Situated in Northern India, the state of Himachal Pradesh is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir on the North, Punjab on the West and Southwest, Uttar Pradesh on the Southeast and China on the East. Himachal rises from the Shivalik ranges to the crescent-shaped snow clad Dhauladhar range, overshadowed by the mighty Pir Panjal, Zanskar range and the Greater Himalayas. Literally meaning ‘The Land of Snow’ the whole state abounds in valleys carved by major rivers like the Beas, the Satluj and the Ravi with slopes covered in pine and tropical forests.
The name Himachal was coined in 1948 after India gained independence from the British Raj to refer to the Hill districts around Shimla and southern hill states of the former Punjab region. But the history of the areas that now constitute Himachal Pradesh dates back at least 5 millennia to the time when the Indus valley civilization flourished, between the time period of 2250 and 1750 B.C. Since prehistoric times, it was inhabited by tribes like the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats. The small kingdom enjoyed a large degree of independence till the eve of the Muslim invasions in northern India. The states of the foothills were devastated by Muslim invaders a number of times. Mahmud Ghaznavi conquered Kangra at the beginning of the 10th century. Timur and Sikander Lodi also marched through the lower hills of the state and captured a number of forts and fought many battles.
Himachal Pradesh experiences a wide variation in climatic conditions. There are areas that receive very heavy rainfall such as the foothills and those that are cold and almost without rain like the deserts of Lahaul, Spiti and Puh. Summer lasts from mid-April to the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in places over 3,000m which experience mild summer) with the average maximum temperature ranging from 28ºC to 32ºC. Winter, from late November to mid-March, is the longest and severest season. Snowfall is very common in tracts above 2,200 m with the mercury remaining below freezing point in the Higher and Trans-Himalayas. Autumn is the best time to visit as the skies are bright and sunny during the day and clear and starry at night.
The unique Buddhist culture of the tribal belts of Himachal, the enchanting hill towns, idyllic mountain treks, Trans Himalayan Safaris and other adventure activities are the main attractions of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal offers some of the best skiing and paragliding opportunities in the world. Come winter and most of the ski slopes in Solang Nullah, Kufri and Narkanda are dotted with skiers trying their luck. A recent development, heli-skiing is fast becoming popular too. The Mountaineering Institute at Manali organizes skiing courses from January onwards, while the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation does so simultaneously at Narkanda.
As for hand and para gliding, check out Billing in Kangra valley. It hosts India’s only international hand gliding festival. The perfect time for you to try gliding would be from March to April or mid-August to November, when equipment is easily available.
Foreign currency can be changed at Shimla. The banks at Mall Road, Shimla also accept travellers cheques.
Bus is the only practical means of getting to many points in Himachal. All cities of interest have direct services to Delhi and the Dharamsala-Manali-Delhi triangle is fairly well served. Note that travel times are long and the roads are full of hair- pin bends.
Travel by bus can be done throughout for very little (15 hour bus rides are rarely more than a few hundred rupees) on the public buses and though uncomfortable, are a great way to meet people
Enfield motorcycles can be rented here for less than 5 dollars a day and with absolutely no verification of the motorcycle license. It should be noted, however, that driving a motorcycle in the Himalayas, especially if it is your first time, is not a very good idea.
Few points in Himachal are easily accessible by train, but there are narrow-gauge railways from Pathankot (Punjab) to Kangra and Kalka (Haryana) to Shimla.
Part of the Kangra valley, lower Dharamsala is a busy commercial centre, while Upper Dharamsala with the suburbs of McLeodganj and Forsytheganj, retain a British flavour and colonial lifestyle. McLeodganj, named after one time Lt. Governor of Punjab, Sir D. McLeod is now best known as home of HH the Dalai Lama, Buddhist spiritual head, Nobel Laureate and the seat of the Tibetan Government. in exile. Large spinning prayer wheels, fluttering flags and chanting Lama indicate presence of a large Tibetan community here. The interesting places worth visiting in Dharamsala and McLeodganj are Kangra Art Museum, War Memorial (near Yol Camp), Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), Tibetan Library and Museum, Dip-Tsechokling Gompa and Norbulingka Institute and Baghsunath Temple. Dharamsala is also the base for many exiting treks across the Dhauladhar range.
At 2205 metres, Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Panoramic mountain views, hikes to the unexplored countryside and myriad shades of hill culture make it India’s most popular hill station. In 1864, this small village became the summer capital of British India and the cynosure of the British Empire. Although the later may have ceased to exist, its echoes linger on in the architecture and ambience of this hill station. Many hikes through oak and flowering rhododendron forest, museums, colonial buildings and treks through the high Himalayas makes it the ideal destination. The places of interest around Shimla are The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhoo Hill (2455 mts), Himachal State Museum and Tara Devi.
The beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of River Beas. 40 km away from Kullu to the north, is Manali, situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breathtaking. It is one of the best places for a relaxing holiday as well as a favourite base for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Kinnaur, Leh and Zanskar regions in Kashmir valley.
Manikaran: It is a famous pilgrimage centre for place for both Hindus and Sikhs. There is a Sikh Gurudwara besides the Ramchandra and Shiva Temples. Hadimba Temple: One of the most interesting places to see is the Dhoongri Temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharata fame. It has a four-tiered Pagoda-shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. Manu temple: The temple is dedicated to Manu Rishi, (Sage Manu). It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth. Kinnaur
The land of fairy tales and fantasies has a spectacular terrain of valleys, orchards, vineyards and snow clad peaks. The landscape of the area varies from lush green orchards of the scenic Sangla Valley to the stark magnificence of the Hangrang Valley. Dominated by Kinner Kailash peak, Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of Kinnaur. The rising sun touches the snowy peaks with crimson and golden light creating a spectacular sight.
Lahaul & Spiti
This tribal district of Himachal Pradesh is strange, exciting, primitively mountainous and delightful. Rudyard Kipling said of the region ‘Surely the Gods live here this no place for men’ - a description that holds true to the present day. Situated at an altitude of 3600 meter above sea level on left bank of river Spiti, Kaza is presently the headquarters of Spiti sub division. Translated, 'Spiti' means the 'middle country' - a name obviously given as a result of its ties with both India and Tibet. With freckles of green over a dry, weather-beaten face, Spiti is a cold desert where the monsoon rain never comes. It is characterised by stark beauty, narrow valleys and high mountains.
Places of interest in Lahaul and Spiti are:
Tabo: At 3050 mts. the ancient village of Tabo is situated on the left bank of the Spiti River. Flanked on either side by hills, the Tabo Monastery is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries, regarded by many as next only to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. Often referred to as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti, which has since been declared a protected monument under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India. Dhankar monastery: Once a fort and residence of Spiti chief, ‘ Nono’, resting on a cliff top, Dhankar monastery is an excellent example of local architecture.
Kaza: This was the ancient capital of Nono, the Chief of Spiti. It has a Buddhist Monastery and a Hindu Temple.
Kay Gompa: Established in the 11th century, Kay is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. It has a large collection of ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings.
Kibber: At 4205mt, Kibber is the highest permanently inhabited village in the world, which is connected by a motorable road. There is a beautiful monastery in the middle of village.
Pin Valley: The Pin valley lies below the Kungri Glacier and has several beautiful and important monasteries. It is also called the land of Ibex and Snow Leopards
Keylong: Keylong is the district headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti on the main road to Leh over Rohtang pass. It is an oasis of green fields, willow trees, water streams surrounded with brown hills and snow capped peaks. There are many good short hikes and monasteries around Keylong. Some of the worth visiting places are:
Guru Ghantal Monastery: This is believed to be the oldest Gompa of Lahaul having a wooden structure with pyramidal roofs, wood carvings and well-preserved idols of Padmasambhava and Brajeshwari Devi. On the full moon night in mid-June a festival called "Ghantal" is celebrated by Lamas and Thakurs together.
Khardong monastery: Built in 12th century, the Monastery has a large library of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti. Shashur Gompa: During June/July this monastery attracts lot of visitors when Lamas perform the devil dance. Founded in the 17th century, the monastery belongs to the red hat sect. A beautiful painting inside the monastery represents the history of 84 the Buddhas.
Sarchu: Situated on a high plateau, it is the last border point between Himachal and Ladakh.
Himachali's have developed different tastes over the period of time. Some Himachali food resembles the food of South India while other dishes taste like they are part of the famous Punjabi cuisine. Himachali's love to have accompaniments such as Chattni, Khatta,Mahani, Khoru, Kheru and Achaar along with their main food. The Kangra area of Himachal is famous for different dishes which are sour in taste. There are some Dhabas along the roadside which still serve traditional Himachali food including Khatta Meat or Khatti Machali, (Sour Fish).
There are lots of staying options available at Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Kulu and Manali. It is advisable to make reservations in advance as the entire region is full of tourists during the summer.
Not much can be expected of the nightlife here as most eateries close down soon after 10 pm and the region bears a deserted look.
Most cities of Himachal are famous for souvenirs and crafts made of wood and tourist places are lined with shops selling woolen shawls, handicrafts and traditional Himachal dresses.
Himachal Pradesh, cradled in the soul capturing Western Himalayas, resounding with scenic beauty, lofty peaks and spirituality has long been the favoured destination for tourists and pilgrims. While the Kangra and the Kullu valleys are a profusion of wild flowers and blossoming fruit trees in spring, the trans-Himalayan region spread over Pangi, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti valleys are tribal belts of Himachal Pradesh with unique Tibetan Buddhist culture
