One of India’s most beautiful states, Himachal Pradesh, extends from the Shivalik Range to the Greater Himalayas. Along with the gift of magnificent mountains, snow-fed meadows, singing waterfalls and streams, each village has at least one temple beside local deities and the community Devta, resulting in over 2000 temples in the entire range. Many Buddhist Gompas and Monasteries are also stretched along its vivid landscape.

Major Religious Places You Need To Visit In Himachal Pradesh:

Himachal Tour Packages include a visit to some of these famous Himalayan temples:

  • Kinnaur: Surrounded by three high mountain ranges namely Dhauladhar, Zanskar, and Greater Himalayas and enclosing valleys of Spiti, Sutlej, and Baspa, Kinnaur is the land of orchards, wood, hamlets and quaint hamlets. The local people are believers of both Hinduism and Buddhism. Pandavas are said to have resided in Kinnaur while in exile. Kinnaur’s history is recited by the local oracles called Gorkchs during celebrations and fairs. The extensive use of stone and wood is the specialty of their temples. 
  • Sarahan: The Bhimkali Temple at Sarahan was built by Raja Shamsher Singh almost 800 years ago, and has been called ‘’one of the finest specimens of hill architecture’’. It is best known for its silver repousse work on doors, carved balconies and windows, and the exquisite silver door at the entrance. The sacred compound measures about one acre and comprises of both old and new Bhimkali temples, with separate shrines to Lanka Bira, Raghunatah, Narasingha, Patal Bhairav and the old Bushahra palace. 
  • Chitkul: Situated at a height of 3500 metres in the Baspa Valley, it is the last village on India-China border. Three temples are dedicated to Mathi Devi, one of which is about 500 years old. The local legend talks of the Devi undertaking a long journey before settling in this village. She is believed to be related to the goddess of Gangotri and is worshipped with immense fanfare.

The Kagyupa temple is a Buddhist temple which consists of a Wheel of Life mandala, four Directional Kings on each side of the main door and the highly valued image of the Shakyamuni Buddha.

 

  • Sungra: The famous Maheswara temple of Sungra is a splendid work of the 8th century and reminds people about the North European churches in the Middle Age. It consists of a striking three-storied pagoda shrine, and on a square stone platform, the main wooden temple has a small sikhara like shrine opposite it. It has a series of Vishnu embodiments, Hindu astrological signs and has been recently renovated.

The belief of the tribal people in the deities for guiding every act and various mythological legends gives this picturesque beauty its nickname- Dev Bhoomi- ‘’Abode of the Gods.’’