By Dinesh 
Himachal Pradesh, with its alpine meadows and fairytale valleys, is a love letter to every weary city-dweller. But here is the thing: Manali, with its selfie sticks and horn-honking taxis, has become the Times Square of the Himalayas. Charming? Yes Definitely. Peaceful? Not anymore.
If you crave mountain serenity minus the influencer stampede, here are the lesser-known—but arguably more rewarding destinations to explore when Manali is bursting at the seams with high footfall of tourists.
Less Crowded Places in Himachal
Escape the clichés. Embrace the quiet.
If you are searching about which place in Himachal is less crowded and can offer peaceful and lovely vacation experience, here is the list of 8 offbeat places or you can say- less crowded places in Himachal Pradesh. Choose the place as per your wish list and plan a trip with your group or family by booking Tempo Traveller on Rent.
1. Tirthan Valley: Where Nature Whispers, Not Screams
Located in the Kullu district, just a few hours away from Manali, Tirthan Valley was underrated 3 years ago. Backpackers and influencers have mentioned it widely on their reels to promote the serenity of the place, but still a less visited place and worthy for your next trip. Named after the Tirthan River that snake through it, this place is all about trout fishing, pine-scented trails, and long stares at snow-capped peaks. This place is best for nature lovers who want to spend some days of their busy life in calmness and tranquility.
Highlights:
- Great Himalayan National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Serene villages like Gushaini and Nagini
- Natural swimming pools and riverside camping
2. Jibhi: Himachal’s Whispers in the Woods
Two ridiculously pretty hamlets tucked between Banjar and Jalori Pass, Jibhi and Shoja are places where people go to write novels they never finish. Jibhi Trip is best for Writers, trekkers and quiet couples. The charm lies in its unpretentiousness: wooden Himachali homes, slow gurgling rivers, thick cedar forests, and trails that look like they were drawn by Tolkien on a rainy day. Jibhi is not for people who need party vibes or Instagram validation every five minutes. It is for those who want to sit by a bonfire and talk about how they are “off the grid,”.
Things to do in Jibhi? Hike to the Jibhi Waterfall, visit the Chehni Kothi, a towering ancient fort that looks like it was assembled in Minecraft Survival Mode. Or just lounge around and read that book you have been fake-carrying since Delhi.
Highlights:
- Rustic wooden homestays that smell like cedar
- Trek to Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake
- Waterfalls that haven’t been turned into Instagram backgrounds (yet)
Not well known with Jibhi? Find Best Tour Packages for Jibhi and plan your trip.
3. Sojha: An enchanting Hill Station
Just a half-hour’s drive uphill from Jibhi, Sojha is even more laid-back, like Jibhi’s introverted sibling who didn’t show up to the party on purpose. Perched at around 8,000 feet, it offers panoramic views that can stun you into silence. Sojha is surrounded by dense deodar and oak forests, mostly covered in mist, which gives it that “lost in a Studio Ghibli film” aesthetic. It’s the jump-off point for the Jalori Pass trek and the enchanting Serolsar Lake—a trail that begins with ambition and ends with you questioning your fitness decisions. There is not much to “do” in Sojha—and that’s exactly the point for a relaxed vacation. You come here to un-do. Unwind, un-plan, un-Instagram (good luck with the signal), and maybe discover that being bored is not the worst thing in the world.
4. Barot Valley: The Unintended Discovery
Originally developed for a hydroelectric project, Barot has somehow escaped mass tourism. Nestled in the Mandi district, it is easily accessible yet untouched. The Valley is naturally decorated with snow-capped peaks, cedar forests. This place is best for backpackers, low-budget romantics, and people who say “I like to go off the beaten path” unironically. Barot Kothi trek, fishing in the Uhl River and Camping under blanket of stars are best activities to do in Barot Valley.
Highlights:
- Uhl River for fishing and riverside picnics
- Short hikes to quaint villages like Lohardi
- Nargu Wildlife Sancturay
Suggested Read: 10 Best Hill Stations Near Delhi within 500 KM
5. Kalpa and Chitkul: Where the Road Ends
If you do not mind long drives and the mild threat of altitude sickness, head to Kinnaur district. Kalpa offers breathtaking views of Kinner Kailash, while Chitkul is literally the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border. This place is best for Road trippers, solitude-seekers, and your friend who just read a book about minimalism.
Highlights:
- Apple orchards and wooden houses in Kalpa
- The Baspa River and surreal landscapes in Chitkul
- Zero mobile network, 100% peace
6. Spiti Valley: The High-Altitude Desert That Looks Like Mars
Yes, Spiti is gaining popularity, but it still leagues behind Manali in the selfie Olympics. Rugged, remote, and ridiculously photogenic, Spiti makes you feel like you are in a sci-fi film directed by a monk. This place is best for aspiring travel bloggers, rugged souls, and adventure riders.
Highlights:
- Key Monastery, Dhankar Gompa, and the fossil village Langza
- Chandratal Lake (camping heaven)
- Treacherous roads that make the journey half the adventure
7. Rajgundha and Bir Billing: Paragliders and Peace
Yes, Bir Billing is famous for paragliding, but wander a little beyond the landing sites and you’ll find places like Rajgundha that redefine remote. This tiny hill station is best for Thrill seekers, spiritual dabblers, and people who still own a GoPro.
Highlights:
- Paragliding from Billing to Bir
- Rajgundha trek through dense oak forests
- Tibetan monasteries and chai that tastes like clouds
8. Churah Valley: Himachal’s Best Kept Secret
Located in Chamba district and bordering Jammu & Kashmir, Churah is as offbeat as it gets. Sparse internet, untouched trails, and locals who don’t care about your reels.
Highlights:
- Bhalei Mata Temple and virgin landscapes
- Treks to Bharmour and Kugti Pass
- No tourists. None. Zip.
Final Thoughts: Lose the Crowd, Find a Better Place
Manali will always be Manali: convenient, crowded, and coated in a glaze of commercialization. If after reading about charm of all these places, you still love to visit Manali, grab best deal on Tempo traveller rate for Manali from Delhi. But Himachal Pradesh is bigger, wilder, and far more generous than just one hill station.
So next time you plan your Himalayan escape, give Manali a miss. Your peace of mind will thank you. And who knows? Maybe you will find a place that hasn’t yet been ruined by your own kind.
Just don’t tell too many people about it. (keep Your trip Secret and plan with your group for unique adventure)
