Himachal Pradesh - the land of the eternal snow peaks - takes in the transition zone from the plains to the high Himalayas and in the trans-Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti actually crosses the mighty barrier to the Tibetan plateau. The State is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west, Haryana in the south, Uttar Pradesh in the southeast and Tibet in the east. Geographically speaking, Himachal is dominated by mountains and their associated rivers and valley. The mountains include Leo Pargial (6791m) in Kinnaur; Deo Tibba (6001m) near Manali, Kinnaur Kailash (6050m) to name a few.

The mountain passes, such as the Rohtang La (3978m), Baralacha La (4950m) and Kunzum La (4551m), are pivotal points between culturally distinct regions. 'La' is a Tibetan word meaning pass. In winter, Lahaul and Spiti are completely isolated when these passes are blocked by snow.

.. History

The Valleys are the easiest way to segregate the State, the major ones are namely - Lahaul and Spiti valleys in the northeast and east; Parbati and Kullu valleys in the centre and south, Kangra valley in the west; and Chamba and Pattan valleys in the north west The regions that today comprise Himachal Pradesh were, in ancient times, crossed by trade routes to Tibet and Central Asia and also commanded the Sach Pass that led to Kashmir. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes.

These hill chieftains accepted the suzerainty of subsequent Empires - the Mauryas, the Kushans, the Guptas and the Kannauj rulers. The Rajas, Ranas and Thakurs, however, ran their rival rahuns and thakurais, making Himachal a patchwork quilt of tiny states. Only Kangra and Kullu and later Chamba, had the power to break out of the petty feuding system. Several Himachal states had kings from Bengal, the best known of these is Mandi, which was founded in 1527. With the exception of the bigger states, most of the later states were founded by Rajput adventurers from the plains in the early medieval period.

.. Access

Himachal is connected by road with all the major Centre of North. Regular deluxe / semi deluxe / ordinary bus services to and from Shimla from following major cities apart from other important stations of North India. Discover Himachal By HPTDC Transport having a large fleet of well maintained luxury coaches operating within and outside the State. HPTDC also provides Buses, Tata Sumo, Jeeps on hire basis and organises Sight-Seeing Tours, Special Tours and Packages to meet the exclusive travel needs of tourists. Trains running at present between Kalka to Shimla and Shimla to Kalka. Every weekday and weekend anyone can go by air by Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aiation , Jagson Airlines & Many more.

.. Climate

In winter, the temperature gets very low because of cold winds, when heavy woollens are required. It is hot in summer -up to 38 degree C and cottons are recommended.

.. People & Culture

Himachal was known since the earliest of times as "Devabhoomi", the abode of the Gods. The splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact. Being a State full of isolated valleys and high ranges, several different styles of temple architecture developed and there are temples with carved stone shikharas, pagoda style shrines, temples that look like Buddhist Gompas or Sikh Gurudwaras etc. Several of them are important places of pilgrimage and each year attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.

.. Lakes

Himachal has a number of beautiful lakes like Renuka Lake (672 m) is connected by road and lies in Sirmour district. It is 123 k.m. from Parwanoo, 60 k.m. from Paonta Sahib and 37 k.m. from Nahan. With a circumference of 3214m, Renukaji is the largest natural lake in Himachal.

Rewalsar Lake at an altitude of 1360 m in district Mandi, 24 k.m. from Mandi town. Khajjiar Lake at an altitude of 1900 metres in district Chamba, 16 k.m. from Dalhousue and 25 k.m. from Chamba. Chamera Lake in district Chamba, this is the reservoir of the Chamera dam built over the river Ravi.

.. Heritage

Set high where they lord over the surrounding countryside, or tucked in wooded nooks, or placed by elegant promenades, Himachal has an enormous range of Heritage properties. These range from ancient forts that breathe of a tumultuous past, colonial mansions that speak of an age of leisure and graciousness. There are palaces that belong to a time when opulence marked the lifestyles of India's princes - and there are century old hotels that are maintained in a pristine glory, which have been painstakingly restored. With nostalgia and comfort skillfully interlaced, here is a window that invites you to share a bygone era and hold its enduring charms. Alpine Heritage Inn, Chapslee in Shimla, Madan Kunj in Shimla, Woodville Palace Hotel in Shimla, The Oberoi Clarkes in Shimla are some of the examples.

.. Facts

The earliest known inhabitants of the region were tribals called Dasas. Later, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes. In the later centuries, the hill chieftains accepted suzerainty of the Mauryan empire, the Kaushans, the Guptas and Kanuaj rulers. During the Mughal period, the Rajas of the hill states made some mutually agreed arrangements which governed their relations. In the 19th century, Ranjit Singh annexed/subjugated many of the states. When the British came, they defeated Gorkhas and entered into treaties with some Rajas and annexed the kingdoms of others. After Independence, 30 princely states of the area were united and Himachal Pradesh was formed on 15th April, 1948. With the recognition of Punjab on 1st November, 1966, certain areas belonging to it were also included in Himachal Pradesh. On 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh was made a full-fledged State.

.. Fairs & Festivals

Ages of rich tradition, warm and hospitable people, a landscape of breathtaking variety and beauty - all combine to pack each year in Himachal with a variety of fairs, festivals and celebrations. There are some 2000 deities worshipped in Himachal and numerous fairs and festivals are held in their honour. There are others that began as if just yesterday - and have added their colours to the grand collage. From religion to trade, from seasons to sports - and month by month - here is a joyous celebrations of life.