Kareri Lake

Kareri Lake (also known as Kumarwah Lake) is a high altitude, shallow, fresh water lake south of the Dhauladhar range approximately 9 km North West of Dharamsala in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. Its surface is 2934 metres above the sea level. Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake and a stream, Nyund is the outflow. Since the source is fresh melting snow and the lake is shallow, water visibility is very high and in most places, the lake bed can be seen.

Kareri lake is best known for being a trekking destination in the Dhauladhars. The lake remains frozen from early December to March–April. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shakti on a hilltop overlooking the lake.. A few gaddi kothis are present on the other side of the lake, an area which is used by the gaddis as a grazing ground for their animals. Kareri Lake serves as a base for trekking further into the Dhauladhar and onward to Chamba and Bharmour via the Minkiani Pass (4250m) and Baleni Pass (3710m).

Prashar Lake

Prashar Lake lies 49 km north of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India, with a three storied pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage Prashar. The lake is located at a height of 2730 m above sea level. With deep blue waters, the lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar and he is regarded to have meditated there. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down on the fast flowing river Beas, the lake can be approached via Drang.

The temple was built in the thirteenth century and legend has it was built by a baby from a single tree. The lake has a floating island in it and it is said to be unclear how deep it is, with a diver not being able to determine its depth.

Mythology says that this lake was formed by Pandawas when they were on their way after Mahabharata with Deity Kamrunag (based on which this entire valley is known as Kamru Valley today) to find best place for their teacher, Dev Kamrunag and Deity love the isolation of this place so much that he decided to stay here for the rest of his life. On his request, Bheem one of the Pandava brothers formed the lake by pushing his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain. And that is the reason believed by locals after oval-shaped lake with depth unknown. Many a time in storms an almost 30-meter-tall cedar tree would fall into the lake to disappear. Today faith from all faiths of people brings them here. As an offering people throw money, silver coins and gold into the water. This place is available for visitors throughout the year except for winter months, i.e. Dec. through March. Now with increased faith and visitors there are few hotels available with basic facilities with reasonable price. 03 hrs (106 km) trek from Rohanda to Kamrunag Lake. The place is divine and full of peace,with old images of Gods and Saint Prashar.The unique thing about this lake is that there is a patch of grass which moves from one end to the other end.in the summers it is one end and in winters it touches the other end.The pujari or the priest of the temple is not a brahmin but a Rajput. They say one of the king was unhappy with the local priest so he appointed a Rajput priest to display his powers. The ride to the place (by a car) is too bumpy, especially the last few kilometers (approx. 14 km) but when you see the place, it gives you a feeling of achievement of victory.

Mohan National Heritage Park

Mohan Shakti Heritage Park is an upcoming heritage park aimed at studying the Vedic Sciences and educate the younger generation about the findings of the Vedas and ancient Indian Culture. National Heritage Park is located at Shakti Sthal on NH 22 between Kalka and Shimla. One has to take diversion from Salogara to Ashwini Khud at Shakti Sthal. The park is located at the ‘Hart Village’ , 7 kilometers from the Shimla-Kalka National Highway.

Nohra Dhar

Nohra dhar road fully covered with snow in march..
Nohra dhar is one of the most beautiful location or place in sirmour district. The temperature of this place never goes up from 34°c ..
In summer it is the most visited place by the tourist just because of its cold weather.
Also Nohradhar is the starting point to Holly place Churdhar.

Renuka lake

Renuka lake is in the Sirmaur districtof Himachal Pradesh and it is 672 m above the sea level. It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, with a circumference of about 3214 m. This lake was named after the goddess Renuka. It is well connected by the road. Boating is available on the lake. A lion safari and a zoo are there at Renuka. It is the site of an annual fair held in November.

On the eve of Prabodhini Ekadashi, the Five day long International level Shri Renuka Ji fair begins with the arrival of son Lord Parshuram at Shri Renuka Ji the Lake in Himachal, the home of his divine mother Shri Renuka Ji. During five day fair several lakhs of devotees from all over the country arrives here to witness the holy occasion of divine meeting of Lord Parshum &his mother Renuka Ji .

According to Puranas, the Renuka Tirth is considered as birthplace of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Maharish Jamdagni and his wife Bhagwati Renuka Ji had meditated for long time at a hillock known as Tape Ka Tiba near Renuka lake. With the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu fulfilled divine promise and took birth as their son. Sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and son of Renuka Ji pleased Lord Shiva with the performation of Tapa [high intensity meditation] got a new name Parshuram after getting divine weapon Parshu from Lord Shiva. He has been referred every where in the Shashtras with the popular name Parshuram and not his childhood name Ram [as per Brahmand Puran], which he got from his parents.

