Himacal Pradesh (Himachal Pradesh)
the number of residents: 6,9 mln
Surface: 55673 km2
Capital city: Complete
Official languages: i am not king
Illiteracy: 37%
Tourist season: from mid-May to mid-October (the best time for hiking in the mountains); from late December to March (the best time to practice winter sports).
The division of the Punjab has determined the extent of the present territory of the state, whose northern regions were attached to Himacal Pradesh in 1966 r. The mountainous terrain characteristic of Himacal is a transition from the plains to the high Himalayas, as well as the regions of Lahaul and Spiti bordering Tibet. Throughout the year, especially in summer, as mountain villages provide soothing shelter from the scorching sun, Himaćal Pradeś is an ideal place for tourists and lovers of mountain hiking.
The most popular among visitors is Simla, The "summer" capital of British India and one of the most important mountain centers. The green Kulu Valley is also extremely picturesque, crossed by the rushing stream of the Beas River and adorned with a panorama of Himalayan peaks shining with snow.. An unforgettable experience is provided by a trip from Manali to Lehu. The mountainous route leading there is the second highest road in the world (only open during certain months). W 1992 r. introduced the so-called. Inner Line Permits, special permits authorizing tourists to hike in the eastern Lahaul valleys, Kinnaur House. Currently licensed (more on this in the section on eastern valleys) it is imperative for those, who are going on a trip to Spiti and Kinnaur, which are located close to the Chinese border. In these high mountain regions of Himaćal Pradeśu, gloomy and dark, Tibetan Buddhism is practiced with great devotion. Both followers, as well as people interested in Buddhism will surely find time to visit Dharamsala, town, in which the Dalai Lama resides and teaches after his escape from China.
Mountain climbing
For most information on mountaineering, see Garry Weare's book Trekking in the Indian Himalaya (Expeditions in the Himalayas), published in the Lonely Planet series. Leaflets describing the mountain routes in the state are available from tourist offices in Himaćal Pradeśu. There are also perfectly crafted state maps, essential for mountaineering enthusiasts.
The mountain climbing season in Himacal Prades is from mid-May to mid-October. At Manali's Mountaineering and Allied Sports Office (Department of Mountaineering & Allied Sports) you can get a lot of valuable information and advice on climbing the peaks in Himacal Pradesh. Mountaineering Institute (Institute of High Mountain Tourism), dealing with organizing collective expeditions to the mountains, is located in Dharamsala. Tourists who are skilled and experienced in climbing are planning to reach the highest peaks. In such cases, it is best to visit the Indian Mountaineering Foundation in Delhi for helpful tips (Indian Foundation of High Mountain Climbing in Delhi). Unlike in Nepal, tourists, who intend to reach the peaks in Himacal Pradesh, they do not need permits.
The type of equipment and the amount of provisions, which you need to take with you, mainly depends on this, where the trip is planned. In the lower regions of the state, such as the Kulu Valley or the Kangra Valley and in the vicinity of Śimli, there are many villages and tourist hostels. In turn, the areas of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur are virtually uninhabited, which greatly limits the accommodation options. The fact is also an additional difficulty, that the conditions are much more difficult here. It is imperative to get warm clothes, take plenty of food and drink.
Some of the most popular mountain trails are described in this chapter. Along the routes in Himaćal Pradeśu there are many buildings offering accommodation, m. in. Forest Rest Houses, Public Works Department (PWD) Rest Houses. It's best to check with the tourist office before heading to the mountains, can you stay in any of these shelters.
In published by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC; Himacal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) Trekking Guide (high-altitude tourism guide), is listed 136 peaks crossing 5000 m in height. Most of them are yet to be captured, many don't even have a name.
Skis
Since access to Gulmarg in Kashmir was cut off, Manali's popularity has grown significantly. In winter, Solang Nullaho-wi is called the ski capital. Skiers can indulge in white madness here on downhill runs totaling in total 2,5 km in length. In the warmer months, the slopes of the Rohtang Pass are great for skiing. Real enthusiasts, who can afford the expense 600 $, can get to the slopes that have not been conquered so far by a helicopter rented in Manali and enjoy the pleasure of driving on virgin snow.
Narkanda is also a popular ski resort, located 60 km north of Śimla. Thanks to this, that the place is at a height 3143 m, for several months of the year, you can count on large amounts of snow. The ski season here lasts from the end of December to the end of March (see chapter Narkanda). Getting to Narkand should not be a problem, because the road from Śimli is open all year round.
Kufri is located much closer to the capital Himacal Pradeśu. Unfortunately, snow is not always available, and the downhill runs are only suitable for beginners.