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Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, the state of eternal natural beauty, is situated in the heart of the western Himalayas. It is known for its fascinating landscapes, lakes, wildlife, and rivers. The state is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Uttar Pradesh in the South-East, Haryana in the South, Punjab in the West and Tibet in the East. Shimla, a beautiful city, is the state capital. Himachal Pradesh is dominated by mountains and their associated rivers and valleys. The state demarcated from the plains by the Shivaliks has five mighty rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, Beas and Yamuna. Himachal Pradesh can be easily segregated by its valleys. Lahaul consists of the Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Further east, the Spiti river joins the Sutlej river in Kinnaur and flows all the way to the Punjab. In the west, the beautiful Kangra valley stretches from Mandi to Shahpur, near Pathankot. The country's highest dam, Bhakra Nangal, stands on river Sutlej in the Bilaspur district of this state, making it a major source of hydroelectric power. Himachal Pradesh is also known as the 'Apple state' because the country's first apples(and potatoes) were cultivated here. It also has Asia's largest fruit processing unit located in Parwanoo. The Himachal Pradesh is full of hill stations, pilgrimages, adventure sports destinations, and wildlife.
History
Human beings have inhabited Himachal Pradesh since the dawn of civilization. About 2 million years ago man subsisted in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh. According to the Mahabharatha the area that outlines the current day Himachal Pradesh was made up of copious numbers of minuscule republics known as Janpadas each of which comprises both a state and cultural unit. The most primitive known inhabitants of the expanse were tribals called Dasas. Afterward, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes.
Geography
Himachal Pradesh (HP) is a multifarious assortment of hills, verdant valleys and snow-clad peaks. The beauty of this place is awesome. People from various parts of the world come to view the scenic beauty of the land. HP bestrides the Himalayas from the foothills, over peaks, to the valleys of Spiti and Lahual. The highest peaks in the state are Shilla, Shipki and Manerang. All these pekas are above the height of 6000 m. The major ranges, which camber athwart the state, are the Pangi, Pir Panjal, Zaskar Dhauladhar and Shiwaliks.
Religions
The major portion of the population in Himachal Pradesh is of the Hindus. Around 95 percent of the population in Hp is of Hindus. Muslims take the second position with around 1.63 percent of the total population. Then there are Sikhs and Christians also inhabiting the land.
Languages Spoken
Hindi, Punjabi and Pahari are the main languages spoken in Himachal pradesh.
People/Population
The population of Himachal pradesh is approximately 60.77 lakhs as per the Census 2001. The population is unevenly distributed in the various regions of the state. There are ample disparities in area and population figures of the district.
History
Human beings have inhabited Himachal Pradesh since the dawn of civilization. About 2 million years ago man subsisted in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh. According to the Mahabharatha the area that outlines the current day Himachal Pradesh was made up of copious numbers of minuscule republics known as Janpadas each of which comprises both a state and cultural unit. The most primitive known inhabitants of the expanse were tribals called Dasas. Afterward, Aryans came and they assimilated in the tribes.
Geography
Himachal Pradesh (HP) is a multifarious assortment of hills, verdant valleys and snow-clad peaks. The beauty of this place is awesome. People from various parts of the world come to view the scenic beauty of the land. HP bestrides the Himalayas from the foothills, over peaks, to the valleys of Spiti and Lahual. The highest peaks in the state are Shilla, Shipki and Manerang. All these pekas are above the height of 6000 m. The major ranges, which camber athwart the state, are the Pangi, Pir Panjal, Zaskar Dhauladhar and Shiwaliks.
Religions
The major portion of the population in Himachal Pradesh is of the Hindus. Around 95 percent of the population in Hp is of Hindus. Muslims take the second position with around 1.63 percent of the total population. Then there are Sikhs and Christians also inhabiting the land.
Languages Spoken
Hindi, Punjabi and Pahari are the main languages spoken in Himachal pradesh.
People/Population
The population of Himachal pradesh is approximately 60.77 lakhs as per the Census 2001. The population is unevenly distributed in the various regions of the state. There are ample disparities in area and population figures of the district.
| Capital | : | Shimla |
| District Area | : | 55673 km2 (21495 sq mi) |
| Altitude | : | about 350 metres (1,148 ft) to 6,000 metres (19,685 ft) above the sea level |
| Sex Ratio | : | 970 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 77.13% |
| Best time to visit | : | Mid-May to Mid-October, late December to March |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 30°C Max. Winter: 2°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Pleasent in summer, very cold in winter |
| Rainfall | : | 1469 mm |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Cottons Winter: Heavy woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Hindi, Punjabi, Mahasui, Kulluyi, Lahauli, Kinnauri, Chambyali, Sirmauri, Gojri (by Gujjars), Bilaspuri, Pahari, Dogri, Kangri |
| Religion | : | Brahmins, Rajputs, Gujjars, Rathis, Gaddis, Ghirth(choudhary), Kanets, Kolis, Buddhism and Sikhism |
Shimla
The capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best destinations.
