Shimla is packed — here are 5 hill destinations Indians are choosing instead

As winter travel peaks, Shimla is once again feeling the strain of mass tourism. Traffic jams stretching for kilometres, fully booked hotels, and packed public spaces have turned what was meant to be a relaxed hill getaway into a test of patience for many travellers. For a growing number of Indians, the problem isn’t the mountains, it’s the crowds.
Instead of compelling a visit to Shimla by hook or by crook, tourists are copiously picking alternatives to witness a similar winter landscape without the rush. The regions possess a chill climate, meandering forests, and snow-embellished sceneries without the characteristic horn-ignition and waiting of a standard visit to Shimla.
Here are five places Indians are travelling to instead, because Shimla is packed.

Narkanda is one of the largest alternatives not very far from Shimla, and it is just a couple of hours’ journey away from Shimla. Among the thick forests and apple orchards, the snow-capped peaks of Narkanda await those looking forward to enjoying the snowy peaks without the problem of traffic jams, as witnessed in the roads of Shimla. Even the area around the peaks of Hatu is highly liked by the tourists looking for natural landscapes and not the madding crowds amassed around the mall road. Contrary to the situation in Shimla, the scarcity of hotel facilities still exists in such a way that Narkanda does not become a tourist spot for the masses.

Chakrata is also becoming a major hub for tourists, particularly those hailing from Delhi, who wish to give a miss to the crowded Shimla destinations. Chakrata, a peaceful cantonment town, has still managed to escape unchanged, thanks to curbs placed upon unchecked development. Pine forests, rock features, and a pleasant climate have contributed toward making it a haven for tourists who are interested in hill stations where commercialization hasn’t taken over. Unlike Shimla, there are no packed promenades here, but only steep roads, homely stays, and miles of silence, much sought after these days among tourists.

Even as Shimla fights for less crowds, Tirthan Valley attracts travelers in search of nature rather than noise. This destination is near the edge of the Great Himalayan National Park and is recognised for river views, forests, and an absence of crowds, since Indians traveling to this destination are families and couples in search of natural scenic spots that can provide relaxation rather than stress caused by long lines and congested parking areas. Even during peak times, Tirthan can feel quite spread out.

Shoja has gained popularity in recent times amongst travelers who would otherwise default to Shimla for short hill breaks. Sitting along the Jalori Pass route, this little village offers picturesque views of the Himalayas and snow-laced forests during winter. Shoja does not house big markets or major tourist spots. It will appeal to those who enjoy slow mornings, fireplaces, and mountain scenery bereft of interruption. Its growing popularity comes precisely from what Shimla lacks during peak season-space, quiet, and simplicity.

And for the adventurous traveler with an interest in going out to explore places a little beyond Shimla, Munsiyari has come up as an adequate alternative for it. Known for its spectacular sightseeing of Panchachuli peaks, this destination pulls its domestic tourists looking for snow, cool mountain air, and wide landscapes, but not congested streets. The level of tourism for Munsiyari compared to Shimla remains limited, but currently, this is what Munsiyari has to offer to its visitors.