History of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has continued to be inhabited by man ever since the dawn of civilization. The rich and varied History of Himachal Pradesh can be divided into several distinct eras.

Evidences suggest the existence of man in the foothills of Himachal Pradesh, even during prehistoric times. The Bangana valley of Kangra, Sirsa valley of Nalagarh and Markanda valley of Sirmour are some of the areas where prehistoric men are believed to have lived.

The History of Himachal Pradesh suggests that large numbers of people from Central Asia and the Indian plains had migrated to this region from time to time. The first human race to have set foot in Himachal Pradesh is believed to be the Proto-Australoid, followed by the Mongoloid and the Aryan. As per the Rig Veda, the ancient races of Dasyus and Nishads also inhabited Himachal Pradesh and their powerful King Shambra had as many as 99 forts. The history of Himachal Pradesh also mentions that tribes like the Koilis, Halis, Dagis, Dhaugris, Dasa, Khasas, Kinnars and Kirats inhabited the land.

In earlier times, Himachal Pradesh was referred as 'Deva Bhoomi ' or the Land of the Gods. The Aryan influence over this land dates back to as far as the period before the Rig Veda. The history of Himachal Pradesh states that the Aryans defeated the local tribes and settled here permanently. During those times, Himachal was made up of a number of small republics, namely ‘Janapadas’ – each of which functioned as a provincial and cultural unit.

Himachal Pradesh enjoyed considerable independence until the Muslims invaded northern India. Mahmud of Ghazni conquered the region in 1009 AD. The History of Himachal Pradesh has it that this territory came to be ruled by the Rajputs in about 1043 AD. The land was again conquered by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1804 AD, whereby the Rajput power was crushed here. Therafter, the Gurkhas conquered the area and did much damage to the land.

The rich and checkered history of Himachal Pradesh also mentions that after the Gurkha War of 1815-16, the British annexed Himachal. They established several hill stations in the region in order to get respite from the scorching heat and dust of the plains in summers. They made Shimla the summer capital of India.

After India gained independence, Himachal Pradesh was made a centrally administered territory in 1948. With the implementation of the Constitution of India, Himachal became a part C state on 26th January, 1950. It gained the status of a Union Territory on 1st November, 1956, and later, on 25th January, 1971, Himachal Pradesh came into being as the eighteenth state of the Indian Union.

Culture of Himachal Pradesh

The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India is a multi-religional, multicultural and multilingual state like most other Indian states. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes. The culture of Himachal Pradesh is extremely rich, which is reflected in the day-to-day lives of the local people. Noted for their colorful dresses and distinguished physical features, the people of Himachal Pradesh exhibit a very warm and friendly nature and the ‘untouched’ simplicity about them constitute an integral part of the beautiful Culture of Himachal Pradesh.

Around 90% of the population of Himachal Pradesh comprises of Hindus. But in some areas there is a majority of Buddhist population, thanks mainly to the nearness of the state to Tibet. The main Hindu communities are the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The state also boasts of a large tribal population comprising tribes like Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. Agriculture is the main form of livelihood in the state, though many people earn a living by rearing goats, sheep and other cattle.
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also evident from the languages spoken in the state. Though Hindi is the state language, Pahari – a deviation of Sanskrit and Prakrit is spoken by many people in Himachal. There are many tribal dialects spoken in Himachal Pradesh too – including Chambyali, Pangwali, Lahauli, Kinnauri and others.
The typical house in Himachal Pradesh is constructed of clay bricks, with roofs being made of slate. In the traditional village houses, the lowest storey is used for household cattle, the middle for storing grain, and the top floor forms the living area.
Hinduism is the main religion in Himachal Pradesh. The region being nestled in the Himalayas – the abode of the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati – there are numerous temples of Shiva and Parvati scattered all around the state.
Music and Dance form a very important part of the Culture of Himachal Pradesh. Both these art forms revolve mainly around religion in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the popular dance forms in the state include Losar Shona Chuksam, Dangi, Gee Dance and Burah dance, Naati, Kharait, Ujagjama, Chadhgebrikar and Shunto.
Another interesting aspect of the culture of Himachal Pradesh is the endless succession of fairs and festivals celebrated in the region. The main festivals are Holi, Dussehra and Diwali, but numerous local festivals are also celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
Himachal Pradesh is also widely renowned for the beautiful handicraft items produced here. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metal ware, woodwork and paintings of the land are all evocative of the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. The much-sought-after ‘Pashmina Shawl’ is one of the most beautiful handicraft products of the state

Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh

The Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh – the north Indian state lying at the foothills of the Himalayas – boasts of a uniqueness of its own. Influence of the neighboring lands of Punjab and Tibet is clearly evident in the Himachal cuisine. Besides, the geographical and climatic conditions of the state have a strong effect on the dishes of Himachal Pradesh and the way they are prepared.
The day-to-day cuisine of Himachal Pradesh is simple and very much similar to that of other north Indian states. Rice, paddy and maize constitute the staple diet of the people here. But the preferred taste varies from region to region. Thus, while in the barren regions of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, locally-grown coarse grains like buckwheat, millet and barley are mainly used, regions with pastoral tradition use large quantities of milk and its products in their dishes.
Non-vegetarian food, with liberal usage of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and red chilies, form an integral part of the cuisine of Himachal Pradesh. The local people are not known to be particularly fond of vegetarian fare. In the average Himachal households, all kinds of meat, lentil and cereal preparations are generally cooked.
A typical everyday meal in the cuisine of Himachal Pradesh comprises ‘dal-chawal-subzi-roti’ (the common north Indian fare of lentil broth, rice, vegetable curry and bread). Special dishes are cooked during festive occasions.
Some of the popular dishes in the cuisine of Himachal Pradesh include ‘Sidu’ - a kind of bread made from wheat flour. It is generally eaten with ghee (clarified butter), dal or mutton.
Among the festival dishes prepared in Himachal Pradesh, ‘Dham’ – atraditional festive meal is the most popular one. This dish is cooked by only a particular caste of Brahmins called ‘botis’. Preparations for this elaborate mid-day meal start the night before. Dham is served in courses on epattalsi or leaf plates. ‘Ankolas’ made of rice flour are also famous festive dishes in many parts of the state. In drier areas like Lahaul-Spiti valley, the leaves of buckwheat are mixed with wheat flour and made into cakes called ‘aktori’. ‘Patande’ – a kind of pancake is a famous specialty in the Sirmaur area.

The Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh also includes a wide variety of other Indian and International food preparations like those of South Indian, Thai, Chinese and Italian origin

Climate in Himachal Pradesh

Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, the state of Himachal Pradesh is a traveler’s paradise located in the North-Western part of India. Blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes, Himachal Pradesh is one of the premier tourist destinations in the country, and the state receives a good tourist influx every year. The varying elevations of the different regions within the state result in great diversification in the Climate in Himachal Pradesh.

The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh has altitudes ranging from 450 to 600 meters above sea level. The Climate in Himachal Pradesh varies from hot and sub-humid tropical (at altitudes between 450-900 meters) in the southern lowlands, to warm and temperate (between 900-1800 meters altitude), cool and temperate (1900-2400 meters), and cold alpine and glacial (2400-4800 meters) at the high mountain ranges in the northern and eastern zones of the state.

At Himachal Pradesh, the year can be roughly divided into 3 seasons. The hot season spans the months of March to June, the rainy season spans the months of July to September and the cold season occupies the months of October to February.

By October, nights and mornings are very cold. Snowfall at elevations of about 3000mtrs is about 3mtrs and lasts from December to March. Above 4500mtrs, lies the permanently frozen zone.

The season of spring is very short – starting from mid- Feb and merging into the summers that commence from March-April. The air is cool and fresh. Colorful flowers adorn the valleys, forest slopes and meadows. In the hill stations, the climate is pleasant and comfortable.

