Himachal Pradesh is a "mountain state" and a delight for
visitors, particularly during the summer season when people
flock to this tiny hill station to escape the scorching heat of
the plains. It came into being in its present form with the
partition of the Punjab into Punjab and Haryana in 1966. The
winding roads and high passes link its high mountains and
valleys are the high points of a visit to this state. While the
picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a blend of colours,
in marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul and
Spiti have a stunning moonscape like beauty.
The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called
Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In
the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of
the Mauryan Empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and the Kanauj
rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states
made some mutually agreed arrangements, which governed their
relations. In the 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh
annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came,
they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas
and annexed the kingdoms of others. The situation more or less
remained unchanged till 1947. After Independence, 30 princely
states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed
on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st
November 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included
in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January 1971, Himachal Pradesh was
made a full-fledged State.
Hiamachal Pradesh is developing Eco Tourism and Organic Farming
destinations, where quite a few villages are turning as eco
tourism destinations, and farms being converted to Organic
Farming.
The State is bordered by Jammu & Kashmir on North, Punjab on
West and South-West, Haryana on South, Uttar Pradesh on
South-East and China on the East.
Chamba
 Chamba, the land of antiquity, art and scenic beauty, is a
wonder in itself for every visitor. Situated at the height of
996 m. above sea level on the south bank of the Ravi River, the
ancient Pahari capital was founded in 920 A.D. by Raja Sahil
Varman, who named it after his favourite daughter Champavati.
Chamba valley is noted for the magnificence of it's
scenery-touching the fringe of the Shivaliks and having three
well-defined snowy ranges, the Dauladhar, constituting the outer
Himalayas, the Pir Panjal or the mid Himalayas, and the Zanskar
range or the inner Himalayas.
The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district
is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes
32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. Raja
Sahil Varman founded this town when he conquered the lower Rani
valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the
beginning of 10th Century. In the bansauli or genealogical rolls
of the Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was
adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by
Goddess Champavati or more popularly known as Chameshni. The
temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter
Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Champavati
temple became the family temple of the ruling family.
General Information
Area: 2.4 sq. km
Altitude: 926 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.39 Deg C Min.8 Deg C
Winter Max.10 Deg CMin.1.1 Deg C
The climate of Chamba in general is tempreate with well defined
seasons. However, there may be variations because of
micro-climatic systems depending upon altitude and mountain
aspect. The winters last from December to February. March and
April generally remain cool and dry but snowfall does occur at
higher elevations during these months. The temperature begins to
rise rapidly from the middle of April till last week of June or
first week of July when monsoon breaks-in. Monsoon continues
till the end of August or mid September. During the monsoon, the
weather remains misty, humid and cloudy. October and November
are comparatively dry but cold. The maximum temperature in
Chamba town in summers is 38°C and the minimum in winter is 0°C.
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: April to Mid July and Mid September to December
The best season to visit Chamba is between April and October.
Adventure tourists may like to undertake winter trekking from
November to March when the higher reaches of the district are
snow clad and access to most of the villages is on foot.
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.
Transport And Communication
Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar - 200 km.
Rail: Pathankot - 90 km is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Chandigarh - 239 km, Delhi - 514 km, Dalhousie - 143 km,
Jammu -197 km, Kangra - 18 km, Kullu - 214 km, Manali - 253 km,
Palampur - 35 km, Shimla - 322 km.
Bus and taxi service is available from Chamba to Pathankot,
Delhi, Dharamsala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Jammu and most of the
Punjab cities along the national highway.
Fairs & Festivals
Minjar Mela: Minjar is the most popular fair of Chamba, which is
attended by a large number of people from every nook and corner
of the district. This mela is held on the second Sunday of the
Shravana month. The fair is announced by distribution of Minjar
which is a silk tassel worn on some parts of the dress by men
and women alike. This tassel symbolizes the shoots of paddy and
maize, which make their appearance around this time of the year.
The week long fair begins when the Minjar flag is hoisted in
historical Chowgan. The town of Chamba wears a colourful look
with every person turning out in best attire. Most part of the
Chowgan is converted into markets and people do brisk business
during this week. Sports and cultural programmers are organized.
