The Mighty Himalayas need no introduction. Spanning across countries, the mountain range is a beautiful amalgamation of nature's best views, welcoming cultures, and spiritual mystique. So, it's quite obvious that it hosts millions of visitors each year across states and countries. And the number is only set to increase in 2026.
Based on their 2025 survey, American Express has published the top destinations for 2026, and the Himalayas have taken the cake. The list, which includes off-beaten trails as well as some of the most popular places to visit in the world, was recently published on their website. Ranked closely with the Himalayas are the historic town of Killarney in Ireland, the casino capital of Las Vegas, the gorgeous Marbella in Spain, and the cultural capital of Morocco, Marrakech.
The Himalayas are the most popular destination for 2026
If you’re a tourist, the Himalayas are a visual delight. Stretching across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet like a massive, ancient work of art, the Himalayas tourist places offer some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. Every region feels surreal, from the raw and rugged beauty of Ladakh, to the grandeur of Nepal's Everest region, to the verdant valleys of Yumthang and the unspoiled allure of Bhutan's Haa Valley.
In addition to these really well-known places to visit in the Himalayas, there are also treasures like the Sainj Valley in India or Kalinchowk in Nepal that continue to amaze visitors every time.
Spiritual retreats in the Himalayas
Spiritual experiences in the Himalayas are way more than a month-long yoga camp at the bank of the Ganges in Rishikesh. While that remains one of the stronger contenders, the spiritual aspect of the Himalayas is barely ever explored completely.
For a long time, they have been believed as a living spine of the sacred, where nature, myth, and religion converge. The mountains of Dev Bhoomi, Uttarakhand, are the site of historic pilgrimages and temples thought to harbour a faint hint of heavenly energy. Local communities in Nepal believe in guardian deities and mountain spirits, and they heavily influence customs and daily life.
Tibetan Buddhism, which is practised further north, views the Himalayas as a portal to a higher state of awareness where mystical scenery and meditation coexist. And the part which happens to be the least experienced is the Northeast of India. A variety of tribal communities in the region, such as the Monpa and the Lepcha, have rich spiritual traditions based on ancestral reverence, nature worship, and mountain mythology, creating a tapestry of living, breathing spirituality throughout the entire range.
Places to visit in the Himalayas in 2026
For a first-time traveller in the Himalayas
Start easy! There are plenty of places to visit in the Himalayas that happen to be quite tourist-friendly, easy to navigate, and quite well-connected to major airports. In Uttarakhand, you can either visit the Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag circuit or head to Kumaon, where you can experience the scenic beauty of the mountain lakes in the Himalayas. Nainital-Bhimtal-Sattal-Naukuchiatal-Khurpatal are all in close proximity and are perfect for a laidback holiday filled with gorgeous views.
In Himachal, Kullu-Manali-Solang Valley is an evergreen, touristy option. Throw in Rohtang Pass if you love adventure, or Atal Tunnel if you love to see engineering marvels, and you’re sorted for a quick, hassle-free, no-nonsense week-long trip to Himachal. That said, this is a very popular set of destinations to visit in the Himalayas, and can easily be overwhelmingly crowded. Where do you go then? Kangra-Dharamshala-Khajjiar circuit. Dharamshala is a popular destination to visit in the Himalayas, too, but it doesn’t get as crowded, and Khajjiar, in our opinion, is yet to get its due recognition.
Jammu and Kashmir is yet another popular region in the Himalayas with unparalleled views. Flying into Srinagar and exploring nearby towns and meadows is always an easy and pleasant plan. The vast pastures of Gulmarg are just as stunning in late spring - early summer when they’re full of blooms, as they are when the snow falls and turns it into a winter wonderland.