Read More..
Dharamshala
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4,000 meters, Dharamshala, which literally means 'the Holy Refuge', lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains. Today, it is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama and is known throughout the world as the Little Lhasa, because of the large number of Tibetans and their 'Government in Exile', which is headquartered here.
Read More..
Kullu
"Surely the Gods live here; this is no place for men", wrote Rudyard Kipling of Kullu, India's valley of the gods. Located in the charming Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh and set amongst the lower reaches of the mighty Himalayas, the small town of Kullu is famous for its temples, apple orchards, and the annual Dussehra festival, all of which attract hordes of tourists. Kullu is also known for its handicrafts. Beyond the town's perimeter loom the magnificent greater Himalayas and the silver valley bisected by the Beas River.
Read More..
Manali
One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country, Manali is basically a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Termed sometimes as the cradle between the lesser Himalayas, Manali is extremely popular with tourists for its lavish display of unspoilt natural beauty. Rich in its scenic splendor, Manali draws a good number of tourists from within the country and abroad every year.
Read More..
Rohtang Pass
A few kilometers away from Manali, this is a site where one can view the most drastic of landscape variances. On one side, the lush green head of the Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, brown mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that dazzle in the crisp daylight. It is in the district of Lahaul and Spiti-a place untouched by time. The tough terrain means that not too many tourists venture into this region, thus helping the virginal landscapes and simple people retain their lifestyle with its native charm.
Chamba
The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is also known for its local festivals.
Dalhousie
Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and as yet unexplored. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity of its own. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie, while pink and red rhododendrons bloom and trees stand tall in different shades of green.
Read More..
Kangra
The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract tourists.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow located in the picturesque Chamba valley. It is a popular picnic spot whose quiet environs beckon the tourists traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba. The stopover at Khajjiar is a welcome break for the weary tourists.
Kinnaur
Lulled by the sweet folk songs of the Kinnauri women, the vale of Kinnaur provides a calm sojourn to all tourists, young and old. While the youthful and the daring try to conquer the hilltops with their trekking expeditions, the more laid-back traveler can savor the delights of the tranquil mountains amidst the bounties of nature. Kinnaur, with its colorful and hospitable population, can be an absolute delight for the ones who admire the highlands. This land of fairytales and fantasies has a breathtaking terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards, snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains.
Kufri
Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots. Kufri's proximity to the hill station of Shimla makes it an important place on the tourist circuit of the state.
Mandi
Mandi district comprises of two princely states of Mandi and Suket. The district takes its name from the principal town Mandi in keeping with the general pattern of the hill states. Situated on the left bank of the river Beas, Mandi town is almost in the center of Himachal Pradesh in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. At one time the former state of Mandi had an imposing array of forts, 360 in all. However, time has taken its toll and now only about 10 are left.
Chail
Chail is a place where time stands still. Nature is at her exuberant best and words like pollution and deforestation have never entered the dictionary of a person living in Chail. It is place worth a visit if one wants to enjoy fresh, crisp dawns and soft, quiet dusks in the lap of nature.
The capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India's most famous hill stations, derives its name from Goddess Shyamala, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, the deity of power and wrath. However, unlike its name, Shimla is a perfect heaven for those in search of tranquility. Nature has blessed this capital city with innumerable gifts and man has used them to make Shimla one of India's best destinations.
Read More..
Dharamshala
Set against the magnificent backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar ranges, which rise up to more than 4,000 meters, Dharamshala, which literally means 'the Holy Refuge', lies perched up on the high slopes in the upper reaches of the Kangra valley. Founded in 1855, it is one of the 80 hill resorts developed in the seventeenth century by the British to beat the heat and dust of the sweltering plains. Today, it is famous as the abode of the Dalai Lama and is known throughout the world as the Little Lhasa, because of the large number of Tibetans and their 'Government in Exile', which is headquartered here.
Read More..
