Himachal Pradesh: The Abode of Snow

Himachal Pradesh, covering over an area of 56000 sq.km of the Western Himalayas is a terrain that rises from the foothills of the Shivaliks bordering the plains of Punjab, and extends up to the Trans- Himalayan heights of the Zanskar Ranges, bordering Ladakh and Tibet. Himachal’s capital Shimla, famous as the summer capital of the British Raj, remains a popular destination for travellers. Manali, the state’s other big hill station, is in the heart of idyllic Kullu Valley. Watered by the Beas River, it is an excellent base for treks and excursions. With the magnificent Dhauladhar Range as its backdrop, is the Kangra Valley, dotted with apple orchards. Its main town is Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and the vibrant Tibetian community, the seat of the Tibetian Government-in- exile. The Kinnaur region with its green pastures and enchanting villages, while Lahual and Spiti to the north are lands of rugged grandeur, with the Buddhist monasteries clinging to the steep, rocky cliffs.

Some of the must visit places which entice the travellers into setting up the meeting are mentioned. Go ahead and make sure you book your dates with them.

Shimla

A popular hill station in North India, Shimla’s spectacular location, thickly forested slopes and invigorating climate have attracted countless visitors since the small village was discovered during the British Raj.

Today, the fast-growing capital of Himachal Pradesh, still has retained its old world charm and colonial air.

Kasauli

The closest hill station to the plains, Kasauli offers the charm of the quiet walks shaded by the pine, oak and horse chestnut trees.

The old-fashioned buildings with gable roofs and wooden balconies remain intact on the Lower and Upper Malls, two main streets offering breathtaking views of the Satluj river.

Kinnaur

Kinnaur, the remote north-eastern corner of Himachal Pradesh fringing the Tibertian plateau is a region of awesome grandeur. Rekong Peo, the new district headquarters and the nearby town of Kalpa, which offers spectacular views and panaromic pictures of the Kinner Kailash Ranges, is a must on every travellers’ itinerary.

The Baspa river in its final stretches along the wooded valley past the serene villages, the stupendous gneiss faces and forests of deodar, pine and birch reaching up to the long swards of pasture and snow-covered peaks make any walk in this place glorious.

Dharamshala

The hill station established in the 19 th century by the British, is today the home of the Dalai Lama and the Government-in- exile. Located in the lower spurs of the Dhauladhar hills range, consists of twi sections- the lower town with the main bus stand and the bazaar, and the upper town, known as McLeodganj, 7kms to its north, which is primarily the Tibetian settlement.

Its focal point is the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the residence of the Dalai Lama, the Namgyal Monastery, where monks can be seen debating and most importantly the Tsuglagkhang Temple.

Dalhousie

Sprawling over the five hills that range in height from 1525m to 2378m, Dalhousie still maintains its Raj-era ambience, with its spacious, gable roofed bungalows and churches flanking its leafy lanes. A scenic road through the dense forests of horse chestnut and rhododendron leads to the Kalatope Wildlife Sanctuary which goes further all the way through the forest after taking a diversion at Bakrota.

About 26kms from Dalhousie is Khajjiar, situated at a height of 2000 metres, this saucer- shaped expanse of green meadow, bordered by towering deodars, has a picture postcard beauty, comparable with the finest views in Kashmir and Switzerland. In the centre is a small lake with a golden-domed Devi temple built on a floating island.

Kullu Valley

Kullu is the largest settlement in the valley, is located on the right of the bank of the river Beas. The town’s main attractions are the 17 th century Raghunath Temple, the Jagannathi Devi Temple, and the Vishnu Temple.

The other famous temple for the locals is the Bijli Mahadev Temple. At the southern end is the Dhalapur Maidan, which is a large green open space where the Dusshera festivities takes place.

Manali

Picturesque Manali, is a prime destination for vistitors, offering a variety of scenic walks and treks through the dense forests. The environs have even now retained much of its natural beauty that gives this hill station a unique flavour. To the north of the city is the Hadimba Temple, shaded by a grove of stately deodars. This four-storey wooden temple with its “Pagoda-style” roof was built around a cave enshrining the demoness Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, the mighty Pandava. Rohtang Pass, the perilous pass crossing into Lahaul, at an altitude of 3980 metres, is 52 km from Manali.

It is a day’s excursion from Manali, possible only in the summer with a brief halt at the spectacular Rahalla Falls along the way. Jagatsukh, 6km from the city, has two “shikara”-style stone temples dating back to 6 th century. The Naggar Castle, is an excellent example of traditional local architecture with walls composed of alternate layers of beams and even hewn stone, commanding a fine view of the Beas Valley. Do not miss the Roerich Museum, displaying the work of Nicholas Roerich at all costs, as its surely isn’t just another painting Museum.

Lahaul and Spiti

At an altitude of 2750metres, Lahaul and Spiti aren’t like any other hill station. The borders of Tibet and Ladakh’s Zanskar Valley, comprises of the Trans-Himalayan regions. Unlike the lush green meadows of the Kullu Valley, this is a barren land of rocky massifs and hanging glaciers, enclosed by the Pir Panjal Ranges. Keylong, the district headquarters offers basic facilities, it is the widely used stopover by travellers enroute to Leh for biking expeditions or as a base for treks.

The Drugpa Kardang Gompa, the largest monastery in Lahaul is located here. The Shashur Gompa nearby is a monastery renowned for its long 4.5m “thangka” (cloth painting of the deity). The eight-storeyed tower of the Gondhla Chiefs dominates the landscape; it is the oldest monastery in Lahaul called the Guru Ghantal Gompa. Suraj Tal lake is predominantly famous for its splendid views with the reflection of the mountains enclosing it visible in its waters. Beyond Keylong, the road passes the last Lahaul village of Darcha with a trekking route to Zanskar via the Shingo-la.

Happy Tripping, Happy Trekking!!

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11 June 2016
Sachin