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12 Things You Can Do on a Family Holiday in Himachal Pradesh

An outing with family is always fun, no matter the number of arguments or fights that happen on the way. But at the end of the day, it is the best way to create memories and grow a stronger bond. There are many places in India to spend a family vacation but it is often hard to find one that has things for everyone to do. This destination in the Himalayas not only provides respite from the scorching heat of summer, but also offers ample adventure and recreational activities for every member of the family to enjoy. The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh has numerous hill stations with amazing views and makes for a perfect destination to spend a family vacation.

This blog has been carefully prepared to give you an insight into the different activities in Himachal Pradesh that you can enjoy with your family.

Popular Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

Enjoy Nature Walks on the Beautiful Terrains of Himachal

Nature Walk in Himachal

Nature walks are the most common ways to explore the beauty of any hill station, which becomes even more fun when it’s with your family. There are many natural trails both explored and unexplored in the towns and villages of Himachal Pradesh that are ideal for family hiking. Himachal isn’t short of smaller treks that take one or two days to accomplish, so if you have a family that is into adventure, then there cannot be anything better than heading out on a trekking expedition. Beas Kund, Chandrakhani and Chandratal are some of the easy treks that you can undertake together in Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Top Trekking Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Face the Tides with River Rafting

River Rafting in Himachal

If you haven’t given a thought to water sports, holidaying in Himachal Pradesh might give you enough reasons to try a few, especially white water rafting in Manali, Tattapani. The Satluj near Shimla, the Ravi near Chamba and the Beas near Kullu also offer great opportunities for rafting in Himachal Pradesh. You don’t need to be experienced to try rafting here but you have to be willing! The best place in Himachal for river rafting would be the 20 km stretch between Shamshi and Aut on the Beas River. Come experience the thrill of river rafting with your family on your next vacation.

Also Read: Adventure Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Feel the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush with Skiing

Skiing in Himachal

Another sport that can be fun trying with family is skiing. Venturing over the white ground, with a landscape of tall trees and clear skies, skiing is an activity in Himachal that you must try atleast once. Skiing can be done in Narkanda, and the famed Solang Valley. Even if you are inexperienced, fret not, for there are institutes at both, Narkanda, and Solang Valley that teach you the basics of skiing so you can have a fun and safe experience. Skiing together along the snow-covered, white valleys of Himachal will become a memory you will cherish forever.

Also Read: Snow Tourist Places in Himachal

Soar like an Eagle over Himachal’s Sky

Paragliding in Himachal

Yes, paragliding may not sound like a family adventure idea but it can be so much fun to try out. Soaring through the skies of Himachal Pradesh might seem daunting at first but looking around at the beautiful nature and serene surroundings is sure to change your mind. Try out a paragliding adventure on your visit to Himachal next time and make a memory that you can look back on with happiness. It is essential that before taking up paragliding you make sure that you and your family are fit and healthy so you can have a safe experience. You can enjoy paragliding in Bir Billing, Bilaspur, and Solang Valley.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Manali

Go Back in Time to the Era of the British Raj

Shimla-Himachal-Pradesh-Governor- Palace

The beautiful landscape and salubrious climate of Himachal Pradesh, reminded the British of their native country who then decided to turn it into a summer retreat. They created buildings, churches, and holiday homes at picturesque places in Himachal for a comfortable stay during their visit. Over the years, these structures turned into major heritage sites that preserved the beauty of British architecture and left glimpses of the colonial past in Himachal. As they intended, these buildings compliment the scenic beauty of Himachal Pradesh. With your family, it is a good idea to go for a heritage tour and explore these British Era buildings, which will even help the kids learn more about the British and their time in India. Dalhousie, Shimla, Chail, Mandi, Saharan and Dharamshala are the best places to see the colonial architecture in Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Shimla Travel & Tourism Guide

Enjoy an Unforgettable Toy Train Ride

Shimla Toy Train Himachal

A ride on the toy train is one of the most exciting and fun ways to explore the beauty of Himachal. Ride along with your family for a unique experience as it takes you through the beautiful mountains and dense forests. You can board the train from Kalka and enjoy a 100 km ride till Shimla. The train runs at a slow speed and offers ample time to enjoy nature’s beauty. Click pictures with your family, take selfies with the mountains in the back, or sing melodious songs, and enjoy a great time on the train with your family.

