GEOGRAPHY NOTES HIMACHAL PRADESH

Capital: Shimla (Summer Capital), Dharamshala (Winter Capital)

HP is divided in three division based on districts:

Himachal Pradesh

Mandi Division Mandi, Kullu,Bilaspur,Lahaul&Spiti, Hamirpur

Kangra DIvision Kangra, Chamba, Una

Shimla Division Shimla,Sirmaur,KInnaur, Solan

STATE SYMBOL OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Bird Symbol – Western Tragopan

Tree Symbol – Deodar Cedar
Sea Animal (Fish) – Golden Mahseer
Animal Symbol – Snow Leopard
Flower Symbol – Pink rhododendron

Himachal is deeply districted topographical, complex geological structure and a rich temperate Flora in the
Sub-Tropical Latitude

To understand the Temperature and Weather of Himachal Pradesh it was calculated by considering two things:

 Temperature: Himachal has di erent types of temperature:

Alpine – Lowest temperature (more than Temperate)
Temperate – very low Temperature (cold)
Sub-Temperate - Low Temperature (mild)
Sub-Tropical – moderate Temperature (Higher than Sub Temperate)
Tropical – Highest Temperature

 Precipitation: Himachal’s Weather is of di erent types:

Wet – Rainfalls & Snowfalls
Humid – Moderate Rain & snow Falls but more Humidity.
Dry – Mostly Hot Season & less rain
 Based on these two factors Himachal is divided into 5 Major zones

ZONE PRECIPITATION TEMPERATURE AREA OF HIMACHAL FALLS UNDER

Zone I: Wet Sub-Temperate High (Wet) Low  Palampur & Dharamshala area of
Kangra.
 Joginder Nagar Area of Mandi
 Dalhousie area of Chamba
Zone II: Humid Sub-Temperate High Low  Area of Kullu, Chamba, Mandi,
(less than Wet) Solan, Shimla, Kangra, Sirmaur
Zone III: Dry Temperate-Alpine Low Lowest  Lahaul & Spiti
High Land (lower than  Parts of Chamba
Temperate)  Some Parts of Kang
Zone IV: Sub Humid Sub Hot & Humid Cool & Mild  Areas of Una, Sirmaur
-Tropical Summer Winter  Indora area of Kangra
 Poanta Saheb area of Kangra
Zone V: Humid Sub-Tropical High Highest  Major Parts of Mandi & Sirmaur
(More than (throughout  Bhattiyat Valley area of Chamba
Humid & Less Whole year)  Nalagarh Area of Solan
than Wet)  Hamirpur & Dehra area
 Nurpure region of Kangra

Moving From South to North Himachal Pradesh can be divided into three zones (based on height above the sea level)

 The Shivaliks or Outer Himalayas

 Inner Himalayas or Mid Mountains
 Greater Himalayas or Alpine zones

ZONE DISTRICTS ALTITUDE CULTIVATION FEATURES

Zone I: The Shivaliks Kangra, 350m –1500m  Maize  Known as Manak

Or Hamirpur  Wheat Parbat
Outer Una  Ginger  Literal meaning –
Himalayas Bilaspur.  Sugarcan Tresses of the Shiva
Lower parts of e<Paddy  High rate of Erosion
Mandi, Solan  Potatoes – Formation of
and Sirmaur  Citrus “Chos”
Fruit
Zone II: Inner Upper areas of 1500m-4500m  Maize  The south Shimla
Himalayas SIrmaur,  Wheat also lies in this
Or Kangra, Mandi  Pulses zone -Choordhar
Mid Mountains and Chamba  Barley (Choor Chandani)
 Paddy  Silty Loam to Clay
Loam of dark
brown color
Zone III: Greater Kimmaur, Pangi Above 4500m  Dry Fruits  High texture with
Himalayas Tehsil of variable Fertility
Or Chamba, some
Alpine Zones areas of Lahaul
& Spiti
 Land Feature & Soilscape of Himachal Pradesh

CHARACTERSTICS OUTER HIMALAYAS INNER HIMALAYAS GREATER HIMALAYAS

Geology  Thick Detrital  Crystalline rocks.  Mostly Granite

Rocks.  Granite, Phyllites,  Rock Lack
 Sandstones. slates and Fossils.
 Shales Quartzite
Climate  Sub-Tropical.  Mild Warm  Dry type
 Rainfall Temperature. temperature.
1500mm.  1500-3000mm.  1000-1500mm.
Vegetation  Tropical Thorn.  Sub-Tropical  Alpine.
 Dry deciduous broad leaved.  Deodar.
Sal.  Pine & Grasses.  Spruce.
 Other mixed  Chestnut.
vegetation and  Maple.
Grasses.
Soilscape  Well-developed  Fairly Fertile.  Mostly poor to
Soil.  Acidic stony. fair Fertile.
 Brown and  Shallow too  Brown forest soil.
Fertile. moderately deep.  Rich in humus,
 Shallow too deep shallow.
sometime stony.
Erosion Conditions  Moderate to very  Moderate to  Slight to
Severe sheet. severe Sheet. moderate sheet.
 Rill, gully, stream  Rill, Gully and  Rill and landslide
bank cutting. occasional
landslide.
Extent of cultivation % 55% 30% 10%
of total cultivated
Important Crops  Wheat.  Maize.  Wheat.
 Maize.  Wheat.  Barley.
 Paddy.  Pulses.  Millets.
 Gram.  Paddy.  Buck Wheat.
 Sugarcane.  Vegetables.  Potato.
 Mustard.  Barley.  Temperate
 Potato.  Mostly Rainfed vegetables.
 Vegetable. and partly  Mostly rainfed
 Berseem. irrigated. and partly
 Mostly rainfed irrigated.
and partly
irrigated.
Fruits  Mango.  Peaches.  Apples.
 Guava.  Plum.  Pears.
 Citrus.  Apricot.  Chestnut.
 Litchi.  Walnut.  Walnut.
 Loquat.  Pears.  Cherry.
 Pomegranate.
 RIVER SYSTEM & TRIBUTORIES OF RIVER IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

There Are 5 Major Rivers that flows through Himachal Predesh – Beas, Chenab, Yamuna, Ravi, Sutlej
River System of Himachal Pradesh falls under HIMALAYAN Drainage System
i. The Indus River System
ii. The Ganga River System
iii. The Brahmaputra River System

The Rivers of Himachal Pradesh provides water to the Indus & Ganga River basin only.

