Himachal Pradesh Tours

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - Simla to Kinnaur

Simla (Shimla) lies on a ridge at a height of 2,100 metres (6,900 ft). It was previously the official summer location for the government of British India and much British influence survives in the upper town. The town is linked to the plains by the Kalka—Simla narrow gauge railway, which opened to freight in 1891 and passengers in 1903. There are four departures a day in each direction and the train slowly winds its way up the picturesque mountainside in about six hours. The level ground of the ridge is a favourite evening rendezvous, particularly Scandal Point, and Simla's main street, the Mall (from which Indians were infamously banned), is the place for shopping. In spite of considerable growth since India became independent, Simla, perhaps more than any other spot in India, is reminiscent of an attempt to recreate England in India. Its colonial domestic architecture and Christchurch (the second church to be built in North India) give it the air of a neglected Edwardian town. It was the setting of many of Rudyard Kipling's stories in his book Plain Tales from the Hills, and the bazaar below the ridge was famously described in his novel Kim. Simla is a pleasant place to relax and around the town there are excellent walks through the woods. The green slopes are covered with fir, rhododendron, pine and Himalayan oak.

Narkanda at a height of about 2,700 metres (8,850 ft), 64 km (40 miles) from Simla on the Hindustan—Tibet road, is famous for its apple orchards and scenery. It is one of the state's ski resorts and is a convenient starting point for visiting the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Travelling east from Narkanda along the valley of the River Sutlej brings you to the border region of Kinnaur. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

On the bank of the Sutlej, Rampur3 140 km (90 miles) from Simla, is one of the biggest towns of Himachal Pradesh and is a good place to pick up a permit to visit Kinnaur. It is noted for its three-day market fair, Lavi, in November. While the days are spent in making bargains, the evenings are given over to song and dance.

Kinnaur is one of the most unspoilt and least-visited regions of Himalchal Pradesh. Its proximity to the Tibetan border makes it a restricted zone but permits are now easy to obtain. Rekong Peo is the main town, but a better place to head for is Kalpa, a little way along the main road, which has stunning views of the Kinner-Kailash mountains and a wider choice of accommodation. Buses run from Rekong Peo and Ka1pa to Sangla in the beautiful valley of the Baspa river.

There are some lovely treks in the region. The old Hindustan—Tibet road is recommended; starting in Sarahan, passing through Ka1pa and continuing into Upper Kinnaur (for which an Inner Line permit is needed) and the Rupa Valley. Another spectacular trek is the pilgrims' circuit of the Kinner-Kailash range. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - The Valley of the Gods

The Kullu Valley on the River Beas, at an altitude of 1,200 metres (3,90o ft) Cr n!e orchards, beautiful scenery, wooden temples and its music; cope for trekking, climbing, rafting and angling. Kullu itself has fewer attractions to detain travellers than places further up the valley. However, incie are two temples in the town that are worth seeing: the Raghunathji temple, the chief deity of the valley, and the cave-temple of Vaishno Devi. Kullu really comes to life during the Dussera festival, when tourists and locals flood into the town to see the spectacular celebrations. Accommodation should be booked well in advance.

The most remarkable temple of the valley is Bijli Mahadeva, 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Kullu town. It is built of large blocks of stone without the use of cement and its 20-metre (65-ft) high flagstaff is reputed to attract lightning which, according to local legend, is an expression of divine blessing. Every time the flagstaff is struck by lightning, the Siva lingam (phallic symbol) inside the temple is shattered. It is put back together each time by the priest and stands until another flash repeats "the miracle". Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

The most remarkable temple of the valley is Bijli Mahadeva, 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Kullu town. It is built of large blocks of stone without the use of cement and its 20-metre (65-ft) high flagstaff is reputed to attract lightning which, according to local legend, is an expression of divine blessing. Every time the flagstaff is struck by lightning, the Siva lingam (phallic symbol) inside the temple is shattered. It is put back together each time by the priest and stands until another flash repeats "the miracle". Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Manali 6 is circled by beautiful glades of deodars and flowering horse chestnuts. It is an ideal place for walks, climbs, treks and picnics. It was an important trading centre, and in recent years has become a popular resort for Indian honeymooners, as well as Western tourists. The town is split into two parts: the new town is where the bus-stand and most of the hotels are, while along The Mall (the main street) and over the Manalsu river is the more atmospheric old village, where it is possible to find accommodation in traditional houses. The Hindu Dhungri Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hidimba, is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, while Manali's large Tibetan population has built two new gompas (monasteries), both of which may around visited by tourists — remember always to walk around a Buddhist shrine clockwise. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Three kilometres (two miles) up the valley Manali are the hot springs of Vashisht. The HPTDC Hot Baths Complex is a good place to soak In tee naturally heated water. The Kullu Valley ends a': road passes the ski resort of Solang and winds up through rocky ranges to the Rohtang Pass, gateway to the enchanting Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - Lahaul and Spiti

In the northeast of Himachal Pradesh, across the 3,955-metre (13,050-ft) Rohtang Pass, lie the two valleys of Lahaul and Spiti at a height of 3,000-4,800 metres (9,800-15,700 ft). Both valleys are cut off from the rest of the world for much of the year. The Rohtang Pass is open only from May to October, and it is only during this period that one may cross the still higher Kunzam Pass at an altitude of 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) to enter the Spiti Valley. The people of these two valleys have distinct cultures: Lahaul is half-Buddhist, half-Hindu, while Spiti is almost entirely Buddhist.