Kullu
"Surely the Gods live here; this is no place for men", wrote Rudyard Kipling of Kullu, India's valley of the gods. Located in the charming Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh and set amongst the lower reaches of the mighty Himalayas, the small town of Kullu is famous for its temples, apple orchards, and the annual Dussehra festival, all of which attract hordes of tourists. Kullu is also known for its handicrafts. Beyond the town's perimeter loom the magnificent greater Himalayas and the silver valley bisected by the Beas River.
Read More..
Manali
One of the most beautiful hill stations of the country, Manali is basically a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Termed sometimes as the cradle between the lesser Himalayas, Manali is extremely popular with tourists for its lavish display of unspoilt natural beauty. Rich in its scenic splendor, Manali draws a good number of tourists from within the country and abroad every year.
Read More..
Rohtang Pass
A few kilometers away from Manali, this is a site where one can view the most drastic of landscape variances. On one side, the lush green head of the Kullu Valley; to the other, an awesome vista of bare, brown mountains, hanging glaciers and snowfields that dazzle in the crisp daylight. It is in the district of Lahaul and Spiti-a place untouched by time. The tough terrain means that not too many tourists venture into this region, thus helping the virginal landscapes and simple people retain their lifestyle with its native charm.
Chamba
The small town of Chamba is located in a picturesque valley, amidst the Shivalik ranges and is famous for its medieval temples. The architecture of the temples of Chamba reflects the glory of its erstwhile rulers. It is also known for its local festivals.
Dalhousie
Compared to other hill stations, Dalhousie, 80 winding kilometers from Pathankot, is markedly different and as yet unexplored. Spread over five hills, Dalhousie has a serenity of its own. Attractive cottages and villas cling to the deodar and pine mantled hills of Dalhousie, while pink and red rhododendrons bloom and trees stand tall in different shades of green.
Read More..
Kangra
The small town of Kangra was the capital of the erstwhile rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is set amongst the picturesque settings of the Kangra valley at the foothills of the majestic Dhauladhar range. The area around Kangra is known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings, which attract tourists.
Khajjiar
Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow located in the picturesque Chamba valley. It is a popular picnic spot whose quiet environs beckon the tourists traveling between Dalhousie and Chamba. The stopover at Khajjiar is a welcome break for the weary tourists.
Kinnaur
Lulled by the sweet folk songs of the Kinnauri women, the vale of Kinnaur provides a calm sojourn to all tourists, young and old. While the youthful and the daring try to conquer the hilltops with their trekking expeditions, the more laid-back traveler can savor the delights of the tranquil mountains amidst the bounties of nature. Kinnaur, with its colorful and hospitable population, can be an absolute delight for the ones who admire the highlands. This land of fairytales and fantasies has a breathtaking terrain of lush green valleys, orchards, vineyards, snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains.
Kufri
Kufri is a tiny hill station located near Shimla. It is famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure-seeking travelers throng Kufri in winters to enjoy skiing and tobogganing along its snow-covered slopes. Kufri is also famous for its nature parks and picnic spots. Kufri's proximity to the hill station of Shimla makes it an important place on the tourist circuit of the state.
Mandi
Mandi district comprises of two princely states of Mandi and Suket. The district takes its name from the principal town Mandi in keeping with the general pattern of the hill states. Situated on the left bank of the river Beas, Mandi town is almost in the center of Himachal Pradesh in the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. At one time the former state of Mandi had an imposing array of forts, 360 in all. However, time has taken its toll and now only about 10 are left.
Chail
Chail is a place where time stands still. Nature is at her exuberant best and words like pollution and deforestation have never entered the dictionary of a person living in Chail. It is place worth a visit if one wants to enjoy fresh, crisp dawns and soft, quiet dusks in the lap of nature.
FAIRS
Minjar Mela
Minjar Mela is celebrated as a commemoration of the victory of the Raja of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta (now known as Kangra), in 935 AD. It is said that on the return of their victorious king, people greeted him with sherfs of paddy and maize, as gift to symbolize prosperity and happiness.
Lavi Fair
Lavi Fair of Himachal Pradesh is organized annually in Rampur, on the banks of River Satluj. It is held in the month of November and has already attained international fame and renown. Lavi once served as a major trading center and the stopover point on the old trade routes that led to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan.
Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival of Manali is one of the two winter fairs organized in Himachal Pradesh, with the other being the one in Shimla. It is organized in the month of February, when there is lot of snow and ice covering the slopes of Himachal hills. People coming to the carnival can opt for winter sports organized at snow-capped Rohtang range and ski slopes of Solang valley.
