Himachal Pradesh

Snow-capped silver mountains, spectacular view of enchanting, sparkling lakes and streams in the lap of Mother Nature. Lush green flower bed meadows, picturesque and serene landscapes, misty woods, foggy mornings all these speak about a little about Himachal Pradesh. Gives an opportunity to indulge in sightseeing, trekking, mountaineering, fishing, para-gliding, skiing, ice skating, golf.

Nested in world’s mightiest mountain ranges, truly a travelers paradise. Spiritual energy and knowledge flowing in Buddhist monasteries for those in search of rejuvenation.
Having an excellent network of roads and communication facilities, Himachal has a clean and peaceful environment.

Visitors may look forward to the following:

(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.
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 well connected by road to most towns within the state and to all major towns in Punjab and Haryana. It is linked by bus and coach to Delhi and Chandigarh as well. Delhi is 370 km away, Chandigarh 117 km, Kalka 90 km and Ambala 166 km. Within the state, Narakanda is 64 km away, Mandi 156 km, Kullu 240 km, Manali 280 km and Dharmashala 280 km.

Bus Service
HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) has coaches to all major towns in the area besides Chandigarh and Delhi.

General Information

Altitude : 2,130 m above sea level
Temperature : Between sub zero in winters and 30 C in summer. Through out the year.
Best Season : (Summer/Winter)
Clothing : Light Woollens/Heavy Woollens
STD code : 0177