Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Palampur is surrounded by breathtaking hill stations, spiritual sites, adventure hubs, and historical landmarks. Whether you're looking for a quick getaway or a full-day excursion, here are the best places to visit near Palampur.

1. Bir Billing (30 km) – The Paragliding Capital of India

✅ Why Visit?

• World’s second-best paragliding site – Experience tandem flights over the Dhauladhar range.
• Explore Tibetan monasteries, cafes, and meditation centers.
• Enjoy cycling, trekking, and camping in the scenic hills.

 Distance from Palampur: 30 km (1-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: October – June

2. Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj (35 km) – Tibetan Culture & Monasteries

✅ Why Visit?

• Home to the Dalai Lama & Namgyal Monastery (Tibetan Buddhism’s spiritual center).
• Visit Bhagsu Waterfall, Dal Lake, and St. John in the Wilderness Church.
• Enjoy Tibetan food, local markets, and peaceful monastery visits.

 Distance from Palampur: 35 km (1.5-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: Year-round

3. Baijnath Temple (16 km) – Ancient Lord Shiva Temple

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the oldest Shiva temples (built in 1204 AD).
• Known for stunning Nagara-style architecture.
• A major pilgrimage site, especially during Mahashivratri.

 Distance from Palampur: 16 km (30-minute drive)
 Best Time to Visit: Year-round

4. Kangra Fort (40 km) – One of the Oldest Forts in India

✅ Why Visit?

• Largest and oldest fort in the Himalayas, built by the Katoch dynasty.
• Offers panoramic views of the Beas River and Dhauladhar range.
• Learn about the fort’s rich history & Mughal invasions.

 Distance from Palampur: 40 km (1.5-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: October – March

5. Chamunda Devi Temple (23 km) – Sacred Shakti Peetha

✅ Why Visit?

• One of the most powerful temples of Goddess Chamunda Devi.
• Offers stunning views of the Dhauladhar range.
• A major pilgrimage site with a peaceful atmosphere.

 Distance from Palampur: 23 km (45-minute drive)
 Best Time to Visit: Anytime, best during Navratri

6. Barot Valley (80 km) – Offbeat Heaven for Nature Lovers

✅ Why Visit?

• A hidden paradise with pine forests, river streams, and trout fishing.
• Perfect for camping, trekking, and adventure activities.
• Less crowded, making it a peaceful getaway.

 Distance from Palampur: 80 km (3-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November

7. Masroor Rock Cut Temples (65 km) – "Ajanta of the Himalayas"

✅ Why Visit?

• A unique cluster of 15 monolithic temples carved out of a single rock.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 8th century.
• Offers breathtaking views of the Kangra Valley.

 Distance from Palampur: 65 km (2-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: Year-round

8. Naddi Village (40 km) – Perfect Sunset Spot

✅ Why Visit?

• A less crowded alternative to McLeod Ganj, offering 360-degree views of the Himalayas.
• Enjoy nature walks, sunset points, and photography.
• Visit Naddi Viewpoint & Dal Lake nearby.

 Distance from Palampur: 40 km (1.5-hour drive)
 Best Time to Visit: September – June

9. Triund Trek (65 km) – A Stunning Himalayan Trek

✅ Why Visit?

• A 9 km trek from McLeod Ganj, offering unbelievable views of the Dhauladhar mountains.
• Ideal for beginners & adventure lovers.
• Overnight camping at Triund Top under the starry sky.

 Distance from Palampur: 65 km (2-hour drive + 4-hour trek)
 Best Time to Visit: March – June, September – November

10. Gopalpur Zoo (13 km) – Best for Kids & Wildlife Lovers

✅ Why Visit?

• Home to Himalayan black bears, leopards, deer, and exotic birds.
• A great place for family outings & wildlife photography.
• Set in a scenic, forested area with fresh mountain air.

 Distance from Palampur: 13 km (25-minute drive)
 Best Time to Visit: Year-round

Bonus: Offbeat Places for a Unique Experience

 Tatwani Hot Springs (60 km) – Natural hot water springs with healing properties.
 Rajgundha Valley (85 km) – A secluded, stunning valley for trekking & camping.
 Billing Forest (35 km) – A dense forest perfect for short hikes & meditation.

 Best Day Trips from Palampur

• Short Day Trips (Within 30 km) → Baijnath Temple, Gopalpur Zoo, Chamunda Devi Temple, Neugal Khad.
• Mid-Distance Trips (30 – 60 km) → Bir Billing, Dharamshala, Kangra Fort, Masroor Temples.
• Long Day Trips (60+ km) → Barot Valley, Triund Trek, Rajgundha Valley.

 Travel Tips for Day Trips from Palampur

✅ Start early – Some destinations take 2-3 hours to reach.
✅ Carry warm clothes – Even in summer, higher altitudes get cold.
✅ Book paragliding & camping in advance – Bir Billing gets crowded in peak season.
✅ Try local food – Enjoy Siddu, Kangra tea, and Tibetan momos in nearby towns.

Palampur is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples, adventure hubs, and peaceful retreats. Whether you're into history, trekking, paragliding, or simply relaxing in nature, these day trips offer something for everyone!

 Pack your bags and explore the beauty of Himachal beyond Palampur!