Located in northern India, Himachal Pradesh (Abode of Snow) is surrounded by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh in the south, southeast of Uttaranchal and the Chinese territory of Tibet to east. The state is mostly covered by low range of hills south Shivalik and dramatic high trans-Himalayan chain, as you go north. So you can spend the hill town of Dharamsala in the south in 1700, the Lahaul and Spiti, the district further north at 6500m. The geography and climate from snow to cool, set the sights and Himachal, in fact, tourism and economy of Apple managed by the state. Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Parvati is the main watercourse.

Because of its mountainous nature, Himachal can be better understood in the valleys. In the southern valley of Kangra, Dharamsala, and a sister city McLeodganj are essential for the Dalai Lama of Tibet in exile. West is Chamba valleys of Himachal Dalhousie, the British hill station of the time. To the east, Tibet has always Kinnaur region that has been taboo for tourists until 1992 and includes the villages and lifestyles, which are still intact modernity. Center, Kullu valley is famous for its apples, which produce about 9,000 truckloads of them every year. Here in town Manali is a good base for adventure, such as paragliding, skiing, rafting and trekking. December to March are good months for winter sports or to see the snow. The northernmost district Lahaul-Spiti has been isolated, snow-covered terrain, accessible only from July to October, some well-preserved 1000-year-old monasteries and Buddhist culture.

How to Reach Shimla

By Air: The airport is at Jubbarhatti, 23 km from Shimla city and is connected to Delhi. Taxi/cabs are available.

By Rail: Shimla is connected by a broadgauge line up to Kalka (90 km).  The journey between Kalka and Shimla takes about six hours and is one of the finest ways of enjoying the landscape. The quaint rail car, which runs on this stretch, takes about five hours. A luxury coach that accommodates six persons has recentely been introduced and can be attached to any train of your choice. The Shivalik Express is a deluxe train on this route. Delhi (380 km), Chandigarh (120 km) and Kalka (90 km) from Shimla.

By Road: Shimla is connected by road to all major cities in north India. Taxi cabs for Shimla are available at Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala and Kalka. Several state-run transport corporations including the Himachal Tourism Development Corporations ply Volvo ac and deluxe buses from Delhi and Chandigarh. Buses can also be chartered.

How to Reach Dharamshala, Kangra and Palampur 

By Air: The airport at Gaggal is 14 km from Dharamshala, 10 km from Kangra and 23 km from its twin town Mcleodganj. Palampur is 40 km away. Taxis are available.

By Rail: Pathankot is the closest broadgauge railhead and is 85 km from Dharamshala and 124 km from Palampur. Taxis are available. You can opt for the narrow gauge train for a taste of the area. It connects Pathankot to Jogindernagar. The station feeding Dharamshala is Kangra Mandir (20 km) and the one for Palampur is Maranda.

By Road: Dharamshala is accessible from National Highway No. 20 and is well linked to the region. It is 12 km from Gaggal town. Palampur is 38 km from Dharamshala and even independently is well linked. Dharamshala is 17 km from Kangra.

An interesting variation of the standard can be made by taking the train from Delhi up to Jalandhar or Una and then traveling by road. En route you can visit the shrines of Chintpurni, Jawalamukhi and Bajreshwari Devi (Kangra). The shrine of Naina Devi is also easily accessible if you opt for the Nangal railway station. The road distance from Jalandhar to Dharamshala is 165 km along this route.

How to Reach Kullu and Manali

By Air: The airport at Bhuntar is the common base that feeds these towns. This is 10 km from Kullu and 50 km from Manali. Public transport buses and taxis are available.

By Road: Kullu and Manali are connected by an extensive network of road with the northen region. Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned deluxe coaches are run by  HRTC, HPTDC and by private sector operators. National Highway No. 21 runs through the valley and connects Chandigarh and Delhi. Kullu is 535 km from Delhi. 

How to Reach Dalhousie and Chamba

By Air: The closest airport is at Gaggal (Kangra) near Dharamshala which is 125 km (Approx) from Dalhousie and 170 km (Approx) from Chamba via Banikhet route. Taxis are available.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Pathankot 85 km from Dalhousie and 120 km from Chamba . Taxis are available.

By Road: Both Dalhousie and Chamba are well connected by road. Taxis and regular coaches connect the towns.

How to Reach Nahan, Paonta and Renuka (Sirmaur)

By Air: The closest airport is at Chandigarh.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Ambala and Kalka . Taxi's are available.

By Road: From Ambala, Chandigarh & Kalka and Dehradun. Regular bus service connect the towns. Paonta Sahib is 45 km and Renuka is 38 km from Nahan.