The name, Himachal Pradesh, literally translates to “The land of Snow” in the Sanskrit language. Located in the Western Himalayas, most part of the state lies on the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range and being a mountainous state, it is famous for its timeless natural beauty, gorgeous river valleys, the greenery, soothing climate, trekking trails, countless temples, and monasteries.
The state houses many religious Hindu sites and temples including Naina Devi Temple, Baijnath Temple, Bijli Mahadev, Jwala Ji Temple, Jakhoo Temple, and Renuka Lake. Himachal is gifted with many scenic hill-stations including Shimla (the capital of Himachal), Manali, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Dalhousie (winter capital of Himachal), Kullu, and Chamba. Apart from these hill stations, there are places that are lesser-known but equally beautiful such as Jibhi, Kalpa, Chitkul, Barot, Palampur, Dhankar, Udaipur, etc. It is also famous for its adventure tourism activities including skiing in Manali & Narkanda, snowboarding in Kufri, ice-skating in Shimla, paragliding in Bir-Billing, and trekking in various parts of the region.
Capital: Shimla | Location: North India
Best Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
- Kullu Manali
- Shimla – Pabbar Valley
- Dharamsala – Kangra Valley
- Lahaul & Spiti Valley
- Dalhousie & Chamba Valley
- Kinnaur Valley
- Tirthan Valley
- Parvati Valley
Other destinations include Barot, Bir Billing, Narkanda, Sethan, Gobind Sagar Lake, Chandratal, Rewalsar Lake, Parashar Lake, Kamrunag Temple, Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kinner Kailash, and Bhimakali Temple.
Famous Treks in Himachal Pradesh
- Hampta Pass Trek
- Pin Parvati Pass Trek
- Pin Bhabha Pass Trek
- Bara Bhangal Trek
- Indrahar Pass Trek
- Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
- Kheerganga Trek
- Kareri Lake Trek
- Sar Pass Trek
Check out A Guide to Himachal Pradesh