1. THE SUTLEJ RIVER SYSTEM OF HIMACHAL PRADESH:

Vedic Name: Satudri

Sanskrit Name: Shatadru
Greek Name: Zaradros or Heisidrus.
Tibetan and other Names: Zungtee and Muksung & Sampoo, Sumudrung and Sutuudra.
Origin: The satluj originates from the “RAKAS ALKE” near the “MANSAROVER LAKE” in Tibet.
It enters India at Shipki LA (pass) in Kinnaur district.
Course of River: It flows through Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi, and Bilaspur district.
Places on the Banks: Rampur, Kalpa, Suni, Bilaspur, Namgia and Tattapani.
Right Bank Tributaries: Spiti, Ropa, Taiti, Kashang, Mulgaon, Yula, Wanger, Throng and Rupi.
Left Bank Tributaries: Tirung, Gayanthing, Baspa, Duling and Soldang.
 Exit: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the plains of Punjab at ‘Bhakra’
Details:
It is the Largest of the five rivers of Himachal Pradesh
At Bhakra in Bilaspur the river leaves Himachal Pradesh and enters in Punjab Plains. Worlds Highest gravity
dam Bhakra Nangal Dam and Govind Sagar Lake was built at this place.
On 22nd May 2018 Sutlej Aradhana was organized by Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVNL). This was the first
when a River Aradhana was performed in Himachal Pradesh.

Satluj River and its Tributaries

These are the Major Tributaries of Satluj River:

i. Spiti River
The Spiti River originates from Kunzum range and Travels 150km in Kinnaur District before its confluence with
Satluj at Khab (Namgia).
Tegpo and Kabzian streams are the tributaries of Spiti river.
The Pin is the largest tributary of Spiti river and Lingti is another important tributary
The main statements in the spiti Valley are Hansi and Dhanker Gompa.

ii. Kerang River

Kerang is a right bank tributary of river Staluj river originates from glaciers located in the permanent snow zone
and thus perennial in nature.
The catchment areas comprise of steep mountains with a portion covered under the dense forest and major
parts under permanent snow line.

iii. Baspa River

Baspa a major tributary of Satluj originates at Arsomang and Baspa Bank glaciers and travels 72km through the
17 Valley before joining the Satluj river at Karcham.

iv. Nogli Khad River

Nogli Khad is a snow fed and rain fed stream.
 It originates as Sageti Gad in the east of a 5236m hingh peak on Kumashi Kharang Dhar and finally merges with
Satluj on its right bank at 910m near Nogli Village.

v. Soan River
The Soan River rises from the Sothern slopes of the Shivalik range and also known as – “Solansingh” range in
the tract to the east of the Beas gap across the Southern periphery of the Kangra Valley.
It joins Satluj river near its gorge across Shivalik hills which forms the boundary of Himachal Pradesh.

RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SATLUJ RIVER

There is a diverse range of communities residing in the Satluj river basin.

While upstream the Spiti and Kinnaur region is dominated by Buddhist and animistic clans in the middle basin
around Shimla, Mandi, Bilaspur and Kullu the population is predominantly worshipping local deities and identify
themselves as “Hindus”.
The upper zone is known for its monasteries while the lower areas for various temples and ot8her places of
significance.

“Tattapani” stands for ‘Hot Water’ is a pilgrimage spot for the devotees. Several hot Sulphur springs are located
beside the right riverbanks of the Satluj river which spans more than one sq. km.
These hot Sulphur springs are important attributes of the village and therefore the name “Tattapani” was given.

Spiti popularly known as the “lands of lamas” is dotted with numerous Buddhist monasteries or Gompas that are
known throughout the world.
The key Monastery 100 years old is a key learning centre of Buddhist studies situated by the Spiti River.
Rare Thangka paintings and ancient musical instruments have been preserved in the Monastery.

The Tabo Monastery which is often referred to as the “Ajanta of Himalayas”.

It stands at an altitude of 3050 meters on the eft bank of the Spiti river and Founded by the great scholar Richen
Zangpo in the 10th century it has been declared as a world Heritage site by UNESCO.
The monastery contains a rare collection of scriptures and wall paintings – Thankas and Stucco.
It is near the Tabo monastery that the Mummy of Meditating Lama can be found ion Giu. It was believed that he
died when Giu was hit by an avalanche while he was in deep meditation.

Temple of Sangla, Nag Mandir and devi maa Mandir are popular amongst the locals.
They richly decorated Semi Buddhist temple is a typical example of Hindu-Buddhist confluence.
The Nag Devta the main idol in Sangla temple is said to have come from Dhauladhars.

HYDROPOWER DEVELOPMENT

The following projects are proposed on the Spiti River:

Lara Sumta: Near Tabo Village in Lahaul & Spiti District.
Sumte-Kothang: this dam is proposed on Spiti river near Hurling Village and underground powerhouse is
proposed on the right bank of the river near Chango Village.
Chango Yagthang.
 2. THE RAVI RIVER SYSTEM OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Vedic Name: Parushani or Iravati

Greek Name: Hydaotes
Origin: The Ravi River originates in the Bara Banghal area in the Multhan
Ravi is formed by the confluence of Bhadal Nalla originating from Bhadal glacier, Rai Nalla originating Rai Ghar
glacier and Tantgari Nalla originating from Tantgari and Karu glaciers.
Exit: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the Kashmir at ‘Kheri’.
Prominent Settlements on its Bank: Chamba, Bharmaur, Madhopur.

