Incredible Himachal Pradesh

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Himachal Pradesh Tourist hotspots Map

Himachal Pradesh is a scenic location to see & enjoy the high mountains, snow clad peaks, green hills, peaceful village life. It is India's most favourite Himalayan tourist destination. The must see places are Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang pass, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kaza, Kalpa, Sangla, Shipki la (China border).

Season : June to mid October
Winter (Snowing) : Nov to Mar

Popular Himachal Treks

PIN PARVATI PASS (5230 m) - Manikaran (1700 m, 45 km from Kullu) to Pulga (2100 m, 4 hour). Pulga tourist bunglow is nearby. Pulga to Kheer Ganga (2850 m, 4 hour). Kheer Ganga to Bhojtunda (3200 m, 5 hour). Bhojtunda to Thakur Khan (3400 m, 5 hour). Thakur Khan to Mantakal Lake : 6 hour via Pandu bridge (50 km). Manatak lake to High camp : 7 hour. High camp to Pin Parvati pass - Pin valley : 5 hour. Pin valley to Mud (3600 m, 8 hour). Mud to Sangam : 4 hour. Distance of 100 km covered on foot in 9 days. Reach Shimla by bus (24 hour).

TENTU PASS (4996 m) : Manali to Solang Nala (14 km). Trek to Dhundi (2480 m, 7 km, river crossing), to Beaskund (6 km) via Bakar Thatch and to Tentu Pass (3.5 km, steep climb over boulders) : 4 days. Pass is windy and temperature drop substantially at night. Start early morning to avoid high winds. Season : Mid June to Sept. Friendship peak (5200 m).

CHANDRA lake (4480 m) - Manali to Jagatsukh by bus (6 km). Trek to Chikka (3000 m, 9 km), to Chandra lake via Seri (3900 m, 14 km). Fine views of Deo Tibba (6001 m).

Zanskar trek (Jammu Kashmir) : From Darcha (22 km from Keylong, on Manali to Leh road) to Zanskar Sumdo (25 km) and to Pulu over Shingku la (5100 m). Trek further to Padum following the road. Keylong (115 km from Manali) has Khardang and Lama Gompa to visit.

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Shimla (2130 m)

Blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes anywhere, it is a travellers paradise -lofty snow peaks, deep gorges, lush green valleys, fast flowing rivers, enchanting mountain lakes, flower bedecked meadows, beautiful temples and monasteries steeped in time. May it be for relaxing, sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating and golf.

The 12 km, crescent shaped ridge is the heart of Shimla town. Shimla's salubrious climate, easy accessibility and numerous attractions have made it one of the most popular hill stations in northern India. The splendid views of the show-clad ranges of the Himalayas, fine walks through oak and flowering rhododendron, enchanting resorts within easy reach, golf Naldehra and skiing at Kufri and Narkanda make Shimala an attractive destination throughout the year.



Places to see

The Mall : All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the ridge-a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town-a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. Overlooking it is the elegant Christ Church with its fine stained glass windows. The labyrinth of Shimla's bazaars spill over the edge of the Mall.

Viceregal lodge : Housed in the Gothic splendour of the Viceregal Lodge is the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, India's premier academy for higher research.

Himachal State Museum : Very close to the Institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns, is the museum. It has collections of Pahariminiatures, stone sculpture, local handicrafts, textiles and embroidery.

Jakhoo Hill : Hill, Shiml's highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).

Annandale : Hill, Shiml's highest point, is rewarding for there are superb views of the town and its surroundings. At the top is an old Hanuman temple.(2Km).

Glen : A pretty picnic spot beyond Annandale is located in the thickly Wooded Glen , beside a sparkling stream.(4 Km).

Summer Hill : The quiett and lovely suburb of summer Hill has secluded, shady walks and charming views. It was here that Gandhiji stayed on his visits to Shimla, in the elegant Georgian mansion that belonged to Rajkumari Amrit Kaur. Summer Hill is located on the Shimla - Kalka railway line.(5 Km).

Chadwick Falls : Just beyond Summer Hill is the 67 m waterfall, cascading into a deep gorge. The Falls are best seen after the monsoon.(7 Km).

Prospect Hill : A 15 minute climb from Boileauganj, Prospect Hill is another favourite walk and vantage point with breath taking views. There is a little temple to Kamna Devi on the top of the hill.(5 Km ).

