Himachal Pradesh

Chapter 6. Glaciers ........................................ 27

Contents Chapter 7. Mountain Passes ........................... 30
GEOGRAPHY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH ....... 2
Chapter 8. Peaks of Himachal Pradesh ........... 35
Chapter 1. Physical Geography ........................ 2
Chapter 9. Wild Life Sanctuaries and Parks in
Chapter 2. Rivers & Drainage .......................... 6 Himachal Pradesh .......................................... 38
Chapter 3. Lakes in Himachal Pradesh ........... 12 Chapter 10. Forests ........................................ 47
Chapter 4. Hot Springs of Himachal Pradesh .. 19 Chapter 11. Demographic Profile of Himachal
Chapter 5. Valleys of Himachal Pradesh ......... 20 Pradesh ......................................................... 53

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 Himachal Pradesh
GEOGRAPHY OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Chapter 1. Physical Geography
Himachal Pradesh is home to several prominent mountain ranges, including the Shivalik, Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, the
Great Himalayas and Zanskar Range . These ranges create a diverse topography, ranging from low-lying hills to
towering snow-capped peaks, shaping the state's climate, biodiversity and river systems.

The Shivalik range

Shivalik means Shiv ki Jatta
It consists of lower hills (600- 1200 m above sea level) times. Shiwaliks represent the youngest part of Himalayas.
Shiwalik Hills were called Manak Parbat in ancient times.
It covers the lower hills of district Kangra, Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur and lower parts of Mandi, Solan and Sirmaur
districts. The hills of the region are composed of highly unconsolidated deposits which results in a high rate of erosion
and deforestation.
 Main ranges in this division are Hathi Dhar, Sikandar Dhar, Chaumukhi range, Solasinghi Dhar, Ramgarh Dhar,
Naina Devi Dhar, and Dharti Dhar

The Lesser Himalayas

The Lesser Himalayas are spotted by a gradual elevation towards the Dhauladhar (Kangra) and the Pir Panjal ranges
(Chamba). It constitutes some parts of Sirmaur, Mandi and Chamba and Kangra.
The height of this terrain from the sea level is 700 meters in the river basins and close to 4500 meters on the high
Dhauladhar mountain ranges. It consist of number of smaller ranges like Dhaula Dhar, PirPanjal, Chur Dhar and Shimla
ranges.

The Dhauladhar Range

The Dhauladhar range, also known as Maulak Parbat or "White Peak," is a prominent mountain range in Himachal
Pradesh. It branches off from the Great Himalayan Range near Badrinath in Uttrakhand .
It is intersected by major rivers, including the Satluj at Rampur, the Beas at Larji, and the Ravi in western Chamba.

Pir Panjal Range

It branches off from the Greater Himalayan range near the bank of the Sutlej, forming a water divide between Chenab
on one side and Beas and Ravi on the other . A number of glaciers exist and several passes lie across it.
The highest Pass in Pir Panjal range is Kugti Pass which connects Bharmour area of Chamba to Lahaul Valley .
Atal Tunnel (also known as Rohtang Tunnel) built under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range.

The Great Himalayas

The Great Himalayas in Himachal consist of two ranges known as “Greater Himalayan Range”and “Zanskar Ranges”
The Great Himalayan range (5,000 to 6,000 metres) runs along the eastern boundary and is cut across by the Sutlej .
The range separates the drainage of the Spiti from that of the Beas It constitutes upper hilly areas of Kinnaur, Chamba
and Lahaul-Spiti.
Some of the famous passes in this range are Kangla (5,248m), BaraLacha (4,512 m), Parang(5,548 m) and Pin
Parbati(4,802 m). Alpine Vegetation is found here with scanty rainfall.
The Zaskar Range, the easternmost range, separates Kinnaur and Spiti from Tibet. It has peaks up to 6,500 m high.
Some of the highest peaks like Shilla and Reo Purgil are in this range . There are many glaciers over the Zaskar and the
Great Himalayan ranges.

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 Himachal Pradesh
River Cutting Ranges

Salient Features of Four Broad Physiographic Region of Western Himalayas

1 2 3 4 5

Particulars Outer Shiwalik or Lower Himalayan or Mid- Higher Tibetan

Sub-Himalayan Hill Zone Himalayan or Himalayan
Zone High Hill Zone (Trans-
Himalayan)

Extent of %of 30 per cent 10 per cent 25 per cent 35 per cent
geographical
area

Elevation from Upto 800 mtrs Foot 800-1600 mtrs. 1600-2700 mtrs. 1600-3600 mtrs.
MSL Hills & Valley area Hilly & mountainous Alpine pastures Kinnaur Range,
L&S

Climate& Sub Tropical Mild warm temperate Humid cool Dry cold
Rainfall 1500mm 1500-3000 mm temperate temperate snowy
1000-1500 mm Less than 500
mm

Vegetation Tropical thorn and Sub-tropical broadleaved Wet and Sub alpine, moist
dry deciduous Sal and pine and grasses. Himalayan and dry alpine
and other mixed Temperate like like Kharsu, Blue
vegetation & Deodar, Pine
grasses. Spruce,Kail,
Alder and grasses Chestnut,
Walnut , alpine
pastures

Extent of 55 per cent 30 per cent 10 per cent 5 per cent

cultivation% of
total cultivated
areas

Important Wheat, maize, Maize, wheat, pulses Wheat, barley, seed potato,
Crops paddy gram, ,barley,paddy,vegetables, millets, temperate ,wheat,
sugarcane, mustard, ginger, quality seeds of buckwheat, barley buck
potato vegetable vegetables. . maize, potato, wheat, amaranths
temperate
vegetable

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 Himachal Pradesh
Fruits Mango, guava, Peaches, plum apricot, Apples , pears, Raisin , grapes,
citrus, litchi, loquat walnut ,pears pomegranate chestnut , prunes , drying
walnut, cherry varieties of
apricot grapes,
chilgoza etc

District-Wise Mountain Extensions of the Himalayas

Bilaspur
There are seven main ranges of hills in Bilaspur that’s why earlier this princely state used to be called Sat-dar-Kehlur.
Naina Devi: Naina Devi Temple, Kot Kahlur fort and Fatehpur fort have been constructed on this hill.
Kot Hill: Forts of Bachhretu, Basiah, Naun, and Dagoga Malhot are located on this hill. The highest peak of this Hill is
“Kakrer”(1430 metres).
Bandla Hill: It is famous for paragliding and the government has opened up Hydro Engineering college in this region.
Bahadurpur Hill: Ali Khad divides this hill into two-parts. Bahadurpur Fort was the summer abode of Raja Bijai
Chand.
Ratanapur Hill: In this fort, General Ochterlony inflicted defeat on Amar Singh Thapa.
Jhanjiar Hill: This range is divided by Sheer Khad into two parts, southern known as Badol and northern as Jhanjiar.
Devi Badoli and Gugga Gherwin are two famous temples located on this range.
Tiun Hill: The forts of Sariun, Naurangarh, and Harimba Devi Temple and Sidh Gurunath are located on this hill.

