Nestled in the Himalayas, the world's mightiest mountain ranges, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes anywhere. Truly a travellers paradise, with mighty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green and golden valleys, flower filled meadows, misty woods, fast flowing icy rivers, glaciers and enchanting lakes. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu, Kinnaur and Kangra are a riot of colours, in marked contrast the barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have a stunning lunar landscape like beauty.
It is often referred to as the "Magical Showcase of Nature's Splendor" ideal for the travelers to travel, enjoy and relax. Abundant green grassland and wide valleys set against imposing snow-clad mountains; crystal clear lakes, flowing rivers and spurting streams; fruit laden groves and soft terraces of corn and tea are characteristics of Himachal Pradesh. It is the ultimate travel destination of India.
For the visitor there are superb locations for relaxing and sight seeing. There are also tremendous opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river rafting, skiing, para-gliding, ice skating and golf.
Having an excellent network of roads and communication facilities, Himachal has a clean and peaceful environment.
Climate-temperate. Season:
Winter (Dec-March) Av. temp. -5C to 25C in lower hills. -5C to 15C in mid hills Summer (April-June) Av. temp. 15C to 35C in lower hills. 10C to 25C in in mid/higher hills Monsoon (July 15th-Sept.) Av. temp. 15C to 30C in lower hills. 10C to 25C in mid/higher hill
Nearest Railway Station
(Broad gauge) Chandigarh, Kalka, Pathankot and Nangal. (Narrow gauge) Shimla, Jogindernagar. Airport: Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Bhuntar (Kullu) and Gaggal (Dharamsala)
Important Trek routes:
Rohru - Chanshal - Dodrakwar - Rupin - Sangla; Sangla - Badrinath; Jalori pass; Chandrakhani - Pass (Kullu Manali - Chandratal Manali - Parvati valley Dharamsala - Triuns - Chamba Bharmour - Manimahesh Chamba - Kullar over Sach pass; Bharmour - Baijnath; Bharmour - Lahaul; Chandratal; Barashigri glacier; Kinner - Kailash Bhaba - Pin Valley.
(1) Skiing and Ice Skating:(January to March) Solang Nalla (Manali) Narkanda and Rohtang Pass. Ice Skating Shimla, Heli-skiing Manali.
(2) River Rafting: In Sutlej, Beas and Chenab rivers, Shamshi (Kullu), Tattapani, Rampur and Jispa. (Lahaul)
(3) Para-gliding & Hang-gliding: Bir, Manali, Bilaspur and Rohru
(4) Lake sports: Gobindsagar (Bilaspur) Pongdam (Kangra)
(5) Fishing: Rohru, Sangla, Sainj, Katrain, Barot for trout fishing
(6) Wildlife Parks and Sanctuaries: Great Himalayan National Park Parvati Valley, Kullu. High altitude Pin valley National park, Spiti. Renuka Sanctuary, Pongdam Sanctuary, Sarahan Phasentry, Kufri and Gopalpur zoo.
(7) Lakes and Rivers: Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Yamuna, Pabbar, Giri, Parvati, Baspa
(8) Lakes: Prashar, Khajjiar, Renuka, Gobindsagar, Dal, Pongdam, Pandoh, Manimahesh, Brighu, Chandratal.
(9) Temples: Jwalamukhi, Chamunda, Brajeshwari, Chintpurni, Baijnath, Laxminarayan, Chaurasi, Chhatrari, Taranadevi, Rewalsar, Raghunath, Bijlimahadev, Dhungri, Bhimakali, Hatkoti Jakhoo, Sankatmochan, Kalibari, Nainadevi and Baba balak nath, Deothsidh.
(10) Buddhist Monasteries: Dharamsala Tashizong, Rewalsar, Manali, Kardang, Sashur, Key, Dhankar, Tabo, Nako, Pooh, Kanam, Jangi, Murang, Ribba, Reckongpeo.
(11) Sikh Pilgrimage Centres: Paonta Sahib, Rewalsar and Manikaran.
(12) Churches: Christ Church Kasauli, Christ Church Shimla, St. Johns Church, Mecleodgang, St. Francis Dalhousie.
(13) Fairs: Winter Carnival Manali, (Feb.) Mandi, Shivratri (March), Ladarcha fair, Spiti, (July) Minjar fair, Chamba, Manimahesh fair, Bharmour and Tribal Festival, Keylong (August) Phulech (festival of flowers), Kinnaur (Sept.) Kullu Dushera (October), Lavi fair, Rampur (Nov.), Renuka fair, (Nov.) Ice Skating Carnival, (Dec.).
(14) Heritage Monuments: Kangra fort, Taragarh, Rampur, Nalagarh, Arki and Jubbal palaces, Bhimakali Temple, Naggar Castle, Kamru fort, Gondla fort (Lahaul Vice regal lodge, Christ Church, Chapslee, Wood villa palace, Chail Palace.
(15) Museums: State Museum, Shimla, Kangra art Gallery Dharamsala, Bhurisingh Museum Chamba, Roerich art gallery Naggar, Sobha Singh art gallery Andreta