Sanjauli : A serene location with delightful walks, Sanjauli is ideal for a tranquil weekend. There are fine vistas and the lights of Shimla and Chail can be seen twinkling at night. On the other side, Mashobra and Naldehra are visible. (3 Km)

Temples : Among the little temples dotted around Shimla is the ancient temple of Bihargaon - a splendid example of traditional Himachal architecture.

Just short of Shimla are the temples of Tara Devi and Sankat Mochanb. (8 Km)

Daranghati Sanctuary : This sanctuary located in the upper area of the Shimla district has an undisturbed forest area with plenty of wildlife-monal, tragopan, koklas and khalij pheaseants and musk deer, ghoral and thar. There is a network of bridle paths in the sanctuary. Visitors are advised to seek assistance from the forest staff posted at Dofda and Sarahan. The area is ideal for those who love to trekking.

Around Shimla

Mashobra (2,149 m)
Noted for its apple orchards and thick woods of oak and pine. Mashobra is a sylvan retreat with pretty walks and pIcnic spots. A little track leads down to Sipur a grassy glade with a stream wandering through it. Excursions are possible to Shali Peak - the highest point in the area or to Craignano (3 km) with its elegant guest house set in a delightful flower-filled garden. (9.6 km)

Kufri (2,622 m)
Kufri is a noted summer and winter resort with its glorious views of forested slopes and tall ranges iced in a covering of perpetual snow. A fine ski resort, Kufri has a winter season that extends from January to March. A sparkling winter sports festival is held each year in February. (16 km)

Fagu (2,509 m)
Just 6 km from Kufri, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amid forests and orchards, Fagu has a rest house and tourist bungalow overlooking the Giri Valley.

Naldehra
The scenic, nine hole golf course with its springly turf and crown of deodar was laid out at the instance of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon. So enamoured was he by the beauty of the spot, that he named his youngest daughter Alexandra Naldera. (23 km)

Tattapani
Tattapani is just 28 km from Naldehra, along a road winding through the scenic country side. The hot sulphur springs here, are hoted for their invigorating and curative powers. (51 km)

Narkanda (2,708 m)
A hill road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginners run and a slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. (64 km)

Hattu Peak (3,300 m)
Rising above forests of spruce, the Hattu Peak is a vantage point with spectacular views. (8 km). The pretty orchard country of Thanedar and Kotgarh - beautiful in spring - are not far away. Khadrala and Beghi with their dense forests and Kumarsain with an interesting wooden palace are also within easy reach of Narkanda.

Hatkati (1,100 m)
In the picturesque valley of the River Pabbar, about 104 km from Shimla, is noted for its historic temple dedicated to Durga. Enroute to Hatkoti is the village of Kotkhai, splendidly located among apple orchards - a village with fine traditional architecture. Jabbal, once the capital of a princely state with its impressive palace is also on the way.

Beyond Hatkoti, 11 km away, is Rohru (1,149 m) on the River Pabbar - an excellent spot for angling, with fishing pools teeming with trout. The trout hatchery at Chirgaon, (15 km) upstream, ensures a well stocked river.

Rampur
Rampur was once the capital of the princely state of Bushair and a major centre on the old trade route into Tibet. The annual Lavi Fair, held in the second week of November, is still an important event for the inhabitants of the region. They gather to buy, sell and barter their produce - homespun blankets, shawls, wool and dry fruits - and to celebrate the event with music and dance.

Rampur, on the banks of the Sutlej is on the NH 22 - that goes to Kinnaur. The scenic village of Sarahan with its fascinating Bhimkali Temple is on this road beyound Rampur (140 km).

Getting There & Away

Air : Linked by air to Delhi, Chandigarh, Kangra and Kullu. The airport at Jubbarhati is 23 km from Shimla.

Rail : It is linked by a narrow gauge line to Kalka which is connected to Delhi, Calcutta and Amritsar by broad gauge. Kalka-Shimla in 96 km and 6 hours by train but only 4 hours by a quaint rail car.

Road : Shimla is linked by bus to Delhi and Chandigarh as well. Delhi is 370 km away, Chandigarh 117 km. Within the state, Narakanda is 64 km away, Mandi 156 km, Kullu 240 km, Manali 280 km and Dharmashala 280 km.