These are the major Tributaries of Ravi River:

i. Bhadal River
It rises from the snowy range of the area lying between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in the Bara Banghal
area of the central Himachal Pradesh.
It flows in a westerly direction befoe merging with the Tant Gari River to form the mainstream of the Ravi.
Bhadal river’s catchment is made up of U Shape valleys, waterfalls, moraines, cirques, and towering peak.

ii. Tant Gari River

It rises as a small stream from the slopes of an o -shoot of the Pir Panjal range in the area East of Bharmaur in
Chamba District.
Tant Gari valley is U-shaped.

iii. Budhil and Dhona (Nai)

These tributaries join the Ravi waters about 40 miles downstream from the source.
The Budhil River starts o from the Lahaul range and fed by the glaciers of Mani-Mahesh Kailash Peak and Mani
Mahesh Lake.
 The Nai on the other hand takes its course from Kali Debi Pass and after flowing a length of 30 miles joins the Ravi
River at Triloknath (colloquial called Trilokinath).

iv. Siul River

It rises from the tract between Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges near Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh
Border.
Thereafter this river flows towards east and takes a U turn and attains a South-westerly course before flowing into
the Ravi River downstream of Chamba.
This river fed by both snow melt waters and spring waters.
River Baira is the prominent tributary of Siul River.
v. Baira River
It rises from the snow on southern slopes of the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh.
Numerous tributaries are also fed by snow and so make it a perennial river before it joins Suil river, which was a
tributary of River Ravi.
Its catchment consists of steep slopes, deep valleys and terraces that have been laid down by the river since a
long time.

RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCNE

The part of the legendary Battle of the Ten Kings was fought on the banks of the Purushani River, later inferred by
McDonell and Keith as the Ravi River.
At the time of Purna Swaraj or Total Independence President Jawahar Lal Nehru unfurled the Tricolor on the banks
of Ravi River in the midnight hours of 31st December 1929 amidst the slogan of “Inquilab Zindabad” and also
“Bande Mataram”.
The local Gaddi community considers this region as Shiva Bhoomi.
Another famous festival held in Chamba is the “Minjar Mela” which marks the triumph of the raja of Chamba over
the ruler of Kangra in 935AD.
On the last day of festival of Minjar mela a parade is held from the Akhand Chandi Palace to Ravi River where
o erings are made to the river.
This commemorates an event in which Raja Sahil Varman changed the course of the river to make the Hari Temple
accessible to all devotees.

3. THE CHENAB RIVER SYSTEM OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Vedic Name: Asikni

Origin: Chenab is made up of two streams called Chandra and Bhaga these two streams meet at Tandi to form the
Chenab River.
Course of River: It flows through Lahaul & Spiti and Chamba.
Exit: It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter in the plains of Kashmir at Sansari Nala.
Prominent Settlements on its Bank: Areas of Tandi and Udaipur.

Details:
The Chandra and Bhaga originate from the south-west and north-west faces of the Bara Lacha pass respectively in
the Himalayan canton of Lahaul & Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
 It flows for another 90 km generally in a northerly direction in Himachal Pradesh when it crosses the Pangi Valley
before entering to Paddar area of Doba District of Jammu province in Jammu and Kashmir state.

These are the major tributaries of Chenab River:

 The Miyar Nalla

The only major tributary of Chenab River that joins Chenab within Himachal Pradesh rises in Himalayas from near
Lopen jot at about 5100m
After traversing about 35km in south-east direction it takes a big loop and turns southwest.
After flowing about 60km it joins the Chenab on its right bank opposite to Udaipur.

RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCNE

 TANDI VILLAGE
The Tandi village has sacred importance to the people of Lahaul as Haridwar to Hindus of the World.
The village is situated above the confluence of the Rivers Chandra and Bhaga in the Pattan valley nearly 7km aeay
from Keylong.
Revenue and settlement records reveal that Tandi was founded by Raja Rana Chand Ram under the name of
Chandi which over the years got corrupted into Tandi.
There are at least three mythological stories connected with Tandi.

 KARDANG MONASTERY
It is situated on the left bank of the Bhaga River opposite to keylong and was built in the late medieval times.
It was rebuilt by Reverend Lama Norbu in 1912 AD and has four Chapels
The statues of Tara Devi and Padamsambhava are installed and chorten – a 4 feet high silver casket containing the
relics of Lama Norbu are enshrined.
The image of Togdan Sakyo Sri the teacher of Lama Norbu and grand teacher of Lama Hishe Rangdol has also been
enshrined.
 It is a treasure of good Buddhist manuscripts and is decorated with beautiful fresco paintings depicting the life of
Buddha and Buddhist tantric deities.

 GURU GHANTAL MONASTERY

It is situated on the right bank of the Chandra Bhaga River and perhaps is the oldest monastery in Lahaul area
dating back to 10th century.
The monastery now enshrines a black stone image of Goddess Kali called varjeshwari Devi (Dorji Lhama) and a
wooden image of Buddha which in local traditions says was installed by Lama Ringchen Zangop from Kinnaur
some eight hundred years ago.

HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT

Bardang – 126MW Miyar – 90MW Tandi – 104MW
Bursar – 1020MW Patam – 60MW Teling – 61MW
Chattru – 108MW Rashil – 102MW Tinget – 81MW
Dugar – 236MW Ratle – 690MW
Gondhala – 144MW Reoli Dugli – 268MW
Gyspa – 170MW Sach Khas – 149MW
Khokarn - 90MW Soli – 454MW
4. THE BEAS RIVER SYSTEM OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

Vedic Name: Arjikiya

Sanskrit Name: Viapasha
Greek Name: Hyphasis
Origin: It originates from the Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass (Old name – Bhrigu Tung) flowing from North to
Southwest over distance of 286km before entering the Pong Reservior and following into Satluj in Punjab.
Course of River: It flows through Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur districts
Prominent Settlements on its Bank: Manali, Mandi, Kullu, Pandoh, Naggar, Sujanpur, Dehra-Gopipur, Bajaura.

