India is not only a top choice, but also a budget-friendly destination for many travellers from the UK. The legendary Himalayas, in particular, are a place many Brits dream of visiting. In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful places in the Indian Himalayas, which are renowned not only for their natural beauty but also for their rich cultural heritage.
A far cry from Snowdonia and the Scottish Highlands, the “Land of Snow” (or literally translated “the abode of snow”) offers a captivating blend of ancient spirituality, breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. From snow-capped peaks and lush valleys to sacred temples and remote villages, the Indian Himalayas promise experiences that will stay with you long after you return home.
If you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or are simply dreaming of your next big single parent holiday or solo holiday, check out our top places in India’s Himalayas.
1. Ladakh – The Land of High Passes
When travellers visit India’s northernmost region, Ladakh, they are transported to a unique world filled with towering mountains, bright blue lakes, and ancient monasteries. The region is a cold desert with stunning, pleasantly quiet landscapes. Ladakh is often compared to Iceland and Patagonia, but it is much more than that: It is a place with spiritual depth and strong religious ties, which are found only in India.
Major Draws:
- Pangong Lake
- Nubra Valley
- Hemis Monastery
- Thiksey Monastery
Most travellers come for the mix of adventure and culture. Popular tourist activities include hiking, rafting, cycling, motorbiking, visiting Buddhist monasteries, and enjoying a butter tea with locals, a “po cha”, which is a Himalayan staple tea popular in Nepal and India.
Best time to visit: June to September
2. Manali – Adventure and Mountain Charm
Further south, Manali is known for its high-altitude peaks providing a stunning panorama and the towering snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and green pastures form the backdrop of many movies.
The popular resort town is one of the most accessible Himalayan destinations, and its vibrant energy offers adventurous travellers an abundance of mountain activities, such as:
- Paragliding
- River Rafting
- Trekking
- Skiing in the nearby Solang Valley
Manali also has wonderfully quaint cafés and markets where travellers can relax and re-energize after their adventures.
Best time to visit:
- March to June
- December to February
3. Kedarnath – High Himalayan Spirituality
Visiting Kedarnath is a deeply emotional and spiritual experience. At more than 3,500 m, the pilgrimage site in the Indian Himalayas is surrounded by glacial rivers and breathtaking mountain ranges. The sacred town is home to one of Hinduism’s most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a profound blend of serenity and spirituality. Kedarnath is an international tourist attraction known for:
- Spirituality
- Sense of community
- Scenic trekking
Kedarnath is not accessible by road and involves a 16 to 18 km trek. Kedarnath tour packages help first-time visitors simplify the journey by including transport, accommodation, and guidance for the more challenging parts.
Best time to visit:
- May to June
- September to October
4. Rishikesh – The Ganges, Yoga and Peace
The city of Rishikesh has been attracting travellers from around the world, including many solo travellers from the UK due to its status as the “Yoga capital of the worlds”. Sitting on the banks of the Ganges River, Rishikesh has many sought-after yoga and wellness retreats. There is no other place on earth that feels as safe and serene to practice meditation, yoga, and spiritual teachings.
Things to do:
- Yoga and meditation retreats
- Spiritual learning in ashrams
- White-water rafting
- Bungee jumping
- Trekking
The blend of tranquil ashrams (=spiritual retreats) and adrenaline-pumping activities makes Rishikesh a unique stop for families with teenagers.
Best time to visit:
- February to April
- September to November
5. Shimla – Colonial Charm in the Hills
Shimla holds a special appeal for UK travellers due to its colonial heritage. Once the summer capital of British India, the city still bears the marks of Victorian architecture, charming churches, and old-world charm. A stroll along the Ridge and Mall Road, with its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, feels like stepping back in time.
Shimla is perfect for travellers who want to enjoy beautiful scenery without the challenges of extensive trekking or high altitudes.
Best time to visit:
- March to June
- December for snowfall
6. Spiti Valley – Remote, Rugged, and Spectacular
For UK travellers seeking something that’s truly off the beaten path, Spiti Valley is a dream destination. Often compared to Tibet for its landscape and culture, Spiti is rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful. If you are here in March, you can celebrate the Holi festival at Key Monastery – a serene and spiritual experience here rather than the rambunctious event it can become in some places.
What makes Spiti unique:
- Ancient monasteries
- Villages seemingly frozen in time
- Starry night skies
While the journey is long and arduous, the experience gained is second to none.
Best time to visit: June to September
7. Auli – India’s Winter Wonderland
Did you know that India has several ski resorts? Auli is considered the best destination for families and beginners, so if you want to prepare for your next ski holiday with teenagers, this place offers the perfect playground for snow loving families, with up to 10 km of slopes, fresh, crisp air and sweeping views of the Nanda Devi Himalayan range. Slopes start at 2,500 m so you don’t need to worry about lack of snow.
Auli’s appeals to UK Travellers:
- Less busy than European resorts
- More economical
- Snow safe with slopes between 2,500 and 3,000 m
- Breathtaking views
In addition, to skiing, Auli has ancient temples, scenic hikes in Nanda Devi National Park, and breathtaking views of the Indian Himalayas.
Best time to visit: December to February
8. Darjeeling – Tea Plantations and Views of Kanchenjunga
Further east, in West Bengal, the hill town of Darjeeling has strong ties to Britain. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, you will find distinct reminders of colonial Darjeeling in its British-style architecture, the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, and the tea plantations. Today, tourists from all over the world flock to the town to stay at one of the many hotels brimming with colonial grandeur and to enjoy the stunning views of Mt Kanchenjunga, at 8,586 m the Indian Himalayas’ highest peak. The narrow gauge railway now carries tourists on a scenic journey through the hills and tea gardens, known for the world’s finest tea.
Must Dos:
- Walk amongst the tea plantations
- Ride on the UNESCO-listed train (also known as the “toy train”)
- Watch the sunrise from Tiger Hill
Darjeeling is the perfect destination for those who enjoy walks, a bit of culture, and a gentle pace of travel.
Best time to visit:
- March to May
- October to November
Why are the Indian Himalayas perfect for UK travellers?
The Himalayas are a dream destination for many Brits – a place of beauty, spirituality, and mystery. And you don’t need to be a yogi or an extreme climber to experience India’s Himalayas. The vast mountain range means you can have an incredible variety of adventures, whether you are travelling solo or with family. Here visitors can encounter extreme spirituality, thrilling colonial history, and wild adventures all in one place: from soul-soothing yoga towns and sacred temples to high-altitude deserts and snow-topped mountains. People are friendly and English is widely spoken, making travelling this far flung destination a little less unnerving. Whether you are a solo traveller, or a single parent family, the Indian Himalayas will be one of the most breathtaking travel destinations you will ever visit.
About the Author:
Single Parents on Holiday is a niche tour operator in the UK and provides solo holidays for single travellers 50+ and single parent family holidays. These include beach holidays, farm holidays, activity holidays, and ski holidays with kids and teenagers.
