HIMACHAL PRADESH

HIMACHAL PRADESH is a state in the north-west of India, situated in the Western Himalayas. The state is spread over 55,780 square kilometers (21,537 sq mi) and is bordered by the Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab in the west and south-west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the south, Uttarakhand in the south-east and by Tibet in the east. The literal meaning of Himachal Pradesh is region of snowy mountains. A mountainous state, it has an elevation ranging from about 350 meters (1,148ft) to 6,000 meters (19,685ft) above sea level. Himachal Pradesh provides water to both the Indus and Ganges basins. The drainage system of Himachal is composed both of rivers and glaciers with Himalayan rivers crisscrossing the entire mountain chain. In fact the rivers are older than the mountain system.
Himachal Pradesh is divided into 12 districts namely, Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Bilaspur, Una, Chamba, Lahul and Spiti, Sirmaur, Kinnaur, Kullu, Solan and Shimla (Capital).
Our focus is, however, only on four districts, namely, Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, and Kullu.

LAHAUL & SPITI

Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan valleys of H.P. lying on the Indo-Tibetan border. Keylong 115 kms. from Manali is the District Headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti district.
Lahaul is marked by a central mass of uniformly high mountains and massive glaciers. The two rivers, Chandra and Bhaga which rise on either side of the Baralacha La, flow through the narrow Chandra and Bhaga valleys. Strange, exciting, primitive, these valleys are unsurpassed in mountain-scape, in the rugged beauty of their rocky escapements and the
splendour of their snow covered peaks. The valley lies at a height of 2745 metres above sea level. Summer in this valley is cool and pleasant with green grass and alpine flowers. There is very little monsoon in both these valleys enabling climbers and trekkers to enjoy a long and unbroken season in perpetual sunshine, to explore the wilderness and grandeur of the inner Himalaya. This unique feature makes Lahaul-Spiti as an ideal destination for tourists and trekkers in the month of July, August and September.
Lahaul is a land of fascinating Buddhist art and culture. The monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankas, wood carving and golden images of Padmasambhava.

CHAMBA

The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10' and 33°13' and east longitudes 75°45' and 77°33'. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan's Rajtarangani. In the bansauli or genealogical rolls of the Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati or more popularly known as Chameshni. The temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Champavati temple became the family temple of the ruling family.

KULLU

The most charming and beautiful Kullu valley spreads out its charm on either side of river Beas. The valley runs north to south of this river and is 80kms. long and about 2kms at it’s broadest. Yet with awe inspiring glens and mossy meadows encircled by the rushing streams and meandering brooks, flung east and west, a fairly wide area is open to the tourists, the trekkers, the mountaineers, the artists and to anyone who wishes to escape the heat and dust of the plains to breathe the exhilarating air of the Himalaya and enjoy the spectacle of the variegated mountain scenery. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps.

LEH LADAKH

A land of freezing winds and burning hot sunlight, Ladakh is a cold desert lying in the rain shadow of the Great Himalayas and other smaller ranges. Little rain and snow reaches this dry area, where natural forces have created a fantastic landscape. Surrounded by rugged mountains this land is completely different from the green landscape of many parts of the Himalayas. Bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karokaram, it is a land which has no match. Our adventure plan in Ladakh has everything that an adrenaline junkie might be looking for. There are high mountain ranges, scenic trails, expansive lakes, deep valleys and high passes that will create the perfect back-drop for an annual fun 4X4 rally, apart from various customised adventure journeys. In Ladakh, we are fortunate to have the involvement of the royal family.

KANGRA

Kangra valley is one of the most pleasant, relaxing and spiritual places in the Himalayas. Marvellously scenic, especially upper Dharamshala, it is well wooded with oak, cedar, pine and other timber yielding trees and offers some lovely walks and finer views.

RAJASTHAN

A land steeped in valour, warriors, pomp, grandeur, and stirring history – RAJASTHAN. A land of the Rajputs (sons of kings), Rajasthan once known as Rajputana, lies in Central India and traces its rich and dynamic history to 6th century B.C. Indisputably, one of the most spectacular lands in the whole world, Rajasthan once boasted of 22 kingdoms that formed Rajputana, till in 1947, with India gaining independence saw all the kingdoms come together to form the state of Rajasthan. A few decades later, the royalties of the erstwhile princely state lost their privileges letting a whole era of pomp and pageantry, celebration and patronage to pass. However, the princes have not gone. They still inhabit a land where a centuries old history has not been forgotten. Discover the mysteries of Ajmer, Pushkar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer.

AJMER

An oasis you chance upon amidst green hills, Ajmer has an air of tranquility that is hard to describe. Its well known for its famous Dargah Sharif - the tomb of Moinuddin Chisti, which attracts people of all religions. A person's 'mannat' or prayer is heard by the higher beings, if asked for with a true and pure heart.

PUSHKAR

Colourful, chaotic, vibrant, lively...all these adjectives describe Pushkar well. With the only Bramha temple in the world, the city attracts devotees from all over. Especially in the holy month of Kartik (Oct/Nov), when they come to take a dip in the holy lake. The charming and unique Pushkar fair also takes place in the month of Kartik (Oct/Nov). People from neigbouring villages and towns congregate here to buy and sell cattle, livestock, horses and camels. The town turns picturesque with its population swelling from a mere 14,000 to 200,000!

BIKANER

A city of forts and palaces created out of pink sandstone, Bikaner sits snug within its seven-km long city wall. Known for some of the best riding camels, this city has one of the largest Camel Research and Breeding farms in the world. Founded in 1486 by Rao Bikaji, the city of Bikaner comes with its own share of history and grandeur.

JAIPUR

The capital city of the state of Rajasthan is named after its founder, the warrior and astronomer, sovereign Sawai Jai Singh II. Known as much for its delicate architecture as its colorful bazaars, Jaipur has a unique flavour all its own. The Yantra Mantra or 'Jantar Mantar' as its popularly called is a unique astronomical marvel. Designed by his highness Sawai Jai Singh, the instruments continue to chart accurate information till date. Just one of the marvels Jaipur has to offer.

JODHPUR

Founded in 1459, this city is commanded by its majestic Mehrangarh Fort - imposing, awe inspiring, unattainable. It has been described best by Rudyard Kipling as 'the fort built by elves and giants'. The quintessence of Jodhpur was its valour and equestrian skills with Polo having been the traditional sport of the Jodhpur nobility since medieval times.

UDAIPUR

Called the Venice of the east and also the city of lakes, the city is best known for its Pichola and Fateh Sagar lakes. Famed for its miniature paintings, the city is also a hub for performing arts and crafts.

JAISALMER

A magical, mystical city that slowly rises out of the sand dunes as you approach. The fabled Jaisalmer fort merges into its surroundings, and comes to life only on closer inspection. Glowing in the sand, its quite appropriately called 'shonaar kella' or the Golden fort. The 'havelis' built by wealthy merchants that you chance upon are a treasure trove. Nestled at the end of 'gullies' or narrow lanes, their intricate stonework is hard to imagine and difficult to describe.