These are the major Tributaries of Beas River:

 I. The Parbati River
Originating from the Manatalai glacier at altitude of 5200 meters above sea level.
It is situated in the transition zone between the Great Himalayas and Lesser Himalayas.

II. Tirthan River

It starts at the base of Himalayan Mountain range in South-east Kullu and flows in a south-westerly direction and
meeting Beas at Larji.

III. The Sanj River

It cuts a V-shaped valley along its course and its direction of flow south-west

IV. The Neugal River

It is a Perennial tributary of the Beas River it Originates from the Dhauladhar Hills and is a snow and rain fed
forming the Neugal watershed comprising of riverine terrace and plain fields as well.
There is the heavy dependence on this river for drinking water and irrigation by local people.

V. Harla River
Branches out in the northwestern part of Kullu and again joins it near Kullu airport Bhuntar.

VI. Gaj Khad

A sbow fed small stream it rises in the Dhauladhar range and joins Beas at the Maharana Partap Sagar Lake.

VII. Chakki River

It gets its water from both rain and snow. The Chakki River flows through the south-eastern end of Himachal
Pradesh and into Punjab at Pathankot.

VIII. Luni River

It originates in the southern Dhauladhar range and joins Beas Kangra Valley.

IX. Mamuni River

It flows through steep Change in gradient and provides water for cultivation on its Riverbed.

X. Uhl River
It originates in the Northern side of Dhauladhar Mountain range of Himachal Pradesh and joins Beas at Mandi.
Most of its course is through the mountainous region of Kangra.

RELIGIOUS / CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The Beas River was India’s eastern most part up to which Alaxander the Great’s conquest in 326BC were marked
and he was unable to cross the Beas River.
The river is Known to have been the biggest hurdle in the way of Alaxnder’s Invasion in India.
The name Beas is Known to have originated from its Sanskrit name Vipasha.
The origins of name are often connected with “Vyasa” of Veda Vyasa proving that the river starts from Vyas Kund.
The Parbati River the largest tributary of Beas River has given birth to numerous religious and folk tales like “The
Tale of Manikaran” that has made the Parbati valley alluring and sacred for many.
Manikaran holds religious significance of Sikhs too as Guru Nanak is believed to have visited the spot with his
disciple Bhai Mardana.
5. YAMUNA RIVER SYSTEM OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Vedic Name: Kalindi
Origin: The Yamuna River originates from the “Yamunotri” Glacier on Bunderpunch range in Uttarakhand and it
enters in Himachal at “Khadar Majri” in Sirmaur District.
Course of River: It flows only through Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Exit: It leaves Himachal Pradesh near “Tajewalia” and enters into Haryana.
Prominent Settlements on its Bank: Poanta Sahib

These are the major tributaries of Yamuna River:

A. Giri River
It arises from Kupar peak just above Jubbal town in Shimla district it divides the Sirmaur district into two equal
parts known as Cis-Giri and Trans-Giri region
It joins Yamuna River upstream of Poanta below Mokkampur.
Jalal and Asni are further tributary of Giri River
 Jalal River
It arises from Dharthi ranges adjoining Pachhad of Sirmaur and it joins Giri at Dadhau.

B. Tons River
It arises as two feeder streams the Rupin and Supin River which meet at Natiwar to form Tons and the Tons joins
Yamuna at Kalsi near Dehradun.
 Pabbar: It is a tributary of Tons River and it arises from the Chander Nahan glacier in Rohru area of Shimla and joins
Tons at the base of Chakarata massif near border of U.P and H.P
 Andhra: It is a tributary of Pabbar River and it arises from a sma;; glacier near Chirgaon in Shimla district and it
merges with Pabbar at Chirgaon.
 Patsari: This is also a major tributary of Pabbar River this river originates from lower Himalayan hills near
Kharapathar in Shimla districtand joins pabbar near Hamlet of patsari.

C. Bata River
It arises near Dharthi range and joins Yamuna at Bata Mandi.
 PASSES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Map of passes of Himachal Pradesh

PASS / JOTS LOCATION FEEATURES

Bara Lacha La Pass Himachal Pradesh and Jammu &  Elevation- 4890m
Kashmir  National highway connecting
Mandi in Himachal Pradesh
with Leh in Jammu &
Kashmir passes through this
pass
 Being situated at high
altitude it remains snow
covered I winter and not
used as a transport.
 It is known as the “Pass with
crossroads on summit”

Rohtang Pass Road link between Kullu, Lahaul and  Elevation – 3979m
Spiti Valleys  Border Road Organization
(BRO) is responsible for
constructing and maintain
roads in this area
 Rohtang Pass is a great
tourist attraction and tra ic
jams are very common
because this route is widely
used by miliary, public and
private vehicles.
 The first Englishman to reach
Rohtang pass in 1820AD –
 Moore Craft who called it
“Ritanka Jot”
Debsa Pass Link between Kullu and Spiti  Elevation – 5270m
districts  It o ers a much easier and
shorter alternative route to
traditional Pin-Parbati Pass
route between Kullu and
Spiti
Shipki La Himachal Pradesh and Tibet  Elevation – 6000m
 Remains closed in winters
due to heavy snowfall
around the time period of
November – April
Chanderkhani Pass Connect Naggar with famous  Elevation – 3660 m
Malana village in Kullu district
Kunjum Pass Provides the main approach to Spiti  Elevation – 4520m
from Lahaul  The spiti area is separated by
the great Kunjum range from
where the spiti river
originates
 Local people have built a
Goddess Durga Temple on
Pass now
Jalori Pass Connect Banjar with Anni in Kullu  Located at about 100km
from Shimla.
 Jalori Pass is positioned
away from the hustle and
bustle of the tedious city life.
Rupin Pass Connect Angla valley of Himachal  Elevation – 4650m
Pradesh with Dhaula in Uttarakhand
Hamta Pass Connects Kullu and Lahaul  Elevation – 4270m
 Lies in Pir Panjal range in the
Himalayas
Darati Pass Chamba Region  Elevation – 4720m
 To descend over grassy and
moraine slopes of Tandi
(2650mts.) one has to come
down further to Udaipur
which id known for Triloki
Nath Temple
Waru Pass It is between Dharamshala and  Elevation – 3870m
Chamba  It is very windy, rough and
sti pass however many
beautiful peaks are visible
from its top
Saach Pass Connects the Chamba Valley with  Elevation – 4420m
Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh  Lies in the Pir Panjal range of
Himalayas
Shingo La On the border between Himachal  Elevation – 5091m
Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir

Pin Parbati Pass Connects Parbati Valley of Kullu with  Elevation – 5319m
Pin Valley of Lahaul & Spiti

Takling la or Parana Pass Connects Spiti Valley with Leh  Elevation – 5575m
 LAKES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
LAKE NATURE DISTRICT FEATURES

Govind Sagar Lake Man Made Bilaspur & Una  Altitude – 515m.
 Built on Bhakra Dam on river
Sutlej.
 Built after the construction of
Bhakra Dam under this Project.
 Known for the places visited by
Sikh Guru.
 Area – 168sq km.
 Length – 88km.
 Known for fishing grounds & Water
sports like – swimming, skiing,
rowing etc.
 Huge quantity of silt.
Ghadasaru Lake & Natural Chamba  Altitude – 3470m
Mahakali Lake  It is 24km from Tissa.
 Local people o er prayer at Kali
Mata Temple located on its Bank.
Khajjiar Lake Natural Chamba  Altitude – 1900m.
 A small lake Kund forms the
center piece.
 Temple of Khaji Nag.
 This lake remains full of water in
all seasons.
 This lake is not dependent on
rainwater
 Designated as a “special
development area” under the
“Town and country Planning Act”.
 Khajjiar Development Board –
took care of cleanliness and
development
 Chairman of Khajjiar Development
Board – Deputy Commissioner of
Chamba.
 It was declared as “Mini-
Switzerland” by Swiss Envoy Willy
P. Blazer on – 7th July 1992 and
also was put on the world map.
 He also put up a yellow Swiss
hiking footpath sign board to make
it o icial.
 The Sign board also indicates the
actual distance between Khajjiar
to Swiss capital Berne – 6194km.
 Khajjiar is the 160th tourist spot to
be declared as Mini-Switzerland
Lama Dal Lake Group of seven Chamba (Lies in  Altitude – 13200 feet.
Lakes Dhauladhaar  It is said to have unknown dept
Range) and sacred character.
 This Lake is the Biggest Lake.
  The Local Gaddi tribals visit the
lake on Janmashtami to o er
prayers.
Mani-Mahesh Mountain lake Chamba (at the foot  Altitude – 3950m.
of mountain  Highest Lake based on Altitude.
Kailash)  Have Sacred Character and it is
believed to blessed by Kali Ma and
protected by Lord Shiva.
 A fair is held every year at this lake
in the months of August or
September.
Chanderkup Lake Natural Chamba (towards  Altitude – 3450m
Dharamshala)  Snow covered most of the Time.
 During summer season ice blocks
keep floating in it (it looks like an
Island)
Dal Lake / Bhagsunag Lake Natural Kangra  Altitude – 1775m.
(Mcleodganj)  It is surrounded by hills and
stately fir trees.
 There is also a temple dedicated
to – “Lord Driveshwar” built by
sage Agastaya.
 After 15 days of Janmashtami a
fair take place – Radhashtami.
Kareri Lake Natural Kangra  Altitude – 1810m
 It is surrounded by green
meadows, oak and pine trees.
 Kareri Lake water falls into Layun
River.
Kumarwah Lake Sacred and Mandi  Altitude – 3150m
Natural  There are many popular beliefs
associated with this lake.
 A rare characteristic of this lake is
that all the gold and silver o ering
accumulated in a shrine nearby
are thrown into this Lake.
Rewalsar Lake Natural & Holy Mandi  Important place of pilgrimage.
 Known as – Floating Island.
 Rewalsar is known as
“Padmacan” to the Buddhist
which means ‘Lotus possessing’
and is considered the place,
where the spirit of
Padmasambhava rests.
 This lake is also associated with
Nag Cult or Serpent worshiping.
 The Hindus believed that it was
here that the ‘Lomas Rishi’ hels
his penance in devotion to Lord
Shiva.
 There is also a Sikh shrine
‘Gurudwara’ built in
commemoration of Guru Govind
Singh’s visit to this place.
Kunt Bhayog Lake Natural Mandi  Altitude – 1700m.
  It is surrounded by hills from two
sides.
Kalasar Lake Natural Mandi  Altitude – 1755m.
 It is surrounded by hills and
experience snowfall in winter.
Prashar Lake Natural Mandi  Altitude – 2743m.
 This lake is situated on a cup like
Valley.
 A fair is held here in the month of
June every Year.
Bhrigu Lake Natural Kullu  Altitude – 4235m.
 It remains under snow for the
whole winter.
Chandra Tal Lake Natural Lahaul  Altitude – 4270m.
 It is also known as the ‘Lake of the
Moon’
 Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang
Called this lake – Lohitya Sarovar.
 It remains completely frozen in
the winter season.
Pong Lake Artificial Kangra  It is made out of Beas River.
 In 1960 a Dam was built on the
Beas River in HP, this dam
resulted in formation of huge
reservoir – Pong Lake.
 This Lake was declared sanctuary
in 1983.
 The Pong dam wetlands have
emerged as a major habitat for
migratory birds.
 The Pong is the only place in India
other than Bharatpur where there
are Red-necked Grebe has been
found.
 This Lake has one permanent
island and several other seasonal
ones that are connected to the
shore.
 It is a protected area.
Suraj Tal Natural & hill Lake Lahaul & Spiti  Altitude – 4883m.
 It is just below the Bara-Lacha-La
pass
 Also Known as Tso Kamtsi &
Suraya Tal.
Nako Lake Natural Kinnaur  Altitude – 3600m.
 Beautiful lake which o ers a
tranquil landscape to visitors.
 It forms a part of the Nako Village
Boundary.
 It is nestled amidst willow and
poplar trees.
 It also gives reference to the
Tibetan temples and Nako
Monastery.
Renuka Lake Natural Sirmaur (Nahan)  Altitude – 672m.
  This lake is the biggest natural
lake regarding area.
 Situated on Giri River.
 This lake is shaped in the form of a
reclining woman hence is
considered to be personification
of Goddess Renuka.
 Rich in fishes and other aquatic
beings.
Pandoh Lake Artificial Mandi  Altitude – 1360m.
 Result of the construction of
Pandoh dam on Beas River.
 Rich in Hydroelectric power
supply.
 Commissioned
Dhankar Lake Natural Spiti  Altitude – 4140m.
 Reference of Dhanker Monastery
which sits dangerously on a cli
on the other side of mountain.
 Famous for sky color change
e ects which reflects on the
crystal-like Lake.
Kamru Nag Lake Natural & Holy Mandi (Karsog)  Altitude – 3334m.
 Bounded by snow covered
Dhauladhar and the Balh Balley.
 Kamru Nag Temple in the
proximity to the lake is flanked by
thick cover of lush green Forest.
Serloskar Lake Natural  Altitude – 3100m.
 Located near Jalori Pass.
 Lake is enchanted by a thick cover
of Oak trees.
 This lake gives reference of the
Temple devoted to Goddess
Buddhi Nag.
Dashir Lake Natural  Altitude –
 Surrounded by glaciers and the Pir
Panjal Mountain Range.
 The lake’s pristinely clear cobalt-
colored water adds to an
unforgettable experience.

