Himachal Pradesh , the land of the eternal snow peaks , is rural and mountainous, stretching from the outer fringes of the Shivalik range in the south to peaks exceeding 6,700m in the north.  The heavily forested valleys of Kulu, Chamba and Kangra bear little resemblance to the barren and remote regions of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur.  

The residence of the Dalai Lama is in Upper Dharamsala known as Mcleod Ganj. The idyllic hill stations of Dalhousie, Shimla, Manali (the trailhead for many fine treks) are easily accessible by road or rail.

If going by train, change at Kalka in the foothills and take the narrow gauge Toy Train to Shimla Travelling at a speed of 15 – 25 km/h , the trip can take up to  5 hours but is great fun as the little train winds around mountains, through 102 tunnels and over 845 bridges.

KULU VALLEY

Manali to Chandra Valley via the Hampta Pass, this trek, one of the most popular in Himachal Pradesh, commences from Pirni village and enters the meadows and conifer forests of the Hampta Valley. The climb to Hampta Pass is not unduly demanding.

Manikaran to Spiti Valley via the Pin Parvati Pass (4,810m) – the pass is located at he head of a small snowfield and affords fine views of the Greater Himalaya Range while to the north the Zanskar Range can be appreciated beyond the Spiti Valley. A demanding trek as glacier walking is involved.

KANGRA VALLEY

Mcleod Ganj to Chamba via the Indradhar Pass – overnight at a rock cave before completing the long, and in places arduous,  ascent over scree and boulders to the Indradhar Pass (4,350m)

Manali – Dharamsala – an 18 day trek, initially along the Ravi river  then across the Indradhar Pass.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Apart from White Water Rafting down the river Beas, there is winter skiing to be had in Manali  (at Solang Nala , December to May), Narkanda (good skiing for all levels, especially cross-country enthusiasts who appreciate the fine coniferous forests) and at Kufri – home of the Ice Festival in February.

OPTIMUM TIME - April-May, September-November except for Manali-Padum trail which is best June-October.