When planning a trip to Himachal, popular spots like Shimla and Manali often steal the spotlight. But the Himachal I know is a little different. One where artists still shape clay by hand and monks make butter tea in monasteries. You need to go off-route. Let me show you three places that’ll change how you see these mountains.
Andretta - Where Clay meets Creativity
Between Bir and Palampur sits Andretta, a quiet village you’ll barely notice, where artists have created their own world.
Back in 1920, Irish actress Norah Richard visited the place, fell in love with these mountains, and never left. Her passion for theatre and art started a creative revolution.
As her influence grew, locals started calling the place Mem Da Pin (meaning the foreign lady’s village)[1].
Andretta was once also home to a prominent self-taught painter from Punjab, Sobha Sing. He is known for his works capturing Kangra folklore and Sikh gurus. Sing’s home, now a gallery, still stands, preserving all 100 of his paintings for people to admire.
The Andretta Pottery Studio is also a testament to the village’s heritage. Visitors from everywhere, whether locals or art enthusiasts, travel here wanting to learn pottery. As you enter, the first thing you'll feel is the cool air and wet earth. Tourists admire the handmade collections, some trying their hand at the wheels, while others are learning from professionals.
Most tourists never find this place. The ones who do leave with clay stuck in their fingernails and a not-so-perfect bowl they made themselves.
Bir Billing - The Adventure Hub
While Andretta is calm, Bir is louder, busier, alive, and full of adventures. Paragliders flying above your head like kites, some screaming out of excitement or fear, and some enjoying the view from above. Tourists who would rather stay grounded are enjoying their picnic at the take-off point or opting for other options, such as a trek to Rajgundha Waterfall or Barol Valley, just an hour away from the take-off site[2].
But Bir is not just adrenaline. Spirituality and Tibetan culture are another of its popular essences. A walk in Tsering Jong Monastery feels calm, quiet, and refreshing. Monks in maroon robes wander around, some reciting prayers, while others prepare for the day.
Next, explore Bir Road's markets where you see Tibetan-style clothes, handmade jewellery, prayer items, and much more. Don’t forget, as you’re walking, make sure to try their local food—momos, spicy thukpa, sidu (Himachali bread stuffed with sweet and savory filling), and much more.
And after you're done with adventuring, monasteries, and shopping, head to Camp 360, an hour away from town. As you move upwards to the camp, the roads start to narrow as the noise starts to fade. Here, you can enjoy the solitude of the mountains. Sit and sip a cup of chai, and feel the fresh air touching your face as you take in the view.
Kalpa- The Most Beautiful Village
An eight-hour drive from Shimla to Kalpa may seem daunting, but the village at the end of the road makes you want to stay forever.
Your journey begins on National Highway 5 (NH5), also called Hindustan-Tibetan Highway.
The drive feels like a scene from a movie. A half-tunnel road on one side and the Sutlaj River hundreds of feet below, it leaves you both wide-eyed and holding your breath.
By the time you reach Kalpa, the thrill of the cliff-side drive subsides and you are met with a majestic view of the Kinnaur Kailash Range. You can’t help but admire the snowy peaks glistening under the sun.
As you drive through, the village starts to unfold. First, there is a dhaba where vehicles are parked and people are having Chai and Pakoras (breakfast). Then wooden houses start to appear, surrounded by apple orchards, with kids waving from their doorways. Old folks are seen debating something—weather or maybe politics.
This is the Himachal I know—not the crowded part, but the one where art thrives, where adventures have no bounds, and where the sunrise is worth waking up for. Most people don’t find these places. But now you know where to look.