Best month · Himachal
Himachal in October
Our other favourite month. Skies are clean after the monsoon, the Kinnaur Kailash and Dhauladhar peaks stand sharp, and Kullu Dussehra fills Dhalpur ground with village devtas for seven days. Bir has its steadiest flying weather. Puja and Diwali holidays bring crowds to Shimla and Manali for a week or two, so book those dates early.
Photo: Akshat Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsWhere to go
Our picks for October
Photo: Akshat Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Naggar
The old Kullu capital, with a timber castle and Roerich's home
Photo: Fredi Bach from Switzerland · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Bir and Billing
Paragliding over tea gardens and Tibetan monasteries in Kangra
Photo: Ashish Gupta from Noida, India · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Sangla and Chitkul
The Baspa valley, from Kamru's fort-temple to the last village
Trips
Trips at their best in October
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch · CC0 · Commons
Comfort
Chamba, McLeodganj and Bir by private car
Private car with driver
Photo: Unknown author · Public domain · Commons
Comfort
Tirthan, Naggar and Manali by private car
Private car with driver
Photo: Navneet Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Kinnaur by HRTC bus: Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa
HRTC buses and local shared taxis
Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Manali, Naggar and Kasol on a budget
HRTC local buses and short shared taxis
Photo: Navneet Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Shimla and Kinnaur with Oberoi stays
Private SUV with driver and guide; toy train from Kalka
Photo: Navneet Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Shimla and the Kullu valley in luxury
Private car with driver
Elsewhere in October
Other hives this month
Questions
Himachal in October, answered
Is October a good time to visit Himachal?
Our other favourite month. Skies are clean after the monsoon, the Kinnaur Kailash and Dhauladhar peaks stand sharp, and Kullu Dussehra fills Dhalpur ground with village devtas for seven days. Bir has its steadiest flying weather. Puja and Diwali holidays bring crowds to Shimla and Manali for a week or two, so book those dates early.
What is the weather like in Himachal in October?
Shimla 10 to 20 °C, Manali 5 to 20 °C, clear skies. Conditions differ by altitude and coast, so check the forecast for each stop a week before you travel.
Where should we go in Himachal in October?
We suggest Naggar, Bir and Billing, Sangla and Chitkul. During Kullu Dussehra, stay in Naggar and ride in; Kullu town rooms sell out.