The Rohtang Pass connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. The pass (3,978 m. or 13,051 ft.), which is only open from June to September, has a well-deserved reputation for being very dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms.

The pass provides a natural cultural division between the foothills and wet lowlands of northern India and its primarily Hindu culture, with the dry desert uplands north of the first range of the Himalayas and its mainly Buddhist and heavily Tibetan-influenced culture.

There is a small temple at the top of the pass with a spring that is the source of the Beas River. The Pass is famous for its winter sports activity like skiing, snowboarding and paragliding which gives a excellent view of the Rohtang and kullu valley.

The road through the Kullu Valley, past Manali and over the Rohtang Pass to Keylong, and Lahul and on to Ladakh, has become very busy during the summer months as a military route, because of the troubles in Kashmir which have meant that the road from Srinagar to Leh is now less used. Traffic jams (as pictured) are common occurrences caused by the inability of military vehicles, trucks, and goods carriers to navigate the tight roads and rough terrain, not to mention, snow and ice.

Commands an awesome height of 3978 ms and is 51 kms from Manali. Recently a new ski terrain developed here has fired the imagination of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to their spirit of adventure. This is the only place in the country where the skiers can indulge in their favourite sport in summer as well as autumn.

With the onset of summer, the skiers begin arriving here doting the silver white backdrop with vibrant colours. The steep descents here are truly inspiring. The setting is just perfect both for the beginners and the seasoned. Skiing equipment is available and can be hired from the club.

Frequent rod service is available from Shimla and Manali though many enthusiasts prefer to trek to Rohtang from the latter.

In western Himachal Pradesh, the hill station of Dalhousie is full of 'Old world' charm and holds lingering echoes of the 'Raj'. It covers an area of about 14 sq. km and is built on five hills - Kathlog, Potreyn, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun.

It is name after the British Governor - General of the l9th century, Lord Dalhousie. The town's height varies between 1,525 m and 2,378m, and it is surrounded by varied vegetation - pines, dodders, oaks and flowering rhododendron. Dalhousie has charming colonial architecture, including some beautiful churches. Its location presents panoramic views of the plains - and like a long silverline, the river Ravi twists and turns below Dalhousie. The spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible from this enchanting town.

Churches

There are four beautiful churches in Dalhousie. These are St. Andrew's Church and St. Patrick's Church at Balun, St. Francis' Church at Subash Chowk and St. John's Church at Gandhi Chowk.

Panchpula (3 km)

This is picturesque spot where a stream feeds a series of pools. A monument has been built here in memory of the freedman fighter, Sardar Ajit Singh

Subhash Baoli (1 km)

It was at this enchaining spot surrounded by majestic trees, that Subhash Chandra Bose spent a lot of time in 1937, contemplating and mediating.

BaraPathar (4 km)

There is a small temple amidst a thick forest.

Kalatop (10 km)

This wild life sanctuary is home to the 'ghoral' and Himalayan black bear.

By Air

There is no direct flight for Dalhousie. You can end your air travel at Delhi, Shimla or Chandigarh. From there onwards you can avail the bus or the taxi services. Other options are Gaggal (near Dharamsala), Amritsar (Punjab) and Jammu (J & K) lying with 130-200 km.

By Rail

There is no direct rail connection to Dalhousie. One can head for Pathankot in Punjab and therefrom use the bus/taxi services for Dalhousie.

By Road

Lying on the Chamba-Pathankot main road. For those heading from Pathankot should divert at Banikhet, which is just 5-6 km away from Dalhousie. Otherwise also, the places is well connected from a number of centres.

The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valley of lower Himalyas. The valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar range, is green and luxuriant. It provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas ancient Hindu Temples like Brajeshwari, Baijnath, Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the country side.

The history of Kangra valley dates back to the Vedic times more than 3500 yrs. ago. The area was exposed to successive invasions, the last being the British domination over the princes of the hill states. Despite the onslaughts and political upheavels, the arts and crafts of the region continued to develop and found lyrical expressions. Crafts like the exquisitely designed shawls and miniature paintings of this region are internationally appreciated.

Kangra Town

At the confluence of the Bener and Majhi streams , over looking the Ban Ganga torrent, Kangra town is famous for its temples.Notable is the shrine dedicated to goddess Brijeshwari. Kangra is steeped in history and its ruined fort - Nagarkot, stands as testimony to its glorious past. The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and subjugated by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Earlier, Kangra was the capital of the great hill state, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand Katoch, a great patron of arts. The Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings flourished during his reign.

Brajeshwari Devi Temple

Just outside the town is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth, this temple was subject to successive depredation by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and jewels in 1009. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920.

Kangra Fort

The remains of the fort of the rulers of Kangra are located on a strategic height, overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers.

Maharana Pratap Sagar

At an altitude of 450 metres above sea level, 32 degree north and 76 degrees east. In district Kangra 170 k.m. from Chandigarh, 110 k.m. from Amritsar, 55 k.m. from headquarters at Dharamshala. The closest railway stations are at Mukerian 30 k.m., and Pathankot at 32 k.m. The settlements of Nagrota Surian and Jawali-which are located on the sagar's periphery-are connected by the charming narrow gauge Kangra railway line that connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The closest airport is Gaggal 40 k.m. The lake is well served by a network of roads.

Named in honour of the great patriot Maharana Pratap (1572-97 AD). Maharana Pratap struggled valiantly for freedom of Mewar-as for the principle of independence. In words of chroniclers James Tod and william Crook, "He spurned every overture that had submission for its basis". Over the river Beas, the Pong dam was completed in 1976. Its reservoir covers an area of about 45000 hectares at maximum possible flooding.The level varies every season and averages around 30000 hectares. Over 200 villages with a population of over 85000 people lie along the wetland.

By Air

Gagal Airport (Kangra) is at 45 Km, and this airport and Pathantok (112 Km) are open to Private Planes. Amritsar International Airport is 170 Km fom Pragpur.

By Rail

It has two railway stations: Kangra station, which is 3 km south of the town, and the Kangra Mandir station, 3 km east of the town. Indian Railways has introduced the "Kangra Queen" between Pathankot and Palampur. This luxury train running on narrow gauge covers a distance of 128 km in 4½ hours with two halts-Jawalamukhi and Kangra. The entire route provides panoramic view of the snow-capped Dhauladhar range.

By Road

From Chandigarh where there are national air and rail links, including the Shatabdi train from New Delhi, the distance is 175 Km's. This is an easy four hours drive through the historic landscape of Punjab. Taxis are available at all stations. The distance from Amritsar is 170 Km. On 72 Hours advance information The Judge's Court can provide pick-up