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Himachal Pradesh
Himachal – The beautiful land of Snowy Hill Stations
Tour to Lahaul & Spiti – How to go
Jul 20th
How To Get There – Lahaul & Spiti
By road
Lahaul is connected with road from all over the country. Manali is the point where buses from various stations to come. From here, you can take a bus or taxi to any destination in Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi and Leh during the months from June to November depending on opening and closing of Rohtang pass, the gateway to this valley. National Highway 21 passes through this route in the valley of Leh. Two other locations are in Shimla through Spiti Valley, along the road, which extends to the Tibetan border through Kinnaur and from Zanskar and Ladakh in the The Shingo and The Baralacha passes. The Shingo Lo gives access to Lahul from Zanskar while in the Baralacha is in the Leh-Manali road and provides access to Lahul from Ladakh.
Places to Stay – Lahaul and Spiti
The town of Kaza is a maze of shops, hotels and homes. Some of the hotels in Kaza include Milarepa Guest House, Santiago Hotel, City Hotel and Hotel Ladakhi. At Keylong a Tourist Bungalow is in charge of HTPDC.
Weather – Lahaul and Spiti
Lahaul climate is very similar to that of Ladakh and Zanskar, which border to the north. Beyond the reach of the monsoon, the valley sees little rain in summer when the sun is bright and the nights are cool. Between late October and late March, heavy snow closes the steps, and seals in the region. Less rainfall in both valleys allows climbers and trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine and exploring the desert and the grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September.
General Information – Lahaul & Spiti
Best Time
Lahaul- Mid June To Late October.
Spiti- August To October.
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
6,500m
Tour to Lahaul and Spiti – Other Main Attractions
Jul 20th
Other Main Attractions
Dhankar
Dhankar means “a place in the mountains inaccessible to outsiders”, located about 25-kms. east of Kaza and serves eastern part of central Spiti. It is a great and ancient capital of Spiti Kingdom. At the top of a hill there is a fortress, a prison used in antiquity.
Gemur
It is 18 km from Keylong in Bhaga valley where devil dance is held during July in the local Gompa. The site is located on the Manali-Leh highway.
Halda Festival
Around the common calendar is again presented as Halda in Lahaul, which is a more private celebration of the event. The festivities are dedicated to “Shiskar Apa”, the goddess of wealth in the pantheon Lamaist.
Kaza: Spiti
224-km from Manali, 197-km from Keylong and 425-km from Shimla, Kaza is a Sub Division Directorate General of Spiti Valley. Situated at the foot of the step ridges on the left bank of Spiti river. Once it was the seat of Nono, the chief of Spiti. It has all modern facilities and is connected by road to Manali and Shimla, except in the winter months.
Keylong
A village in the middle of fields of barley and buckwheat, Keylong is the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district, surrounded by brown and white mountain heights. Monastery Khardung views Keylong and is 3.5 km across the river Bhaga while Shashur Monastery is 1-km.
Kye Monastery
Ki Monastery is the western part of Spiti and the most prominent feature of the valley. It lies about 14 miles north of Kaza and has the honor of being the oldest and largest monastery in Spiti.
Lahaulis
The people of Lahaul and Lahaul are Hindus and Buddhists, and Tibetan dialect resembles. They have a close affinity with Ladakhis and Tibetans.
Losser Festival
This festival is celebrated by the arrival of the winter season. The local deity is worshiped in the hope that winter would be happy and prosperous future for the local people.
Pooh
In the Satluj valley, Pooh is beyond Kanuma, a great Buddhist center. On the highway Pooh has a Durga-Pa monastery.
Sarchu
It is the last border point between Himachal and Ladakh, where HPTDC put a tent colony for the convenience of tourists during the summer season. It is situated at a distance of 116-km from Keylong.
Suraj Tal
Suraj Tal is situated below the summit of the pass Baralacha in the division of district Lahaul and Spiti Lahaul. A beautiful lake practically on top of the main Himalayan massif in the basin of the river Bhaga. This lake is a major destination for hikers in the region.
