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Himachal Pradesh Holidays 2026

Plan your Himachal Pradesh holidays in 2026 smartly with public holiday dates, long weekends, travel ideas, and simple budgeting tips.

Last updated on: March 23, 2026

Himachal Pradesh offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural richness, making every trip unforgettable. Whether you seek peaceful mountain escapes, thrilling adventures, or vibrant festivals, the state has something for everyone. Planning your holidays around the 2026 public holidays and long weekends helps you enjoy more time off without disrupting your work. With its hill stations, sacred temples, and serene landscapes, Himachal Pradesh invites you to unwind and experience the calm of the Himalayas.

Himachal Pradesh Public Holidays List 2026

Planning your holidays early helps you balance work and leisure effectively. Here’s the detailed list of gazetted and restricted holidays for Himachal Pradesh in 2026:

Date

Festival / Occasion

Day

01-01-2026

New Year’s Day

Thursday

14-01-2026

Makar Sankranti

Wednesday

23-01-2026

Basant Panchami

Friday

25-01-2026

Statehood Day

Sunday

26-01-2026

Republic Day

Monday

01-02-2026

Guru Ravidas’s Birthday

Sunday

12-02-2026

Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti

Thursday

15-02-2026

Maha Shivratri

Sunday

04-03-2026

Holi

Wednesday

21-03-2026

Id-ul-Fitr

Saturday

26-03-2026

Ram Navami

Thursday

31-03-2026

Mahavir Jayanti

Tuesday

03-04-2026

Good Friday

Friday

05-04-2026

Easter Sunday

Sunday

14-04-2026

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Birthday

Tuesday

15-04-2026

Himachal Day

Wednesday

19-04-2026

Parshu Ram Jayanti

Sunday

01-05-2026

Buddha Purnima

Friday

09-05-2026

Guru Rabindranath’s Birthday

Saturday

27-05-2026

Id-ul-Zuha (Eid al-Adha)

Wednesday

17-06-2026

Maharana Pratap Jayanti

Wednesday

26-06-2026

Muharram

Friday

29-06-2026

Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti (Prakat Diwas)

Monday

15-08-2026

Independence Day

Saturday

28-08-2026

Raksha Bandhan

Friday

04-09-2026

Janmashtami

Friday

14-09-2026

Ganesh Chaturthi

Monday

02-10-2026

Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday

Friday

19-10-2026

Maha Ashtami

Monday

20-10-2026

Dussehra

Tuesday

26-10-2026

Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday

Monday

29-10-2026

Karva Chauth

Thursday

08-11-2026

Diwali

Sunday

09-11-2026

Govardhan Puja

Monday

11-11-2026

Bhai Duj

Wednesday

24-11-2026

Guru Nanak’s Birthday

Tuesday

24-11-2026

Guru Teg Bahadur Martyrdom Day

Tuesday

24-12-2026

Christmas Eve

Thursday

25-12-2026

Christmas Day

Friday

Long Weekends in Himachal Pradesh 2026

Planning your holidays in Himachal Pradesh around long weekends helps you enjoy refreshing breaks without using too many leave days. Here’s the list of long weekends in Himachal Pradesh for 2026:

Period

Holiday

Days Off

January 24th – 26th

Statehood Day (25th Jan, Sunday) + Republic Day (26th Jan, Monday)

Saturday – Monday

March 20th – 22nd

Id-ul-Fitr (21st Mar, Saturday)

Friday – Sunday

April 12th – 15th

Dr B.R. Ambedkar Jayanti (14th Apr, Tuesday) + Himachal Day (15th Apr, Wednesday)

Saturday – Wednesday (Take 13th off)

May 1st – 3rd

Buddha Purnima (1st May, Friday)

Friday – Sunday

August 15th – 17th

Independence Day (15th Aug, Saturday) – Take the 17th off (Monday) for an extended weekend

Saturday – Monday

October 2nd – 4th

Gandhi Jayanti (2nd Oct, Friday)

Friday – Sunday

October 24th – 26th

Dussehra (20th Oct, Tuesday) – Take the 23rd and 26th off for an extended break

Friday – Monday

November 7th – 9th

Diwali (8th Nov, Sunday) + Goverdhan Puja (9th Nov, Monday)

Saturday – Monday

December 25th – 28th

Christmas (25th Dec, Friday) – Take the 28th off for an extended break

Friday – Monday

Best Things to Do in Himachal Pradesh During Holidays

From adventure-filled experiences to peaceful retreats, Himachal Pradesh offers something special for every traveller during holidays:

Explore Shimla’s Colonial Charm

Walk along the Mall Road, visit the Ridge, and take the Kalka–Shimla toy train to enjoy breathtaking mountain views.

Experience Adventure in Manali

Try paragliding in Solang Valley, river rafting in the Beas River, or skiing at Rohtang Pass for a thrilling holiday.