FESTIVALS
Halda Festival
Halda Festival is celebrated in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to usher in the New Year. The festival falls in the month of January and stretches on for a period of two days. It is dedicated to 'Shashikar Apa', the Goddess of Wealth in the Lamaistic Pantheon.
International Himalayan Festival
International Himalayan Festival is celebrated in the Kangra District of Himachal, in the month of December. The festival is organized as a commemoration of the event when the Nobel Peace prize was awarded to His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 1985.
Losar Festival
Losar is the New Year festival of Tibetans, celebrated mainly in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. It marks the beginning of the winter season in the valley and is celebrated during the first month of Tibetan calendar, which usually falls somewhere around mid-November to first week of December.
Phulaich Festival
Phulaich Festival is celebrated in the month of September in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as Ookayand Festival and Ukyam Festival. The term 'Oo' means 'flowers' while 'Kayang' means 'festival'. Thus, Phulaich is a 'festival of flowers'.
Summer Festival
People from the plains of Northern India rush to Himachal Pradesh in summers, to escape the heat of the harsh sun. It is during this time that a variety of programs, cultural and folk performances and tourism fairs are organized by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Himachal Pradesh proffers all kind of adventure sports one can think of. The Himalayas, elegant rivers, lush green forests, sparkling sky, and overall exigent surroundings can decoy any one to take adventure activities. Cuddle up between the gigantic Himalayan ranges; Himachal Pradesh has turned out to be a hub for adventure activities. Trekking is the most famous adventure sport in HP. Besides this one can also try skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, mountain cycling and rock climbing. No special training is required for most of the activities. Just a considerable amount of fitness and the required equipments anyone can take the pleasure of these adventure sports.
Minjar Mela
Minjar Mela is celebrated as a commemoration of the victory of the Raja of Chamba over the ruler of Trigarta (now known as Kangra), in 935 AD. It is said that on the return of their victorious king, people greeted him with sherfs of paddy and maize, as gift to symbolize prosperity and happiness.
Lavi Fair
Lavi Fair of Himachal Pradesh is organized annually in Rampur, on the banks of River Satluj. It is held in the month of November and has already attained international fame and renown. Lavi once served as a major trading center and the stopover point on the old trade routes that led to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan.
Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival of Manali is one of the two winter fairs organized in Himachal Pradesh, with the other being the one in Shimla. It is organized in the month of February, when there is lot of snow and ice covering the slopes of Himachal hills. People coming to the carnival can opt for winter sports organized at snow-capped Rohtang range and ski slopes of Solang valley.
FESTIVALS
Halda Festival
Halda Festival is celebrated in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh to usher in the New Year. The festival falls in the month of January and stretches on for a period of two days. It is dedicated to 'Shashikar Apa', the Goddess of Wealth in the Lamaistic Pantheon.
International Himalayan Festival
International Himalayan Festival is celebrated in the Kangra District of Himachal, in the month of December. The festival is organized as a commemoration of the event when the Nobel Peace prize was awarded to His Holiness The Dalai Lama in 1985.
Losar Festival
Losar is the New Year festival of Tibetans, celebrated mainly in the Lahaul district of Himachal Pradesh. It marks the beginning of the winter season in the valley and is celebrated during the first month of Tibetan calendar, which usually falls somewhere around mid-November to first week of December.
Phulaich Festival
Phulaich Festival is celebrated in the month of September in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is also known as Ookayand Festival and Ukyam Festival. The term 'Oo' means 'flowers' while 'Kayang' means 'festival'. Thus, Phulaich is a 'festival of flowers'.
Summer Festival
People from the plains of Northern India rush to Himachal Pradesh in summers, to escape the heat of the harsh sun. It is during this time that a variety of programs, cultural and folk performances and tourism fairs are organized by the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
ADVENTURE SPORTS
Himachal Pradesh proffers all kind of adventure sports one can think of. The Himalayas, elegant rivers, lush green forests, sparkling sky, and overall exigent surroundings can decoy any one to take adventure activities. Cuddle up between the gigantic Himalayan ranges; Himachal Pradesh has turned out to be a hub for adventure activities. Trekking is the most famous adventure sport in HP. Besides this one can also try skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, mountain cycling and rock climbing. No special training is required for most of the activities. Just a considerable amount of fitness and the required equipments anyone can take the pleasure of these adventure sports.
Himachal Pradesh experiences a wide range of climatic conditions. There are many variations in the climate of various months.
