Information Madness

Himachal Pradesh is a favourite destination for many tourists in the northern part of India. Thousands of foreign and local travellers come here every year to see the rugged mountains of the western Himalayas that crown this state. Very few places in India can match the incredible range of the high altitude deserts, the expansive apple orchards, the serene pine forests and the rolling foothills of the lofty hill stations. The lower hills swell with palaces, castles, temples and forts. Himachal Pradesh is home to all the major Himalayan ranges.

These high altitude deserts are cut off from the outside world by snow for almost six months of a year. The mystique of the Himachal Pradesh Mountains is impressive. The lofty peaks of the Dhaula Dhar, Pir Panjal and western Himalayan range provide an opportunity for adventure activities ranging from rafting and treks to skiing and Buddhist meditation. The Tibetan Buddhist culture is prevalent in the ancient monasteries of Lahaul and Spiti. The elevation of the Dhaula Dhar Mountains ranges from four thousand to six thousand metres above sea level.

In the east, Shimla is India’s most popular hill station. Further north, Kinnaur is the eastern neighbour to Spiti and is fast becoming a popular destination for domestic hill tours. In central Himachal Pradesh, Kullu and Manali valleys provide a great attraction for foreign tourists, adventurers and honeymooners. Manali is the start of the main overland route to Ladakh. In fact, the Great Himalayan Circuit starts in Kashmir and slides through the mountain valleys of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti to Kinnaur and ends in Shimla.