Hamirpur
Jakh Dhar: It extends as a continuation of the Kali Dhar range in Kangra District, entering Hamirpur near Nadaun. The
town of Hamirpur is situated to the east of Jakh Dhar.
Chabutra Hill: The Chabutra Hills share the same dip and strike as Jakh Dhar, extending beyond the River Beas as a
rugged and fragmented mass of hills.
SolaSingi Dhar: Solasingi Dhar is the longest range in the region and is recognized by different names, including
Chintpurni and Jaswan Dhar in Una. This range runs from north-west boundary of Suket and Bilaspur and divided into
sub-ranges i.e. Kamlah and Lindi dhar

Mandi
Dhar Bairkot: This range starts from Rewalsar and extends towards Suket. Some of its branches join Hamirpur with
Sikandra dhar. Other hill ranges in the district are Shikari, Kamrunag, Parashar, Bundli, etc.
Ghogar Dhar: This range is also known as Gyar Ki Dhar . It has the rock salt mines of Gumma and Drang and is fully
covered with forests. It enters the Mandi at Harabagh.
Sikandar Dhar: The name is credited to Sikandar Lodhi, who ruled during Mountain Ranges Kangra, Hamirpur &
Mandi

Chamba
Dagani Dhar: This is a small range that shoots off from the Pangi range from the point where the Pangi range enters
Jammu territory. This range forms the boundary between Chamba and Bhadarwah in Jammu.
Manimahesh Range: At the point where the Pangi range meets Chamba, the Manimahesh branch extends southward,
creating a natural divide between Chamba and Bara Bhangal up to the Ravi River.

Kangra
Hathi Dhar: The highest point of this range is 5,256 feet (1,615 meters). It forms the inner ridge of the Shivalik region
and runs from Kangra to near the Ravi River. This range acts as a boundary between the Chamba and Kangra districts.
Kali Dhar: In the Hamirpur district, this range is known as Jakh Dhar.
Paprola Range: This local ridge forms the boundary between the Kangra and Bara Bhangal valleys. After crossing
Binwa, the range continues toward Mandi, where it is referred to as Sikandar Dhar.

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 Himachal Pradesh

Shimla
Shimla was built on top of seven hills: Inverarm Hill, Observatory Hill, Prospect Hill, Summer Hill, Bantony Hill,
Elysium Hill and Jakhu Hill.
Famous places at these are
Inverarm Hill – HP State Museum, Observatory Hill – Indian Institute of Advance Studies , Prospect Hill – Kamnadevi
Temple, Summer Hill - HPU, Bantony Hill- Kalibari Temple , Elysium Hill – Auckland House and Jakhu Hill – Jakhoo
Temple .

Sirmaur
Trans-Giri region:
This region consists of “Churdhar” popularly known as Chur Chandani -ki-Dhar is a famous peak in the district.
Other important Dhars are Taproli-Jadol Dhar, Nohra Dhar, Haripur Dhar, Dhudham Dhar, Kamrau Dhar, Dhar
Nigali and Dhar Shillai are famous ranges of this region.

Cis-Giri region:
In the western part of this region flows the river Markanda.The flat valley of this region called Kayar-Da-Dun irrigated
by river “Bata”.
Sian Dhar and Dharthi are divided by river “Jalal”.

Jaitak Hills: At Jaitak Hills, 20 forts were constructed by Gurkhas, and the most important battle was fought between
Gurkhas and Britishers in 1814-15.
Haripur Dhar:
Haripurdhar was earlier known as ‘Dungbhangayani’& Formerly, this was the summer capital of the Sirmaur.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 2. Rivers & Drainage

The Himalayas houses a vast reservoir of moisture both in the form of ice, fresh water, and underground water. Glaciers
are located in higher Himalayan reaches (above 4000 m) in Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Zanskar and Great Himalayan ranges
which feeds the rivers of Himachal all year long.
The rivers draining Himalayas sustain life in the Northern part of Indian sub-continent.
There are five main rivers which flow through Himachal Pradesh. Four out of these five rivers found mention in the
Rig Veda, Asikni (Chenab), Purushani (Ravi), Arjikiya(Beas) and Shatudru (Satluj).
The fifth river Yamuna has mythical relation to the Sun.

Rivers of Himachal Pradesh

SATLUJ

 Vedic Name : Satudri

 Sanskrit Name : Shutudru
 Origin : Rakas Tal near Mansarover Lake
 Enters Himachal : Shipkila (Kinnaur)
 Exists Himachal : Bhakhra (Punjab)
 Major Tributaries : Nogli, Baspa, Spiti , Soan
 Distance covered in Himachal : 320 km

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 Himachal Pradesh
The total catchment area of Satluj in Himachal Pradesh is 20,000sq km . It enters Himachal at 'Shipkila‘ (altitude 6,608
mts.) and flows in the South-Westerly direction through 6 districts Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi and Bilaspur
districts.After its confluence with the River Spiti at Khab (Kinnaur)it is known as Sutlej.
Along its course, it is joined by several major tributaries, including the Nogli, Baspa, Spiti and Soan river making it a
vital water source for the region.

Rivers cutting the mountain ranges in Himachal

Satluj flows in the state for a distance of about 320 km almost parallel to the Indus and then cuts right through both the
Zaskar range and the Great Himalaya. It leaves Himachal Pradesh to enter the plains of Punjab at 'Bhakhra' where one
of the world's highest gravity dam been constructed on this River.