Tandi
Among Gondhla and Keylong is Tandi, where Chandrabagha or Chenab river meets the road. A legend says that there were two lovers, Chandra being the daughter of the Moon and Bhaga the son of the god of the sun To perform there eternal marriage, decided to climb the La Baralacha and then ran in opposite directions. Chandra being active and smart easily found her way and reached Tandi after covering the 115-km distance. Soon Bhaga was found coming with great struggle for the narrow gorges to Tandi consequently both met and the celestial marriage was performed. Bhaga covered about 60 km away, which was very difficult.
Thang Yug Gompa
It is 13-km above Kaza serving part west of central Spiti.
Trans Himalayan Buddhism
In 1578 AD a descendant of Genghis Khan and the ruler of China gave Sonam Gyatso the title of “Ta-Le” now writes as Lama – which means that the master of Wisdon Ocean. When the kingdom of Guge rose in the west of Tibet after the assassination of Lnag Dharma, which covered current routes Spiti, Lahaul, Zanskar and upper Kinnuaur.
Trekking
Himachal offers a virtual gold mine for hikers. Moderate to strenuous treks ranging up to 11 days and the best time to walk here is during the months of June to October. One of the classic routes in Himachal is the Chandra Bhaga triangle and the step Baralacha at an altitude of 4833 m.
Trilokinath
Trilokinathmeans Shiva. A temple is situated in the village, which lies about 4 km below Udaipur on the left bank of the river Chenab. Devotees from far off places come to pay their respects at this unique temple. This Shiva temple was given a look of Buddhist shrine by Guru Padmasambhava by installing the 6 armed image of Avalokiteshvara. In August, a big festival named Pauri is held for three days when people including the sadhus and followers of various religious sects gather to receive the blessings of Lord Trilokinath.
Udaipur (Markul)
(2743m): In ancient times this village was known as Markula, derived from the name of the goddess Devi Markula local. The temple here is unique and famous for its wood carvings on the roof and ceiling. Later, Raja Udai Singh of Chamba changed the name to Udaipur. This place is situated near the confluence of Chenab and Mayar Nallah, therefore, became a starting point for Mayar valley and further on to Zanskar and other peaks. It is a green area and not the whole Chenab valley is greener than the Lahaul valley.
Tour to Lahaul & Spiti – Introduction of Main Attractions
Jul 20th
About Lahaul & Spiti
Barren Splendour
Lahaul and Spiti two remote Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh, located in the Indo-Tibet border. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are incomparable in mountain landscape, the rugged beauty of its rocky escapes and splendor of snowy peaks.
Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains, massive glaciers, passes, lakes and gushing rivers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga, which rise on both sides of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Lahaul is a land of Buddhist art and culture fascinating. Often referred to as intermediate country, Spiti is a cold desert seen as a world “in a world” and “Palace where the gods live”. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich deposits of ancient murals, thankas, wood carvings and golden images of Padmasambhava.
Main Attractions
Tabo Monastery
The rugged hills around Tabo house a small village that is home to 350 people. Tabo monastery is a complex has nine temples, 23 chortens camera, one of the monks and an extension that houses the chamber of the nuns.
Baralacha Pass
In the long Manali-Leh road and providing a route across the Baralacha range is the famous Baralacha Pass. Located in a spectacular 16400 feet above sea level. The pass itself is 8 km long and is literally the pass “where many roads are”.
Chham Dance
Chham dance is one of the most beautiful dances of the Buddhists, and is performed by the Lamas who live in monasteries of Lahaul and Spiti, Ladakh, Kinnaur and other areas. This dance, also known as the ‘devil dance’ is performed in the courtyards of the monasteries with a large number of spectators at a party or a joyful occasion. The villagers are allowed to witness the dance and they take it as entertainment with a religious fervor.
Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Gompa has a subtle spell upon a person. Anyone who visits him, is unable to forget this place. The monastery has about 100 Lamas and is in possession of the Buddhist scriptures in the language Bhoti.
Jeep Safari In Himachal Pradesh
Jeep, car or motorbike, you can explore the variety Himachal has to offer. By jeep, the Trans Himalayan tract can steadily unfold their natural and manmade wonders.
Kunzum Pass
Kunzum pass is the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti from Kulu. After crossing Rohtang pass and driving 20 miles, you turn right Gramphoo.