Places to visit in the northeast for first-timers are plenty. You can either visit Meghalaya, experience Cherrapunji and the never-ending rain, or soak in the countless waterfalls nearby. Drive a little further, and you’ll find yourself in the land of the living roots bridges. The capital, Shillong, has plenty to offer for travellers who want to experience the local culture too. Alternatively, you can head to Sikkim. Experience a new flavour of Buddhism in this mountain state at countless monasteries, visit the famed Gurudongmar Lake, make your way to the Nathu La, and most importantly, taste the local cuisine of Sikkim. The options are plenty!
For experienced travellers in the Himalayas
Even if you’ve covered all of the above, and then some more, believe us, there is still so much left for you to explore in the Himalayas. In Uttarakhand, experience the best of Kumaon at Pangot and Khirsu. Apple orchards, laidback vibes, and plenty of wilderness to enjoy, these destinations will change how you look at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. Or dive right into it with Garhwal’s Chopta and Kanatal. Trek to Tunganath Temple, relish in your solitude amidst the pine forests, and experience the Himalayan village life at its rawest best. If you want a long holiday without any interruptions at all, Munsiyari is where you need to go. It has been one of the best offbeat destinations in the region for a long time now, and it remains just as untouched as it was years ago.
In Himachal, Kalpa Kinnaur is a show stealer. The village is all wooden houses, apple orchards, tiny cafés, and monasteries humming softly in the background. Existing in these destinations in the Himalayas itself is enough to forget all the chaos of daily life. The tall mountains dwarf you, and the views humble you. Alternatively, spend a few days in the Tirthan Valley - Banjar Valley region. Fish for fresh trout, experience the village life, trek to Greater Himalayan National Park for the most stunning trail for a day hike, ride to the Jalori Pass, and enjoy the most vibrant fruit wines from Jibhi. Quick tip, though, don’t be fooled by how easy the GHNP trek looks. Bring sturdy shoes, and stuff your backpack with snacks because the stops on the trail might or might not be open, and you will feel hungry. And if you’re lucky, you might just get a glimpse of wild animals like Yellow Throated Martens near the water bodies, as we did!
Moving up north, Gurez, Lolab, and Bangus are all seamlessly connected by a well-planned circuit across Jammu & Kashmir, with each valley presenting immaculate scenery and peaceful hamlet life. With its expansive meadows and riverscapes, Doodhpathri completes the loop, resulting in an itinerary that encompasses the most unspoiled, cinematic splendour of the area.
While Nagaland, Assam, and even Arunachal have plenty of places to visit, and so do Mizoram and Manipur, our pick for seasoned travellers in the Northeast will take you to an offbeat place that feels unreal. Head to Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh, a valley that lets you experience the wild charm like no other destination. Sweeping grasslands, icy-blue rivers, and quiet Memba villages give it a timeless, almost otherworldly calm. With ancient monasteries on hilltops and landscapes that shift from soft to dramatic in minutes, Mechuka captures the raw, cinematic beauty that will cement Arunachal right up at the top of must visit places.
Ladakh
We’re sure you saw the suggested places to visit in the Himalayas above, and wondered where Ladakh was. The mountain state, with its raw, rugged beauty, is something that fits both categories, and a single trip will never be enough. It’s rich culturally, adventure is abundant, and is breathtaking no matter where you look. For the first time, keep things simple. Fly into Leh, explore the local market, and visit the local monasteries. Drive up to Pangong Tso, visit Hanle, and spend a day or two in Nubra Valley for an easy, laid-back trip to Ladakh.
Now if you’re staying longer, or you’ve been to Ladakh before, here’s what more you can explore. Visit Zanskar Valley, where you can also go river rafting if that’s your thing. Drive up to Turtuk, experience the village life, and what civilisation looks like without the constant buzz of connectivity. Drive to Kargil, and visit the memorials and centres that let you witness the harsh realities of the armed forces up close. And lastly, make sure you visit many other lakes in the Ladakh region, and not just Pangong Tso.
For adventure lovers, pros, and others who love stretching their limits, Ladakh also hosts marathons every year, and there’s always the Chadar Trek to test your endurance in the most scenic way possible.