12 Best Places To Go in Himachal and Shimla in Summer That Are Perfect for Group Travel
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Planning a group trip to the hills this summer? Himachal Pradesh is one of India's most beloved summer destinations — and for good reason. From snow-capped peaks to lush green valleys, roaring rivers to serene lakes, Himachal offers something for every kind of traveller. Whether you are a group of friends, a family, or a corporate team, this mountainous state delivers adventure, peace, and memories worth cherishing.
In this blog, we have rounded up the 12 best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh and Shimla in summer that are tailor-made for group travel — with great connectivity, plenty of activities, and comfortable accommodation options.
Why Himachal Pradesh Is Perfect for Group Travel in Summer
Summer (April to June) is the peak travel season in Himachal Pradesh. While the plains of India swelter under 40°C+ heat, temperatures in Himachal stay between 15°C to 28°C — making it an ideal escape. For groups, the season offers:
- Wide availability of group hotels, cottages, and homestays
- All major roads and mountain passes open
- Festivals, adventure sports, and local cultural experiences
- Easy flight and road connectivity from Delhi and Chandigarh
1. Shimla — The Queen of Hills
Best for: First-time visitors, family groups, corporate retreats
No list of Himachal summer destinations is complete without Shimla, the capital city and arguably the most famous hill station in India. The colonial charm, the Mall Road, Christ Church, and the famous toy train ride make Shimla an all-rounder for group trips.
Top things to do in Shimla with a group:
- Walk along the iconic Mall Road and Ridge
- Take the Kalka-Shimla Heritage Toy Train
- Visit Jakhu Temple for panoramic city views
- Shop for Himachali shawls, caps, and woolens
- Day trip to Kufri for horse riding and snow views
2. Manali — The Adventure Capital of Himachal
Best for: Adventure groups, friend groups, honeymooners
Manali is the go-to destination for groups that want a mix of adventure and scenic beauty. Situated at 2,050 metres above sea level, Manali is the starting point for treks to Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Hampta Pass.
Top things to do in Manali with a group:
- Ride to Rohtang Pass (permit required, book in advance)
- Try paragliding, river rafting, and zorbing in Solang Valley
- Visit Hadimba Devi Temple — a must-see
- Explore Old Manali for cafes and riverside walks
- Begin the famous Hampta Pass Trek
Pro tip for groups: Book cottages in Old Manali or Vashisht village for a more authentic and peaceful experience away from the commercial strip.
3. Kasol — The Backpacker's Paradise
Best for: Young groups, trekkers, nature lovers
Tucked in the Parvati Valley along the Parvati River, Kasol is a tiny village that has become a cult favourite among backpackers and trekkers. It is the base camp for some of the most rewarding treks in Himachal.
Top things to do in Kasol with a group:
- Trek to Kheerganga — a 12 km trail with natural hot springs
- Visit the sacred Manikaran Gurudwara and hot springs
- Camp along the Parvati River
- Explore the Israeli-influenced cafe culture
- Trek to Tosh and Malana villages
4. Spiti Valley — For the Adventurous Group
Best for: Offbeat groups, bikers, photography enthusiasts
Spiti Valley is one of India's most dramatic landscapes — a cold desert mountain region at altitudes above 4,000 metres. This is not your typical touristy hill station; it is raw, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Top things to do in Spiti with a group:
- Visit Key Monastery, one of the oldest in the region
- Explore Chandratal Lake — a high-altitude gem
- Drive through Kunzum Pass
- Stay in local homestays in Kaza and Kibber
- Spot snow leopards and Himalayan wildlife
Best time: June onwards, when the route via Shimla-Kinnaur opens up fully.
5. Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj — Where Culture Meets Mountains
Best for: Spiritual groups, culture lovers, solo travellers in groups
Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, Dharamshala (and its upper town McLeod Ganj) is a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and colonial culture set against the stunning Dhauladhar mountain range.
Top things to do here with a group:
- Visit Namgyal Monastery and the Dalai Lama Temple Complex
- Trek to Triund Hill — a classic one-day group trek
- Explore Bhagsu Waterfall and Bhagsu Nag Temple
- Take a Tibetan cooking class or a meditation retreat
- Shop at the Tibetan Market for handicrafts and thangka paintings
6. Dalhousie — Colonial Charm in the Himalayas
Best for: Family groups, older travellers, leisure seekers
Dalhousie is a quiet, picturesque hill station spread across five hills at an altitude of 2,036 metres. Built by the British in 1854, it retains much of its colonial architecture and peaceful atmosphere — ideal for groups looking for a relaxed mountain holiday.
Top things to do in Dalhousie with a group:
- Walk the scenic Subhash Baoli Trail
- Visit Khajjiar — often called the "Mini Switzerland of India"
- Explore Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Drive to Chamba for ancient temples and local culture
- Enjoy sunsets from Bakrota Hills
7. Khajjiar — Mini Switzerland of India
Best for: Day trips, family groups, nature walks
Often visited as a day trip from Dalhousie, Khajjiar deserves its own spot on this list. A high-altitude meadow surrounded by dense deodar forests with a small lake at its centre, it is one of the most photogenic spots in Himachal Pradesh.