National Parks in Himachal Pradesh

There are 5 national parks in Himachal Prades

National Parks Area (km sq.) Year of Notification

Great Himalayan National Park  Originally – 754.40  Wildlife Sanctury – 1984
 In 2014 – 1171  National Park – 1999
Inderkilla National Park  104  2010
Khirganga National Park  710  2010
Pin Valley National Park  675  1987
  Lies in Greater Himalayan
range.
 Famous for Snow leopard
Spotting in Himachal
Pradesh
Simbalbara National Park  Originally – 19.03  Wildlife Sanctury – 1958
 In 2010 – 27.88  National Park - 2013

A. Greater Himalayan National Park (World Heritage Park)

This park is situated in Kullu district of HP

No Human settlements are allowed in this park but there are some eco-development zones for humans for the
activities.
It consists of Sainj wildlife sanctuary and Tirthan wildlife Sanctury.
On 1st March 1984 Great Himalayan national Park was set up and in 1999 it was declared as a national Park
GHNP was awarded UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site status on 23rd June 2014 in recognition of its
outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation.
State bird and Himalayan Thar is also found in this Park.

B. Pin Valley National Park

This is one of the 18 Biosphere Reserves of India also Known as – Cold Biosphere reserve.
Situated in Lahaul & Spiti and Famous for Snow Leopard Spotting.
There are more than 20 species of animals and birds in the park.
This park is specially renowned for the protection of endangered Snow-Leopard other species of Ibex, Bharal, Red
Fox, marten, Weasel, Pika, Snow Cock, Bearded vulture, Chukor, golden eagle, Gri on, Himalayan Chough, Raven
etc.
Lynx, Marmat & Tibetan wolf may also found in this area.
There are number of plants species which are used in Indian traditional medicine and Tibetan system.

C. Khirganga National Park

Located in Parvati valley of Kullu district (it was on the tributary river of Beas on Parvati River)
It is situated at a height of around 5500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 km of the Parvati
Watershed.

D. Inderkilla National Park

Located in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh

E. Simbalbara National Park (Colonel Sher Jung National Park)

Situated in the Paonta Valley of Sirmaur district.
A new species of fis was found named – simbalbaranasis
8 Elephnats reach Colonel Sher Jung National Park Simbalbara in Poanta Sahib.
Tiger Pugmarks spotted in Himachal’s Simbalbara National Park.
The area was earlier a hunting preserve of the former Maharaja of Sirmaur, Historical records indicates the
presence of elephant in the past.
 GLACIERS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