The distnct capital of Keylong is a convenient place to stop between Manali and Leh and it has a number of gompas within easy reach. The major crops of Lahaul are potatoes and hops, which have made its agricultural communities relatively well-off Spiti has a much less hospitable landscape. The town of Kaza is the place to plan treks and get permits for Inner Line areas, and is a good base from which to visit the spectacular gompa at Kyi 12 km (7 miles) away. Some of the world's greatest examples of Buddhist painting and sculpture can be seen 46 km (28 miles) further up the valley in the gompa at Tabo. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - Milk and honey

The romantic valley of Chamba, a former princely state, has few rivals for scenic beauty. Its valleys, meadows, rivers, lakes, springs and streams have a unique charm. Chamba town . is situated on the right bank of the River Ravi at an altitude of 900 metres (2,950 ft). It is noted for its ancient Siva and Visnu temples, some of which date back to the 10th century. The Bhuri Singh Museum (open 10am-5pm Tue—Fri, Sun, every second Sat) in Chamba is a treasure-house of exquisite paintings of the famous Kangra and Basohli schools -rtril3ss of epigraphical material relating to the history of the region.

Among the innumerable fairs and festivals celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, the most important is the Minjar Fair of Chamba, held around August to celebrate rains and the flowering of maize. A procession of decorated horses and banners marks the beginning of the week-long fair.

Some 56 km (35 miles) from Chamba town is Dalhousie, a quiet hill-station located on five hills, which offer pleasant walking. Brahmaur, the ancient capital of Chamba, is famous for the Pahari architecture of its ancient temples and its lovely location, and Nurpur is known for its textiles. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - The Kangra District

Kangra is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalaya. Dharamsala 7. the headquarters of the district at the foot of the Dhauladhar Range, consists of a lower and an upper town, its altitude varying from 1,000 to 2,000 metres (3,280 to 6,560 ft). Upper Dharamsala, better known as McLeodganj, is the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. The large Tibetan population supports many organisations, including TIPA (Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts) who preserve and arrange performances of traditional Tibetan music and dance, particularly the drama, lhamo. In the lower town is the Museum of Kangra Art (open 10am-5pm, Tue—Sun), housing a collection miniature paintings and other local artefacts.

The ancient town of Kangra 8. 48 km (30 miles) away, is well-known for its temples, whose riches were plundered by a number of invaders, the most population War being the one dedicated to the goddess Vaireshwari. Also worth visiting is Kangra's fort, once the palace of the local Katoch kings, with an outstanding view over the valley below. Lying 34 km (22 miles) southwest of Dharamsala are the 10th-century rock-cut temples of Masrur, similar in style to those at Ellora in Maharashtra, though not as well preserved.

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - Fair towns

Mandi on the left bank of the River Beas at an altitude of 750 metres (2,460ft), is 165 km (102 miles) from Simla. The town has several stone temples with beautiful carvings. For the Sivaratri Fair (February/March) devotees put the rathas (carriages) of their village family gods and goddesses on their shoulders and process to Mandi town. They present themselves at the Raj Madhan Temple and pay homage to Lord Siva at Bhootnath Temple. On this day, a week-long fair, of selling, music and dance, begins. Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi...

Bilaspur is 90 km (56 miles) from Simla. Among the town's major attractions are Vyas Gufa (cave) and the Lakshmi Narayan and Radheshyarn temples. The Shri Naina Devi Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims during its many fairs, is situ-ated at the top of a triangular hillock just 57 km (3)_ miles) from Bilaspur. This sacred place provides a. n_ unparalleled paralleled view of the holy Anandpur Sahib, !11:1 birthplace of a Sikh guru, on one side, and Sagar (named after the guru ) on the other.

Poanta Sahib, 45 km (30 miles) from the small holiday resort of Nahan, is a pilgrimage centre for the Sikhs. Its impressive gurdwara (temple) on the bank of the River Yamuna is thronged by pilgrims during the Hola festival in March. Renuka is a picturesque lake town 45 km (30 miles) from Nahan

Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages - Sports

Kufri, 16 km (10 miles) from Simla, is the centre for winter sports. The ice skating rink is the only one in this part of the world. The skiing season starts in the last week of December and lasts until the end of February, depending on the weather. Skiing opportunities are also available at Narkanda (64 km/40 miles) from Simla) and Solang, 10 km (6 miles) from Manali. There is a sporadic heli-ski service from Manali.

