The Most Breathtaking Himalayan Villages to Explore in India

Once in a while, the heart desires solitude, and to just soak in the beauty of nature around. For such yearnings, we suggest seven of the most breathtaking Himalayan villages to you.

Malana

An ancient hamlet in Himachal Pradesh, Malana is enveloped in the shadows of Deotibba and Chandrakhani. More popular among solitude lovers, the village has managed to stay away from modernization and commercial tourism. The locals believe themselves to be descendants of Alexander, and worship Shiva and Jamlu Rishi. Your stay here will not be boring since there is so much to know about their unique culture, food and practices.

Things to do: Visit the Manikaran Gurudwara nearby, or take the challenging Kheer Ganga trek.

Features: Cozy rooms | Wi-Fi | Laundry | Parking | Bonfire, on request | Paragliding, on request

Read more: Top 5 Things To Do In Kasol

Book Your Holiday in Kasol

Andretta

When Irish environmentalist and theatre artist Nora Richards relocated from Lahore to Andretta in the 1920s, the village was established as an artists’ colony. Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, with the Dhauladhar range as a backdrop, the curious traveller in you would love to mingle with the artists here and know the local ways.

Things to do: Learn to make pottery, buy unique artwork or visit the Bundla Stream.

Features: Parking | Power back-up | Non-smoking | Entire home | Security | Room service

Tirthan Valley

Yet another offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh, this quiet village has unexplored regions just right for the nature lover in you. There are hidden waterfalls, magical lakes, and old world charms. The Great Himalayan National Park is a must-visit for wildlife watching and trekking.

Things to do: Indulge in adventure sports like River Crossing, or go trout fishing.

Features: Cottage with a stunning view near the river| Parking | Wi-Fi | Kitchen area | Bonfire, on request

Borong 

Located at the altitude of 5,800 ft, Borong is a small hamlet in Sikkim, famous for its numerous varieties of birds and flora. Indigenous birds can be spotted here, and if you lucky, you might bump into ornithologists too. Wake up to sun-kissed, snow-capped mountains every morning.

Things to do: Buy a Sikkimese traditional dress and wall decor pieces from handloom and handicraft markets, or trek on the Meenam Hills or Bhanjan Valley.

Features:  One-room bamboo huts | Nature retreat | Park facing | Non-smoking | Wi-fi | Breakfast included

Lachung

A mountain village close to the Tibetan border, Lachung is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides. Enjoy being cut off from technology, and spend time by the confluence of rivers Lachung and Lachen. One of the most picturesque villages, it is 25 kms from Yumthang Valley— the famous valley of flowers.

Things to do: Visit the valley of flowers in Yumthang Valley, Lachung Monastery, Bhim Nala Falls and Zero Point (Yume Samdong).

Features: Scenic views | Stay with host | Parking | Power back-up | Breakfast included

Ziro

Moving further north-east to Arunachal Pradesh, is the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayan village of Ziro. The locals are welcoming tribals, and staying here will bring you close to nature like never before. With pine-covered hills and rice fields all around, the climate here is always pleasant. The musically-inclined might want to schedule their travel around the Ziro Festival, where you can enjoy your heart’s fill of music, art, culture and happiness.

Things to do: Visit Hapoli, Dolo Mando, Tarin Fish Farm, Meghna Cave Temple and Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Rats are a delicacy here!

Features: Spacious Rooms in a Wooden Cottage | Nature Retreat | Heater | Parking | Power back-up | In-house bar

Read more: Things to do in Arunachal Pradesh

Mukteshwar

A prominent tourist destination in Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar lies near Nainital, at a height of 7,500 ft. The place gets its name from the 350-year-old Shiva temple, and truly embodies solitude. You can have a 180 degrees view of the Himalayas from here. Don't miss Chalu ki Jali for the breathtaking views.

Things to do: Explore the fruit orchards or the coniferous forests, or view the peaks of Nanda Kot, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Pachachuli.

Features:  Parking | All meals included | Bonfire