He always supported the cause of good governance where worries of every citizen are addressed judiciously by the rulers. To get people rid of atrocities of cruel rulers Lord Parshuram eliminated 21 times, cruel and atrocious rulers from the earth. He also killed King Sahastrabahu and his Army as King had attacked Tape ka Tiba Ashram in his absence, to get the Kamdhenu cow from Maharishi. After Maharishi pleaded that the Kamdhenu Cow was given him by Lord Indra in trust and he can not breach the trust by passing it to someone else. Shastrabahu killed Maharishi Jamdagni. Lord Parshurams mother Bhagwati Renuka Ji jumped in the Ram Sarovar and took Jal Samadhi. Purans narrates that Ram Sarovar immediately took the shape of a lady and since then it is known as Renuka Ji Lake.

After eliminating Sahashtrabahu in fierce battle he gave a new life to his father with his divine powers and came on the bank of the Lake and prayed his mother to come out of the Lake. Mother responded to his prayers and lord vowed in her feet. She said that she will permanently live in the Lake, but on the request of Lord Parshuram she promised that she will come out of the Lake on the occasion of Devprabodhini Ekadashi every year to meet her son. Bhagwati also promised that people gracing this pious occasion of mothers affection and sons devotion, would be showered with divine blessings .

One day advance, on Dashmi the palanquin of Lord Parshuram is brought to Renuka Ji from the ancient temple in Jamu Koti village in traditional procession known a ‘Shobha Yatra’, attended by lakhs of devotees.

Saints from every part of country come at Renuka Ji to witness holy and divine assembly of mother and son. The administration has made all the necessary arrangements for peaceful holding the fair. Elaborate security arrangements are made keeping view on terrorist activities.

Churdhar

Churdhar Sanctuary is located in Sirmour district of the Himachal Pradesh.

The sanctuary is named after the Churdhar Peak. Churdhar (elevation of 3,647 metres; 11,965 feet) is the highest peak in Sirmour district and is also the highest peak in the outer Himalayas. The peak has a great religious significance for the people of Sirmour, Shimla, Chaupal and Solan of Himachal Pradesh and Dehradun of Uttrakhand. Churdhar is a holy place related with Shri Shirgul Maharaj (Chureshwar Maharaj), a deity widely worshipped in Sirmour and Chaupal. The place can be approached by lots of routes but the main routes are from Nohradhar, Sirmour of 14 km and Sarahan, Chaupal of 8 km.^[1]

The Churdhar Peak is mentioned in the book, The Great Arc, by John Keay but is referred to as The Chur. It is from this peak that George Everest made many astronomical readings and sightings of the Himalaya mountains around 1834. He was the Surveyor General of India and did the initial survey of the full length of India as well as some very accurate measurements of the earth's curvature.

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Malana

Looking for digital detox, then Malana is the place you must visit in Himachal Pradesh in August. Situated near the Kullu Valley, Malana provides spellbinding views of the Deo Tiba and Chandrakhani crests.

Ideal for: Trekkers, Solo Travelers and anyone who wants to disconnect from the world
Ideal Duration: 3-4 Days
Best time to visit: The best time to go is early May to August

How to reach: The nearest airport is Kullu. By road malana is 378 kms away from Delhi and takes roughly 10hrs. The closest rail head is Shimla and then take a cab.

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Bir Billing

If you’re an adventure seeker, Bir Billing is the mecca for adventure sports and it has to be on your list of places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a small village which is located in the western side of Himachal Pradesh and is blessed with some refreshing climate.

Ideal for: Backpackers and adventure seekers
Ideal duration: 2-3 days
Best time to visit: May-July

How to reach: The closest airport to Bir is Dharamshala airport (in Gaggal) about 30-45 minutes south of Dharamshala. Train to Pathankot + bus/taxi onward to Bir. And then Taxi from Pathankot to Bir: 4-5 hours Bir is about 12-14 hours from Delhi by bus. Take a bus to either Baijnath or Bir Road.

Things to do:

• Experience some adrenaline rush as you paraglide in the beautiful Himalayan valleys and camp amazing weather and safe surroundings.
• Visit the gorgeous Buddhism monasteries in Bhattu, Choggan and Chauntra Bhattu colony located in center of the forest.
• Just around 10 kms from Bir Billing is the beautifully carved 13th-century Vaidyanath devoted to Lord Shiva.
• Visit the Palampur Tea Cooperative where you can attend a free tour to see the tea making process.

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Rohtang pass

Manali is the gateway to Rohtang pass beyond which lie the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti. In winter the mountain slopes are snow clad and they turn into perfect skiing slopes. This point is one of the main attraction for tourists coming to Manali. The Rohtang pass is 51 KM north of Manali and it is located on Manali Keylong Highway at an altitude of 4111 meters ( 13,400 ft ). This pass opens for tourist from April end to October end of the year. The permission to travel on this highway is given by Indian army after they clear the snow and inspect the road for it's fitness and safety for movement of person and the vehicles. The same road connects to Leh Ladakh ( State of Jammu & Kashmir ) from Manali ( state of Himachal Pradesh). Sonepani Glacier and a small lake (Dashahr) are located opposite and left to Rohtang respectively. 

