Introducing Himachal Pradesh
Crowned by the rugged peaks of the western Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh is North India for the thousands of foreign and domestic travellers who come here every year. Few states can match such incredible diversity – rolling foothills, lofty hill stations, madcap traveller towns, serene pine forests, endless apple orchards and the high-altitude deserts of Lahaul and Spiti, cut off from the outside world by snow for six months of the year.
The mystique of the mountains is overpowering. The mighty peaks of the Dhaula Dhar, Pir Panjal and western Himalaya ranges rise above Himachal, providing a setting for a host of adventure activities from treks and rafting to skiing and Buddhist meditation. Tibetan Buddhist culture abounds in the ancient monasteries of Lahaul and Spiti and the bustling traveller centre of McLeod Ganj, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile.
In the far east of Himachal, Shimla is India’s most popular hill station, and further north is Kinnaur, the eastern gateway to Spiti and an increasingly popular destination for domestic hill tours. In central Himachal, Manali and the Kullu Valley provide a base for hippies, honeymooners and thrill seekers. Across Himachal, the lower hills bristle with castles, forts, temples and palaces.
Manali is the start of the main overland route to Ladakh. Increasingly popular, the Great Himalayan Circuit starts in Kashmir, slices through the mountain valleys of Ladakh, Lahaul and Spiti to Kinnaur and ends with some luxury in Shimla. Even the beaten track is a dirt road between mountain walls – no wonder Himachal is most people’s favourite northern state!
Activities in Himachal Pradesh
Western Himachal Pradesh
Western Himachal Pradesh is famous as the home of the Tibetan government in exile, close to Dharamsala.
Central Himachal Pradesh
Running north towards Lahaul, the Kullu and Parvati Valleys are popular with hippies, honeymooners and adrenaline junkies.
Himachal Pradesh destination guides
Eastern Himachal Pradesh
Eastern Himachal Pradesh is dominated by Shimla, the state capital, and the mountainous district of Kinnaur, which runs north to Spiti.
Hotels in Himachal Pradesh
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Himachal Pradesh
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Himachal Pradesh
Manali
The surrounding mountain scenery lures tourists to Manali year-round.
Need to know
Entertainment in Himachal Pradesh
Shimla
Until the British arrived, there was nothing at Shimla but a sleepy forest glade known as Shyamala (a local name for Kali).
Shopping in Himachal Pradesh