Location: North India
Famous As: Major hill state of North India.
Altitude: 2,213 meters.
Capital: Shimla.
Major Cities: Shimla, Kullu/Manali, Dharamshala
Temperature: summer: Max.27, Min.14.5, winter: Max.16.5, Min.5.2
Clothing: summer -Light woolens, winter - Heavy woolens.
Ideal Time to Visit: April to Mid-July, Mid-September to Mid-November.
Language: Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, and English

An Over All View of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh the land of perpetual snow peaks is guarded by the great Himalayas in the northeast and ruled by lower ridges of the Shivalik ranges in the southeast.
Himachal Pradesh one of the most captivating Hill State of India is ecstatic with enchanting translucent lakes, blooming flowers, ancient temples and charming people. To wards the north the state is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir state, on the west and southwest by Punjab state, on the south by Haryana state, on the southeast by Uttar Pradesh State, and on the east by Tibet (an autonomous region of China) all to gather makes Himachal Pradesh another splendid heaven on the earth.

Historic Perspective
British's at the time of their rule in India were so much taken up by the charm and the grandeur of the state, that they made it their summer capital. Himachal Pradesh has been dwelled by people since the dawn of civilization. It has an opulent and diverse culture that enhances its glory and charm. After independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April 1948. On 25th January 1971 Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.

Kullu-Manali is neighboring tourist attractions girdled by mountains covered with pine trees and lush meadows. Himachal Pradesh treasures about 200 ancient temples, dedicated mainly to Shiva, Durga and Buddha. Baijnath, Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi and the Laxmi Narayan temples are some of the important holy shrines, a unique splendor of architecture diverse crowning the hilltops of the state. Himachal also has a rich cultural heritage, and has a variety of dances, musical forms and architectural structures. In addition to popular hill stations Himachal Pradesh makes an ideal adventure spot for trekking, skiing, paragliding, river rafting and lot more. Popular adventure spots are: Shimla - Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; Kullu-Manali includes Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are also a trekker's delight.

The Charms of the State
Shimla
Shimla is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh and is situated in the northwest of Himalayas. The town lies along the ridge over the stretch of 12kms and is resplendently embellished with dense forests of oak and pine, fur and rhododendron. Shimla is a great source of tourist attraction as it is an appropriate base for variety of adventure sports such as Skiing, Trekking, Fishing and Golfing.

Places of Interest: Jakhoo Hill- 2 kms, Summer Hill- 5 kms ,Chadwick Falls- 7 kms, Sanket Mochen- 5 kms ,Tara Devi Temple- 8 kms and Tibetan Monastery- 8 kms .

Trekking: The Shimla-Kinnaur region offers some exciting trekking opportunities. Shimla to Kulu via Jaloni Pass 66 kms, Shimla to Kulu via Bashleo Pass 56 kms , Sarahen to Sangla 106 kms.

Kulu/Manali Valley
Kullu is also known as the Valley of Gods, perhaps the most delightful region of the western Himalayas. Lying on the banks of the river Beas, Kullu, serves as a nerve center of the valley and makes a starting point for a number of adventure sports. Manali is a hill resort full of panoramic charm and gateway to Dhauli and Spiti.

Places of Interest: Raghunathji Temple 1 km, Vaishno Devi Temple 4 km, Jagannath Temple 3 km, Bijli Mahadev Shrine 13 km.

Trekking: Kulu-Manali, with Lahaul-Spiti, offers the best trekking opportunities. Important treks in Kulu-Manali region: - Raison-Malana-Chandrakhan-Raison 139 kms - 11 days. Manali-Bhirug-Rohtang Pass-Manali 55 kms - 4 days.

Dharamshala
Dharamshala is situated on a goad of the Dhauladhar ranges in the heart of dense deoder and pine forests, tea gardens and majestic hills. It is also known as 'The Lhasa in India'.

Places of Interest: MC leodganj 10 kms, Tibetan Medical and Astro Institute; Bhagsunath 11 kms and St. John's Church 8 kms.

Trekking: Dharamshala have excellent facilities of Trekking on the mountain region organized by the Mountaineering Institute Manali, Dharamshala.

Important Trekking Routes: Dharamshala-Dharamkot-Triund-Dharamshala - 34 kms. ,Dharamshala-Khanyara-Aghanjar-Mahadev-Dharamshala - 16 kms.