Major Tributaries of Satluj

Spiti River
Right Bank Tributaries of River Spiti- Gyundi Nala, River Ratang,River
Parahio.
Left Bank Tributaries of River Spiti : Kabjima Nala,Takling Nala,Puri Lungpa
Nala,River Lingti.
 The Spiti River originates from Kunzum Range .Tegpo and Kabzian
streams are its tributaries, Water draining the famous Pin valley area is
also a part of the Spiti River system.
 The Pin is the largest tributary of the Spiti River and Lingti is another
important tributary.The main settlements along the Spiti River and its
tributaries are Hansi and Dhankar Gompa. Other Tributaries - Parechu, Ratang, Parahio.

Baspa River
 It originates at Arsomang and Baspa Bamak glacier and cuts across the Great Himalayan range.
 It merges with River Satluj near Karcham in district Kinnaur .
 Sangla is a major town in the Baspa Valley, and the valley is also known as the Sangla Valley or Tukpa
Valley.
 Baspa river is fed by the perennial Chung Sakhago glacier and shares the catchment area with a tributary of
the Bhagirathi river, Uttarakhand.
 It is 70 km long and second largest tributaries of Satluj.
 The villages inside the valley is Chitkul, Rakchham, Batseri, Sangla, Kamru.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 The Baspa River is considered as fishermen’s paradise as a result of the
huge varieties of fishes

Soan / Swan River

 Swan was known as the “Sorrow of Una”
 The Swan River rises from the Southern slopes of the Shivalik range also
known as Solasinghi range (Chintpurni and Jaswan Dhar in Una and Sola
Singhi in Hamirpur) .
 Tributaries - Borewali khad, Barerakhad, Garni khad, Panjoa khad,
Ambwali khad, Badowali khad. Soan/Swan river and its tributaries form a
valley in the district known as Soan valley .
 This river the covers the area of Una district is 1540sq. The Swan, along with its 73 tributaries that run
through the length and breadth of Una district

The Nogli Khad

 It originates as Sageti Gad in the east of a 5236 m high peak on Kumashi Kharang Dhar.
 It joins Satluj just below Rampur Bushahr . It touches Kullu district in Nirmand Tehsil . The Nogli Khad
come to exist where the Suket Khad and Devpani Khad meets.

BEAS

Beas initially emerges in the form of twin tributaries

which meet at Palachan village, 10 kms north of Many  Vedic Name : Arijikiya or Arijikuja
places of historic importance located on the bank of this  Sanskrit Name : Vipasa
River are Manali, Naggar, Katrain, Ralson .  Origin : Byas Kund at Rohtang Pass
The Beas enters Kangra district at Sandhol and leaves  Exists Himachal : Mirthal
near 'Mirthal'. At Bajaura, it enters Mandi district. In  Major Tributaries : Banganga, Chakki, Parbati,
Mandi district, its own northern feeders are Hansa, Uhl, Tirthan, Luni, Sainj, Binwa, Harli
Tirthan, Bakhli, Jiuni, Suketi, Panddi, Son to form the  Distance covered in Himachal : 256 km
River Beas.

Mythology
The origins of the name are often connected with 'Vyasa' of Veda Vyasa, proving that the river starts from the Vyasa
Kund. The Parbati River, the largest tributary of the Beas, has given birth to numerous religious and folk tales that has
made the Parbati Valley alluring and sacred for many.

Tributaries of Beas
Parbati River
 It rises from Mantalai lake near Manikaran in Kullu district.
 It is situated in the transition zone between the Greater Himalayas and the Lesser Himalayas. It joins the
River Beas at Shamshi in Kullu valley.
 Parbati Valley also known as the Amsterdam of India for its scenic beauty
 As per the legends, Lord Shiva meditated in this valley for around
3000 odd years. It is believed that he sat there meditating, and
took the form of ash-smeared or that of a naga sadhu with
time.After ages, Lord Shiva opened his eyes and looked around at this
untouched, picturesque landscape, and named it after his consort, Parvati.
Banganga River
 It joins the Beas River in the Kangra valley. It rises from the Southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range.The River
is fed by snow melt waters and channels emanating from springs

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 Himachal Pradesh

Harla River
 Harla River rises as a small channel from the snows in the depression of the North-Western plank of Kullu
valley. It joins the Beas near Bhuntar.

Neugal River
 The Neugal is a perennial tributary of the Beas River. It originates from the Dhauladhar hills and is a snow and
rain-fed river, forming the Neugal watershed comprising of riverine terraces and plain fields as well. The key
characteristic of this river in the river basin is the heavy dependence on it for drinking water and irrigation

Mauni River
 It rises from the Southern slopes of the Dhauladhar range and joins the Beas. Steep slopes form the upper
catchment of the Mauni River.
Luni River
 Luni rises from the South slopes of Dhauladhar in the Kangra valley. It merges with
the Beas in the central part of Kangra valley.

Ravi

Ravi rises from Bara Banghal in Multhan Tehsil of Kangra. Chamba town is situated on its right bank. It flows through
a trough separating the Pir Panjal from  Vedic Name : Purushni
Dhauladhar range. It leaves Chamba at “Kheri”  Sanskrit Name : Iravati
. Alexander called it “Hydraster/ Rhoudis”. It  Origin : Bara Banghal (Bhandal and Tantgiri Glaciers)
merges with Chenab in Pakistan  Exists Himachal : Kheri
 Major Tributaries :Tantgiri, Chatrini, Siul, Bhandar, Baira
Tributaries of Ravi  Distance covered in Himachal :158 km
Bhadal River & Tantgiri
 It rises from the snowy range of the areas lying between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in the Bara
Banghal area.
 It flows in a westerly direction before merging with the Tant Giri River to form the mainstream of the Ravi.

Siul River
 It is the tributary of the Ravi River. It rises from the tract between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges near
Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh border.
 River Baira is the prominent tributary of the Siul River.

Baira River
 It rises from the snow on Southern slopes of the Pir Panjal range in Himachal Pradesh.
 Numerous tributaries of the Baira River fed by the snow make it a Perennial River before it joins the Siul River,
which is a tributary of the Ravi River.
 Baira Siul Power Station - installed capacity is 180 MW.

 Vedic Name : ChandraBhaga

 Sanskrit Name : Askini or Iskamati
 Origin : Bara Lacha Pass
 Exists Himachal : Sansari Nala
 Distance covered in Himachal : 122km

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 Himachal Pradesh
 Major Tributaries : Saicher Nallah (Pangi),
Chenab Chandra, Bhaga, Miyar Nallah (Lahaul),
Marusudar, Bhut Nalla,Tawi River.
Chandra and Bhaga rises on opposite sides of Baralacha pass, and
meets at Tandi to form Chenab.
It enters Pangi near “Bhujind” and leaves Chamba at “Sansari Nala” to enter “Podar Valley” of Kashmir. It is
largest River in terms of volume of water in Himachal. Main settlements along this River: Udaipur, Killar, Doda ,
Ramban etc.