Also Read: Atal Tunnel Travel Guide

Get Familiar with the Spiritual Side of Himachal

Hadimba Temple Manali

Also known as Devbhoomi or ‘Land of the Gods’, in Himachal Pradesh you are going to find temples on every nook and corner. Even though a few temples are perched high on the mountains, they are an absolute delight to visit. Along with the people’s firm belief in the power of these temples and their presiding deities, many of these sacred shrines have excellent architecture as well. If you are visiting with your family, you should not miss out on visiting the temples in Himachal. Hadimba Temple, Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi, Jwala Ji, Chamunda Temple, Baijnath Temple and Bajreshwari Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and Chintpurni Temple are some of the most popular temples in Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Religious Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Witness the Magnificent Indian Wildlife

Himachal Wildlife - Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

There isn’t a better way to spend a family holiday than visiting a wildlife reserve in Himachal Pradesh. The rich flora and fauna and incomparable landscape make visiting the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Himachal a worthwhile experience. A fun expedition for you and the kids to not only spot exotic wildlife but also to understand the environment and its issues better. Pin Valley National Park, Great Himalayan National Park, Renuka Wildlife Sanctuary, Churdhar Sanctuary, Chail Sanctuary, Pong Dam Lake Sanctuary, and the Kalatop – Khajjiar Sanctuary are some of the must visit wildlife reserves in Himachal Pradesh.

Also Read: Interesting Facts About Himachal Pradesh

Camp Under the Starry Sky

Camping in Himachal Pradesh

What can be better than tucking yourself in a sleeping bag in a tent, spending the evening sitting by a bonfire, eating grilled food and gazing at the stars! If this seems like a fun idea, then camping with your family at Himachal is something you must partake in. Camping together will let everyone understand the importance of being together and appreciate the beauty of life by staying together even with basic necessities. Chandratal Lake, Solang Valley, Dhundi, Pulga and Triund are some of the best places to camp in Himachal Pradesh. A fun adventure for the kids, camping can help kids learn about working in a team and discover different ways of living.

Also Read: Camping in Himachal Pradesh

Immerse yourself in Buddhist Culture with Visit to Monasteries

Himachal Monastery -Key Monastery

Buddhist monasteries add a unique charm to Himachal Pradesh. Be it a small monastery or a huge one, they always spread positive energy to the place. You and your family can enjoy a day out visiting some of these sacred Buddhist shrines and observe the beautiful architecture of these spiritual structures. Spending some time at these monasteries will help kids learn about different cultures and be beneficial to them. Tabo, Kye, Namgyal, Rewalsar, Dhankar, Guru Ghantal, Shashur, Kardang, Tayul, Thang Yug, Kungri, Nako, Tashiganj and Lippa are some of the Buddhist monasteries in Himachal Pradesh that you must visit.

Unwind with a Relaxing Yoga Retreat 

Yoga and Meditation

Participating in a yoga and meditation retreat amidst the beautiful mountains of Himachal is a perfect way to spend your time. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the hectic schedules, take a moment to slow down and unwind at Himachal’s yoga retreats, where you can join in with your family. Beneficial for both adults and kids, yoga is a healthy practice to inculcate in daily life. Some of the popular yoga retreat centers in Himachal include Himachal Iyengar Yoga Center, Himalaya Shanti Ashram, Kailash Tribal School of Yoga & Holistic Healing, and Pure Ganga Yoga.

Explore Tibetan Culture at Mcleodganj

Norbulingka Institute Dharamshala Himachal

Mcleodganj is an up-and-coming hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The region is also lovingly known as ‘Little Lhasa’ due to the number of Tibetan people who reside here. As a result of which, you can get a glimpse of their culture as you enter Mcleodganj, truly resembling a version of Tibet. Here you can visit the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, an interesting place to visit with kids and watch the opera performances put up by the institute. The institute also has a museum which preserves and displays Tibetan heritage and art and will be of curiosity for kids. You can also visit the nearby Tibetan market, explore handicrafts, and take back souvenirs to remember by. At the market, you can also indulge in some lip-smacking Tibetan cuisine as well.

Also Read: Top Places to Visit in Dharamashala Mcleodganj   

Himachal Pradesh makes for a perfect destination for a trip with your family. A place you can visit to escape from the scorching heat of the summers. There are a number of activities that you can do with your family without making anyone feel left out. Himachal has something for everyone, whether you are a family that enjoys a quiet but thrilling trek through the hills, or loves to take up adventure activities that get your adrenaline pumping, you will be left with only the best memories. A place with so much to offer, we recommend you to visit the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh on your next family vacation.

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Published: 07 Nov, 2023 | Last Updated: 10 Nov, 2023

About the author

Nidhi Singh

From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.