Lahaul Valley
Lahaul, while it is hard and unfriendly, however, its arid, almost lunar, has a strange haunting beauty. Everything about the place is high. Scattered throughout the landscape are ethereal Buddhist monasteries
Pin Parbati Pass
The Pin Parbati Pass, 4810 m, is marked by rock cairns and prayer flags. The views of the Alps to the snowy ranges to the Kullu valley contrast with the barren mountain peaks, stretching eastward Spiti.
Pin Valley
It’s a wild world of the Himalayas. This valley, cold desert, with its snowy crags, cliffs and crevices is exciting where signs of life abound. His long summer without rain is a prime time
Spiti Valley
In practical isolation for centuries, Spiti has an intensely introverted culture centered around their monasteries, there are thirty monasteries spread over rugged terrain of Spiti. Most are members of the Geluk-pa sect.
Tashigang Gompa
This Buddhist monastery is accessible from Namgya fine – a bit of fun Khab, located on Highway Natiuonal-22.
Chandra Tal Lake
This is a beautiful glacial lake located in the source of the river Chandra in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The imposing main Himalaya hems the northern edge of Lake Chandratal. This lake is fed by melting glacier waters Chandra. The lake is situated at an altitude of 15,500 feet above sea level.
Tour to Khajjiar – How to go
Jul 20th
How To Get There – Khajjiar
By Air
Gaggal airport in Kangra is at a distance of 18-km.
By train
The nearest railhead is at Pathankot, 120-km.
By road
Khajjiar is connected by road and is 26 km from Dalhousie and 24-km from Chamba. Is 520 km from Delhi.
Places to Stay – Khajjiar
Accommodations are available in tourist Bungalow, Youth Hostel and Pensions, there are few economic modern hotels. Devdas Hotel (HPTDC).
Weather – Khajjiar
In winter, temperature can lower just above freezing point when heavy woollens required but summer is very pleasant time in Khajjiar and light wool or cotton is recommended.
General Information – Khajjiar
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
1,951m
Best Time
May-July & September-November
Useful Information – Khajjiar
Recreation Centers
The Lake, Golden Devi Temple
Tour to Khajjiar – Introduction of Main Attractions
Jul 20th
About Khajjiar
Saucer-shaped, this bowl seven giant emerald grassy meadows, 1.6 km long and 0.9 km, is embedded beneath a dense pine forest, surrounded by high mountains, and bordered by a gigantic deodars . Along its banks, amid thick forests and on forest clearing in the center is a small lake fed by streams that traverse the green carpet. Hutchinson wrote: “Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6,400 feet above sea level”. Khajjiar is often referred to as “Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh”.
On 07/07/1992, Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India, brought Khajjiar in the global tourist map baptism as “Mini Switzerland”. He also a board walk trail shows a yellow Swiss showing Khajjiar the distance from the Swiss capital Berne-6 ,194-miles. Khajjiar is among the 160 places in the world that resemble topographic Switzerland. The counselor also had a stone Khajjiar, which will form part of a stone collage around the Swiss Parliament to remind visitors of Khajjiar as Mini Switzerland of India.
Main Attractions
Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary
It is possible to trek 30 km from Dalhousie to Chamba along the road east of Gandhi Chowk. A short but steep climb leads to a wildlife sanctuary Kalatope, which you can walk on a nice track.
Khajjiar Lake
Streams fed by thin, this small lake rests at the center of large clear Khajjiar. The clearing of forest and lake held sacred to ‘Khajjinag’-who gives the place its name.
Golden Devi Temple
Adding to the charms of Khajjiar, which also embraces a Devi temple with its golden dome, is a golf course situated in the most idyllic setting. Golden Needle the abode of Devi invites a lake outside.
Khajji Nag Temple
A little distance from the lake is the temple of Nag Khajji belonging to 12th century AD The temple mandapa can see one of the images of the Pandavas and the defeated Kaurvas hanging from the ceiling of circumambulatory path. The sanctuary of the temple has been beautifully carved in wood.
Lake: Khajjiar
Located in the rolling green lawn is a small lake. The land is “spongy” due to the dense undergrowth of so-called “Vacha”, over which the dust has formed a thick layer of soil.
Tour to Chail- How to go
Jul 17th
Near to Chail
Sadhupul (14Km.)
14-km of a piece of Sadhupul Kandaghat people, and the bridge over the Ashwani stream, a popular picnic spot.
