Get to Know Himachal

Holidaying in Himachal

- Hector Dsouza

Idyllic, cozy, sporty, tantalizing are adjectives to describe India's hill state - Himachal Pradesh; surrounded, crisscrossed by mountains and located in Northern India. The greater Himalayas towers over the state in the north and east, while the Dhauldhar range dominates the northwestern part. Lower in the south, it's the Himalayan region that takes over. The landlocked state borders Punjab, Lower Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Haryana. The immense tourism potential of Himachal is never in doubt. Except for the higher reaches of Northern Himachal, where snowfall in in winter cuts it off from the rest, other parts remain open for tourism all year around. In fact, the first snowfall in Shimla brings in hordes of travellers from the Northern plains. Marriages are consecrated in different parts of India, a good percentage of honeymoons happen in Himachal.

Symbolically Himachal is associated with snow capped peaks, undulating valleys, endless carpet of green, gorgeous glaciers breaking from the mountains, luscious vegetation of pine, coniferous and fir, abundant apple orchards - a major source of income and livelihood for locals. Its outstanding scenic beauty - a mixture of the rugged, divine, is a source of inspiration for many outstanding artists who dwelt there, most famous being the renowned Nicholas Roerich. His art gallery at Naggar captures perfect scenic moments serving reminder that beauty does reach divine heights. Bonding between religions is yet another outstanding facet with Buddhism dominating the higher reaches, Hinduism the ruling the lower region. There are common meeting points, like the Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan (eastern Himachal) built from Buddhist and Hindu influences, while Triloknath close to Keylong in the north sees common worshiping among followers of both religions.

History

Historically, its origins can be traced back to 2000 B.C. when the Dasas were joined by the Aryans who built tribal settlements, creating separate regions based on the geographical and cultural diversity. They were followed by the Guptas between the 2-5 century A.D. and later by the Rajputs in the 550 A.D. The unfriendly terrain ensured rule was divided among communities. Far flung areas like Lahaul, Spiti had stronger relations with Tibet who in turn introduced Tibetan traditions and cultures. Maharaj Ranjit Singh gained control in the 18th century in Western Himachal, with the British taking over with the signing of the treaty with Sikhs in 1846. Shimla came into being as a cool hill station in 1864 and summer headquarters for British officers. Shimla was named the capital in 1966, remains so, until this day.

Wandering in Himachal

Shimla is also the starting point for many trips to the north and northeastern Himachal; its more easily remembered for idyllic walks along the mall, inspiring mountain views and majestic heritage buildings, including the prominent Viceregal Lodge and Victorian-Gothic Christ Church. Though populated with dwellings on hill slopes, Shimla offers moments of quiet solitude. Surrounding Kasauli, Narkhanda, Parwanoo, Chail are off the beaten track, less visited and obvious choice for visitors keen on long walks and relaxation. For the brave hearts raft ride on Tatapani is a delightful day outing.

East of Shimla is where nature begins to reveal its true colors with first stop at Sarahan. From here treks are possible on paths that are not too steep. Moving further east and in a northerly direction, the Kalpa, Kinaur and Sangla Valley offer an amazing array of biodiversity , stunning views of the Kinner Kailash mountain peak, as well as the roaring Baspa River. Less touristy and cool, even on a summer day, accommodation is found in home stays, camp sites and swiss tents. This route used to be part of the Hindustan-Tibet route meant for merchants traveling between China and Punjab.

The road moving further north from Kinner to Spiti range gets strikingly dry and barren with scanty vegetation, resembling a barren desert. By virtue of being in the shadow of the Himalayan range, rainfall is rare and scarce. On this stretch, only those will inner line permits are allowed to enter. Standing in solitary splendour in the village of Tabo, lies the Chos Khor Gompa built in 996 A.D, the oldest monastery of India. At 4079 meters Losar is the last village in the Spiti Valley before entering the Lahaul Valley via the Kunzum Pass at 4551 metres. Adventure seekers with high adrenalin are rewarded with picture perfect moments and eternal memories. Four wheel drive vehicles are needed to cross these treacherous paths in the months of June to August.

The Lahaul Valley is no less spectacular in terms of rugged beauty. At it's on the Manali-Leh road this valley sees a number of overland visitors including motorcycle riders, cyclists and jeeps. Keylong, Darcha, Sarchu form important overight halting points for tourists proceeding to Leh or for those returning back to Manali from Leh. Located in between two of the highest passes, Baralacha La to the north and Rohtang to its south, there is no dearth of astounding landscapes, luminous lakes, high rise pagodas and a peace loving populace.

Passes dominate so much of the Himalayan landscape that on crossing the Rohtang Pass at 3991 meters and moving south, a sea of green opens up to the wandering eye. The first major town, Manali is a favorite meeting zone for visitors. Manali is well worth a visit in late spring and early summer. Offering a high range of attrctions ranging from pagoda shaped Hadimba Temple to the Vashist Hot Water Springs. Manali is renowned for its winter sporting activities, ranging from Skiing to Snow boarding. Quite bouts of solitude can be found on the Malana Trek, a trip to Old Manali or going for long walks alongside the Beas River.

No visit to Himachal is complete without a trip to the Golden Triangle comprising of Dharamshala, Chamba and Dalhousie. Dharamshala is associated with the residence of the Dalai Lama and all things Buddhist, be it its teachings, monasteries, Tibetan Cafes, Momos or its people. Trekking is a favorite activity for many Indian and Western tourists who visit Dharamshala. To the extreme west, Dalhousie named after Lord Dalhousie is yet another famous retreat for tourist, it can be reached from Pathankot by road. Chamba and Khajiar complete the triangle of visits to Himachal Pradesh. Best known for its carpeted meadows, Khajiar is a perfect end or a super beginning to an experiential tour of Himachal Pradesh.