Formed in 1948 with the integration of 31 princely states and the hill districts of Kangra, Kulu, Lahaul – Spiti and Shimla, Himachal Pradesh extends from the plains of Punjab, north of Delhi, to the high crest of the snow clad Himalaya and includes some of the finest trekking in India. It shares borders with the States of Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttaranchal in India and China. The elevation varies between 350m to 6,975m thus making it varied and diverse in its landforms and culture. Endowed with lush green forests, rich and bountiful fruit orchards (apples being the most famous), rivers, lakes, snow-clad mountains, Himachal also offers her visitors a rich cultural heritage as can be seen from the numerous Hindu – Buddhist temples, monasteries, architecture and ethnic diversity in the villages.

Easily accessible from the plains of India, tourists can never tire of the famous train journey – an engineering feat as one travels up over the ravines and hill spurs meandering through 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges with picturesque stations dotting the hillside. With the Dhaula Dhar range passing right through the middle of Himachal Pradesh, the numerous hill stations of Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala and Dalhousie remain amongst the most popular quick escapes to the Himalayan foothills. These ranges also offer ample trekking routes and climbs for the adventurous travellers.  The deep gorges of the Beas and Sutlej pierce the Dhaula Dhar range as the Sutlej river, rising in Tibet from Lake Mansarovar, enters India through Spiti below Shipkila pass passing through Kinnaur and then to Shimla.  The Hindustan-Tibet road cuts through this gorge connecting the middle valley of Kinnaur and the high valley of Spiti with Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

The High valley of Lahaul and Spiti are a contrast to the lush green valley of lower Himachal. Barren landscape and harsh vegetation with high snow-clad mountains against clear blue skies greet visitors here. Ancient Buddhist monasteries perched high in the rocky cliffs with rare statues and unique woodcarvings continue to fascinate travellers. The high hidden valleys here are also home to Snow Leopards, Blue Sheep and Ibex.

With its rich culture, diverse landscape, unknown snow peaks, famous Hindu - Buddhist architecture and delightful people, Himachal offers the visitors a place to experience the silence, the pristine glory of nature and an indigenous culture untouched by contemporary changes.