Himachal, i.e., Him means ‘Home to the Himalayas,’ and achal, meaning a ‘mountain’ in Sanskrit, is one of the best and essential states to stay in Northwest India. It is home to many necessary mountain passes and high-rising peaks. The state is bounded by Haryana in the south, in the north by Jammu and Kashmir, in the southeast by Uttarakhand, and by Punjab in the west. It is bounded by four mountain zones: the Shivaliks, The Lower Himalayas, The Greater Himalayas, and the Trans Himalayas. Five rivers, namely Sutlej, Chenab, Ravi, Jhelum, and Beas, flow across Himachal Pradesh. The state’s official language is Pahari, with Hindi and Himachali also followed by a majority.

Lahaul and Spiti are the most prominent districts of Himachal Pradesh by area, and they are the actual symbols of an incredible India.

The highest peak of Himachal is Shilla, and the largest river is Chenab Suraj Taal, the largest natural lake in the state. The state gained complete independence in 1971, with Vir Bhadra Singh leading the state and the governor. The state has four representatives in the Lok Sabha and three members in the Rajya Sabha, with the tribunal in Chandigarh. The state animal is a snow leopard, and the state bird is Jujurana. It entices travelers all around the globe with its mystic and cynic appearance.

Himachal Pradesh has seen subtle changes since the Chinese traveler and scholar Hieun Tsuang visited it and made a documentary in his text Tang Records.

The state has a mixed culture of Hinduism and Buddhism, which Hieun Tsuang portrayed in his text The Great Tang Records after spreading the teachings of Buddhism from India to China. The people across the state follow the Janetang system of marriage, which is quite famous. Some crucial temples across the state follow the Pagoda and the Dome-shaped architecture.

Himachal Pradesh manufactures organic tea mostly around the Palampur area, with a high yield value in the Kangra district.

Himachal is blessed with high-rising mountain passes like Parangla, Rohtang, Kunzum, and Baralacha La, as well as lakes like Suraj Tal, Chandra Taal, Deepak Tal, Prashar Lake, etc. The state has essential valleys like Kullu, Parvati, Solang, Sangla, and Barot, famous for shawl manufacturing and trout fishing. Important rivers like Uhi, Beas, and Baspa flow past the state, covered by majestic snow-clad mountains to get lost in the wilderness. Thousands of people visit Kinnaur, Shimla, and Manali every year, and continue to impress travelers and raise the bar between India and other countries competing with the nation regarding adventure activities, snowboarding, and skiing. The paragliding ranch of India is also located in Bir and Billing in the Mandi district of Himachal, which is one of the hidden jewels of the state.

The state is also blessed with the Mountain Railways connecting Kalka and Shimla, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Himachal Pradesh has 12 administrative districts, with the largest being the Kangra population-wise, which is also an essential paradigm in the history of the ruling state. The state is also a route to essential treks and adventure activities that continue to impress backpackers and wanderers across the globe. The last inhabited village is located in Chitkul along the path of the Indo-Tibetan Road, which is covered by high-rise mountain massifs and impenetrable roads.

HIMACHAL PRADESH FAQ

Where is Himachal Pradesh and how to reach Himachal?

Himachal Pradesh is one of the biggest states in India. It can be reached from all corners of the country by land transport. It is situated on the Northwestern frontier of India, covered by the Inner and Greater Himalayan ranges.

What is the capital of Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh has two capitals, Shimla and Dharamsala.

Who is the CM of Himachal Pradesh?

Vir Bhadra Singh is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.

Why plan a trip to Himachal Pradesh?

Himachal Pradesh is blessed with stunning natural beauty and mountainous landscapes with adequate natural resources. Due to the presence of mountain passes, meadows, and high-rising peaks, it is one of the few states in India that has many trekking and hiking opportunities, in addition to paragliding.

What are the best places to see in Himachal?

The best places to see in Himachal are Shimla, Dharamsala, Bir Billing, Kinnaur, Tosh, Malana, Parvati valley, Kheerganga meadows, Manali, Kulu, Pin Valley, Kibber, Lahaul and Spiti, Baralacha La pass, Rohtang Pass, Kufri, Fagu, Suraj Tal and Chandra Taal.