Main Settlements on the bank of Chenab are Tandi Village,Kardang Monastery and Guru Ghantal Monastery

Tributaries of Chenab
Bhaga
 The Bhaga river rises in the Suraj Tal situated on the summit of the Baralacha Pass. Bhaga Valley formed
by the Bhaga River is locally known as Gara.

Chandra
 It originates from Chandra glacier. The beautiful Chandra Tal lake has formed at its source. Kokhsar is a village
located along this River.
 Describing its course, Harcourt (1871) states, "the river Chandra passes through a totally barren land
where there are no signs of life, the solemn mountains clad in eternal snow lying on its either flanks.No
villages adorn its banks, no attempts at cultivation, no human life is met with and nothing greets the eye
but the never ending monotonous cliffs, which are lapped by the fierce stream as it rushes in wild fury
against its banks".

The Miyar Nalla

 The Miyar Nalla the only major tributary that joins Chenab within Himachal Pradesh .
 It rises in Himalayas from near Lopen jot at about 5100 m.
 It joins the Chenab on its right bank opposite Udaipur

Yamuna
 Vedic Name : Kalindi, Yasita, Yami
 Sanskrit Name : Yamuna
 Origin : Kalinda Parvat, Yamunotri (Uttrakhand)
 Enters Himachal : Khaddar Majri
 Exists Himachal : Tajewala
 Major Tributaries : Giri, Tons, Pabbar, Andhra
 Distance covered in Himachal : 22km

Tributaries of Yamuna
Tons River
 Tons River originates at the height of 6,315 metres from the Bandarpunch Mountain in Garwal region of
Uttarakhand.
 It joins Yamuna at Kalsi (Uttrakhand). It rises as the following two feeder streams - the Supin River & the
Rupin.
 River rises from a glacier at the head of the famous Har-Ki- Dun valley. These two feeder streams merge near
the mountain hamlet of Naitwar and the channel downstream of Naitwar is known as Tons River.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Pabbar River
 It arises from the 'CHANDERNAHAN' glacier in Rohru area of Shimla district and joins Tons at the base of
'CHAKARATA' massif near border of U.P and H.P. Some of the major human settlements along this area are
Chirgoan, Rohru and Nerwa.
 Pabbar river is famous for trout fish , which was introduced in this river by Mr.Glover a British Chief
Conservators of forest in 1938-1939.

Andhra River
 Andhra is a tributary of Pabbar River and it originates from north-west of Chirgoan in Shimla district. Fir
Spruce occurs at bigger elevations and this provides way for Chir, Pine and Oak forests in the valley.

Giri River
 Giri rises from the Kupar peak that is just above the Jubbal town .In Jubbal and Rohru, it's known as Giri Ganga.
This River divides Sirmour in two parts as Cis -Giri and Trans-Giri.
 The Renuka Dam Project on Giri .

Jalal River
 It arises from 'Dharthi ranges' adjoining Pachhad of Sirmour. It joins Giri at Dadhau.

Asni River
 This is a tributary of Giri River. This River originates from a small spring towards the north-east
of Shimla and meets Giri River at Sadhupul near Chail area.
 Mohan shakti heritage park is built on its bank.

Bata River
 It arises near Dharthi range and joins Yamuna at Bata Mandi.The River starts its journey from the boulder below
the Nahan Ridge popularly known as the Jalmusa- Ka- Khala. Sal, Khair and Sissoo forests are found on both
sides of this River.
 Khar-Ka-Khala and Kanser Khala are two major small tributaries joining the River in the Ponta valley. Fed by
underground water.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 3. Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is home to a variety of lakes, many of which are of significant geographical, ecological, and cultural
importance.

These lakes are formed by glacial, tectonic, or natural damming processes and are spread across different altitudes. From
the high-altitude glacial lakes like Chandratal and Suraj Tal to the sacred lakes like Rewalsar and Manimahesh, these
water bodies play a crucial role in the state's ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and local communities

Man made Lakes

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 Himachal Pradesh
Sr.no Chamba Sr.no Mandi Sr.no Lahaul & Spiti

1. Manimahesh Lake 1. Kumarwah Lake 1. Chandratal Lake

2. Ghadasaru Lake 2. Prashar Lake 2. Suraj Tal Lake

3. Khajjiar Lake 3. Rewalsar Lake 3. Deepaktal Lake

4. Lama Lake 4. Kamrunag Lake 4. Yunam-so Lake

5. Mahakali Lake 5. Kunt Bhyog Lake 5. Neelkanth Lake

6. Chamera Lake 6. Kalasar Lake 6. Dhankar Lake

Sr.no Kangra 7. Machhial Lake 7. Sissu Lake

1. Dal Lake 8. Pandoh Lake

2. Kareri Lake Sr.no Kullu Sr.no Sirmaur

3. Pong Lake 1. Mantalai Lake 1. Renuka Lake

4. Dehnasar Lake 2. Deoria Lake 2. Saketi Lake

Sr.no Shimla 3. Hansa Lake Sr.no Kinnaur

1. Chandranahan Lake 4. Bhrigu Lake 1. Nako Lake

2. Tani Jubbal Lake 5. Shringtingu Lake 2. Sorang Lake

3. Garh Kuffar Lake 6. Nainsar Lake

4. Karali Lake 7. Serolsar Lake

5. Bradonsar Lake 8. Dehnasar Lake

9. Saritak Lake

Govind Sagar Lake

Historical Background:
 Construction under the supervision of Harvey Slocum began in 1943 and was completed in 1963.
 The Beas-Sutlej link was introduced to channelize the Beas River's flow into Gobind Sagar in order to maintain
water levels, and this link was completed in 1976.
 Named by the former Chairman of PSEB, Sardar Harbans Singh Somal, in honor of the 10th Sikh Guru,
Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
 Gobind Sagar is an artificial lake formed on the Satluj River, located in Bilaspur district.
 Bhakra Dam, which creates Gobind Sagar, is one of the world's highest gravity dams. It was described by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru as a "Temple of Resurgent India."

