining distance of about 100 kilometres.
• By Flight – The fastest way to arrive in Shimla is travelling by flight. Shimla Airport is located 22 kilometres away from the city of Jubarhatti. Book your Shimla flight from any part of India from Superbworldtrip.

Experience Skiing and Snowboarding in Solang Valley

The beginning of November marks the early onset of winter making way for many thrilling snow activities to be experienced in the Princely state of Himachal Pradesh.

Solang Valley, located 13 kilometres from Manali between the Beas Kund and Solang Village is the perfect place to experience skiing and snowboarding in Himachal Pradesh.

Solang Valley attracts skiing enthusiasts from around the world with its snow-capped peaks and magnificent slopes.

Even if you are not big on adventure sports, you can still explore the breathtaking beauty of Solang Valley.

The view feels like it has been pulled straight out of a movie with fluffy white snow as far as the eyes go.

Groves of emerald-green trees dot the pristine white landscape, under clear blue skies and magnificent mountains stretching endlessly making Solang a must-visit destination in Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Solang Valley-

• It is located very close to Manali and is well connected by roads. The best way to reach Solang Valley is by cab/car.
• You can also take a flight. However, the closest airport is the Kullu-Manali Airport also known as Bhuntar Airport located roughly 60 kilometres from the valley.
• You can also reach by train. The closest station is Joginder Nagar at a distance of 50 KM. However, you will have to take a train to Pathankot and then board a toy train to Joginder Nagar and then cover the rest of the distance by cab.

Cost of Skiing in Solang Valley- Skiing packages start from as low as INR 500  and can go up to as high as INR 5000. It all depends on the package you opt for, the duration of the package, inclusions and so on.

Stargaze in Bir Billing

Bir is a very well-known destination for paragliding in Himachal Pradesh. It is so popular that it is even crowned as the “Paragliding Capital of India”, boasting pleasant weather and clear skies all year round making it the perfect spot for sailing high above the Himalayan mountain ranges.

However, Bir Billing is not only a popular destination for paragliding but also a paradise for astrophiles.

The clear night sky offers mesmerizing views of the stars and even constellations making it the perfect spot for stargazing on a cold winter Himachal night.

Spending a night in the outdoor camps under a blanket of a million stars has the potential to be the highlight of your visit to Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Bir:

• By Air – The nearest domestic airport to Bir is the Kangra Airport. There is good connectivity of flights from Delhi and Chandigarh.
• By Road – Bir is well connected by Roads. You can drive, take a cab or board a bus. There is no shortage of options for travelling by road.
• By Train – The nearest broad gauge railway station is in Pathankot. From there you can board the toy train which runs to Ahju railway station which is just 3 kilometres from Bir.
• Where to Stargaze – The paragliding take-off site at Billing has one of the best views of the night sky. You can even get great photographs here.

Enjoy the Apple Harvest Season in Kinnaur

Kinnaur is the third largest district in Himachal, located amongst the dizzying Himalayan peaks. It is known for its beautiful apple orchids which is one of the top things to do in Himachal Pradesh.

Although November is the tail end of the apple harvest season, it is still worth a visit so you can soak all the natural beauty that surrounds this area.

The scenery in Kinnaur is just a breathtaking combination of lush valleys, rocky terrains, and snow-capped peaks.

The landscape in Kinnaur shifts dramatically from lush green forests to arid high-altitude deserts. It also boasts of the majestic Kinnaur Kailash, which adds to its spiritual allure, captivating all who visit.

How to Reach Kinnaur-

It is located very far away from a railway station and an airport.

• By Train: The closest broad-gauge railway station in Shimla, located 200 kilometres from Kinnaur.
• By Flight: The closest airport is the Shimla Airport which is at a distance of more than 200 kilometres and the availability of flight is subject to weather conditions.
• By Road: The easiest way to reach Kinnaur is by road. You can drive, book a cab or board one of the numerous buses travelling there.

