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Himachal
Pradesh is a mountain state, of charming crystal lakes, pretty
flowers,ancient shrines and beautiful people.
This state lies in the northern part of the country, in the
lap of the mighty Himalayas, at an altitude that varies
from 460 to 6600 metres above sea level. It is surrounded
by Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh,Haryana, Punjab
and Tibet.
Himachal Pradesh is enveloped by the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar
ranges in the northwest, dominated by the great Himalayas
in the north and east and marked with lower ridges of the
Shivalik ranges in the south-east. Himachal has five mighty
snow-fed rivers flowing through it - the Chenab, Ravi, Beas,
Sutlej and Yamuna. Climatically, this state is divisible into
two regions
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- the south which is as warm as the plains, and the north where
the summers are temperate and winters are extremely cold. The
snowy peaks, rugged slopes and wide valleys offer splendid opportunities
not only for mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing, but also
for hand gliding and river rafting. The state is an ideal place
for trekking enthusiasts, and the trekking routes take you to
remote, undisturbed locales. Himachal is also a popular site
for winter sports. Courses and competitions in skiing and mountaineering,
carnivals, cultural evenings, and open air skating facilities
form the traditional part of winter sports. Recently added attractions
include hand gliding and river rafting. For the tourism enthusiasts,
Himachal Pradesh can be divided into a number of circuits- the
Dalhousie, Chamba and Bharmour circuit gives a glimpse into
the romance and tradition of the state; Shimla, Chail and Narkhanda,
forming the heart of Himachal, offers an excellent skiing base
with eternal snowhives and 'darshans' at famous temples; Nahan,
Renuka and Paunta is a small circuit with an enchanting assortment
of lakes and legends; Kulu, Manali and Keylong with picturesque
surroundings are a must on the Himachal tour; and, Palampur,
Kangra and Dharamshala form the pilgrimage circuit. |
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