The Word Himachal means"Snow covered peaks".

Five mountains range cut across the state. the low lying shivalik, rising from the plains of punjab, the Dhauladhar, the pir panjal,the Great Himalyan and the Zanskar range. Watered by the rivers Chenab,Ravi,beas and Satluj that originate in the snowy bastions of these mountains,Himanchal is a series of valleys surrounded by the tall ranges and linked by high passes and roads.The lower valley of kullu, chamba and kangra are luxuriant and green and the heady mountains air is filled with the perfume of thousands of flowering fruits trees in spring.In marked contrast is the splendid barren beauty of the high lahaul and spiti valleys with their imposing Buddhist monasteries and forts.

Life moves at a serene pace in the state, far from the travails of the modern age. The simple rhythm, revoloing around the tending of fields, flocks and orchards, is punctuated by the celebration of festivals and fairs that bring alive colourful traditions of music and dance. For the visitor there are exquisite locations for a relaxing holiday and marvellous opportunities for trekking,mountaineering, white water rafting,para sailing and angling.