Dalhousie
Dalhousie, nestling in the extraneous slope of Dhaulandhar range, is known for its exhilarating atmosphere and scenic beauty.

Places of Interest: Panjpulla 2 kms ,Subhash Baoli and Jandri Ghat 1.6 kms, Dainkund 10 kms , Kugti Wild Life Sanctuary 35 kms on foot and Tundah Wild Life Sanctuary (45 kms.

Chamba
The town of Chamba another hill station of Himachal Pradesh perching on the flat mountain range is famous for its ancient temples and Chaugan - a public rambles. The exquisite tourist recourse of Khajjair in Chamba district has been christened as the Switzerland of Himachal.

Places of Interest: Lakshman Narayan Temple, Chamunda Temple, Katasan Devi Temple, Bhuj Sing Museum, Chaugan.

Trekking: There are capacious options prevailing in Chamba town for trekking. The famous snow ranges are Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal and Laskar. Trekking Route- Chamba - Sarol 8 kms - Bandal 24 kms - Chhatrari 40 kms.

Excursions around Himachal Pradesh
Himachlal Pradesh makes excellent excursions to all the parts of India. To Agra-203 kms a home to magnificent master piece the Taj, Jim Corbett National Park in Uttranchal- 297km from Delhi homes to magnificent wild life. Khajuraho-596 kms kown for its erotic scriptures famous as a World Heritage Sight. Mussoorie-269 kms, Mathura-147 kms, Jaipur-258 kms the pink city of Rajasthan renowned for its fort and palaces. Nainital-318 kms a beautiful hills station in Uttranchal, Varanasi-738 kms a famous pilgrimage center of Hindus and lot more.

Sporting Activities
Fishing
There are diverse opportunities available in Kulu valley for trout fishing in the river Beas and its larger tributaries. Licences can be obtained from the Fisheries officer - Katrain. Trout fishing is also available at Rohru 110 km from Shimla and at Seema 1 km from Rohru. Mahaseer fishing is available at Tattapani 43 km from Shimla.

Skiing: Himachal Pradesh Tourimt Development Corporation organizes ski courses of 7 days and 15 days duration at Narkhanda 65 km every year. The facilities for the participants include boarding, lodging and equipment.

Heli Skiing: This most adventurous sport can be enjoyed in the area of Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort town of Manali (Kullu). A ride of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14000 feet high slope.

Golfing: Nine hole Golf Course at Naldhera, 23 km from Shimla is also a great source of attraction among tourist.

Festivities of Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh celebrates different types of fairs and festivals. Festival is the occasions of joyful song and dance for the hill people. The most famous Kullu Dussehra (October) is one of the important festivals of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist from all over the world throngs to enjoy this festival. Other festivals are: Lavi Fair (November), Minjar Fair (August-September), Manimahesh Fair, Shivaratri Fair (February-March), and Navratri Festival (April and October) are among the famous religious celebrations of Himachal.

Shopping
Himachal Pradesh is a great shopping hub for the visitors facilitating diverse range of products. Exquisitely embroidered shawls of Kinnaur, the multicolored woolen caps of Kullu, and beautifully designed handkerchiefs with thread work of Chamba. Himachal Pradesh is also famous for its Kangra Valley School of paintings that are very famous all over the country as well as abroad.

Getting Around
Air: Himachal Pradesh is well connected by the air services. Indian Airlines flight runs on every Monday,Wednesday, Friday for Shimla, Kullu,Gaggal.
Trans Bharat Aviation runs on every Monday to Saturday for Kullu.
Jagson Airlines flights runs on every Monday to Saturday for Kullu.

Rail: The state also well developed rail net work. Trains runs between Kalka to Shimla and Shimla to Kalka. Shivalik Deluxe Express, Shivalik Palace a Tourist Coach are some of the important trains of Himachal Pradesh.

Road: Himachal is connected by road with all the major Center of North. Regular deluxe, semi deluxe and ordinary bus services runs to and from Shimla to Jaipur, Dheradun, Delhi, Chandighar. HPTDC Transport facilitates well-maintained luxury coaches operating within and outside the State. HPTDC also organizes sightseeing tours and Packages to meet the exclusive travel needs of tourists.