Witness the Majestic Spiti Valley

Tucked away at a mesmerizing altitude of 3,810 m above sea level, the Spiti Valley is an adventure paradise for adrenaline junkies looking for the next best thing to do in Himachal Pradesh.

Spiti Valley morphs into a winter wonderland during November. Snow-covered monasteries, glistening ice-capped rivers, and villages that look like those you see in fairytales.

Spiti Valley is an absolute marvel of nature with majestic pine forests, lush meadows, and ancient monasteries scattered across the beautiful landscape.

Everywhere you turn in Spiti, there are colourful Buddhist monasteries and fluttering prayer flags that seem to fill the air with peace. The monks, meanwhile, glide fluidly through their rituals as they carry their prayer wheels.

Yes, winters are bone-chilling but the thrill of witnessing Spiti in all its icy splendour makes it worth every shiver. Do not miss out; November is the best time to experience this breathtaking paradise.

How to Reach Spiti Valley –

It is a pretty remote location with low connectivity for trains and flights.

• By Flight – The nearest airport is in Bhuntar near Kullu (245 KM from Spiti). However, the connectivity is poor. The next best option is Chandigarh Airport (500 Km from Spiti).
• By Train – The nearest railway station with good connectivity is Chandigarh. You can also try Joginder Nagar Railway station, however, the connectivity here is very poor.
• By Road – Like the majority of other places on this list, Spiti is well connected by the road network. You can drive, rent a cab or take a bus to get there.

Trek in the Snowy Mountains

Himachal is a trekker’s paradise with several famous yet challenging trekking trails. One of the best things to do in Himachal Pradesh in November is to experience early snow on these trails. Some of the best trails you can trek are as follows;

Triund near McLeod Ganj-

It is one of the most popular Himalayan treks due to the ease and accessibility of the trek. Even beginners can undertake this absolutely breathtaking trek all on their own. The breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley, snow-dusted Dhauladhar ranges, and serene walks through lush pine forests in Triund Trek make for a picturesque escape into nature’s charm.

Kheerganga trek in Parvati Valley–

It is a marvellous trek located in the heart of the Himalayas offering panoramic views of the Parvati Valley. The history of Kheerganga is rich and has a profound religious value as it is considered to be the place where Lord Shiva meditated. The perfect mixture of religious importance and natural beauty makes Kheerganga one of the most popular Himalayan treks.

Hampta Pass Trek–

This trek is well known for its stunning valley of flowers. It is one of the most picturesque Himalayan treks which takes you through the lush greenery and beautiful flowers of Kullu to barren desert with almost no vegetation of Lahul Spiti.

Enjoy the Solitude in Manali

The Himalayan town of Manali is in no need of introduction. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Manali in early winter provides a perfect mix of serenity and adventure.

November is less busy and is a great time to indulge in the therapeutic hot springs of Vashisht amidst serene mountain vistas.

Manali is also a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts looking for an adrenaline rush. You can opt for paragliding over the snowy valley, river rafting down the Beas or trekking to other scintillating scenic spots.

Visitors can also explore the narrow lanes of Old Manali lined with quaint shops and murals or relax by the banks of the Beas River. The mountain air and the star-filled skies further add to the charm of this serene Himalayan town.

The snow-covered landscapes of Manali create a magical backdrop for a memorable vacation. 

How to Reach Manali –

It is a beautiful hill station with tourists coming from across the country. Naturally, it is very well connected to other major cities in India.

• By Air – The nearest airport is located in Bhuntar, known as the Kullu Manali Airport. It has great connectivity and is located at a distance of 50 KM from Manali.
• By Train – The nearest broad-gauge railway station is Chandigarh (300 Km from Manali).
• By Road – The best way to reach Manali is by road. The views are absolutely magical and the drive is pretty comfortable with well-developed roads.

Visit the Ancient Temples of Kullu and Mandi

The history and spirituality of Hindu mythology are deeply woven into the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Ancient temples are scattered throughout Mandi and Kullu, each carrying a legend and story that has woven the cultural fabric of this region.

