The state of Himachal Pradesh has boundaries with the Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Uttar Pradesh in the South-east, Haryana in the South and Punjab in the West. It is located between 30" 22' and 30" 12' north latitude and between 75" 47' and 79" 4' east longitude. The mountainous state has altitudes ranging from 350 to 7000 meters (1050 ft. to 21000 ft.) above the sea level.
The Raj still lingers in Shimla, the state capital and former summer capital during British rule. Kullu-Manali are neighbouring resorts, surrounded by pine covered hills and lush meadows. Himachal has, in addition to popular resort towns, a series of secluded hill retreats ideal for interested anglers, trekkers and those wanting a quiet getaway. Many of these include: from Shimla – Mashobra, Kufri, Naldehra; those around Kullu-Manali include Manikaran, Naggar and Brighu Lake; the barely accessible valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are a trekker’s delight. In marked contrast the stark and barren terrain of Lahaul & Spiti have a stunning lunar and scope like beauty. Himachali's lead a simple and quiet life, tending their orchards, fields and flocks. Keeping alive their rich art and culture. They remain immersed in the annual rounds of fairs and festivals, full of music, song and dance. For the visitor there are superb locations for relaxing and sight seeing. There are also great opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, fishing, river-rafting, skiing and para-gliding.
Himachal Tourism a pioneer in the development of tourism infrastructure in Himachal, has Himachal's largest complete package of tourism services, including accommodation, catering, transport and sports activities.
Himachal Tourism has divided the state into four interesting circuits.
The Sutlej Voyage circuit passes through the Shiwalik foot
hills through apple orchards, forests of pine, oak and deodar,
majestic monuments of the Raj, snow covered ski slopes and the
furious Sutlej river. This circuit covers Delhi - Rohru - Rampur -
Sarahan - Narkanda - Naldehra - Tattapani - Shimla - Kiarighat -
Delhi. This voyage also includes Renuka, Paonta Sahib and Nahan.
The Beas Voyage circuit covers the highly picturesque Beas
valley - the valley of gods. Flower covered meadows, terraced fields
of apple, paddy, maize and the sparkling Beas river. It covers Delhi
- Shimla - Mandi - Rewalsar - Kullu-Manali - Rohtang - Nagar
Manikaran - Delhi. One can also continue to Leh across the Baralacha
pass.
The Dhauladhar Voyage circuit passes in the shadow of the
mighty and majestic snow clad Dhauladhar ranges, which dominate the
beautiful Kangra valley, dotted by flower filled meadows, temples,
tea gardens and flocks of sheep. It covers: Delhi - Chintpurni -
Jwalamukhi - Kangra - Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Chamba - Dharamsala -
Chamunda - Palampur - Jogindernagar - Delhi.
The Tribal Voyage circuit passes through a spectacular
terrain of river valleys, cold desert mountains, high passes, snow
capped peaks, icy lakes, mighty glaciers-an exotic tribal country
dotted by monasteries. It covers: Delhi - Shimla - Narkanda/Hatkoti
- Sarahan - Sangla - Kalpa - Pooh - Nako - Tabo - Dhankar - Kaza -
Losar - Kunzam - Koksar - Sissu - Keylong - Udaipur - Trilokpur -
Rohtang - Manali - Delhi.