Trek to Triund in Dharamshala

Enjoy a short, scenic trek from McLeodganj to Triund and take in the stunning sights of the Dhauladhar mountains.

Visit McLeodganj and the Dalai Lama Temple

Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture by visiting monasteries, local cafes, and peaceful meditation centres.

Discover Kufri’s Snowy Beauty

Spend a day surrounded by snow-covered peaks, ideal for horse rides, yak rides, and panoramic hill views.

Witness Wildlife at Pong Dam Lake

Spot migratory birds and enjoy boating at the serene Maharana Pratap Sagar reservoir, a paradise for nature lovers.

Celebrate Local Fairs and Festivals

Join lively celebrations like Kullu Dussehra or Minjar Mela to experience Himachal’s traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Enjoy Shopping and Street Food in Hill Towns

Visit bustling markets in Shimla, Manali, or Dharamshala for local handicrafts, woollens, and Himachali delicacies like Siddu and Babru.

Smart Tips to Finance Your Holiday

Planning a holiday becomes easier and more enjoyable when you manage your finances wisely. Here are some simple and effective ways to fund your next trip without straining your budget:

Plan Your Travel Budget in Advance

Start by estimating all your expenses, including travel, accommodation, food, and sightseeing. Setting a clear budget helps you understand how much you can afford and where to save. Always add a small buffer for unexpected costs to ensure your trip stays stress-free.

Use a Personal Loan for Bigger Travel Costs

If your holiday involves large expenses like international flights or long stays, a personal loan can offer quick financial support. It allows you to spread the cost into easy monthly payments instead of paying all at once. A financial marketplace like Bajaj Markets lets you compare multiple lenders and choose the one offering the most competitive interest rate.

Make the Most of Credit Cards

Credit cards are a convenient way to manage short-term holiday expenses such as shopping, dining, or travel bookings. With the added benefit of making upfront payments without the immediate need to repay, they offer great flexibility. Look for one that offers cashback, travel rewards, or low foreign transaction charges to maximise savings. You can easily apply for a credit card from leading issuers on Bajaj Markets, ensuring flexibility and financial ease during your trip.

Take Advantage of Seasonal Offers and Travel Sales

Many travel sites and airlines offer discounts during festive periods and off-seasons. Booking early during these sales can help you save on flights, hotels, and holiday packages. Combine these offers with reward points or EMI options to make your trip even more affordable.

Use the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card for Flexible Payments

If you plan to shop or make large bookings, the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card can simplify your spending. It lets you convert big purchases into small monthly instalments with zero down payment on select products. You can apply for the card easily on Bajaj Markets, a trusted financial marketplace, and use it at over 1.5 lakh Bajaj Finserv partner stores across India.

Track and Control Your Spending During the Trip

Keeping an eye on your expenses while travelling prevents overspending and helps you stick to your plan. Use budgeting apps or note down daily costs to stay aware of how much you’re spending. This small habit ensures you enjoy your holiday without returning home to financial stress.

Financial Content Specialist

Reviewer

Roshani Ballal

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to visit in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon?

Manali, Dharamshala, and Tirthan Valley are the best places to visit in Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon. They offer lush greenery, misty hills, and serene landscapes, creating a peaceful escape with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Yes, McLeodganj is safe during the monsoon, though travellers should be cautious of slippery paths and occasional landslides. Light rain enhances its beauty, offering misty views, monasteries, and cosy cafés for a calm, relaxing getaway.

Kasauli is ideal for quiet weekend breaks near Delhi, while Dalhousie offers more attractions and colonial-era charm. Choose Kasauli for tranquillity and proximity, or Dalhousie for panoramic views and sightseeing opportunities.

Tirthan Valley, Palampur, Chail, and Dharamshala are the best monsoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh. These regions are lush, mist-covered, and peaceful, perfect for nature walks, relaxation, and photography.

Palampur is Himachal Pradesh’s most misty and green spot during the monsoon. Its tea gardens, pine forests, and mountain views make it a serene destination for nature lovers.

Spiti Valley, Chitkul, and Kheerganga are the best places to see the Milky Way in Himachal Pradesh. Their high altitude and clear, pollution-free skies create ideal stargazing conditions.

Snowfall in Himachal Pradesh occurs mainly from late December to February. Popular destinations like Manali, Kufri, and Narkanda are blanketed in snow, attracting travellers for winter sports and scenic views.

January is the best month for snowfall in Manali. The town transforms into a winter paradise, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying snow-covered landscapes. However, for safety, make sure to dress warmly in layers, wear proper footwear with good grip, avoid walking on slippery surfaces, and check weather updates for potential snowstorms. Always follow local guidelines and consider hiring a guide for snow-related activities.

Avoid visiting Himachal Pradesh in July and August due to heavy monsoon rains. Landslides and slippery roads can disrupt travel, making spring and winter safer, more comfortable seasons.

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