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Valleys in
Himachal |
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The valleys
of Himachal Pradesh are abode of natural beauty and cultural
richness. Passing through these valleys, you will feel as if
you have stepped into an altogether new world. The
surroundings, people, their customs and traditions will
leave you completely awestruck.
Famous
Valleys Of Himachal Pradesh
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Chamba
Valley
One of the most beautiful valley, though not so much
explored till recent times. That's Chamba valley or Ravi
valley for you. The major towns lying in this valley include
Chamba, Bharmour, Dalhousie and Khajjiar. Small villages and
hamlets also occupy a large part of the valley. In its lower
parts, wild olive, pomegranate and fig trees grow along with
acacia, shisham and pipal. |
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Rice fields
too can be found in the lower regions of the valley. The
upper mountainous region have fields of maize, wheat, barely
and other cereals, however these are usually small in size
and are terraced. The northern mountain slopes are blanketed
with forests while the southern part is devoid of any of
forests. Presence of medicinal herbs and colourful flowers
have made this valley both beautiful and useful for humans. |
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Kangra
Valley
The Kangra valley is not only important because of its
scenic natural beauty, rather there is also a cultural
mixture to be seen here. The major town of this valley of
Himachal Pradesh is Dharamshala which has the 'White
Ranges', Dhauladar looming large over it. Dharamshala itself
is spread over an area of varying altitude. |
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The Lower
Dharamshala, at 1,380m has more of its focus on business
while the Upper Dharamshala, at 1,700m is a treat for the
lovers of culture. Within the Upper Dharamshala lie Mcleod
Ganj and Forsyth Ganj. The former of these two has a rich
Tibetan settlement while the latter one has more of a
British flavor lingering in it. The natural beauty of the
valley can best be enjoyed during the winters when fresh
snow spread their white charm throughout. As far as the
vegetation of the valley is concerned, it is mixed tropical
and sub Himalayan varieties. There are oak and Himalayan
cedar growing at higher altitude. |
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Lahaul
Valley
The beauty of this valley speaks for itself, however,
unfortunately only a part of it has been able to put itself
on the international map. There are high passes, towering
mountains, sparkling lakes and gushing river sprinkling
their beauty all through the valley. Adding a unique charm
of their own are the monasteries and temples. |
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Lahaul has
a mix of Hindu and Buddhist population as such these
monasteries and temples are large in number. Many of these
monasteries (there are eighteen of them) are so old that it
is actually difficult to find an exact date of their
construction. The peace of this region takes a back seat
during the June's full moon night when the Ghantal festival
is held at Lahaul's Guru Ghantal monastery. Apart from the
lovers of natural beauty, adventurous tourists too find the
Lahaul valley extremely inviting as trekking is a good
option out here. |
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Parbati
Valley
Surrounded by mountain peaks, Parbati Valley has a number of
small towns, villages and hamlets spread over its area. Jari,
Kasol, Pulga, Manikaran are just few of them. Jari is
somewhere in the middle of the valley while Kasol, divided
into old and new, is a new favourite for just hanging out. |
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A trail
from Manikaran leads up to Pulga village and later to the
hot springs at Khirganga. This is the place considered to be
the meditating ground of Lord Shiva for around 2000 years. |
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Pin
Valley
The Pin Valley has been declared a National Park. There are
snowy crags, cliffs and crevices standing in isolation and
housing the predatory Snow Leopard and Ibex. Around 1600
tribals too have made the periphery area of the Pin Valley
their home. They put up in sun baked mud brick house. The
best time to visit the Pin Valley is during summers between
the months of June to October. |
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Trekking
along a shepherd used route is a wonderful idea as you get
to see plenty of blooming flowers and rare medicinal herbs
enroute. Villages and gompas will also make for a pleasant
sight during a trekking expedition. From the Pin Valley, it
is also possible to undertake trekking to the Parbati
Valley. |
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Solan Valley
Leave aside all your hesitation and excuses and visit this
beautiful valley for it is said that its snow covered peaks,
sparkling lakes, dense forests, terraced field of maize and
paddy and fruit laden areas have a magical effect on a tired
soul. The best visited places in Solan Valley include
Kasauli, Dagshai, Solan town, Kandaghat, Chail, Nalagarh,
Sabathu and Aski. |
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Solan valley is perfect for
just anyone, whether he/she is looking for a peaceful time
amidst natural beauty or intend to get a bit adventurous.
Spring is the best time to visit because during this period
the valley becomes a riot of colours with a number of
flowers blooming. |
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Malana Valley
This is a mini Greece in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The
people here insist that they are of Greek origin and there
are a bit of proof also to back this claim (the language for
example). Malana Valley has its own governance system and
appoints its own President and Prime Minister. Outsiders are
not allowed to touch anything in the village, neither people
nor things. |
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Marriages are not a one time
affair here since most of them (both men and women) marry
anywhere between 10 - 15 times. To reach Malana, a 12 km
trek for about six hours from jari is the best and the
easiest. |
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Spiti Valley
This middle country valley has Buddhists forming major
portion of its population. Monasteries are the prime
attraction of this valley. Another attraction is the Gataur
Mela of September wherein Lamas worship God 'Chaugayal'.
Following day, in the evening Chham dance is performed and
saur is thrown in the fire. |
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Pangi Valley
Pangi valley is extremely secluded region. Infact, during
winters and springs, its connection with the outer world
seemed to be zapped. People occupying areas of this valley
include the tribals of Pangwal and Bhot. Adventurous
trekkers can really have a time of their life passing
through foaming river, the high crags of the gorge and the
difficult terrain. |
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Kinnaur Valley
This valley is situated on the Indo Tibet border and hence
the influence of Buddhism can be greatly seen in this
region. The people here are mostly Hindus and Buddhists. A
considerable portion of the landscape here is covered with
barren and rugged mountains where rainfall is scanty. |
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