Temperature : Between sub zero in winters and 30 C in summer

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Manali

The valley of gods, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, is perhaps the most delightful region in the western Himalayas. The main river valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest.

In the spring Kullu is at its most colourful with pink blossoms and white flowers while the higher slopes are aglow with gorgeous rhododendrons. With autumn, clear blue skies return and fields and forests alike show wonderful tints of crimson and ochre. By December, there is no greenery except the majestic pines and cedars in the forests. In winter the hillsides are flanked in white.



Places to see in Manali

Kothi (12 km)
A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House overlooks the narrow valley and commands views of the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a kilometre the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and the cliffs which flank both sides of the canyon are a favourite haunt for rock pigeons. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in the early annals of Kullu.

Rahla Falls (2 km from Kothi)
Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about 50 metres. Charming spot for picnics.

Solang Valley (13 km)
A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. Good skiing slopes of the Mountaineering Institute. Venue of annual winter carnival from February 10-14. Bus service upto Palchan village (10 km) and then by jeep or on foot.

Manali Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.

Lush green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk deer, monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.

Around Manali

Rohtang Pass (51 km, 4,112 m)
On the highway to Keylong, the pass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. In place of the pinnacled hills, sheltered valleys and cultivated tracts, the eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled Moraine, and deep ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well defined Sonepani glacier, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypang, jagged pyramids of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.

The Beas river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. The pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in November. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of Sarkund (Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief being that a bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or imaginary.

Keylong (117 km)
A fair sized village amidst green fields of barley and buckwheat, Keylong is the headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti district, surrounded with brown hills and snowy heights. Karding Monastery overlooks Keylong and is 3.5 km across the Chandra river while Shashur Monastery is about 1 km from HPTDC Tourist Bungalow.

Triloknath and Udeypur (166 km)
These are two important places of pilgrimage in Pattan Valley. At Triloknath is a six armed image in white marble of Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattava. Visitors will enjoy crossing the Chandra-Bhaga river and the trek of 3 km to reach the destination. The temple of Marikula at Udeypur is highly remarkable for its wood carvings.

Places to see in Kullu

Raghunathji Temple (1 km)
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance he placed the idol on his throne and it became the presidind deity of the valley.

Vaishno Devi (4 km)
A small cave enshrine an image of goddess Vaishno.Other temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Rama and Krishna.

Jagannathi Temple (3 km)
A stiff climb leads one to the shrine from where one gets a panoramic view of Kullu town.

Bijli Mahadev Temple (11 km)
The Bijli Mahadev temple one of the most striking temple is set on a spur, and is famous for its 60 ft high staff which periodically attracts lightning that shatters the Shivalinga. Each time this happens, it is pieced together by the temple priest.

The Great Himalayan National Park
Vast areas of alpine pasture and glaciers cap this park. Among the animals found in this part of the western Himalayas are musk deer, ghoral, thar, bharal, sewor, brown bear, leopard and snow leopard. Bird life includes a variety of colourful pheasants - monal, khalij, cheer and tragopan.

Kanawar Sanctuary
This sasnctuary located in the Parvati Valley of the Kullu District is the habitat of the Himalayan thar. A splendid trek is possible along the Garahan Nalla from Kasol through dense deodar and fir forests.

Around Kullu

Bajeshwar Mahadev Temple (Bajaura, 15 km)
The pyramidical temple (9th century AD) is embellished with wonderful carvings in stone and sculptural decorations. The three large image slabs on the exterior are all of a high order of sculpture in the Indian classical (Shikara) style.

Manikaran (45 km)
On the trekking route to Pulga and Pin Parvati pass, Manikaran is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a dip in its hot waters. The water is so hot that dal (pulses), rice etc. can be boiled in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage centre and there is an ancient Hindu temple and a gurdwara here. According to a legend, Manikaran is also associated with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost and recovered her ear-ring here.

Pulga and Khirganga (16 km)
A stiff march takes one to the restful solitude of the Forest Rest House whose immediate environment affords a sylvan and peaceful retreat for body and mind. The Tos nullah, which branches off from the main Paravati valley is well worth exploration by those who favour the wilder aspects of natural scenery and are prepared to camp out. 10 km from Pulga lies Khirganga which is well-known for its hot springs.