Dimensions and Activities:

 The reservoir is located in the Bilaspur and Una districts.The lake covers an area of 168 sq.km and stretches
between the villages of Slappar and Bhakra.
 During the months of October and November, various water sports activities are organized by the Department
of Tourism & Civil Aviation, including: Water-skiing, Sailing, Kayaking & Water-scooter racing

Ecological and Wildlife Aspects:

 The lake was declared a “Water fowl refuge” in 1962.
 Gobind Sagar is a renowned spot for fishing, with around 51 species and sub-species of fish, including
Bangana dero, Tor putitora, Sperata seenghala, and Mirror carp.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 The lake also attracts migratory birds, including the bar-headed geese, which spend summers near high-altitude
lakes in Kazakhstan, Tibet, Mongolia, and Russia before crossing the Himalayas to reach southern Asia
during winters.
 Another notable species is the black stork, migrates south of the Himalayas, reaching North East India during
the colder months.

Challenges:
 The lake, spanning 10,000 hectares, faces challenges from silt deposits. These deposits significantly affect the
reservoir, which serves as one of India’s largest fishing ponds, impacting both aquatic life and water quality.

The Ragnath Temple, along with other structures, was submerged in the Gobind Sagar
Lake following the construction of the Bhakra Dam. Located in Bilaspur, the temple was
submerged as part of the flooding of the old Bilaspur town when the reservoir was created
to store wa ter from the Satluj River. This occurred as the lake's water level rose after the
dam's completion.

Renuka Lake
 It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh, with a circumference of about 3214 m.
 It is a Low altitude lake. It is shaped like a sleeping woman.The Renuka lake is the biggest natural
oval lake, near Dadahu.
 Renuka Lake was designated as a Ramsar site in November 2005 due to its ecological significance.
 The Renuka Lake Wildlife Sanctuary shelters a variety of species including deer, water birds, red
jungle fowl, black pheasants, lions, bears, and a large number of sambar, chital, and peacocks.
 There are 103 species of birds of which 66 are residents, e.g. Crimson-breasted barbet, Mayna, Bulbul,
Pheasants, Egrets, Herons, Mallards and Lapwing
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 got a new
name Parshuram after getting divine weapon Parshu from Lord Shiva

Saketi Lake
 It is located near Shivalik Fossil Park in Sirmaur district. It was a lake at one time but now
it is filled with sand and stones from near by hills.
Pong Dam Lake or Maharana Pratap Sagar Reservoir
Creation and Location:
 Pong Dam Lake was created in 1975 by constructing the highest earthfill dam in India on the Beas River, located
in the wetland zone of the Shiwalik Hills in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

Wildlife Sanctuary and Wetland Designation:

 In 1982, the entire reservoir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Himachal Pradesh government.
 In 1994, the Government of India designated it a “Wetland of National Importance”
 In November 2002, it was officially declared a Ramsar Site due to its ecological significance.

Bird Habitat:
 Pong Dam Lake serves as a critical feeding and nesting ground for water birds and migratory species.
 Annually, 30,000 to 50,000 migratory birds, representing 54 species, visit the lake.
 Common species include gulls, Northern pintail, black stork, geese, ducks, and waterfowl.

Fishing Importance:
 The Pong Reservoir is a major fishing hub in the Himalayan foothills, supporting a wide range of commercially
viable fish.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 27 species from 5 families of fish are found here, including Mahseer, Catla, Mirror Carps, and Singhara.
 This makes Pong Dam Lake not only a vital ecological zone but also an important economic resource for fishing
in the region.

Bathu Ki Ladi Temples

 The Bathu Ki Ladi Temples, known as the Badri Vishal temples, are located in
the Haldoon Valley of the erstwhile Guler state in the Kangra district of
Himachal Pradesh.
 These ancient temples, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, were built using a specific
type of sandstone called bathu. Despite being submerged underwater for the past 50 years due to the construction
of the Pong Dam, they have remarkably withstood the elements of nature.
 The temples were historically managed by the former rulers of the Guler state until their submersion. Recently,
the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has appealed to the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) for their preservation and potential relocation, emphasizing their cultural and historical
significance.

Kareri Lake
 It is 35 km. from Dharamshala, at an elevation of 3,048 m.
 Kareri lake water, falls into the Layun river.
 Snow melting from the Dhauladhar range serves as the source of the lake.
 Kareri Lake is most famous for being a trekking destination in Dhauladhar.

Dal Lake
 Located in district Kangra .The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees. This
is located at an altitude of 1775, above msl.
 On the bank of Dal Lake a famous Lord Shiva temple is located, which is
considered to be very sacred and as old as 200 years.
 According to one legend a sage named Durvasa prayed to Lord Shiva here.
 Radhashatmi Fair is celebrated here
 There is a temple dedicated to “Lord Driveshwar” built by sage Agastya.

Dehnasar Lake
 Dehnasar Lake lies at 4,280 metres (14,040 ft) above mean sea level, in
Chhota Bangal region of Kangra district.
 It is an high-altitude freshwater lake in the Barot Valley
 Although the lake is located in Kangra district, it can be reached from Barot,
near Joginder Nagar in Mandi district
 According to the myth, the lake is home to the goddess Parvati, who is said to
visit the lake in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar.
Khajjiar Lake
 It is 24 km from Dalhousie on the way to Chamba.
 It is located at an altitude of 1951 mts.
 The name "Khajjiar" has been derived from the deity in a nearby temple named "Khajji Nag".
 Khajjiar is known as 'Mini Switzerland'.
 It was christened mini Switzerland by Swiss Envoy Willy P. Blazer on 7th July 1992, and was put on the world
map.
 The 'panch pandav tree' which is often believed to have a representation of five pandava brothers is still standing
majestically there.

Lama Dal Lake(Laam)

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 Himachal Pradesh
‘Lama Dal’ means a long lake located in Piura Dhar 45 kms from Chamba on the inner slopes of Dhauladhar range. The
largest of all is Lama Dal lake situated at an altitude of 3962 meters (13200 feet).
1. Nag Dal
2. Lam Dal
3. Kali Kund
4. Kareri
5. Chanderkoop Dal
6. Sukh Dal
7. Dam Ghodi Dal.

