Himachal Pradesh

The landscape of this province ranges from the barren rocks and raging torrents of the valleys of Spiti and Lahaul in the north to the southern orchard country of Kangra and Chamba. Treks from Manali include the Bhaga river to Keylong, and then on to the Bara Shigri glacier or over the Baralacha Pass to Leh (see above). Kulu, in the center of the province, is set in a narrow valley between the towering Himalayas and the river Beas and is famous for its temples and religious festivals. Treks from here traverse terraced paddy fields and on to remoter regions of snow and ice. The view from the Rohtang Pass is particularly spectacular. The town of Dharamsala, in the Kangra Valley area, is the base for treks into the Bharmaur Valley over the Indrahar Pass, and on to other still higher passes beyond. Chamba, situated on a mountain above the Ravi River, is named after the fragrant trees which flourish around its richly carved temples. Treks from the nearby town of Dalhousie lead to the glacial lake of Khajjiar and to the passes of Sach and Chini. Simla, the summer capital of the British, is a high hill station and the base for treks into Kulu Valley via Jalori Pass and on to the Kalpur and Kinnaur Valleys.