How To Get There – Chail
By train
The ideal way of covering the Kalka-Shimla track is by the toy train. It takes five hours from Kalka to reach Kandaghat. The toy train with a maximum of half a dozen bogies chugs through the most densely forest tracks in impressive curves, deep gorges and endless tunnels.
By Air
There is always the option of flying to Shimla.
By road
Chail is 86-km from Kalka via Kandaghat. The approach of Chail is along the Kalka-Shimla route. You have to take a detour from Kandaghat. From Kandaghat, is an hour and a half journey by road to Chail.
Places to Stay – Chail
Accommodation options vary in Chail of luxury hotels like the Palace Hotel for HPTDC hotels, country houses and tourist lodges, which are available at reasonable prices.
Weather – Chail
Chail and its surroundings are a delight for tourists in every season. It is lovely in summer, fascinating in autumn when the fields and woods are covered with a cloak of russet and gold and, of course, winter is nothing less than a paradise, when the snow casts its mantle and remains to the beginning of the spring in April.
General Information – Chail
Location
Himachal Pradesh.
Altitude
2,250m.
Main Attraction
Cricket Ground, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Sadhupul.
Best Time
May-July & September – November.
Tour to Chail- Introduction of Main Attractions
Jul 17th
About Chail
The former summer capital ‘of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and dwelling in the middle of a green landscape. At 2250 m, has the world’s highest cricket field and a polo field, the old palace now a hotel and the possibility of angling are added some attractions.
Chail is hiker’s paradise. The area is very quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. 3-km away is the world’s highest cricket ground. Nearby is a National Park which has a limited number of birds and deer.
In 1891, Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala incurred the wrath of Lord Kitchener, the then Commander in Chief. As a result, he was prohibited from entering the summer capital of the Raj, Shimla. This enraged the Maharaja and pledged to build a new and better summer capital for himself. He looked around and after a while he realized that he had been all the time in his possession. Chail, near a small town of Shimla, was a ‘bit of heaven’, surrounded by lush forests with breathtaking views of the Himalayas covered with snow. Rebuilt the city according to their needs and built a wonderful palace.Villager in Chail, Himachal Pradesh
The picturesque resort located amidst scented forests of chir pine and gigantic deodars. Chail is built on three hills, the palace is on Rajgarh Hill, the Residency Snow View once occupied by British resident is Pandhewa Hill and in the third hill Sadh Tiba where Chail is situated. Overlooking Satluj Valley, Shimla and Kasauli are also visible at night from here. Chail cricket ground also the highest in the world. Well maintained and in good condition the land is surrounded by large trees of deodar and pine. On the other side of the city are the massive Himalayan ranges spectacularly bright in the sun and snow-covered every thing under it.
Main Attractions
Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a hill station visited by many tourists. The Deodar and Oak forests with grasslands around the township are the abode of wildlife. Chail sanctuary was notified on March 21, 1976 near Chail Town in District Shimla and covers an area of 10854.36 hectares.
Palace Hotel
The small hill station of Chail came when Bhupinder Singh, Maharaja of Patiala was banished from Shimla, the summer capital of British India, after an affair with the daughter of the Commander in Chief in the 19th century.
Cricket Ground
Surrounded by gigantic deodar and well maintained Chail Cricket Ground is the highest cricket ground in the world. Built in 1893, this cricket pitch located at the height of 2,144 m is also used as polo ground.
Maharaja Palace
The magnificent Rajgarh palace, with elaborate furnishings, built in 1891. With comfortable log huts and cottages, dense forests and serene walks, large gardens, a playground, a hill of lovers, and sports facilities, Chail is a resort in the true sense of the term.
Sidh Baba Ka Mandir
Maharaja Bhupinder Singh had the intention that this is the site of his palace, and had begun construction yet, but as is believed, a ‘SIDH’, saintly person appeared in the Maharaja’s dream, and stated that this was the place where he had meditated. Consequently, Bhupinder Singh moved to and built a temple on the spot.
Tour to Palampur- How to go
Jul 15th
Near to Palampur
Chamunda Devi Temple (25 Km.)
Not far from Dharamsala is the famous temple of Chamunda Devi. It is a charming place with magnificent views of the mountains, the Baner Khuda, Lahl Pathia and forests. 15-km from Dharamshala a tiny village of Dadh in the Palampur road is the famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda Devi.