Manimahesh Lake
 It is located 35 kms from Bharmaur.
 Manimahesh Lake is a high altitude lake elevation 4,080 metres situated close to
the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.
 A fair is held every year at this lake during the month of August or September. It is known
as the ‘Manimahesh Yatra’.
 The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared it as a state-level pilgrimage.

Chamera lake
 It is formed owing to the construction of the 540 MW Chamera Hydroelectric
Project on the River Ravi, near the village of Chamera in Chamba district.
 The lake is situated at a distance of 25 km from Dalhousie.
 A large part of its reservoir lies in the Salooni sub-division of Chamba.
 The road connecting the Chamera Dam runs along the lake, leading to the
'Bhalie Temple' and the famous thick forest of Bhandal Valley.
 The absence of aquatic life in the lake has made it an ideal location for water
sports.
 According to the plan developed by the tourism department, the lake offers a range of sports activities such as
rowing, motor boating, paddle boating, sailing, canoeing, angling, and kayaking.

Chanderkup Lake
 It is situated at an elevation of 3450 mts (14000 feet).
 It is one of the many lakes in the upper regions of Chamba towards Dharamshala.
 It is also called “Moon Lake” sometimes.
 It is a beautiful lake with ice blocks floating in it. It is also called ‘Ice-berg Lake” by trekkers as ice-blocks
can be found floating in this lake if you trek during April.

Rewalsar Lake
 Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema, is a mid-altitude lake located in the mountains of
the Mandi.
 The lake is situated at an altitude of 1,360 meters (4,462 feet) above sea level.
 Rewalsar is known as Triveni Sangam where people of Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist religions live amid
brotherhood.

 Legend has it that the great teacher and scholar Padmasambhava used his enormous powers to take flight to
Tibet from Rewalsar. It is believed that tiny islands of floating reed in Rewalser Lake have the spirit of
Padamasabhava embodied in it. An imposing statue of Padamsambhava is also built in Rewalsar. There are
three Buddhist monasteries at Rewalsar
 At this place Sage Lomas is believed to have performed his penance to appease Lord Shiva. There are Hindu
temples which are dedicated to Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and sage Lomas alongside the lake
 The Gurudwara Shri Rewalsar Sahib is associated with the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji who called upon
Pahari Rajas to be united in his fight against Mughals. It has a Gurudwara that was built in 1930 by Raja
Joginder Sen of Mandi. People of all religion come to Rewalsar for a Holy bath on Baisakhi.

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 Himachal Pradesh

Prashar Lake
 It lies at 2743 metres above sea level and is 30 kms from Mandi town.
 The pagoda like three storeyed temple
 It is believed that the lake was formed as result of striking of rod (Gurj) by Rishi Prashar and water came out
and took shape of the lake.
 A fair is held here in the month of June every year, where people gather from all neighbouring villages.

Macchial lake
 It is situated in Mandi District
 This Lake is considered sacred and is named after Macchendru Devta or Matasya Avatar of
Lord Vishnu.
 One of such offerings was to ornament the sacred Mahashir fish with gold nasal ring and in
earlier days such sacred Mahashir fish wearing golden rings could be noticed easily in the Lake.
 Fishing in the lake water is strictly prohibited.
Note : There are two Machhial Lakes in Himachal , one in Kangra one in Joginderanagar Mandi

Mantilai Lake
 It is situated at an elevation of 4116 mts in Kullu District.
 This lake is source of Parbati river.
 There is a beautiful range of Parbati peaks surrounding the lake.
 As per legend ,it is the place where lord Shiva got married to goddess
Parvati

Servalsar Lake
 Seolsar lake is located at an altitude of 3100 mts (10,280 feet) in the Seraj Valley of the Kullu
 It is situated at the top of 'Jalori pass' .
 Photography and walking with shoes on the frozen lake has been banned.
 The Serolsar Lake is dedicated to Budhi Nagin (बबबब बबबबब), the mother of all Nag deities such as Shesh-Nag,
Kamru-Nag, Mahu-Nag, Ghunda Nag and other Nag Lords of the state.

One such belief is associated is as soon as any leaf or twig falls into the lake, a little bird named
‘Aabhi’ cleans the lake.
The residents of the village believe that the bird is one of a kind bird who is only seen in this
region.

Nako Lake
 It is a high altitude lake in the Pooh sub-division of the Kinnaur district in Hangrang Valley.
 A footlike impression ascribed to the saint Padmasambhava is located near this place there is.
 There is a village called Tashigang around which there are several caves where it is believed that Guru
Padmasambhava meditated and gave discourse to followers.
Tashigang is known as the “World’s Highest Polling Station”

Yula Kanda lake

 Yula Kanda lake in the Rora Valley of Kinnaur
 The world’s highest Krishna temple is seated at an elevation of 12,778 feet

Chandranahan Lake
 It is situated at 'Chanshal peak' in Rohru tehsil, district Shimla, at an altitude of 4,267 metres.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 The Pabbar river originates from this lake.

Karali Lake
 It is located on the Chhota Shali hillock just on the other side of Shali peak.
 The size of the lake is almost equal to the size of the Annadale ground of Shimla which is about ¾ of a mile
in the circumference and 121 bighas in the area.

Bradonsar Lake
 It lies between Sangla of Kinnaur and Dodrakwar of Shimla

Chandra Taal
 Chandar lal also called Tso Chigma (4870 m).
 The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape
 Chandra Taal lake is situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which
overlooks the Chandra River.
 Chinese Pilgrim Hiuen Tsang called this lake as Lohitya Sarover in his
writings.
 The lake is one of two high-altitude wetlands of India which have been
designated as Ramsar sites in 2005.
 It supports CITES and IUCN Redlisted Snow Leopard and is a refuge for many species like Snowcock,
Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep.
Suraj Tal
According to Hindu mythology, Chandratal is the place where Indra, the King of Gods, came down on his
chariot to transport Yudhishthira, eldest of the five Pandavas, in his mortal form to Swarga (heaven). Locals
believe that fairies visit the lake at night.

 It is situated at an altitude of 4890 mts

 It is also called Tso Kamtsi or Surya Tal or Vishal Tal.
 This lake is located in district Lahaul-Spiti.
 This is a beautiful lake, the source of Bhaga river.
 This lake is located opposite Baralacha having about 1200x1600 sq.mts. of area.