The rains start at the end of June. The entire landscape becomes green and fresh. Streams begin to swell and springs are replenished. The heavy rains in July and August cause damage in the form of erosion, floods and landslides.

Dharamshala has the highest rainfall of 3400mm. Spiti is the driest area (below 50mm rainfall), being enclosed by high mountains on all sides.

We, at indianholiday provide you with detailed information about the climate in Himachal Pradesh and other regions of India, so that you can accordingly plan your trip to this enchanting hill station.

Shimla

The erstwhile summer capital of the Britishers and the present capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is a beautiful place that has its fair share of admirers. It is lovingly referred to by all as the Queen of Hills and few will disagree that it deserves all the accolades it is bestowed with.

Tours to Shimla are indeed a very lucrative proposition giving one the chance to savor its natural beauty. Other added attractions are the temples and other religious places, the Himachal State Museum and Library, the Viceregal Lodge and Botanical Garden. These comprise just a few of the Tourist Attractions in Shimla that are all well worth a visit on your Tour to Shimla.

If you choose to take delight in snow fall, in the snow covered landscape, in winter sports, in the ice skating carnival then it is best to plan your Tour to Shimla in the winters. Only bear in mind that it is freezing cold and warm woolens are a must.

Summer has its own charm particularly for those who crave for a break from the blistering heat of the plains.The weather is very pleasant making the sight seeing trips all the more enjoyable.

The Weekend Getaways from Shimla are no less exciting and fascinating. Make sure to escape to these small sleepy hamlets and behold nature at its mesmerizing best. The enchanting serenity of these pristine places blessed with a lot of scenic beauty is sure to overwhelm all visitors.

Don’t let the thought of comfortable accommodation bother you when thinking of a Tours to Shimla. There are many categories of Hotels in Shimla and you can choose to put up in any of them based on your needs and tastes. You are sure to come across one that fits your budget and your likings. Eating Out in Shimla is sure to give optimum satisfaction to all gourmets. Be it the lip smacking momos served with steaming hot soup or the authentic Patandey, you are in for a great dining experience at Shimla.

Your Tours to Shimla are replete with shopping options. Shopping in Shimla promises to be a lot of fun. It involves roaming about the various marketing places particularly the Mall area, seeing the beautiful objects on display at the impressively decorated shops, bargaining endlessly with the shopkeepers until you are convinced that you have had the best deal and finally purchasing lovely Himachali Shawls, Pahari Cap, Tibetan Carpets which are not just souvenirs but good presents as well.

Before planning that alluring Tour to Shimla, browse through the web page How to Reach Shimla. It will definitely come in handy.

Indian Holiday offers a fine range of Shimla Tour Packages to help you witness and appreciate the snow clad mountain peaks, the scenic beauty and the architectural skills displayed in the temples and other structures.


Kullu Manali

The lush Kullu Valley spread on both sides of the Beas River has charmed tourists since ages now. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80km long and about 2km at its broadest. Manali in the Kullu valley is famous for the canopy of Deodar trees that surrounds it. Manali has been a popular destination for honeymooners, trekkers, mountaineers, rafters, skiers and adventure freaks and anyone who wishes to escape the heat & dust of the plains to breathe the crystal clear air of the Himalayas and enjoy the spectacle of unlimited greenery. A tour to Himachal Pradesh is incomplete without a tour to Kullu-Manali.

How to Reach Kullu-Manali

By Air :- The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, 10km from Kullu. Indian Airlines, Trans Bharat Aviation and Jagson flights operate flights between Kullu Delhi & Shimla.



By Rail :- Nearest convenient railheads are Kalka, Chandigarh and Pathankot from where Kullu can be reached by road.

By Road :- Kulu is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Shimla, Dehradun, Pathankot, Dharamsala & Dalhousie and other cities in Himachal and outside. Regular direct buses ply between these stations. Deluxe, semi-deluxe and air conditioned buses during are available during tourist season.

Local Transport :- Local buses operate between Kullu-Manali and Manikaran regularly. Taxis are also available. On a tour to Kullu-Manali you can avail local transport for sightseeing purposes.

Tourist Attractions in Kullu-Manali

The tourist attractions in Kullu-Manali are numerous. The Hirimba Temple, Vashisht Ashram, Rotang Pass, Manikaran are some of them. On a tour to Kullu-Manali you also have the option for undertaking weekend excursions. On weekend getaways from Kullu-Manali you can travel to Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza, Kannaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Dharamshala, Dalhousie and so on.

Dharamshala

Known as Little Lhasa in Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a beautiful town nestled in the hills of Western Himalayas. The massive snow capped peaks of Dhauladhars reign in the backdrop of this quaint hilly hamlet. Tour to Dharamshala is not only exciting but also makes you feel the variations that the little town offers, may it be in temperature or climate or the whole character. If you are planning a tour to Dharamshala it is important to know How to reach Dharamshala easily and without much hassle. Situated at a distance of only 15 kilometers from Kangra Airport, Dharamshala can be reached by all possible means of transportation within less than an hour. You can avail the luxury bus and taxis from Kangra Valley to reach Dharamshala.

The manifold tourist attractions in Dharamshala will leave you dumbfounded. You will be spoilt for choices. The colonial erstwhile flavor still lingers around suburban Dharamshala. For instance Mc Leod Gunj and Forsyth Gunj are replete with an old world charm. It houses a Tibetan settlement with buzzling Bazaars that sells Tibetan carpets and handicrafts.

Be sure to bargain to get the better of the deal. Visit the School Of Tibetan Studies where the Dalai Lama resides since he had been thrown into exile from Tibet. If you are thinking about a place to stay in Dharamshala, be assured that there are a number of budget hotels and guest houses that offers you more than comfort. Hotels in Dharamshala come in all prices to suit your convenience and pocket. When on a Tour to Dharamshala it is important that you make prior bookings in the hotels to avoid last minute harassment. If you are done with strolling in and around Dharamshala, plan a quick weekend getaways from Dharamshala. The call of the mountain is insatiable. If you go around Manali, Kulu, Kangra and Pathankot, you will understand the varied character of the Himalayas and each town nestled in the mighty Himalayas bears testimony to the fact. Dharamshala tour packages should be planned in such a way that you are able to cover many places in few days. Tour to Dharamshala is incomplete without shopping in Dharamshala and Eating out in Dharamshala. Try out the many momo joints in Dharamshala where you can have a taste of authentic Tibetan foods.

Dalhousie


Nestled amidst the green pine and oak trees on the Dhauladhar Range of the Himalayas, Dalhousie is a beautiful town of Himachal Pradesh. Dalhousie located in Himachal Pradesh was named after a British official and it still has retained its vintage charm. Founded in the 1850s, Dalhousie has an old world charm reflected in its colonial architecture and churches. Indian Holiday offers you online information on tour to Dalhousie.

Located amidst the green Himalayas, Dalhousie is situated on the banks of River Ravi. The British founded Dalhousie and restructured it giving an European ambience. Named after Governor, Lord Dalhousie, Dalhousie is the ideal serene retreat for all the nature lovers. Noted dignitaries and eminent personalities had spent a lot of their time in this beautiful hill station of Dalhousie. So plan a tour to Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh and enjoy a beautiful mountain retreat.

How to Reach Dalhousie:

Nearest Airport :- Amritsar Airport

Nearest Railway Station :- Pathankot Railway Station

Indian Holiday.com can help you to plan a tour to Dalhousie and other places in India. We offer travel packages to many popular and special tourist destinations in India. Take advantage of the best rates for tour packages to these travel destinations.

Kufri

Blessed naturally with locales so beautiful that they make you wish you could have stayed there forever, a tour to Kufri is definitely an experience of a lifetime. Nestled amidst the majestic Western Himalayas, Kufri is located at an imposing height of around 2500 mts above sea level. A skier’s paradise, a tour to Kufri is made even more special, when planned during winter, when the entirety of the region is covered with a thick blanket of snow.