On the third Sunday the gaiety, colourfulness and enthusiasm
reaches its crescendo when the colourful Minjar procession of
the deities accompanied by dancing troupes, traditionally
attired locals, traditional drum beaters along with Police and
Home Guards band, begins its march from Akhand Chandi Palace for
the venue near the Police Lines Nalhora. A great concourse of
people is already assembled there. Earlier the Raja and now the
chief guest throws a coconut, a rupee, a seasonal fruit and a
Minjar tied in a red piece of cloth - Lohan - as offering to the
river. All the people throwing their Minjars into the river
follow this. The local artists sing traditional Kumjari-Malhar.
Betel leaves and ittra are offered to everyone among the
invitees as a gesture of respect and festivity. Until 1943, a
live buffalo used to be pushed into the river to propitiate it.
It if was carried away and drowned, the event was regarded as
propitious, the sacrifice having been accepted. If it crossed
the river and reached the other bank, that also was auspicious,
as it was believed that all the sins of the town were
transferred to the other side of the river.
Minjar fair has been declared as one of the state fairs of
Himachal Pradesh. Wide coverage is given on TV and print media.
Undoubtedly Chamba is at its very best during this fair that
generally falls in the month of July/ August.
Chamba's annual Suhi Mata Festival, which lasts for four days in
early April, commemorates Rani Champavati, the wife of the 10th
century Raja Sahil Verma. Only women and children participate in
the festival, dancing on the Chowgan before processing with an
image of Champavati and banners of the Rajput solar emblem to
the Suhi Mata temple.
Kullu Valley
 Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of
the habitable world. Beyond rose the forbidding heights of the
Greater Himalayas, and by the banks of the shining river Beas,
lay the fabled 'Silver Valley'. The 'Silver Valley' has nature's
treasures that lie carelessly scattered as flowers on the high
meadows.
The Valley of Gods, as the Kullu Valley has come to be known, is
perhaps the most delightful region in the Western Himalayas.
Situated on the banks of the river Beas, Kullu town, the
headquarters of the district, serves as a nerve centre of the
valley and is the starting place for a number of treks.
General Information
Area: 6.68 sq. km
Altitude: 1219 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.30.8 Deg C Min.18.8 Deg C
WinterMax.16.4 Deg CMin.5.2 Deg C
Rainfall: 102 cm
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: Mid-March to Mid-November.
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar -50 km.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh -272 km.
Road: Ambala -606 km, Chandigarh -556 km, Delhi -798 km,
Pathankot -278 km, Shimla -240 km, Manali -40 km, Palampur -164
km, Rohtang Pass -91 km, Dharamshala -213 km, Dalhousie -334 km,
Jogindarnagar -166 km.
Manali
Manali is the Northern end of the Kullu Valley and is the
main resort in the area. It is beautifully situated and there
are many pleasant walks around the town. Surrounded by towering
peaks at arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to
the snowline, never more than few hours drive from the town
nestling at comfortable 2050meters. It is the centre of the
flourishing orchard industry a popular honeymoon destination and
trailhead for numerous treks.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 5.12 sq. km
Altitude: 1926 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.25 Deg CMin.12 Deg C
WinterMax.14.5 Deg CMin.2 Deg C
Rainfall: 102 cm
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens
Winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: April to Mid-July and Sep. to Nov.
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar - 50 km.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Chandigarh - 272 km.
Road: Jogindarnagar - 166 km, Shimla - 240 km, Delhi - 611 km.
Shimla
 In the days before independence, Shimla was the most
important British hill station, and was the summer capital of
British India. The British in 1819 A.D first discovered Shimla,
but it was not until 1822 A.D that the first permanent house was
erected and not until many years later that Shimla became the
summer capital. The name Shimla is derived from the Himalayan
Goddess Shamla a synonym of Kali.
General Information
Area: 18 sq. km
Altitude: 2213 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.27 Deg CMin.16.5 Deg C
WinterMax.16.5 Deg CMin.5.2 Deg C
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: Nearest airport is Kullu- 23 km
Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka- 90 km.