Neelkanth Lake
 It is located in Nainghar Valley of Lahual and Spiti
 Neelkanth lake is often visited by local men who have not been blessed with a son.
 It is believed that a bath in icy cold waters of the lake and a prayer to the Neelkanth
Mahadev Mountain is said to grant them their wishes and bless them with a son. The
women are forbidden and not allowed by the local people to visit this place.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 4. Hot Springs of Himachal Pradesh

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 5. Valleys of Himachal Pradesh

Valleys in Lahaul and Spiti

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 Himachal Pradesh
Lahaul Valley
 It is made up of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga till Tandi and
Chenab from Tandi to Udaipur, downstream of which lies the
famous Pangi valley.
 The Lahaul valley lies to the North of the Pir Panjal and main
Himalayan ranges.

Chandra Valley
 This is the valley of river Chandra. It is locally called
‘Rangoli’. Khoksar is the first village in this valley.
 Major concentrations of glaciers are found in Chandra Valley
including the largest glacier of Himachal , Bara Shigri .

Bhaga Valley
 This valley is locally called ‘Gara’. This valley is formed by river Bhaga.
 The river Bhaga starts from the South-Western foot of Baralacha pass and upto village of Darcha , it flows in
almost a narrow gorge, upto its junction with Chandra river at Tandi.

Chandra-Bhaga Valley or Pattan Valley

 It starts from Tandi to Udaipur in Lahual
 It is popularly Known as ‘Pattan valley’/Manchad valley.
 It is also called as orchards and granary of Lahaul-Spiti.

Spiti Valley
 The Spiti valley has been formed by the Spiti river.
 It is situated between the main Himalayan and Zanskar ranges.
 Kaza a small town is located in the Spiti valley .
 Pin valley is the tributary of Spiti valley in the trans Himalayan zone.

Pin Valley
 This valley is formed by the Pin river, which rises on the eastern slopes of Parbati pass and meets the Spiti
river exactly opposite Lingti village.
 From Pin valley one can cross over to the Kullu valley over Pin
Parbati peak and to the district of Kinnaur via ‘Shakarof pass’ or
‘Tarikhango pass’.
 This valley is famous for Ibex and Snow Leopard. The whole of the
Pin valley , inclusive of all the villages, forms the protected areas.

Lingti Valley
 Largest and Longest side valley of Spiti. I
 t runs North-East from Lingti village to its head. ‘Gya peak’ is also there in Lingti valley.
 At Lighti valley summit Spiti , Ladakh and Tibet meet. It is a living geoglogical museum.
 Its geological history dates back to 250 million years and its shales and fossils are well known to the whole
world.

Valleys in Kullu

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 Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Valley
 Kullu Valley is also Known as “Valley of Gods”.
 Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, lower
Himalayan and great Himalayan ranges .
 In the epics (the Ramayana and Mahabharata) Kullu valley
has been refered as ‘Kulanthapith’ or the end of
habitable world.
 This valley is 75 km in length and about two to four kms
in width and ends near Rohtang pass.
 Lord Raghunath is the presiding deity of this valley.
 Town of Kullu , Bhuntar, Manali and Shamshi lie in
this valley. Nagar Castle , Nehru Kund , Roerich Art
Gallery , Hidimba Temple and hot water Springs are the
main attraction of this valley.

Seraj Valley
 The Seraj Valley can be accessed from Shimla or from Kullu. A range of high hills accessed over the Jalori
Pass or the Bashelo Pass divide Inner Seraj from the tract of outer Seraj.
 The outer Seraj stretches out to touch the right bank of the Satluj River and faces the Narkanda-Hatu-Kotgarh
area of Shimla hills.
 The Inner Seraj heads northwest into Tirthan and Parvati valleys of Kullu.
 A major portion of Inner Seraj is taken up by the Tirthan wildlife Sanctuary which is contiguous to the Great
Himalayan National Park.
 The outer Seraj region mainly consist of two valleys- the Ani and Kurpan valley.

Parvati Valley
 From the confluence of the Parvati River with the River Beas
 Valley of the upper Parvati valley climbs gradually through the wide, high-altitude meadowland of Odi Thatch
to the sacred site of Mantalai Lake the source of the Parvati River.
 Rudra-Nag waterfall, the spiritual site of Kheerganga where Shiva is said to have meditated for 3000 years and
Manikarn hot springs are some of the famous places in this valley .

Solang Valley
 A beautiful valley located between Manali and Kothi. It offers beautiful views of the glaciers and snow covered
mountain peaks. The winter skiing festival is organised here as well as training in skiing is imparted in this
valley.
Valleys in Mandi
Balh Valley or Sundernagar valley
 It is broad open dun type valley between an off shoot of the Shimla Ridge in the North and Shivalik hills in
the South.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 The valley stretches from Gutker in the North to
Sundernagar in the South, Baggi in the East and Gumma in
the West.
 Suketi Khad (stream) divides this valley roughly into two
parts.
 The soil found in this valley is loam in texture and light
grey to brown in colour.
 The main crops are wheat, maize, sugarcane, ginger and
paddy. To promote mixed farming, dairying, animal
husbandry, vegetable cultivation and horticulture,
manuring and soil conservation
 Indo-German agriculture project was started in this
valley in November 1962.

Imla-Vimla Valley or Karsog Valley

 The Imla Vimla Valley is situated between the Shikari dhar to Parlog of Mandi District.
 Karsog town is located in this valley.
 The valley is crisscrossed by several brooks and the ‘twin’ Imla and Bimla streams. The hill of Shikari Devi
stands as a divider between the Karsog and Janjheli valleys.

Valleys of Chamba
Chamba Valley or Ravi valley
 This is also known as “Ravi Valley” and the
“Valley of milk and honey”.
 The Chamba valley is famous for medicinal herbs
and varieties of flowers.
 The remote valley is tucked between Pir Panjal
and Dhauladhar ranges of the Himalaya.
 The important towns located in this valley are
Chamba, Bharmaur , Dalhousie and Khajjiar
.
 Adjoining to the Chamba valley is the Pangi
valley, extending along the Chenab river as it cuts
through the Pir Panjal and offshoots of the main
Himalayan ranges.

Pangi Valley
 It is tucked between the Middle (Pir Panjal) and the Greater Himalayan (Zanskar) range.
 Pangwal and Bhots inhabit this valley.
 The two most important temples in the valley are ‘Mindhal Vansi’ temple and temple of ‘Purthi’ near Killar.
 Highest village in this valley is Chasak Bhatori.