The origin of the town can be attributed to a pond or “kufer”, to which the town also owes its name. Today, the town of Kufri, one of the most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh, is centered around the “kufer”, which forms one of the most important tourist attractions of Kufri and a definite must visit while on a tour to Kufri.

If you are planning a tour to Kufri, there are a number of accommodation facilities in this quaint hill station of Himachal Pradesh, which can provide you with the famed hospitality of Himachal Pradesh and make you trip to Kufri an experience to cherish forever!

How To Reach




By Air :- The nearest airport to Kufri is at Shimla, located around 19 kms away from Kufri.

By Rail :- The nearest railway station to Kufri is at Shimla, located around 19 kms away from Kufri. The station is well-connected to Kufri as well as the other railway stations of India.

By Road :- Well connected to major cities of India such as Amritsar, Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali by a network of well- maintained roads, reaching Kufri by road is one of the easiest ways of reaching the town.

Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh

Surrounded by the majestic slopes of the Western Himalayas, the pristine beauty of the province of Himachal Pradesh has charmed countless tourists who have arrived in the land for ages immemorial. Contributing in a large measure to the overall tourism in Himachal Pradesh is the various hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh, which draw thousands of tourists to the land each year.

Known for its spectacular topography, the province of Himachal Pradesh is known for its various hill stations, many of which have earned a name for themselves as the principle tourist destinations of India. Meandering, narrow mountainous roads lead to the most picturesque valleys imaginable as you embark on a trip to the major hill stations of Himachal Pradesh.

Visited by a number of people from all across the country, the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are led by the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. Like the capital of the province, many of the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are still characterized by a touch of colonial charm which adds a dash of old world glamour to a trip to Himachal Pradesh. Besides this, a number of the hill stations of Himachal Pradesh are also important centers of pilgrimage in India, drawing thousands of devotees to their territories each year.

Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh


Nestled amidst the snow clad Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh has a typical charm and aura of its own. A region of green valleys, rippling rivers and snowy peaks, Himachal Pradesh is a state with varied and abundant natural beauty, which makes it the ideal destination of nature lovers. Tucked away in the mountains, this is the state where most of the Temples, Gurudwaras, Churches and Buddhist monasteries are located. Indian Holiday offers you the information on Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

How to Reach Himachal Pradesh:


Airport :- Kullu Airport is one of the most important airports of Himachal Pradesh.

Railhead :- Himachal Pradesh is linked to major states in North India like Chandigarh, Delhi, Ambala and Dehradun.

Himachal Pradesh even has a good connection of roadways which connects it to the rest of North India.:

There are a number of Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh which are visited by the devotees throughout the year. From Churches, Monasteries to Gurudwaras and Temples, Himachal Pradesh is the perfect destination for the Religious Tours. The pilgrims from all corners of the country and even outside, travel to Himachal Pradesh throughout the span of the year to visit the famous Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

Indian Holiday.com gives you online information on Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh and other places in India. We offer travel packages to many popular and special tourist destinations in India. Take advantage of the best rates for tour packages to these travel destinations.

Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh


The thick forest stretches that cover the slopes of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh are home to a host of flora and fauna. In Himachal Pradesh, out of the total geographical area of 55,670 sq km, the forest area the forest area stretches up to 37,691 sq km. At present there are 32 Sanctuaries, 2 National Parks and 3 Games Reserves. With 64 species of mammals, 463 species of birds, 43 species of reptiles and 516 species of aquatic fauna teeming among over 3240 species of plants, the wildlife in Himachal Pradesh is worth its fame and unfolds an interestingly varied eco-system, for the wildlife enthusiast, the indefatigable trekker and the romantic tourist, an endless quest. The wildlife in Himachal Pradesh is concentrated in the depths of its sanctuaries and national parks.