Gopalpur: Palampur (13 Km.)
Located 13-km from the town, Gopalpur consists of a mini zoo.
Fairs and Festivals – Palampur
Holi: In the month of March, Holi riot of colors and the celebration of spring comes with laughter and vitality. There are exuberant
celebrations and Sujanpur & Palampur.
How To Get There – Palampur
By road
Palampur does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest railway station is at Maranda, which is 2-km from Palampur and on the
narrow gauge line between Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. The main bus station is 1 km south of the main Bazaar. There is a frequent bus service from Palampur to Dharamshala, Mandi, and Pathankot. Travelers can also make use of taxis to travel to these cities Palampur.
Places to Stay – Palampur
Hotel T-Bud is run by the HTPDC in Palampur. One of the most luxurious places to stay in the region is at the Palais Taragarh Taragarh, 8 km east of Baijnath.
Weather – Palampur
The weather in Palampur is moderate. Summers are mild and winters are cold, but nice. Experience the southwestern monsoon rains in July-September.
General Information – Palampur
Location
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude
1,220m
Best Time
March to June and mid-September to November.
Useful Information – Palampur
Recreation Centers
Neugal Khad, Andretta, Tea Factor
Tour to Palampur – Introduction of Main Attractions
Jul 15th
About Palampur
Palampur is the tea capital of northwest India. Located on the upslope of Kangra Valley before merging with Dauladhar ranges. But tea is just one aspect that makes Palampur a special resort. The abundance of water and proximity to the mountains has endowed it with mild climate. The city has derived its name from the word local ‘pulum’, i.e. lots of water. Palampur was a part of the local Sikh kingdom and later came under British rule.
The place enjoys a healthy climate and pine scented air is said to have healing properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast, the plain presents a picture of rural beauty and repose, while the hills are majestic. Behind this city is the upper range of Dhauladhar Mountains, whose peaks remain covered for most of the year. Located in the center and near the Kangra valley, is convenient for exploring the surrounding area.
This mountain resort is not only known for its numerous tea plantations and rice fields, but also known for its colonial architecture and temples. Palampur and places around that are popular with adventure sports like paragliding and hiking.
Main Attractions
Taragarh Palace Hotel
It is now called after Maharani Tara Devi Taragarh, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, who became its next owner, this is a splendid Art Deco mansion in the middle of a large field.
Ali-Hilal
A few kilometers from the city of Palampur is Al-Hilal, a place of incomparable charm. During the conquests of Kangra by Maharaja Renjit Singh, this place was a military stronghold.
Andretta
The charming village, spread below the thickly wooded hill and sprawling plains of the Kangra Valley was once home to the famous painter
Sardar Sobha Singh and the playwright Ms Norah Richards. Now Andretta is a center for various artistic activities such as pottery and is a 13-km from Palampur.
Baijnath
One of the most remarkable monuments of the Beas Valley is the temple of Baijnath. The village of Baijnath is situated 23 miles east of Nagarkot.
Bir and Billing
Sheltered by mountains and surrounded by tea gardens, Bir serves as a landing field for hang gliders and para, and known for its handicrafts and Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. One of the best sports sites in the world aviation, Billing is 14 km from Bir. The mountain ranges set like an amphitheater, offer opportunities for high altitude and cross-country flight over 200 miles.
Neughal Khad
Near the temple of Bundelmata, this chasm is 300 feet wide through which current flows Neugal.
Tea Factory
Factory Tea Cooperative Society provides insight to the processing of Kangra tea.
Temple Bundelmata
Walk through tea gardens and open fields or drive to reach this temple built about five centuries ago.
General Information – Solan
Jul 15th
Climate – Solan
Solan is a hillstation preparing throughout the year, but warmer in comparison to Shimla. In the summer time in Solan, cotton clothes are recommended as the temperature rises to 35 degrees Celsius and light woolen to heavy woolen in winter are required as the temperature drops to -2 degrees Celsius.
Altitude
1,350m
Best Time to go there is April to June & September to November
Location : Himachal Pradesh
Places To Stay – Solan
Hotel Pinewood, Barog
HTPDC’s Tourist Resort, Solan
Tourist Bungalow, Solan
