Himachal Pradesh
Offbeat Himachal Pradesh : Discover Hidden Gems with Himalayan Ecotourism
Pangi
An unknown corner of Himachal, so much worth to visit for an experiential journey.
Churah valley
The perfect alternative to Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie. Without the crowd.
Tibet in exile
Encounter the Tibetan culture in McLeodganj at the foot of the Dhauladhar range.
At Himalayan Ecotourism (Heco), we invite you to explore offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh – places less traveled but rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. Our approach to tourism goes beyond offering exceptional Himalayan experiences; it is deeply intertwined with our commitment to social and environmental sustainability. By traveling with us, you not only immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and authentic local culture, but you also contribute to the sustainable development of these remote regions.
Pangi valley – Where Cultures Converge
Pangi valley
July, August and September are excellent months to visit this side of Himachal.
Located in the northwestern corner of Himachal Pradesh, Pangi is a region where three distinct cultural worlds meet. To the west lies Kashmir, with its Switzerland-like mountains and Muslim communities. To the north, you’ll find Ladakh’s Zanskar range, an extension of the Tibetan high-altitude desert. To the south, the lush valleys of lower Himachal are home to Hindu communities with a vibrant Devta culture.
This unique confluence makes Pangi a special destination for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth. Its picturesque forests and verdant lower elevations are sheltered from the monsoon, making July and August an ideal time to visit. Pangi offers a variety of outdoor activities, from scenic day hikes to multiday treks that lead into the remote Zanskar region.
Churah Valley – A Hidden Alpine Retreat
Churah Valley, nestled in the Chamba district, is another offbeat gem located between Chamba city and Pangi. Accessible via the high-altitude Sach Pass if you come from Pangi, Churah offers an alpine-like landscape, with its lush greenery providing a peaceful escape from the crowds of popular tourist spots like Manali, Shimla, and Dalhousie. It’s a paradise for those seeking serene hikes and an authentic Himachali experience.
Churah valley
Come meet nature and the locals, not the crowd !
Experience Genuine Local Hospitality
Saach pass
Enjoy the pleasure of a real journey in a responsible way.
In all the regions that we introduce to you in this page, we work with local families who are eager to welcome you into their homes. Our vision for these regions is to support family-run businesses that provide intimate, community-focused experiences. By staying with locals and embarking on hikes or treks guided by residents, you gain not only a deeper understanding of the area but also help foster sustainable tourism that directly benefits the community.
Explore the less-known corners of Himachal Pradesh with Heco, and become part of a journey that supports conservation, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment for the people of these incredible regions.
Things to do in Himachal Pradesh
TREKS IN THE GREEN HIMALAYAS
Our selection of treks in Himachal Pradesh
TREKS IN THE GHNP
Explore a pristine mountain range
MOTORCYCLING IN HIMACHAL PRADESH
Explore the state on two wheels !
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Enjoy the Himalayas cycling
Adventure tour in HP
Have a rich experience of Himachal Pradesh
CORPORATE EVENTS
Adventure for your team
STUDENTS GROUP TOURS
Enjoy and learn about Nature
More info about Himachal Pradesh
The green Himalayas are much more ‘Alpine’ compared to the two other proposed regions : Ladakh and Spiti. Fauna, flora, climate and landscapes remind the European ranges, except that everything is at the Himalayan scale: gigantic.
Summits are over 6000 metres, the rivers are incredible and powerful, glaciers impressive, and the approaches take several days of walking.
The green Himalayas also differ from the Alps with regard to facilities and infrastructure. The road network and housing facilities are fairly well developed compared to other Himalayan regions, but it is difficult, even impossible, to trek without a guide and other local assistants. Hiking maps do not exist, trails are poorly maintained, there is virtually no shelter, and no aerial lifts in case of emergency.
But this is probably what gives the region an extra bonus: when you’re in nature, it is the true nature!
The green Himalayas are therefore an ideal region for fans of trekking and hiking in nature amongst medium to high mountains.
But also for those who wish to get refreshed by the cool climate, the scenic views and the local culture and cuisine.
We also proposed mountain biking on some selected roads that are very suitable for this activity
The most interesting place for hiking is probably the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). The park was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2014. Despite its exceptional beauty, it is not well known. It is therefore a very different experience compared to over-frequented trekking routes in other Himalayan ranges. You enter a true Himalayan natural universe of outstanding beauty without being disturbed by any human artifacts.
Himalayan Ecotourism knows GHNP very well. Himalayan Ecotourism office is located right at the starting point of the trail in Gushaini leading to the sources of the Tirthan, one of three main rivers in the Park.
The green Himalayas are not only a trekking and hiking destination but also the cradle of Hindu Mythology, refuge for multiple communities in times of war, and passage between the Indian subcontinent and North Asia. Its cultural and ethnic richness is striking.
We can take to any famous destination of Himachal : Shimla, former summer capital of India at the time of English colonization, the valley of the gods with wooden carved temples, sacred hot water sources, and Dharamsala, the charming little town perched above the plains of the Punjab which hosts the Dalai Lama and the community of Tibetan refugees.
Himalayan Ecotourism videos
TREKKING IN THE GHNP
All you need to know for planning your trek in the GHNP with us
WE ARE A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Stephan, co-founder of Himalayan Ecotourism, shows some of the work undertaken by Himalayan Ecotourism in the ecozone of the GHNP
