Crisp mountain winds and warm sun sounds great right about now. Come summer and the urge to get away to the mountains is inevitable. However, at the peak of summer, these are also flooded with travellers and overcrowding is a common issue. To beat the clutter, here are four lesser known places to visit in Himachal Pradesh:

Pabbar Valley

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anirban Banerjee (@abanerjeevisuals) on Mar 28, 2018 at 11:46am PDT

Located about 80 kms from Shimla, the Pabbar Valley’s unfiltered landscape is not a household name yet. Well known among trekkers, the valley is lined with oak and deodar forests and apple orchards. It is also known for the gushing Pabbar River which cuts through imposing mountain ranges. It's quite here, you can spend time soaking in the vast expanse of greenery, go on a trek, or spend time trout fishing. 

Shoja

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by jiya ambast (@horizon__shade) on Mar 23, 2020 at 12:28am PDT

Located in the lap of the Great Himalayan National Park is picturesque Shoja. Apple orchards and mountain streams dot the area. You can go for long walks in the meadows or just relax and soak in the sun with a book. If you are the gregarious kind, you can befriend some locals and pick apples from their orchards. 

Rakcham

If complete isolation suits your idea of the perfect vacation, Rakcham village should be on top of your list. This quaint town exists without any internet, post office or a police station. Small shops run by locals (who are extremely warm and welcoming) are the source of basic supplies. Rakcham is also the second last village in India before the Tibet border begins.

Langza 

Surrounded by Himalayan ranges on all sides, Langza forms a village circuit with Hikkim and Comic. Apart from its lush meadows, the village is also known for marine fossils that can be found in the nearby forest. Langza also has a giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley, and the world’s highest post office at Hikkim.

Read More: Travel Dreams Come True: The Diary of a Delhi Girl Who Shifted to Himachal Pradesh

Also See: A 372-year-old Tradition Still Marks Dussehra In Himachal