Balancing Work and Adventure: Must-Visit Hikes and Day Trips in Himachal
Working remotely from the mountains sounds dreamy — and it can be. But to really enjoy the remote work lifestyle, you need more than just fast Wi-Fi and good coffee. You need fresh air, open skies, and some adventure. Himachal Pradesh, especially places like Dharamshala, Bir, and Manali, is perfect for this. It offers a calm place to work and amazing day trips for when you want to explore.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the best hikes, treks, and day trips near popular remote work hubs. Whether you're in town for a workation or a long-term coworking stay, these places are a must-visit.
1. Triund Trek – A Classic Himalayan Day Hike
Location: Near McLeod Ganj (Dharamshala)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Best for: Beginner hikers, weekend breaks
If you're working from Dharamshala or staying in a co-living space in McLeod Ganj, the Triund trek is the perfect short escape. It's about 9 km one way, and you can finish it in a day. The trail is scenic with pine forests, cool mountain air, and panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range.
2. Bir Billing – The Paragliding Capital of India
Location: Bir
Best for: Adventure seekers, weekend break from work
Need an adrenaline rush after a week of Zoom calls? Try paragliding in Bir Billing — one of the top paragliding sites in the world. The take-off point is at Billing, while Bir is where you land. You can also go hiking around Bir or visit the Tibetan monasteries nearby.
3. Barot Valley – A Peaceful, Underrated Escape
Location: Around 2.5 hours from Bir
Best for: Quiet work breaks, riverside camping, local village life
Barot Valley is one of Himachal’s hidden treasures. If you’re looking for a day trip from Bir or even a short weekend break from Dharamshala, Barot is the perfect pick. With lush green landscapes, the Uhl River flowing through the valley, and peaceful village scenes, it offers a refreshing change from the usual tourist spots.
You can enjoy short forest walks, trout fishing, or just sit by the river with a book. It’s ideal for remote workers who want a calm, tech-free escape for a day or two.
4. Beas Kund Trek – High-Altitude Beauty in Manali
Location: Near Solang Valley, Manali
Duration: 2-3 days
Best for: People with a long weekend or taking time off
The Beas Kund trek is ideal for remote workers staying in Manali or nearby co-living spaces. It’s short but takes you into stunning high-altitude terrain. You’ll hike through meadows, cross small streams, and get close to snow-capped peaks — all within a few days.
5. Great Himalayan National Park – For Nature and Wildlife Lovers
Location: Kullu Region
Best for: Nature walks, birdwatching, peaceful getaways
The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s perfect if you want a peaceful day trip surrounded by forests, rivers, and wildlife. You can go for easy walks or longer treks inside the park.
6. Kareri Lake – Offbeat and Less Crowded
Location: Near Dharamshala
Duration: Overnight or 2-day trek
Best for: Weekend trekking, nature lovers
Kareri Lake is a beautiful alpine lake that many travelers miss. It's quieter than Triund and perfect for a more peaceful hiking experience. If you’re working remotely from Dharamshala and want something more offbeat, this is a great option.
7. Tirthan Valley – Hidden Gem for Remote Workers
Location: Near GHNP
Best for: Day hikes, riverside stays, quiet working spots
Tirthan Valley is one of the best-kept secrets in Himachal. It’s ideal for both work and exploration. You can take short hikes, work from cozy riverside cafés, or even just enjoy the peaceful vibes. Many people looking for quiet workation spots in Himachal choose Tirthan for its balance.
The Remote Work Routine That Works Here
Working remotely from the mountains doesn’t have to mean staying indoors all day. The trick is to balance work and exploration. Many co-living and coworking spaces like AltSpace in Dharamshala offer great internet, flexible hours, and a community of like-minded people. You can work in the mornings and explore nearby hikes in the evening or on weekends.
Whether you're in Himachal for a month or just visiting for a workation, these hikes and day trips are great ways to refresh your mind, boost creativity, and make your remote work experience more fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
Living and working in Himachal is about more than just work. It’s about slowing down, enjoying nature, and finding moments of excitement and peace. Whether you choose a quick Triund trek, a quiet day in Barot Valley, or go all in with paragliding at Bir Billing — adventure is never far away.