But if you love mountains, you are in for big surprises at very pocket friendly prices. All you have to do is visit any of the following Himalayan destinations this winter and enjoy a holiday that will stay in your memories for long.
Kotkhai
Want to visit some place quiet and peaceful place near Shimla? The secluded village of Kotkhai, about 58 km from Shimla, is the place you should visit this winter. Known for its apple orchards and the famous Kotkhai Fort, the village is also home to stunning natural beauty and utterly peaceful environs, which make it a great holiday alternative to Shimla.
Things to do:
In winters, Kotkhai receives heavy snow, yet most parts of it are accessible by road. You can enjoy playing in the snow, visit its famed apple orchards, the Kotkhai Fort which is the cultural wonder in the region, and explore the nearby hill towns of Cheog, Fagu, and Theog, if you have time at hand. However, Kotkhai is a perfect place to enjoy staycation.
How to get there:
Nearest airport is in Jubbarhatti (approx 78 km). Nearest railway station is in Shimla at around 60 km. However, travelling by road remains the most common mode of transport. Direct state-run and private bus services are available from nearby cities like Delhi and Chandigarh to Shimla bus stand. From Shimla, you can hire a taxi or take local buses going towards Rohru.
Ravangla
Sitting cosily on a ridge between Tedong and Maenam hills, Ravangla, also known as Rawangla, is a quaint little hill station located in the southern region of the northeastern state of Sikkim. It is a gateway to many popular destinations in the north Sikkim. At an elevation of 8,000 feet, Ravangla offers gorgeous views of the greater Himalayas, yet it is one of the least known destinations in the Northeast. While you may not be able to visit upper reaches of Sikkim in winter, it wouldn't be a bad choice to spend a few days in this offbeat destination.
Things to do:
Visit Buddha Park, Ralong Monastery, Ralong hot springs, Kheunpheling Carpet Centre to buy local handicrafts, Mangbrue Gompa and the view point, and Samdruptse Hill. Don't forget to travel to nearby destinations like Peling, Kaluk, and Namchi. When you are not exploring, simply enjoy the authentic northeastern delicacies at the local restaurants.
How to get there:
Nearest airport is in Gangtok (approx 70 km) and the nearest railway station is in New Jalpaiguri, about 120 km from Ravangla. Bus services to Ravangla aren't very reliable. It's recommended that you hire a cab from any of these nearby cities.
Karsog
Nestled in the Pir Panjal range at over 1,400 metres, Karsog is a small and beautiful hill town that continues to remain in the shadow of Shimla. Described in the Hindu folk tales as the place where Bhima — one of the five pandavas — killed a demon who used to kill the innocent villagers in the ancient times, Karsog now holds major religious and cultural significance for the locals.
Thick fields, lush green fields, vast apple orchards, and free-flowing streams, with cosy homes, and almost no crowd; isn't that the kind of hill station you'd want to spend a day or two in?
Things to do:
Go hiking and enjoy witness gorgeous views of the valley from the view points, try local food, go camping, and enjoy photographing the bewitching beauty of this place which is not known by many in the world beyond its boundaries. Besides, you can also visit the ancient local temples in this village.
How to get there:
At 114 km, Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest airport to Karsog. Kalka railway station is the nearest broad gauge railway station to Karsog at around 160 km. However, reaching Karsog is easiest if you travel by road. Buses and taxis are available from nearby cities like Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh. Roads are good, so you can drive yourself to Karsog as well.
Thachi
If you really are looking forward to visiting a place in Himachal that does justice to the word 'offbeat' then Thachi is where you should be heading to this winter. Overseeing the lush green hills of the Great Himalayan National Park and the snow-covered Himalayan peaks that tower on them, Thachi valley is home to sleepy hamlets completely disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Don't be surprised if the repetitive sights of gushing waterfalls and the experience of staying in cosy wooden houses make you fall in love with this place.
Things to do:
Perhaps, the best thing to do here would be just staying indoors and taking occasional hikes up and down the trails. However, the Bithu Narayan temple and the Hadimba Devi temple are some other attractions in Thachi valley.
How to get there:
Nearest airport is in Bhuntar (approx 45 km) and the nearest major railway station is in Chandigarh, about 245 km from Thachi valley. The best way to reach Thachi valley is to catch a bus from nearby cities and get down at Aut. From Aut, you can catch the only direct bus to Thachi Valley via Balichowki. Else, you can hire a cab directly from Aut.