Wildlife In Himachal Pradesh:

Simbalbara Sanctuary :- Located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District, this sanctuary features beautiful dense Sal forests with grassy glades. With the Shiwalik Hills and a perrenila stream flowing inside the sanctuary, Simbalbara is absolute picturesque. The Forest Rest House here is connected by a fair weather road from Puruwala and provides a beautiful view of the valley. Goral, Sambhar and Chittal can be easily spotted here. There are walking trails inside the quiet adjoining forests. The best season to visit this sanctuary is in winter.

Kanwar Sanctuary :- Kanwar sanctuary is located in the Parbati valley of Kullu district. There is a Rest House at Kasol and the R.O. wildlife Kasol, provides information and help to visitors. Uphill walk along Garahan Nala from Kasol through dense majestic Deodar and Fir forests is thoroughly enjoyable and makes you feel like one of the comic book heroes you once pined for. This sanctuary is famed for its considerable population of Himalayan Tahr.

Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

As every visitor finds out when in the laps of Himachal Pradesh, that it is among the most strikingly beautiful and unspoilt regions of the Himalayas. The mountainsides are honey combed with caves and studded with lakes. And as if to emphasize the tremendous natural contrasts that are the hallmark of Himachal Pradesh, along with the freezing water of the Alpine lakes, there are numerous hot springs where temperatures can touch 50 degree C. Some of these lakes dates back to million of years when the earth was still young and geographical forces of nature rampant. Some of these lakes are held sacred and still others are looked upon with dumbstruck gaze for its sheer majesty and coloration. Lakes in Himachal Pradesh is a fascinating study in colors, proportion, and geographical locations.

Many of the Lakes in Himachal Pradesh is situated at high altitudes, embedded in rugged and steep mountain terrain. These expanses of water are usually small, and are icebound in winter.

So hallowed is the lake in the local Himachali imagination that it is believed that even birds protect its sanctity by carrying away any leaf or twig that drifts on to the lake so its waters are not marred by a speck. Another local tradition holds that the lake’s deity can grant the wish for a son and everyday hundreds of little lamps are floated on the surface of these lakes.

ROHTAG PASS

The visit to Manali is incomplete if you do not go to Rohtang Pass, the highest point in this area at 3900 m above sea level. Rohtang is 51 km from Manali. Journey to Marhi takes about two hours. Marhi is a barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. On one side you can see Kothi and Gulaba, places en route from Manali, while the Rohtang Peaks stare at you on the other side. Marhi is one of the most picturesque places in Manali region.

It is basically a mountain plateau surrounded by a large meadow strewn with myriad wild flowers in season. The place remains a stopover for transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during the winter months. Many road side joints (dhabas) provide good sumptuous breakfast. One restaurant claims to be the World's Highest Pizza Hut. With a stop for 30 minutes, the vehicles move forward for ultimate destination of Rohtang.

It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India.The pass is open from May to November.

It was not particularly high or difficult to cross on foot by Himalayan standards, but it had a well-deserved reputation for being dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards.

This pass was ancient trade route between the people on either side of Pir Panjal. The local name for this pass is a generic name of pass.The road through the Kullu Valley, past Manali and over the Rohtang Pass to Keylong, and Lahul and on to Ladakh, has become very busy during the summer months as an alternate a military route following the Kargil Conflict in 1999 in addition to tensions in Kashmir. Traffic jams are common as military vehicles, trucks, and goods carriers try to navigate the tight roads and rough terrain, compounded by, snow and ice at certain points and the large number of tourists vehicles. There are a lot of dhabas or Indian-style food shacks and eateries along the way.

Rohtang is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. Winds blow at furious pace and it is chill after 3pm. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed. Skiing is possible even in summer months (May and up to mid June) when the snow is still there on slopes. Wooden sledges are popular for rides. Para gliding is now a days very popular in summers between Rohtang and Marhi, taking one high in the sky for unforgettable views and lifetime experience.

On way to Rohtang are high Rahala waterfalls, at an altitude of 2,500 m. The other places of stopovers for beautiful views are Kothi and Gulaba. Many Bollywood films have been shot at these locations. Visit to Rohtang is a day trip worth spending and enjoyable.