Hill stations in North India

[Cicil]

Hi

I am visiting India for the first time and I just want to devote all of my time in hill stations, can somebody suggest me best hill stations in North India?

I know of Shimla and Manali, what are the other options and how safe it is down there? I wanted to visit Kashmir valley too, but most of my friends have suggested not to make it due to lot of disturbance and violence down there.

I will really appreciate if you can share your past experience and some pictures too.

 

[DhongiBaba]

The road to Manali is closed right now so not a very good idea but in summers it is one of the best destinations when it comes to hills. Shimla is easier to get to but the beauty and pollution free environment you get at Manali is way beyond the scope of Shimla.

 

[Aadi]

Hi

Some of the most popular hill stations which I can point for you are:

Himachal Pradesh
Kasauli
Shimla
Kufri
Dharamshala
Chamba
Dalhousie
Kalpa
Bhagsu
Kullu and Manali
Kaza in Spiti

Uttrakhand (Uttranchal)
Auli
Badrinath
Rishikesh
Gangotri
Yamunotri
Rudraprayag
Binsar
Chakarata
Dhanaulti
Uttarkashi
Joshimath
Kailash Mansaroval
Kathgodam
Kedarnath
Lansdowne
Mukteshwar
Valley of flowers
Nainital
Mussorie
Bhimtal
Tehri
Munsyuari

You need not to worry about your safety in Himachal as it is the most peaceful place in entire India with lowest crime rate but ensure that you are not falling for any touts. Please use your common sense everywhere and I would like to suggest you to stay in HTPDC (Himachal Govt.) hotels.