Summers
In summer, the temperature reaches to a maximum of about 40°C. Himachal Pradesh has summers that extend from March to June. The regions, which are at a high altitude, experience less temperature ranging from about 28°C to 32°C. Most regions of Himachal Pradesh experience high temperature ranges, with the exception of the regions located in high altitudes. There may be occasional showers but otherwise, the temperature usually remains high.
Monsoons
There may be rains at the end of June and the whole scenery comes alive with the downpour. Springs and streams swell with water once again. But the heavy rains in July and August are dangerous too as they are known to cause floods, landslides and erosions. Dharamsala receives the highest rainfall in Himachal (about 3400 mm) and Spiti receives the least in the entire state (below 50 mm).
Winters
Winters are cold and there is heavy snowfall from December to March in areas that are situated at an altitude of 3000 m and above. The regions that are at an altitude above 4500 m have snow all the year round. The temperatures can drop bone-numbingly low and if you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh at this time, it is advisable to bring sufficient amount of woolens.
Summers
In summer, the temperature reaches to a maximum of about 40°C. Himachal Pradesh has summers that extend from March to June. The regions, which are at a high altitude, experience less temperature ranging from about 28°C to 32°C. Most regions of Himachal Pradesh experience high temperature ranges, with the exception of the regions located in high altitudes. There may be occasional showers but otherwise, the temperature usually remains high.
Monsoons
There may be rains at the end of June and the whole scenery comes alive with the downpour. Springs and streams swell with water once again. But the heavy rains in July and August are dangerous too as they are known to cause floods, landslides and erosions. Dharamsala receives the highest rainfall in Himachal (about 3400 mm) and Spiti receives the least in the entire state (below 50 mm).
Winters
Winters are cold and there is heavy snowfall from December to March in areas that are situated at an altitude of 3000 m and above. The regions that are at an altitude above 4500 m have snow all the year round. The temperatures can drop bone-numbingly low and if you are planning to visit Himachal Pradesh at this time, it is advisable to bring sufficient amount of woolens.
By Air:
There are three domestic airports in Himachal Pradesh that are situated at Bhuntar, Gaggal and Jubbarhatti. These airports connect Himachal to Delhi and Chandigarh. Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport to Shimla, the capital of the state and is 23 km from the city of Shimla. It is connected well with Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi.
By Railway:
The rugged terrain and high altitude of Himachal Pradesh makes it difficult and tricky to lay railway lines. However, this place has both broad and narrow gauge tracks. The longest railway line that connects Himachal to Punjab is Pathankot - Jogindernagar line. The famous Toy train that connects Shimla to Kalka offers scenic views and is quite enjoyable. Kalka is well connected to other major cities of India. Other important railway stations in Himachal Pradesh are Solan and Una.
By Road:
The uneven topography of Himachal makes its roads treacherous and dangerous during winters and monsoons. However, its long winding roads also make an excellent drive with splendid and breathtaking views in good season. The important cities and towns of Himachal Pradesh are well connected by a fine network of roads. The ones on higher altitudes are closed in winters and monsoons due to snowfall and landslides. There are regular bus services from Amble, Chail, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Pathankot and Shimla. One can also hire taxis from nearby places to reach Himachal Pradesh.
There are three domestic airports in Himachal Pradesh that are situated at Bhuntar, Gaggal and Jubbarhatti. These airports connect Himachal to Delhi and Chandigarh. Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport to Shimla, the capital of the state and is 23 km from the city of Shimla. It is connected well with Chandigarh, Kullu and Delhi.
By Railway:
The rugged terrain and high altitude of Himachal Pradesh makes it difficult and tricky to lay railway lines. However, this place has both broad and narrow gauge tracks. The longest railway line that connects Himachal to Punjab is Pathankot - Jogindernagar line. The famous Toy train that connects Shimla to Kalka offers scenic views and is quite enjoyable. Kalka is well connected to other major cities of India. Other important railway stations in Himachal Pradesh are Solan and Una.
By Road:
The uneven topography of Himachal makes its roads treacherous and dangerous during winters and monsoons. However, its long winding roads also make an excellent drive with splendid and breathtaking views in good season. The important cities and towns of Himachal Pradesh are well connected by a fine network of roads. The ones on higher altitudes are closed in winters and monsoons due to snowfall and landslides. There are regular bus services from Amble, Chail, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Kullu, Manali, Mandi, Pathankot and Shimla. One can also hire taxis from nearby places to reach Himachal Pradesh.