Banjar (58 km, 1,534 m)
It is an excellent spot for trout fishing in Tirthan river. The famous temple of Shringa Rishi is located here in whose honour a fair is held every year in May. Accommodation is available at a PWD Rest House.

Shoja (13 km from the Banjar PWD Rest House at 2,650 m)
On the Kullu side of the Jalori pass, it is located in a setting of marvellous scenic surroundings.

Raison (16 km, 1,433 m)
On the way to Manali, it is an ideal site for spending a quiet holiday in solitary splendour and for holding youth camps and rallies. On the gurgling banks of the Beas there are 14 wooden huts of HPTDC.

Katrain (20 km)
Apple orchards, a Fruit Research Station and a trout hatchery lend prominence to the place.

Naggar (28 km)
On the left bank of the Beas and about three hundred metres above the river, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view, especially of the north west of the valley. It is an excellent place for a longer stay. Naggar was the capital of the Kullu Rajas for about 1,400 years. There are a large number of famous temples in and around Naggar. Artist Nicholas Roerich's art gallery is also worth a visit. Cars and jeeps can easily go up to the Naggar Castle which is now Himachal Tourism's well furnished Hotel Castle.

Malana (2100 m, 28 km)
To Naggar (30 km from Kullu) by bus and trek to Chanderkhani pass via Rumsu Thach (3650 m, 5 hour, views of White Sail (6446 m) and Papsura (6451 m), 12 km) then to Malana village (7 km) via Nagruni. 5 hour trek to Jari. Travel to Manali via Manikaran by bus : 4 days.

A little ahead off the beautiful Chandrakhani pass lies the tiny village of Malana, famous for the temple of Jamlu and its distinct social and cultural life. Reputed to be the oldest democracy in the world in existence where all the inhabitants of the village take part in managing its affairs. An exciting place for trekking.

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Lahaul & Spiti : Kaza (3050 m, 180 km from Manali)

This is a mountainous area that is located between Ladakh and Tibet in the north and the Kullu valley in the south. Lahaul begins 51 km north of Manali, right after crossing the 3978 m Rohtang Pass. The road further climbs Kunzum la (4560 m) before reaching Kaza. It is approached from Zanskar by going over the Shinga La Pass and from Ladakh by going over the Baralacha la Pass (4,870 m). A good word to know is "jule," which means hello, thank you and goodbye.

CHANDRATAL lake (4270 m) - 18 km trek from Batal, which is at the base of Kunzam la (4590 m) on the Kyelong - Kaja road.

Kaza is the main town in Spiti and is of the "old town" and the "new town". Many of the peaks here are over 6000 m, the highest being Mulkila at 6,500 m. It has some interesting Buddhist gompas and secluded villages.



What to See : Pin Valley National Park via Atargo, Kye Monastery, Kibber Village, Komic Village and Langza which is famous for its pre-historic relics in form of fossils.

Trekkers from Manali - Manikaran - Pulga, cross the Pin Parvati Pass and reach Dhankar via Mud and Sangam.

Route : Damphug - Losar - Hansa - Kibber - Rangrik - Kaza - Dhankar - Tabo (374 km from Shimla) - Sumra - Chango - Nako - Puh (Spiti)

Kaza is 180 km from Manali via Rohtang Pass. Follow NH 21 from Manali to Marhi and take the narrow road via Chhatru, Jilang, Losar, Hansa, Pangmo, Moorang, Sumling (Key Gompa is nearby), Rangrik, Spiti and to Kaza.

The road further leads to Lingti (3460 m), Sichling (Dhankar Gompa is nearby), Poh, Tabo (Gompa), Hurling, Sumdo and to the NH 22 (Shimla - Shipki la road) near Khab. Tabo is 47 km from Kaza. The 10th Century Tabo monastery houses more than 60 lamas.

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Kinnaur : Kalpa & Sangla

Kinnaur is situated on NH 22 which is 250 km away from Shimla. The district has trees like oak, chestnut, maple, birch, alder, magnolia, apple and apricot.

Kalpa is a little town situated in the lap of Mt. Kinner Kailash (6474 m), around 240 km from Shimla. Kalpa is surrounded by snowy peak for almost the whole year.