Road: Chandigarh- 117 km, Kullu- 220 km, Manali- 260 km, Delhi-
343 km, Pathankot- 380 km, Ambala- 151 km, Chail- 43 km,
Dehradun- 240 km etc.
Dalhousie
Dalhousie is named after the British Governor - General of
the 19th century Lord Dalhousie. The town's height varies
between 1525m and 2378m and is surrounded by varied vegetation.
Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some
beautiful churches. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar
Mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 13 sq. km
Altitude: 2036 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.23 Deg C Min.15.5 Deg C
WinterMax.10 Deg CMin.1 Deg C
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens, winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: April to November
Languages spoken: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English
TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION
Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar- 118 km & Jammu- 188 km.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Pathankot- 80 km.
Road: Amritsar- 188 km, Jalandhar- 192 km, Pathankot- 80 km,
Chamba- 56 km, Manali- 402 km, Delhi- 563 km, Chandigarh- 352
km, Dharamshala- 143 km, Khajjiar- 27 km, Jammu-188 km.
Bus and taxi service is available from Chamba to Pathankot,
Delhi, Dharamsala, Shimla, Chandigarh, Jammu and most of the
Punjab cities along the national highway.
Kinnaur
Kinnaur, the land of the mythological Kinnaras is a deeply
laced-in terrain along the Sutlej River with many side valleys,
by which the district is thoroughly divided. Due to its
geographical setting, Kinnaur has two distinct climatic zones -
the wet and the arid. Only the area south of the Great Himalaya
(Sutlej and Baspa valleys) receives monsoon rains. In the upper
reaches of the district, the monsoon showers progressively
decrease. Recong Peo, the district headquarters may be
considered as a place where the Great Himalayan range obstructs
the march of the monsoon. From this point on the vegetation
rapidly becomes sparser ultimately to remain only along the
Sutlej River. The harsh winter with heavy snowstorms lasts from
October to May leaving only June to September for the short
summer and vegetation to grow.
A rare style of wood architecture finds its climax in the temple
of Sarahan, located at the border between the Shimla hills and
Lower Kinnaur.
The southern area of Kinnaur may be regarded as a transition
zone between Hinduism of the Indian plains, a unique animism of
local kind - especially snake worship - and Buddhism, prevalent
in the hills. At the village of Pooh, one enters the cultural
realm of Tibet.
Although the climatic conditions may be considered as extremely
hard the people of Kinnaur are well acclimatised to their
surroundings bearing strong yet fine natural features and
characteristics typical for all mountain folks. In the regions
below Kalpa their faces reveal Persian influences which may be
derived from the armies of Alexander the Great having reached as
far as here and having settled and mixed with the locals. In the
northern areas the Tibetan features dominate. Therefore also the
habits vary south and north of this "monsoon-border", both being
equally unique, not only in architecture but also in languages
of their own and a rich heritage of folk and fairy tales, songs,
dances, festivities, fairs, costumes and ornaments.
General Information
Climate: This region is called as cold desert and not having
monsoon. In winter the temperature can drop below freezing point
when heavy woollens are required, in summer the weather remains
pleasant when light woollens are advised.
Access
Nearest Airports are at Kullu (Bhunter) 250 km and Shimla 445
km. Kaza can be approached by road from Shimla (May to October)
and from Manali 200 km via Kunzum Pass (June to October).
Accommodation
The Tourist Lodge Kaza is an ideal base to make sorties to
discover the beautiful valley of Spiti.
Address. Tourist Lodge, Kaza-172114, spiti Sub Division, H.P.
Tel. : (01906) 222566.
Accommodatian: 4 DBRs and Tented Colony with 5 tents.
Facilities Spacious rooms having attached bath with running hot
and cold water. Parking within premises. Restaurant.
Places of Interest
Recong Peo : (2670m) located 240 kms from Shimla, 7 kms from
Powari and 13 kms from Kalpa. Recong Peo is the Headquarter of
the district Kinnaur. Provides fine view of the Kinner Kailash.
Kothi : Just 3 km from Recong Peo Kothi has an ancient temple
dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. Set against a backdrop
of mountains of deodar the temple has an unusual ard1itectural
style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of the goddess
is enshrined in the sanctrum.
Sangla Valley: If a landscape had the powers of casting spells,
then the Sangla Valley would be a magician-extraordinary. Once
seen, it is a place that can never be forgotten. Even the
rushing waters of the Baspa River, that flows through its 95 km
length, seem to absorb some of the magic and slow down to savour
its Snow-framed beauty. 2 km from Sangla is the fort of Kamru
(3000m) its tower like architecture, resembles that of the
Bhimakali complex and this was the original seat of the rulers
of Bushehar.
Chitkul (3450) is the last village of the Valley and beyond lies
Tibet. The area is well known for its saffron farms and the
Baspa river is an excellent place for angling for trout. The
Hotel shrikhand acts as the perfect base to visit the enchanting
valley.
Rlba (2745m) ; Just 18km from Powari on NH-22 is Riba, famous
for its vineyards and local wine " Angoori" that is made from
the grapes.
Jangi (2790m) : 26 km from Powari, the inner border is located
here beyond which foreigners require permit to travel upto Tabo.
From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikarama Trek starts
touching Morang. Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering
Chitkul village in sangla Valley. From here one can drive to Leh
in the neighbouring state of Jammu and Kashmir. This road is
being increasingly used by tourists to Leh for the past 5-6
years. If Kinnaur is "god's gift," then Spiti is the place
"where the gods live." The gompa at Tabo is called the "Ajanta
of the Himalayas" as it has exquisite frescoes and stucco
statues. The monastic complex here has nine temples, 23 chortens,
monks' and nuns' chambers. Tabo's sanctity, in transHimalayan
Buddhism, is next only to Tibet's Tholing gompa. Further above
is Kaza, the base to visit the Hikim, Komik and Langja
monasteries. En route from Tabo is Dhankar gompa, a masterpiece
of local architecture as also castle of the ruler of Spiti.
Still further is an important monastery at Ki and Kibber (4,205
metres above sea level) is the region's highest permanently
inhabited village connected by a motorable road.
Puh (2837m) : Lush green fields orchards of apricot vineyards
and almond trees, are to be seen on the route of Puh. Just 58 km
from Powari along the NH-22, Puh has rest house and hotel
facilities.
Nako (3662m) :117 km from Kalpa. In Hangrang valley is the
largest village above sea level. It is also famous for Nako Lake
which has boating facilities in summer and during winter its
frozen surface is used for ice skating. Buddhist monastery is
located here.
KAZA: (3600m) Once was the capital of Nono the chief of spiti,
Kaza situated at an altitude of 3600m above sea level on the
left bank of Spiti, presently is the Head quarter of spiti Sub
Division. This beautiful place has buddhist monastery and Hindu
Temple.
Dharamshala
Dharamshala is the district HQ of Kangra district. This is a
hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 18
kms north east of Kangra town. Hill station is wooded with oak
and conifer trees and snow-capped mountains enfold three sides
of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snow line
is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any
other hill resort and it is possible to trek to snow point after
an early morning's start.
In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled
it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished
as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts.
Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments
with courts. Kotwali Bazar and Upper Dharamshala compose of
places with names, which bear witness to its history like McLeod
Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary
hqr of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to
international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India".
General Information
Area: 13 sq. km
Altitude: 1250 meters to 1600 meters
Climate: (deg C) SummerMax.33 Deg C Min.22 Deg C
WinterMax.15 Deg CMin.0 Deg C
Clothing: Summer - Light woollens
Winter - Heavy woollens
Best Season: April to June and September to November
Languages spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are
understood & spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade
Shopping Centres: Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area, and
McLeod Ganj for Tibetan handicrafts
Transport And Communication
Air: Nearest airport is Amritsar at 200 km.
Rail: Pathankot - 90 km is connected to major cities in India.
Road: Chandigarh- 239 km, Delhi- 514 km, Dalhousie- 55 km,
Jammu-197 km, Kangra- 18 km, Kullu- 214 km, Manali -253 km,
Palampur- 35 km, Shimla- 322 km
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