7 Must-Visit Valleys in the Indian Himalayas

India, a land that remains laced with natural attractions all over. From the snow-capped mountains to the deep abyss of oceans, you will find everything that a true traveller desires. The valleys in India require a special mention in this respect as they are immensely beautiful and are a treat to behold by all means. The photogenic valleys of North India in the lap of the Himalayas are famous all around the world because of their ecstatic visual appeal.

Here is the list of 7 must-visit valleys of Indian Himalayas:

1. Nubra Valley, Ladakh

Once known as Ldmura, Valley of Flowers, Nubra Valley boasts of a colourful land amidst the cold hard dessert-like land. Located on the ancient Silk Route, the valley has Shyok and Nubra river snaking through it and some beautiful monasteries.

The valley remains popular for its 32m high Maitreya Buddha statue in Diskit. The monastery of Diskit is the largest monastery in the region, immensely famous among the travellers.

2. Darma Valley, Uttarakhand

A lesser-known valley, the picturesque Darma Valley (or Darma Ganga Valley) is nestled between two other valleys, namely the Kuthi Yangti Valley and Lassar Yangti Valley.

Trekking terrain in Darma Valley provides you with a lifetime experience with glaciers, coniferous trees and snow-capped mountains. Given its close proximity to the Indo-Tibetan border, you get a glimpse of Mount Kailash on the path to the Sin La.

According to Hindu legends, the Pandavas cooked their last meal on the peaks of Panchachulli before ascending to heaven.

3. Mana Valley, Uttarakhand

Popularly known as the last village of India, Mana is located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. Mana holds huge importance in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, Maharishi Vyas narrated the epic tale of Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha here.

The holy shrine of Badrinath lies close to this place. The Mana La on the border between India and Tibet is the highest accessible pass in the world at 18,192 ft.

From Mana La that you start the ascent to Chaukhamba Peak and can also visit the two small caves in Mana – Vyas Gufa and Ganesha Gufa. Other natural attractions include the Vasundhara Falls, Satopanth Lake and Bhim Pul.

4. Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Also known as Devbhumi or the Land of Gods, Kangra remains settled in the laps of natural beauty throughout the year. Ranging from gorgeous natural spots to amazing man-made attractions, Kangra remains laced with tourist spots that take more than a week to travel and explore.

Do not miss out on the famous Kangra Fort, which was built by the Katoch Dynasty and is considered the largest fort in the Himalayas. Often referred to as the paragliding capital of India, if you are an adrenaline junkie, you must try out paragliding. A trip to Prashar Lake should not be skipped. In Bir, visit the iconic Choukling Monastery.

5. Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

The remote Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh is divided into two separate districts, Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley. Despite being the largest district in India with an area of 9,129 sq. km, Upper Dibang Valley is the least populated district in India.

Both the regions of valley boast of breath-taking sceneries with rich cultural heritage. The treks in this region are extremely popular. They begin with Roing, moving to explore Mishmi Village and go till Nizam Ghat.

As for Upper Dibang Valley, you can explore the dense Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. Considered to be one of the richest biospheres in Eastern Himalayas, it tops the list of places to visit. A never seen before flying squirrel was also spotted in the Mishmi jungles. You can even hike around the remote town of Anini.

6. Dzukou Valley, Manipur

The exquisite valley of Dzukou is located right at the border of Nagaland and Manipur. Considered to be the crater-base of an old volcano, the valley sits at the foot of Japfu Peak. For trekkers who wish to challenge themselves, the second-highest peak of Nagaland awaits their spirits.

The highest point in the valley provides a panoramic view of the enticing valley. The Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for bird watchers, situated right in between the crisscross of Japfy and Dzulekie mountain streams.

Especially popular for its exotic flora, the Dzukou Valley is world-renowned for a unique species of the lily flower, which is found nowhere else in the world, the Dzukou Lily. Other than this, the valley’s undulating grasslands are decorated by several beautiful varieties of wildflowers every season.

7. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

In the largest north-eastern state of India, Arunachal Pradesh, there is a hidden paradise known as the Ziro Valley. Apa Tani tribe lives and thrives here. Ziro remains to be the perfect place to relive in and reconnect with nature. Among the pine trees, layered paddy fields and the gorgeous backdrop of Eastern Himalayas sits this exotic valley. The tribe here worships nature god and earn their livelihood by making handicrafts and handloom products besides wetland cultivation.

While the tranquillity of this charming town makes it a soul seekers paradise, its the epitome of scenic beauty. It also entices innumerable nature lovers and photographers. The place is also great for adventure seekers too. Whether you want a soul-captivating trekking experience, a jungle camping fun or wildlife exploration, Ziro covers you in all aspects. Hence, why it goes up as one of the most breathtaking villages of Himalayas

Also read: Most Breathtaking Villages of Indian Himalayas.