Himalchal Pradesh is also a centre for adventure sports, including trekking, mountaineering and rafting. The trekking options are numerous (see page 193); it is a good idea to check out the various options carefully, finding a route that suits your ability and time. The mountaineering institutes in Manali and Dharamsala are useful sources of advice on both trekking and climbing. Rafting and kayaking down the Beas river are now available in Manali (enquire at the Western Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports).

Naldera, 23 km (14 miles) from Simla, has one of the oldest golf courses in the country. Chail, 63 km (39 miles) from Simla, was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala and is now a lovely tourist resort. Its cricket pitch is reputed to be the highest in the world and certainly the most scenic. The town and its environs provide excellent facilities for fishing, tennis, squash and golf, bird and wildlife enthusiasts.

Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi

Swan Tours, One of the leading travel agents in India can customise Himachal Holiday Packages from Delhi according to your specific needs. The itinerary or the holiday plan can be for a duration starting from 5 days to 10-15 days.

Himachal Tour Packages from Delhi, India

Himachal Pradesh is the most sought after holiday destination in India. Himachal pradesh tours include destinations such as Manali, Shimla, Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Swan Tours organises Himachal Tour Packages from Delhi, The transport can be organised from Delhi, Chandigarh or Shimla depending on the starting point of the tour package. Depending on the duration of the tour the Himachal Pradesh tour itinerary can be customized. Himachal tour packages can also have an extension to Srinagar, Chandigarh and Uttranchal. Swan Tours offers most competitive prices for Himachal tour packages.

Himachal Pradesh Tours

Himachal Pradesh is probably the most scenic state in India. Always compared to Switzerland in Europe, the trip to Himachal will ensure everlasting memories of a holiday like no other. This mountain state of India offers an experience which is a unique combination of mountains, british colonial architecture, a strong Himachali culture and rural strong flavored cuisine, The first thing one notices on a trip to Himachal Pradesh is the crisp and fresh atmosphere .The feeling will surely take away all the stress you feel in the metro cities. The pollution free environment of Himachal Pradesh will blow your heart away. The locals are warm, hospitable and lead a simple life. This is the land of mountains, mighty glaciers, icy frozen lakes, high passes, snow capped peaks, spectacular monasteries, lamas and yaks. There are many interesting tourists' spots one can visit in Himachal.

Kullu Valley also known as 'Valley of Gods' boasts of Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Sultanpur Palace, Parvati Valley, Raghunathji Temple, Shoja, Manali which is located at an altitude of 6726 feet features river Beas, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Beas Kund, Hadimba Temple, Jana Falls, Van Vihar National Park and much more. Shimla which was declared the summer capital by Britishers is a perfect hill station to witness snow-capped Himalayan ranges, lakes and rich greenery around. The popular destinations in Shimla are Jakhoo Hill, Simla State Museum, The Ridge, Summer Hill, Naldehra and Shaily Peak, Chadwick Falls, and Kufri. In Chamba you will find the beautiful river Irawati, Chamera Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhuri Singh Museum, Rang Mahal and much more tourists' attractions. Dharamshala - The residence of spiritual leader H.E. Dalai Lama is known as 'The Scotland of India', the city houses snow-clad mountains on three sides and valley on one side. If you like trekking, there are numerous treks in and around where one can explore the local flora and fauna, besides this the monestaries offer a unique insight into the Tibetan traditions. A visit to the town of Dalhousie which was named after Lord Dalhousie - the British governor in the 19th century, still has a forest cover around the city you will find wide range of vegetation including pine, oak and deodar trees . The leading attractions in Dalhousie are Dainkund Peak, Panchpula, Ganji Pahari, Sach Pass and Garam Sadak.

One of the scenic valleys in Himachal Pradesh, Kangra, is not just rich in nature but also in history and culture. It has a rich past, which could be gauged by the fact that this particular area is mentioned in the mythological epic Mahabharata. This picturesque valley has some of the beautiful attractions to offer. The most popular spot for Himachal Pradesh packages from Delhi and For the Weekend travelers from Delhi is Kasauli because of easy accessibility and the number of luxury resorts in the town, The sightseeing spots in Kasauli include Monkey Point, Sunset Point and Christ Church. Other interesting place in Himachal is the city of Solan which is called 'The mushroom city of India', due to extensive mushroom farming here. The top attractions here are Majathal sanctuary, Barog and Kuthar Fort. Himachal Pradesh is a perfect holiday destination to visit with your friends and family. The places are lovely and the tourists' spots are in abundance. Feel the oneness with nature amidst scenic snow-clad mountains and forests and simply forget the mayhem of the city life .Chose one of the Himachal tour packages listed with us or we could customize a Himachal Pradesh tour itinerary just for you.