
The
entire region of Himachal Pradesh is hilly with the altitude ranging from
350 meters to 7000 meters above sea level. Forming a part of the Punjab
Himalayas, the altitude increases from west to east and from south to north.
Geographically, Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three distinct regions,
the Shivalik or outer Himalayas, middle Himalayas or inner Himalayas, and
greater Himalayas or the alpine zone.
The lower Himalayas include the districts of Hamirpur, Kangra, Una,
Bilaspur, and the lower parts of Solan, Sirmaur,
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and Mandi commonly known as the Shivalik Hills. The altitude in this region
ranges from 350 meters to 1,500 meters.
The middle Himalayas comprise the region between the altitudes of 1,500
meters and 4,500 meters. The districts under this region are parts of
Sirmaur, Mandi, and the upper parts of Kangra, Shimla, and Chamba.
The greater Himalayas or the alpine zone is at an altitude of 4,500 meters
and above. The region is cut across by the river Sutlej and comprises the
Kinnaur and Pangi tehsils of Chamba, and some part of Lahaul and Spiti.
Trekking Routes of Himachal
Pradesh
Kullu Valley
Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, the Kullu valley, is rightly
celebrated as the Valley of Gods. Nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir
Panjal ranges, it is the cradle of the great River Beas. About 80 km long,
this lush valley extends from the gorge at Aut to the Rohtang Pass. It
harbours forests, alpine meadows, gurgling rivulets and orchards laden with
fruit, and its inhabitants are a joyful and gentle people.
Lahaul & Spiti Valley
At once stark and forbidding, yet, Lahaul &Spiti has an ethernal
beauty. The two twin valleys of Lahaul & Spiti in the north eastern
corner of Himachal Pradesh, protected by distance, is a region of nature at
its wildest which has lent it much enchantment. This region is best visited
& viewed by involving in Trekking and Jeep Safaris.
The word 'Lahaul' is regarded as a derivative of the Tibetan Lho-yul,
'southern country' or of Lhahi-yul 'country of Gods'. Si means 'mani', piti
'place' and Spiti means 'the place of mani'.
From Lahaul, the Himalayas can be seen in their entire mighty splendor.
Geologically and archaeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains
are devoid of any vegetation and erosion by wind, sun and snow over
thousands of years has laid bare the rocks. The rugged and rocky mountain
slopes sweep down to the riverbeds giving the landscape a moon-like
appearance.
Chail
The former 'summer capital' of Patiala, Chail is 43-km from Shimla and
dwelling in the midst of a lush green setting. At 2,250m, it has the world's
highest cricket pitch in the premises of king George Royal Indian Military
College and a polo ground, the old palace now a hotel and angling are the
added attractions.
Chail is hiker's paradise. The area is very peaceful away from the hustle
and bustle of Shimla. Close by is a National Park, which has limited number
of birds and deers.
Kangra
Running alongside the Kullu valley, the Kangra valley, equally beautiful,
combines the charm of a Devonshire coomb with the steep silhouette of the
Dolomites soaring up into the sky on either side. There are several tea
gardens dedicated to the production of both green and black tea. Sturdily
built and handsome, the people of the valley are renowned as hardy and
courageous soldiers.
Manali
North of Kullu is a beautiful spot, in the midst of pinewood with high
mountains towering above it. Also know as the 'Queen of Hill Stations',
Manali at an altitude of 1,829 meters and 40 Km from Kullu was twice the
choice of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, when he chose to relax from the affairs of
state and seek inspiration anew. here, he came in 1958 and stayed a mouth
then again in 1960 when he could only snatch 10 days of peace and quiet.