Hidden among the snowy peaks and pine-scented forests of Himachal Pradesh lies a world rarely explored by ordinary tourists — a world echoing with whispers of the past, restless spirits, and untold stories. While most people visit Shimla and Manali to bask in the cool mountain air and panoramic views, there’s another side to these popular hill stations that sends shivers down your spine: the ghost trails of Himachal.
If you think your Shimla Manali tour package will just be about adventure sports, sightseeing, and mall road shopping — think again. This journey will take you beyond the obvious, deep into the haunted histories and eerie legends that these towns have silently carried for centuries.
🏰 The Dark Secrets of Colonial Shimla
1. Tunnel No. 33 – The Ghost of Captain Barog
You may have heard of the Kalka–Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, but few know about the infamous Tunnel No. 33. Built in 1903, this tunnel holds a tragic history. British engineer Captain Barog took his own life after failing to align the tunnel’s ends correctly — a mistake that humiliated him.
Locals and travelers report hearing disembodied voices and feeling cold gusts even on sunny days. Some even claim to have seen a ghostly figure resembling a man in British uniform, pacing along the railway tracks.
If you’ve booked a Shimla Manali tour, dare to visit this tunnel, and you might feel the hair on your arms stand up.
2. Bantony Castle – Whispers Through the Walls
Once a summer retreat of the British elite, Bantony Castle is now associated with unexplained activity. Legend has it that the ghost of Captain Gordon, who met a gruesome end here, still roams the corridors. Visitors report hearing footsteps, voices, and even glimpses of a shadowy figure wearing an old British military uniform.
The eerie silence and antique architecture give this place a cinematic horror vibe — perfect for those looking for a spine-chilling stop on their itinerary.
3. Christ Church – Holy or Haunted?
The beautiful Christ Church, a neo-Gothic masterpiece on The Ridge, is a visual icon of Shimla. But when night falls, it’s said that an old priest — bound to the church by an untold secret — lingers in the shadows. Locals tell stories of flickering lights, sudden chills, and soft chants with no source.
It might be a good idea to think twice before walking past it alone at night.
🏔️ Mysteries of Manali – Where the Hills Whisper Back
4. Naggar Castle – The Cursed Queen’s Mourning
Perched on a hillside overlooking the Beas River, Naggar Castle is both breathtaking and bone-chilling. The spirit of Rani Rasili, who jumped into the river after a tragic misunderstanding with her king, is said to still haunt this site.
Guests have reported hearing anklet sounds in empty hallways and catching glimpses of a translucent woman staring out toward the river — perhaps still mourning her fate.
5. Citrus Manali Resorts – The Ghost Hotel
Now closed, the Citrus Manali Resort was once a beautiful property with a dark past. According to lore, Major Burton, a British officer killed during the Revolt of 1857, never left. His spirit allegedly haunts the basement, where people have heard mysterious voices, footsteps, and objects moving on their own.
Even though the hotel is no longer functional, its legacy remains alive in the tales shared by locals and brave-hearted travelers.
6. Kulang Village – The Cursed Hamlet
Nestled among the scenic hills of Manali is Kulang Village, known not for its beauty, but its haunting aura. Locals believe the village is cursed, and the spirits of former residents are trapped between worlds. After sunset, it’s considered taboo to even walk past the area.
Those who dared have reported sightings of ghostly figures and eerie wails that echo through the night.
🔮 Supernatural Meets Spiritual: Temples with a Dark Twist
7. Hidimba Devi Temple – From Myth to Mystery
Though a revered spiritual site, the Hidimba Devi Temple has an aura that’s undeniably mystical. Some visitors describe feeling an invisible force, while others believe the temple holds residual energies from ancient rituals.
Could the demoness-turned-deity Hidimba still be watching over the forest?
8. Gauri Shankar Temple – Twilight Encounters
This ancient temple is said to be a hotspot for supernatural activity, especially during twilight. Locals report shadowy figures, strange lights, and inexplicable sounds. Some believe these are the spirits of devotees who continue to visit even after death.
🧿 Local Legends, Beliefs & Protective Rituals
The people of Himachal don’t just ignore these legends — they embrace them with caution and reverence. In many villages, protective amulets and charms are still worn, especially by children. Night-time rituals, like lighting incense at doorsteps and reciting mantras, are common to ward off malevolent forces.
It’s also believed that only those with pure intentions can pass through certain haunted trails without disturbance. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the spiritual seriousness among the locals is deeply rooted in generations of tradition.
🧳 Planning Your Haunted Shimla Manali Tour Package
If you’re excited to dive into the haunted heart of Himachal, here are a few practical tips:
✅ Budget Travel Ideas:
- Stay: Choose budget-friendly homestays near Shimla’s Lakkar Bazaar or Old Manali for a more authentic feel.
- Transport: Opt for local buses or rent a scooter to explore haunted sites at your own pace.
- Food: Savor Himachali thalis at local eateries like Indian Coffee House (Shimla) or Café 1947 (Manali).
🧭 Ghost-Friendly Attractions to Include:
- Tunnel No. 33
- Bantony Castle
- Naggar Castle
- Kulang Village (with caution)
- Christ Church at night
- Hidimba and Gauri Shankar Temples
❓ Most Asked Questions
Q: Are haunted places included in the Shimla Manali tour package?
A: While standard packages don’t include ghost trails, you can customize your Shimla Manali tour package to explore haunted locations with the help of local guides.
Q: Is it safe to visit these haunted places?
A: Yes, most locations are safe during daylight hours. However, it’s advised to avoid remote or cursed areas like Kulang Village after sunset.
Q: Can families or solo travelers take part in these ghost tours?
A: Absolutely! Just ensure you’re mentally prepared and follow local advice, especially if traveling alone or with children.
🧳 Final Words: For the Brave-Hearted Traveler
Not all travel is about luxury and leisure. Some journeys take you deeper — into history, mystery, and the realm of the unknown. Shimla and Manali aren’t just postcard-perfect towns; they’re museums of secrets, home to wandering souls and legends that defy explanation.
So, if you’re someone who loves ghost stories and believes in things that go bump in the night, don’t just book a regular trip. Ask for a Shimla Manali tour package that dares to be different.
And remember, when you start your haunted journey, you’re continuing the tale begun in Unravelling Myths and Legends Shimla and Manali’s Mysterious Tales.