Top things to do in Khajjiar with a group:
- Paragliding and zorbing on the meadow
- Horse riding around the lake
- Picnic in the lush green meadow
- Photography — the landscape is stunning year-round
8. Bir Billing — Paragliding Capital of Asia
Best for: Adventure groups, thrill-seekers
Bir Billing is globally recognised as one of the best paragliding sites in the world. Billing is the take-off point and Bir is the landing site — and the aerial views of the Kangra Valley and Dhauladhar range are simply unreal.
Top things to do in Bir Billing with a group:
- Tandem paragliding — bookable for entire groups
- Camping in apple orchards
- Cycling trails through Bir village
- Explore Tibetan monasteries in Bir colony
- Take a hang gliding or skydiving experience
Best time: May to June for stable flying conditions.
9. Kufri — A Perfect Day Trip from Shimla
Best for: Family groups, first-time visitors
Just 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is a small hill station that offers stunning views of the Himalayan range and remains covered in snow well into March-April. In summer, the meadows turn lush green and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Top things to do in Kufri with a group:
- Horse riding through pine forests
- Visit the Himalayan Nature Park (yaks, snow leopards, Himalayan birds)
- Photography at Mahasu Peak viewpoint
- Short nature walks and picnic spots
10. Chail — Peace, Pine Forests, and a Palace
Best for: Group staycations, luxury travellers, peace seekers
Chail is an offbeat gem, just 45 km from Shimla. Built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala after he was banished from Shimla by the British, Chail is home to the world's highest cricket ground and the iconic Chail Palace Hotel.
Top things to do in Chail with a group:
- Stay at Chail Palace — a bucket-list experience for groups
- Visit the World's Highest Cricket Ground
- Explore Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
- Walk through dense pine and rhododendron forests
- Enjoy bonfire nights and stargazing
11. Narkanda — Apple Orchards and Untouched Beauty
Best for: Nature lovers, offbeat travellers, small groups
Located 65 km from Shimla on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway, Narkanda is a hidden gem surrounded by sprawling apple orchards and dense forests. It is one of those places where you feel completely disconnected from the noise of the city.
Top things to do in Narkanda with a group:
- Trek to Hatu Peak for 360° Himalayan views
- Walk through apple and cherry orchards in bloom
- Visit Stokes Farm — the famous apple estate
- Drive to Thanadhar for incredible sunrise views
- Photography of untouched Himalayan landscapes
12. Kullu — The Valley of Gods
Best for: Groups who want adventure + culture
Kullu sits in the lush Beas River Valley and is the gateway to Manali. But Kullu is far more than just a transit point — it is a destination in its own right, rich in culture, adventure, and natural beauty.
Top things to do in Kullu with a group:
- White-water river rafting on the Beas — one of the best in India
- Visit Bijli Mahadev Temple for panoramic valley views
- Shop for authentic Kullu shawls at the local market
- Explore Great Himalayan National Park (UNESCO Heritage Site)
- Try apple picking in summer orchards
Quick Comparison: Best Himachal Summer Destinations for Groups
| Destination | Best For | Distance from Delhi | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla | Families, first-timers | ~340 km | 2,205 m |
| Manali | Adventure, friends | ~570 km | 2,050 m |
| Kasol | Backpackers, trekkers | ~520 km | 1,640 m |
| Spiti | Offbeat, bikers | ~700 km | 3,800 m |
| Dharamshala | Culture, spiritual | ~480 km | 1,457 m |
| Dalhousie | Family, leisure | ~560 km | 2,036 m |
| Khajjiar | Day trips, nature | ~580 km | 2,000 m |
| Bir Billing | Adventure, paragliding | ~490 km | 1,525 m |
| Kufri | Family, day trip | ~356 km | 2,600 m |
| Chail | Luxury, peace | ~385 km | 2,250 m |
| Narkanda | Offbeat, nature | ~405 km | 2,708 m |
| Kullu | Rafting, culture | ~500 km | 1,220 m |
Tips for Planning a Group Trip to Himachal Pradesh in Summer
1. Book Early: Summer is peak season. Hotels, camps, and adventure activities fill up fast — especially for groups. Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
2. Choose the Right Base: For large groups, Shimla and Manali offer the best infrastructure. For offbeat experiences, consider Kasol, Bir Billing, or Narkanda.
3. Hire a Tempo Traveller or Bus: For groups of 8 or more, hiring a Tempo Traveller from Delhi or Chandigarh is cost-effective and convenient.
4. Carry Layers: Even in summer, evenings in Himachal can get cold. Pack light woolens and a windproof jacket.
5. Carry Cash: Many remote areas in Himachal have poor ATM connectivity. Carry enough cash, especially for Spiti and Kasol.
6. Respect Local Culture: Himachal has deep-rooted customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples and monasteries.
Final Thoughts
Himachal Pradesh is truly a group traveller's paradise. Whether your group wants to push their limits on a paragliding adventure at Bir Billing, soak in the spiritual energy of McLeod Ganj, or simply sip chai while watching clouds roll over the Shimla hills — there is a destination on this list for you.
Plan smart, travel together, and let the mountains do the rest.