GLACIER FACTS & FEATURES

Bada Shigri  Falls in Chandra Valley
 In 1936 this glacier caused a great havoc in Chanda Valley and formed a large lake –
Chandra Tal Lake.
 First surveyed by – H. Walker & E.H Pascoe of the Geological Survey of India – 1906
 This glacier was conquered by:
1956 – All Women mountaineer
1958 – Stehenson
1970 – Major Baljit Singh
Gye Phang  Falls in Chandra Valley.
 Named after the supreme Gye Phang diet of Lahaul Valley which had temple at
Sharan.
 Also known as – Mattern Horn of Switzerland
 The local fanatics considered it as – Manimahesh of Lahaul.
Chandra  Falls in Chandra Valley
 Also responsible for formation of Chandra tal lake.
 Originates separately from Bara Shigri Glacier.
 Feeds river Chandra.
Bhaga  Falls in Bhaga Valley.
 Located in main Himalayan range in Lahaul area.
 River Bhaga originates from this glacier.
 High snow-clad peaks.
 Can be approached via Koksar and Tandi.
 It is approx. 25km Long.
Lady of Keylong  Falls in Bhaga Valley.
 Named after Lady Elashainghday (during British Raj)
 Altitude – 6061 m.
 In the middle there is seen a dark bare path which looks like a figure of a women
walking with a load on her back.
Mukkila  Falls in Bhaga Valley.
 Altitude – 6478m.
Miyar  Falls in Miyar valley.
 It is 12km long area in Lahaul feeding River Miyar.
 Longest Glacier.
 Shrank around 120km since 1975.
Chandra Nahan  Falls in Shimla
 Located in south-eastern slopes of main Himalayan in north-west of Rohru.
 Minor tributary glacier joins the trunk glacier.
 Leads to the formation of Chandra Nahan Lake.
 Feeds Pabbar River.
Bhadal  South-western slopes of Pir Panjal in Bara Banghal – Knagra.
 Feeds Bhadal River.
 Heavy snowfall in winter – expansion
 In Summer this is visited by migratory graziers.
Gora  Falls in Lahaul
 South facing slopes of the main Himalayan range
 Receded in past due to a negative mass balance.
Sonapani  Falls in Lahaul.
 5.5 km from the confluence of Kulti Nala and has been surveyed twice:
First Survey – H. Walker & Pascoe in 1906
Second Survey Kurion & Munshi from Geological Survey of India in 1957.
 This glacier is visible from Rohtang Pass.
 Perad  Small easily available and accessible near Putirum in Lahaul & Spiti
 Perad means – Broken Rock that has a nice cave.

Other Glaciers

 Chandra Valley – Bara Shigri, Chhota Shigri, Chandra, Pacha Kulti, Shipting, Ding Karmo, Tapan, Shilli Bolunag,
Shamundari.
 Bhaga Valley – Milang, Mukkilam Gangstang
 Pattan Valley – Shilla, Kugati, Lainghar, Dokrha, Nilkant
 Miyar Valley - Miyar, manthora, karpat, Ulthampu, Tharung

Andrew Wilson called Lahaul - The Valley of Glaciers in his Book Abode of God

BRIDGES IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

NAME OF BRIDGE BUILT ON RIVER CONNECTING THE PLACES & ALTITUDE

Victoria Bridge Beas River Connects New mandi with Old Mandi
Kheri Nala Bridge Beas River At Dharampur 9Height- 115m) highest bridge In Asia
Chakki Bridge Chakki River Connects Kangra with Pathankot
Sataun Bridge Giri River Connects Jagadhari with Rajban
Gambhar Bridge Gambhar River Connects Bilaspur with kiratpur
Mandi Bridge Beas River Connects Mandi with Pathankot
Nadaun Bridge Beas River Connects Jawalmukhi with Hamirpur
Pandoh Bridge Beas River Connects Mandi with Kullu
Kharamukh Bridge Ravi River Connects Chamba with Bharmaur
Chamba Bridge Ravi River Connects Chamba with Pathankot
Rakh Bridge Ravi River Connects Chamba with Bharmaur
Wangtu Bridge Sutlej River Connects Shimla with Kinnaur (Tibet-I)
Tattapani Bridge Sutlej River Connects Shimla with Karsog
Soan Bridge Soan River Connects Kangra with Una & Hosiarpur
Dehra Gopipur Beas River Connects Dharmshala with Hosiarpur
Poanta Bridge Yamuna River Connects Nahan with Dehradun
Kondror Bridge Sutlej River Connects Bilaspur with Hamirpur
Slappar Bridge Sutlej River Connects Mandi with Shimla
Luhri Bridge Sutlej River Connects Shimla with Karsog

WATERFALLS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

WATERFALL ALTITUDE FACTS, HEIGHT & LOCATION

Sat Dhara 2036m  Location – Panjpulla (Chamba)
Rahalla 2501m  Height – 60m
 Location – Kullu
Chadwick 1586m  Height – 67m
 Location – Shimla
Kalika  Location – Chamba
Dhanchho  Location – Bharmaur (Chamba)
Bhagsunath  Location – Mcleod Ganj (Dharamshala) – Kangra
Sisu 3170m  Location – Lahaul & Spiti
 KUND IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

KUND NAME FACTS & LOCATION KUND NAME FACTS & LOCATION
Vyas Kund 3540m, Kullu Rama Kund Bilaspur
Achhar Kund Bhawan (Kangra) Rukmani Kund Bilaspur
Kurukhestra Bilaspur Nehru Kund Manali
Chakra Kund Bilaspur Kopra Kund Nadaun (Hamirpur)
Kalika Kund Chamba Lunani Kund Founded by Capt. A Coleman
Salol Kund Kangra Valley Baijnath Kund Plum Valley
Gauri Kund Charah Valley Sar Kund Beyond Rohtang Pass
Guru Kund Nalagarh Parvati Kund Kinner Kailash
Dain Kund Chamba, Altitude– 2745m Aapsara Kund Ajagar
Vashishth Kund Manali Kalat Kund Manali

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & ZOO IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

WILDLIFE FACTS & LOCATION WILDLIFE FACTS & LOCATION

SANCTUARY/ZOO SANCTUARY/ZOO
Kugti Wildlife Chamba Raksham-Chikkut Kinnaur
Rewalsar Wildlife Mandi Bandli W.S Mandi
Gobind Sagar W.S Bilaspur Nargu W.S Mandi
Darang W.S Kinnaur Shikari Devi W.S Mandi
Kanswar W.S Kullu Churdhar W.S Sirmaur
Renuka Zoo Sirmaur Pong Lake W.S Kangra
Tutikandi Zoo Shimla Suket Fossil Park Sirmaur
Lippa-Asrang W.s Kinnaur Rohala NP Kullu
Rupi Bhaba Kinnaur Naina Devi W.S Bilaspur

