Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is a mountain state in the Western Himalayas. It borders Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Tibet. Shimla is the capital and Dharamshala is the winter capital. The state is often called Dev Bhoomi, the land of the gods. Each region feels very different. Shimla and Kufri have colonial hill-station charm. Kullu, Manali and the Parvati valley are for rafting, treks and cafes. Kangra and Dharamshala offer Tibetan culture and the Dhauladhar. Kinnaur has apple orchards and old temples. Lahaul and Spiti have monasteries, high passes and cold desert. Chamba and Dalhousie add quiet meadows and temple towns. Roads to Lahaul and Spiti via Manali and Kunzum Pass close in winter. The Shimla to Kinnaur route stays largely open. Foreign nationals need a permit for the restricted border belt of Kinnaur and Spiti. Altitude sickness is a risk above about 3,000 m. For a first trip, a 7 to 10 day circuit works best.