Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh is totally a mountain state and a delight for the visitors, particularly during the summer season when people flock to this tiny hill station to escape the scorching heat of the plains. It came into being in its present form with the partition of the Punjab into Punjab and Haryana in 1966. High points of Himachal are as follows. The winding roads and high passes link its high mountains and valleys. While the picturesque valleys of Kullu and Kangra are a blend of colors. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul and Spiti have a stunning lunar and scape like beauty.

Briefly about the Place: Situated in the trans Himalayan region of Lahaul and Spiti, it is a land of contrasts. To its north are the barren rocks and raging torrents of the twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti. Kulu and Manali are different, bountiful orchard country; the valleys of Kangra are rich croplands. High points for the visitors include Simla, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass. The Kullu valley is one of the most beautiful, with lush green forests and Beas River running through it. From Manali, the trip along the spectacular mountain road to Leh via Rohtang, Keylong, Pang is breathtaking, and takes one across the second highest vehicular pass in the world at a height over 5500 m. Dharamsala, famous for settlement of Dalai Lama, lies on the foothills of Dhauladhar mountain which flanks the valley. Himachal's valleys - Simla; Chamba; Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Spiti & Lahaul are the trasure hunt, each famous for its tradition, landscape, culture, temples, people and art. Charming, tolerant, guileless, and scrupulously honest are the people of Himachal that make an indelible impression on visitors. The majorities of the population is of Aryan stock and are devout Hindus, there is ample representation of Buddhism, especially in the north, and Islam. The people of Lahaul-Spiti are of Mongol stock, and display the facial features associated with the east. LANGUAGE: Some of the most commonly spoken languages includes Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri, Kangri and Kinnauri Broadly Himachal experience three seasons; hot weather season, cold weather season and rainy season. Summer lasts from mid April till the end of June and most parts become very hot (except in alpine zone which experience mild summer) with the average temperature ranging from 28 °C (82 °F) to 32 °C (90 °F). Winter lasts from late November till mid March. Snowfall is common in alpine tracts (generally above 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) i.e. in the Higher and Trans-Himalayan region). It has been estimated that 68% of the land area is covered with forests.^[20] The southern tracts are dominated by sal, sisham, chir pine, dry deciduous and moist broad-leafed forests. The temperate region grows oaks, deodar, blue pine, fir and spruce. In the uppermost region, trees are sturdy with a vast network of roots. Alders, birches, rhododendrons and moist alpine scrubs are there as the regional vegetation. The rhododendrons can be seen along the hillsides around Shimla from March to May.Himachal is also said to be the fruit bowl of the country with orchards scattered all over the place.^[20] Meadows and pastures are also seen clinging to steep slopes. After the winter season, the hillsides and orchards bloom with wild flowers, while gladiolas, carnations, marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, tulips and lilies are carefully cultivated. The state government is gearing up to make Himachal Pradesh as the flower basket of the world. Himachal Pradesh is a well known habitat to a variety of animals. There are around 1200 bird and 359 animal species in the state.

By Air: Nearest airport is Kullu- 23 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Kalka- 90 kms.
By Road: Chandigarh- 117 kms, Kullu- 220 kms, Manali- 260 kms, Delhi- 343 kms, Pathankot- 380 kms, Ambala- 151 kms, Chail- 43 kms, Dehradun- 240 kms etc.