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Kasol, Mini Israel in Himachal Pradesh.

Kasol is a village in Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It is situated in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River, on the way between Bhuntar to Manikaran. It is located 42 km east of Kullu at the height of 1640 meters. Kasol is partitioned into Old Kasol and New Kasol on the either side of the bridge. Kasol is at distance of 5 kilometre from holy place Manikaran..

Kasol has recently transformed into a hub for backpackers, who are attracted to the scenic valley, untouched hills, low population, and good climate throughout the year. Kasol is also a base for Himalayan trekking, to SarPass, Yanker Pass, Pin Parbati Pass and Khiriganga. Most of the trekking is organized by the Youth Hostel of India and the base camp for the Sarpass Trek is at Kasol. Visitors from Israel are common in Kasol and one can see the Hebrew language banners throughout the valley.

Kasol is also Know as Mini Israel in Himachal Pradesh. The shops in the village of Kasol have western food and clothes. There is only one school which has classes up to 7th grade. The nearest college is in Kullu. The recent inflow of Israeli tourists has triggered mushrooming of restaurants, hotels and shops catering to their needs. Kasol is inhabited mostly by tourists from Israel which is why most of the hoardings are in Hebrew and the Israeli Shakshouka, a dish of poached eggs in tangy tomato gravy along with hummus and pita bread will definitely drown you in its’ rich flavours. The Israelis in India move from Kasol to Paharganj in Delhi to Goa with an elan as if each is in their neighbourhood.

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Vashisht Village

About 2km north of Manali on the slopes above the Beas River, Vashisht village is a slightly quieter and more compact version of Old Manali and a popular travellers’ hang-out. Indian tourists mostly come to bathe in the hot springs and tour the temples, while foreign travellers largely come for the cheap accommodation, chilled atmosphere and charas. Many guesthouses and restaurants close down from about November to April.

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Manali

Yet another liaison with nature throughout the year takes place in Manali, which lies at an altitude of 2,050 meters in Kullu district. The nature here is a turf of spanning and scenic meadows and widely dispersed forest of alpine trees including deodar and pine AND apple, plum, and pear orchards in the lap of snow crested horizon. Manali, on the other hand, is the gateway to several remote places in Himachal Pradesh and also wide opens countless adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, hiking, mountain biking, skiing and mountaineering. The Beas Kund Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Malana Trek and Chandra Tal Trek are some of the popular trekking options from Manali that can be recommended both for amateur and experienced trekkers. The major tourist attractions in and around Manali are Hidimba Devi Temple, Pandoh Dam, Bijli Mahadev, Manali Sanctuary, and the Mall. Rohtang Pass at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters, which is the highest point in the region, is undoubtedly a must visit place from Manali. The lush greenscape of Solang Valley that turns out to be one of the best skiing slopes in India… is another nearby attraction from Manali. If you are holidaying in Manali for a longer period then a trail through the Great Himalayan National Park is a must leading you to explore the spine-chilling wilderness.

Shimla

Whether you are visiting Shimla during the summer, monsoon, autumn, or winter… as one of the popular hill stations in India and placed at an elevation of 2,205 meters, it has got its own charm which keeps shining throughout the year. The ideal vacation time for the Indian leisurescapers as well as international travellers to mesmerize the pleasant climate is during the summer. Whereas the monsoon, when the hill station is at its best of displaying lush green scenic beauty, welcomes the crazy travellers seeking for an adventure in the leisurescape. The autumn turns out to be mild and luxurious, pulling once again travellers from all over the world to explore the rich collaboration of nature and colonial heritage. During the peak winter season the hill station is carpeted with a thick layer of snow simply captivating the domestic travellers and pulling in thousands of skiers from all over the world. Shimla, throughout the decades, housing several colonial buildings such as the Christ Church, George Castle, and Wildflower Hall that is now a heritage hotel in Shimla; temples like the Jakhoo Temple and Tara Devi Temple; and museums, is valued as an important cultural hub in Himachal Pradesh. The Mall Road arraying with several shops of traditional crafts and dresses, hotels and restaurants… is one of the busiest places in Shimla throughout the day. From the bucket list of exploring the best of nature… one must visit the Chadwick Waterfalls and Daranghati Sanctuary. If you are planning for skiing in Shimla during the winter, the ideal places are the slopes of Kufri, which is an hour drive from the hill station. On the other hand, travellers seeking for bit of peace from the tourist crowd may drive to Chail that is approximately 45 kilometers from Shimla.