Shimla to Kalpa by bus (244 km) via Rampur. Kalpa to Thangi (2966 m) by bus. Trek to Lambar (12 km) - Charang (12 km, 3500 m) - Lalanti (8 km, 4420 m) - Base camp (6 km, 5000 m) - Chitkul (9 km, 3450 m) via Lalanti Pass (5000 m) - Sangla by bus : 8 days.

Carry on the NH22 to Narkanda (64 km, an easy 2 h drive), then Rampur (another 73 km, 2 h). From Rampur, you pass thru Jeori (23 km), Wangtu (37 km) and finally Karcham (20 km). The road from Wangtu to Karcham is in a bad state and occasionally the road is blocked for a couple of hours due to landslide. At Karcham, a right goes to Sangla valley, take a left towards Recong Peo/Kalpa (35 km). At Recong Peo, take the shorter steeper 7 km route to Kalpa.

Sangla valley starts 57 km short of Kalpa which has been named after a beautiful & populous village Sangla. Sangla (2680 m) is situated on the right bank of Baspa river 17 km from Karcham. Journey from Karcham onwards is enjoyable and adventurous throughout the valley. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa river flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. A temple dedicated to Nages god is worth a visit & other places are Sapni, Rackchham, Kilba, Kamru Fort which can also be visited.

The road from Sangla further leads to Chitkul (3,435 m, 1 hour by road). Chitkul is covered with snow during May.



Route : Shimla - Theog - Narkanda - Kotgarh - Rampur - Jhakri - Jeori - Wangtu - Karchham - Reckong Peo - Rispa - Jangi - Spello - Puh - Khab.

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Dalhousie (80 km from Pathankot railhead)

Isolated by high mountain ranges, the valley of Chamba is noted for the magnificence of its scenery.Set amidst thickly wooded hills, clothed in deodar and pine, Dalhousie has marvellous forest trails and picnic spots with splendid vistas over the Chamba Valley.

Pathankot - Jogindernagar toy train is another attraction (163 km)

Around Dalhousie

Khajjiar (1,851 m)
While it is possible to go by road, Khajjiar is just a pleasant one day walk from Dalhousie. An emerald, saucer shaped meadow at Khajjiar, surrounded by dense deodar forests, has a lake at its centre with a floating island, a forest rest house, a little temple with a golden spire and a golf course (22 km).



Subhash Baoli (2,085 m)
Not far from the G.P.O. Square is the spring at Subhash Baoli with panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. (1.6 km)

Satdhara (2,036 m)
Sparkling springs close to town, rich in mica and other minerals, are noted for their medicinal properties.

Panjpulla
Beyond Sathara is another pretty spot where the water from a natural tank flows under five little bridges (2 km).

Bakrota Hills (2,085 m)
The Bakrota Mall, a popular walking circuit around these hills has a spectacular view of the mountains.

Kalatope (2,440 m)
An ideal weekend retreat with forest rest houses and beautiful spots for picnics, in a little wildlife sanctuary (8.5 km).
Bara Pather : Enroute to Kalatope is the temple of Bhulwani Matha, in the village of Ahla (4 km).

Dhainkund (2,745 m)
The high peak of Dhainkund offers a bird's-eye view of the verdant valleys of the Beas, Chenab and Ravi rivers (10 km).

Sach Pass is a (4420 m) : It is 175 km from Dalhousie. 127 km from Chamba. Sach Pass is a short route to Leh compared to the Manali route. The pass is open from June to mid October. The road is narrow and unmetalled. It is the gateway to the Pangi Valley. Dalhousie - Chamba - Trella (90 km, 5 hour) - Sach Pass (motorable road) - Killar - Leh.

Trek to Bhanodi (2744 m, 13 km, 6 hour) from Trella, Satrundi (3658 m, 13 km, PWD rest house), to Sach pass (5 km, 3 hour). Start early morning to avoid high winds.



Getting There & Away

Air : The nearest airport is Kangra (Gaggal, 12 km)

Rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Kangra (18 km). The nearest broad gauge station Pathankot, (90 km), is linked to major towns (Jalandhar).

Road : Well connected by road. Delhi 514 km, Chandigarh 239 km, Kulllu 214 km, Shimla 332 km.

General Information

Altitude : Between 1,250 m and 2,000 m
Temperature: Between 35 C in summer and 0 C in winter
Best Season : April to June/September to October
Clothing : (Summers/Winter) Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens