Himachal Pradesh, 'The Land of Snow' lies on the lap of the Western Himalayas. Surrounded by spectacular snow-clad peaks of the majestic Himalayas and trenched by meandering rivers, Himachal Pradesh Tourism is characterised by the captivating valleys and the sheer mountains. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its heavy snowfall that attracts tourists. Apart from trekking, the state also provides ground for some extreme sports like paragliding, white water rafting, ice-skating, skiing and motor-biking.
Himachal Pradesh Tourism provides a perfect guide to the enchanting hills and the gorgeous valleys of the North.
- Spiti Valley: The surreal valley is beautifully set with the backdrop of snow-peaked cold desert mountains and is a middle land of India and Tibet. It will indeed give you a spellbinding trekking experience on this virgin paradise with verdant woods, scintillating rivers and splendid glaciers. A visit to the valley is incomplete without the visit to the phenomenal Dhankar and key Buddhist Monasteries.
- Kinnaur Valley: Majestic mountains, winding rivers, apple orchards, vineyards and the luxuriant valleys are the definition of this 'Land of Fairytales' which remain snow covered for about half the year. Kinnaur Kailash or the 'Abode of Shiva' is regarded as one of the most sacred and significant trails of the mountains.
- McLeod Ganj: Popularly known as 'Land of His Holiness the Dalai Lama- Little Lhasa', McLeod Ganj is located near the famous hill town of Dharamshala. The revered Buddhist site, Tsuglagkhang is called the Dalai Lama temple. The popular Triund trek must not be missed during your holidays which offers a magnificent view of the Moon Peak-Indra Paas and is ideal for a rejuvenation of the senses. Other attractions of McLeod Ganj are Bhagsu Falls, Dal Lake etc.
- Solang Valley: This pretty valley is situated at the top of Kullu Valley and in between Beas Kund and Solang Village offering a panoramic view of the snow-clad peaks. It is a perfect location for adventure activities. In the winters adventure enthusiasts throng for skiing, sledging and snowboarding and also for a winter skiing festival In the summers the place is crowded with tourists coming for paragliding, mountain biking, horse riding and zorbing.
- Parvati Valley: The rustic and ethereal beauty of Parvati Valley is due to the expansive and scenic meadows and striking landscape. The Parvati river joins the Beas river exactly above Bhuntar and stretches up to the hot springs of Manikaran and further 5000 metres high up the Himalayas. The valley is famous for its charas (Cannabis) cultivation which is a sought-after substance among the hippies.
Martin Wynn
