Geographical info & quick references

Click on any of the quick links for more information on the locations.

Himachal Pradesh    Shimla  Kullu & Parbati    Manali    Festivals
 
 

Himachal Pradesh

Population: 6.15 million
Area: 55,673 sq km
Capital: Shimla
High season: mid-May to mid-October for trekking and late December to March for winter sports
Recommended: Mid November

Must see:

•  Shimla
•  McLeod Ganj
•  Kullu & Parbati valleys
•  Chamba
•  Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti

Shimla - Capital of Himachal Pradesh

Population:            125'000
High season:         April - January
Recommended:    Early November

Must see:

•  Viceregal lodge
•  The Mall along Scandal point
•  The billiards club - Bet sensibly, some of Himachal's junior national players prey here.

Kullu & Parbati Valleys

Population: 18,000
Altitude: 1200m
Trout fishing permits: Patlikuhl
Recomended herb village: Jari

Take the right from Bhuntar on the Kullu-Manali road to enter the Valley of the Gods.
The most popular valleys to hang out in, and with good reason.
Great views, a fiercesome river with superb trout and the local wollen clothing industry centred at Kullu.
Best fishing at Larji, Katrain and Kasol,.

Must see:

•  Jari
•  Malana
•  Manikaran
•  Pulga
•  Khirganga

Manali

Population: 5300
Altitude: 1750m
 

Must see:

•  Naggar Castle
•  Vaishist (Refreshing walk from Manali using the old path)
•  Solang Nullah (Skiiing and paragliding)
•  Rohtang pass

Not much be need said about this legendary place, save that the best places to stay are in Old Manali.
 
 
 

Festivals of Himachal Pradesh
 

Festival	Location	Date	Features
Losar - Tibetan New Year	McLeod Ganj, Rewalsar Lake	Feb/Mar	Teachings by the Dalai Lama & Buddhist  pilgrimages
Sui Mata	Chamba	Mar/Apr	Hindu procession & dancing
Opera Festival	McLeod Ganj	Apr	Music, folk dancing & theatre
Dhungri festival	Dhungri Temple, Manali	May	Hindu sacrifices
Mashobra Fair	Mashobra	May	Village Fair
TIPA Anniversary	McLeod Ganj, Baijnath	27th May	3 day anniversaru celebration
Chaam	Ki Gompa	Jun/Jul	Buddhist festival
Dalai Lama's birthday	McLeod Ganj	6th Jul	Buddhist celebrations
Ladarcha	Kibber	Jul	Buddhist pilgrimage
Minjar	Chamba	Jul/Aug	Colorful tribal gathering & procession
Manimahesh Yatra	Brahmaur	Jul/Aug	Hindu fair & pilgrimage
Renuka	Renuka Lake	Nov	Hindu procession, bathing & dancing
Lavi Fair	Rampur	Nov	Horse and local produce trade fair