Temples like Raghunath Temple in Kullu, or the Prashar Lake Temple in Mandi, are must-visits, not just to catch a glimpse of their architectural prowess but also to fully absorb the local rituals and festivals that intensify during this time of the the year.

November marks the early onset of winter in the region making the whole landscape appear straight out of a fairy tale with the mountains blanketed in fresh snow that sparkles under a pale sun and glows softly in the moonlight.

Visiting the ancient temples across Himachal, especially Kullu and Mandi could be a very tranquil yet rich experience.

November is one of the best months to explore the divinity in the land of Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Kullu and Mandi –

The cities of Kullu and Mandi are well-connected to Kullu-Manali Airport. The closest railway station is Chandigarh. The road connectivity is also very good.

Temples to Visit:

• Hidimba Devi Temple
• Vashishtha Temple
• Bhootnath Temple
• Raghunathji Temple

Relax in the Quaint Town of Tirthan Valley

Located near Kullu, this lovely old town is the gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park. The valley takes its name from the Tirthan River that flows through the region.

A special point about this old valley is that it is relatively untouched by regular tourists making it the perfect palace to spend a few laid-back days.

In this region, you can take part in a lot of recreational activities such as trout fishing, and short picturesque hikes and you can even experience the local Himachali village lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the regular tourist spots.

The weather in the valley is pleasant during November with a slight chill in the air, so if you plan on visiting Tirthan Valley in November, make sure to pack suitable clothing.

How to Reach Tirthan Valley?-

The best way to reach Tirthan Valley is by road if you are coming from a nearby location like Delhi, Chandigarh and so on. You can drive, book a private cab or share one or better yet, board a bus for a comfortable hassle-free journey.

• By Air – The closest airport to Tirthan Valley is Kullu Manali Airport also known as Bhuntar Airport located just 50 kilometres from the valley.
• By Train: The closest railway station is to Kiratpur almost 158KM.
• By Road: The best way to reach Tirthan valley is by road. The views are absolutely magical and the drive is pretty comfortable with well-developed roads.

Discover the Mystique of McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj is situated on the hills near Dharamshala, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

It is generally known as “Little Lhasa,” a town home to the Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan community that fills the air with spiritual energy and serenity.

You can take a stroll around the narrow lanes of the town, and find the vibrant Tibetan markets and fluttering prayer flags blowing in the wind.

Visit serene monasteries, like Namgyal Monastery, to discover a place of intense meditation and Buddhist teaching.

November makes McLeod Ganj come alive in a particularly magical way when the first tingle of winter caresses its pine-covered landscapes.

Whether you are visiting the Tsuglagkhang Complex or just looking to relish some authentic Tibetan food with breathtaking views, McLeod Ganj is a soulful retreat into the heart of Himachal’s cultural tapestry offering something for everyone.

How to Reach McLeod Ganj:

• By Air – Kangra Airport at Dharamshala is about 20 km away from McLeod Ganj. This airport is well connected to the major travel hubs across the country with various airlines offering multiple flights.
• By Train – Pathankot Railway Station, situated approximately 90 km away, is the closest broad gauge railhead serving those headed to McLeod Ganj.
• By Road – You can easily reach McLeod Ganj by driving. There are also numerous bus services offering hassle-free journeys to McLeod Ganj.

Conclusion

In winter, Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil haven of snow-kissed peaks, quiet towns, and adventurous activities. From skiing down the Solang Valley to quieter escapes in the Tirthan Valley, this season invites the traveler to bask in beauty and thrill in a serene, crowd-free setting. Come dive in and discover Himachal’s top winter experiences!

Plan your Himachal trip this November for a quiet winter retreat. Book with Himachal Stay!

From snow laden landscapes to skiing adventures in Solang and serenity in Bir for star-gazing, Himachal through its beauty blends it all together. Look out for the still charm of the paradise before the peak tourist season.