VALLEYS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

VALLEY FACTS
Chandra Valley  Other Name – Rangoli
(Lahaul & Spiti)  Formed by River Chandra
 Khoksar is the first village in this valley
Bhaga Valley  Other Name – Gara OR Punam
(Lahaul & Spiti)  Formed by River Bhaga
Pattan Valley  Other Name – “Orchards and Granary”
(Lahaul & Spiti)  A research unit was established at Gorma (a seed farm)
 Tandi area falls under this Valley where Chandra & Bhaga River Meet.
Spiti Valley  Formed by Spiti River & situated between main Himalaya And Zanskar Range
(Lahaul & Spiti)  Kaza town is situated in this valley
 Rudyard Kipling described Spiti as “a world within a world” and a “place where
god lives”
Pin Valley  Formed by river Pin
(Lahaul & Spiti)  Highest point – Pin Parvati Jot (5490m), Lowest point – Mud Pharka (3355m)
Lingti Valley  Situated in eastern Spiti
(Lahaul & spiti)  Also known as ‘living Geological Museum”
 Largest and longest (60km) side Valley of Spiti
 Famous for Shale and fossils (dating back 250 million years0
Mulang Valley  Situated in the east of Bara Lacha-La Pass between Chandra And Spiti Rivers
(Lahaul & Spiti) drainage basins.
Chamba Valley  Other Name – Ravi River Valley OR Valley of Honey & Milk
(Chamba)  Ravi River flows in the middle of this valley
 Main towns – Bharmour, Chamba, Dalhousie & Khajjiar
Pangi Valley  Altitude – 14528 feet
(Chamba)  Adjoining to the Chamba Valley extending through Chenab River
 One of the remotest and most beautiful tracts of western Himalaya
Monkey Valley  Located in Bharmour in Chamba
(Chamba)  Pilgrims used to cross this Valley to reach Mani Mahesh Kailash.
 It is very hard to cross this valley so people used to crawl like a monkey in
stretch so it was named Monkey valley
Sangla Valley  Other Name – Baspa valley
(Kinnaur)  Highest village – Chitkul
 Chung Shakhaga pass lies in this Valley
 Kamru and Sangla are main villages
 It opens into Sutlej valley downstream of Tshong – Tong River
Balh Valley  Other Name – Sunder Nagar Valley
(Mandi)  Most fertile Valley of Himachal Pradesh
 Suketi Khad divides this Valley into two parts
 Indo-German Agricultural Project was started in this Valley in 1962
Kullu Valley  Other Name – Dev Ghati
(Kullu)  Formed by Beas River between Mandi & Largi
 Main towns – Kullu, Manali, Naggar, Banjar & Anni
 Famous attraction of the Valley – Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery. Hidimba
Mata Temple & Nehru Kund
Pabbar Valley  Other Name – Rohru Valley
(Shimla)  Main streams pass through this Valley – pabbar River, Andhra Khad, pejore &
Shhikri Stream.
 Famous for – Trout Fish (introduced in 1938-39) by Mr. Glover
Kangra Valley  Other Name – “Veer Bhoomi”
(Kangra)  Located between the Dhauladhar in north and shivalik in South
 Main Town - Dharamshala, Nurpur, Palampur, Baijnath.
 Famous attraction of Valley - Tibetan Shobha Singh Art gallery (Andretta)
and Brijeshwari Temple.government in exile (Meklodganj),
Bara Banghal Valley  It is adjoining to the Kangra valley and lies between the Dhauldahr and Pri
(Chamba & Kangra) Panjal.
Sutlej Valley  passes through the Dhauladhar, Pir panjal, Main Himalayas and Zaskar
(Bilaspur) range.
 Main Towns - Bilaspur, Rampur.
Kiar-da-dun valley  Other Name – Poanta Valley
(Sirmaur)  Major Rivers – bata & Giri
 Yamuna River separate it from Dehradun Valley.
 Till a century back, it was a dense forest inhabited by wild animals.
 It was only during the period of Raja Shamsher Prakesh that people settled
in it.
Sarsa Valley  Other Name – Industrial valley
(Solan)  Major Towns – Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh, Kasauli, Dagshai, Sanwar &
Parwanoo
Kunihar Valley (Solan)  Starts from Kuni Khad and extends to Thakurdiya
Gambhar Valley  Divides Solan into two parts
(Solan)  Located on the bank of Gambhar River
 Starts from Shadi and extends up to Bilaspur
 Arki was the capital of Baghal Province.
Jaswan Valley (Una)  Other Name – Swam Valley & Located ion – Doon Valley of Una district
Ashwini Valley  Keonthal is spoken on left side and Baghati on the right side of This Valley
(Shimla)  Major Towns – Shimla, Chail, Kanda Ghat, Solan & Dharmpur.
Dhavin Valley (Bilaspur)  Lies in hills of Bahadurpur Dhar & Bandla Dhar In Bilaspur
Other Valleys  Solan:
 Saproon Valley
 Kinnaur:
 Hangrang Valley
 Rupa Valley
 Yul Valley
 Mulgan or Mulgaon Valley
 Kullu:
 Seraj Valley
 Parvati Valley
 Mandi:
 Chauntra Valley – Joginder Nagar
 Chuhar Valley
 Imla-Vimla Valley
 Sandhol Valley

HOT WATER SPRINGS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

HOT WATER/SULPHER FACTS & LOCATION HOT WATER/SULPHER FACTS & LOCATION
SPRING SPRING
Kheer Ganga Kullu Jeori Kinnaur
Mani Karan Kullu Kopra Spring Nadaun (Hamirpur)
Tatta Panni Mandi Jawala Mukhi Spring Hamirpur
Kasol Hot Water Spring Kullu Rudra Nag Cold Water Kullu
Spring
Vashisth Kullu Baijnath Spring Kangra (Kangra Valley)
Kalath Kullu Salol Spring Kangra (discovered by
Capt. A Coleman)
Tatwani Kangra