Hudan Valley
 Pangi valley is divided into the Saichu, Hudan Bhatori and Sural Bhatori valleys. These are probably the
remotest areas of Himachal Pradesh .

Monkey valley
 This valley is in the Bharmaur area of district Chamba.
 In the past pilgrims used to cross this valley to reach Manimahesh Kailash.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 It was so tough to cross that people used to crawl like a monkey in this stretch and hence came to be known as
'Bandar Ghati or Monkey valley'.

Valleys of Solan
Kunihar Valley
 The valley of Kunihaar is also known by the names ‘Hatkot’ and ‘Choti Vilayat’.
 It is named Kunihar because of the Kuni river that flows by and is shaped like a garland(haar).
 This valley begins from Kuni Khad and extends up to Tukardia.
 Before the formation of Himachal as a State ,the valley was a part of Kunihar state with its headquarters at
Hat-Kot.

Sarsa Valley
 It is located in Solan district. This valley is also known as Industrial Valley.
 The major cities of this valley are Dagshai ,Kasauli , Sanawar, Haripur ,Ramshehar. Also Parwanoo , Baddi ,
Barotiwala and Nalagarh are its main industrial cities.

Valleys of Kangra
Kangra Valley
 This is an extensive dun-type valley.
 It is located between the Dhauladhar range in the North and the Shivalik hills in the South.
 It ranges from West to East rising gradually from Shahpur to Baijnath and Palampur.
 The important towns of this valley are Baijnath,Palampur, Kangra , Nurpur and Dharamshala.
 This valley is important with historical point of view, with the discovery of Paleolithic hand tools in the area.

 Shoba Singh Art Gallery (Andretta), Shiva temple (Baijnath), Tibetan government in exile (Mcleodganj),
Chamunda Mandir, Bajreshwari temple and Tapovan (Sandeepani Himalaya) are the famous attractions
of Kangra valley.
 Kangra Paintings of this valley are known for their ageless beauty,in which human love has been represented in
line and colour with great delicacy.
 G.C. Barnes admired Kangra valley by saying “No scenery , in my opinion ,presents such sublime and
delightful contrast”

The Bara Banghal Valley

It is adjoining to the Kangra valley. It lies between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. It is partly in Kangra and
partly in Chamba district. The river Ravi rises from the slopes of this valley.

Valleys of Kinnaur
Baspa Valley or Sangla Valley
 This is also known as “Sangla valley” formed by Baspa river in Kinnaur .
 ChitKul is the highest village in this valley.
 Chung Shakhago pass lies at the head of this valley.
 The prominent vegetation found in this valley is deodars , blue pines ,firs and silver birch in the upper zones.
 The historic village Kamru (Mone) is situated in this valley.
 Baspa Valley is connected with Garhwal by several passes. Situated along the Southern ridge of the valley
these passes from the west to east are : Burua pass or Buran Ghati , Kimilay or Khamilogo Pass , Borsu
Pass and Lamkhaga Pass.
 The Shinka, Kimilay and Borsa Passes lead to the famous Har Ki Dun Valley.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Tidong Valley
 This valley is the most rugged glen of the district. It is often called “a Scene of Savage Grandeur”.

Hangrang valley or Spiti Valley

 It is drained by the river Spiti
 This valley joins the main valley in the Spiti near ‘Khab’ village.
 The lower portion of this valley is located in Kinnaur while upper part lies in the Lahaul spiti district.

Some other valley of Kinnaur district

1. The Wangpo or Bhabha
2. The Gyanthing or Nesang
3. The Pejur or Leppa
4. The Kashang
5. The Mulgoon
6. The Yula

Valleys of Shimla
Pabbar Valley or Rohru
 This is also known as “Rohru valley”. It is drained by the river Pabbar which originates from Chansal peak
South of Kinnaur and its tributaries.
 The valley extends from Hatkoti upto Tikri at the base of Chansal.
 Andhra Khad , Pejore and Shhikri streams pass through this valley.

Valleys of Bilaspur
Danwin /Demi Valley
 It is located between Bandla and Bahadurpur ranges . It is famous for its produce of maize , rice , sugarcane
, ginger and wheat crops.

Chaunto Valley
 Chaunto valley, is stretching 13 km long along the Bhakra Dam
 his valley is a fertile and economically prosperous valley in the Shivalik region,

Valleys of Sirmaur
Kiarda-dun Valley or Paonta valley
 This is located in the Markanda and Dharti ranges.
 Yamuna river separates it from DehraDun.
 A greater part (mostly plain) of this valley falls in Cis-Giri division and small part falls into trans-Giri
division(to which Hatti community belongs).
 This valley is watered by Giri and Bata rivers.
 Till a century back this valley was a dense forest inhabited by wild animals. It was only during the period of
Raja Shamsher Parkash that people settled in it.
 A Sikh Gurudwara at Paonta Sahib and a Ram Mandir are two famous religious palces in this valley.
 Adjoining to the Kiarda valley is the Dun and Sproon valley of Solan district.

Jaswan Dun Valley (Una district)

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 Himachal Pradesh
 The Swan river flows across the Jaswan valley towards south untill it submerges in the Satluj near Anandpur.
The Swan river is the life belt of the Jaswan Dun Valley.

Satluj Valley
 This valley is formed by the Satluj river, stretching from Shipki La to Bilaspur.
 The river Satluj enters Indian territory near Shipki and cuts across the Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Main
Himalaya, and Zanskar ranges.
 The towns of Bilaspur, Rampur, and Bhaba are located along the Satluj river in this valley.
 The Satluj basin is geologically fragile, with major landslides in the area listed on the "red list" under the
integrated catchment area treatment plan, requiring special technical interventions for stabilization.
 The main goal of managing landslides is to reduce the rising level of silt in the river, which often forces power
projects like the 1500 MW Naptha Jhakri to shut down.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 6. Glaciers
However, due to climate change, many of these glaciers are shrinking, which is a concern for both the environment and
the people who depend on them.

There are Four major concentration of glaciers in Himachal Pradesh

1. Bara Banghal, lying amidst Kullu, Kangra, Chamba and Lahaul valleys, feeding the river Ravi
2. near the tri-junction of Kullu, Spiti and Kinnaur; feeding the tributaries of the Beas and Satluj
3. in the zone of Lahaul-Spiti and Kullu valleys, feeding glacial tributaries of the Beas river
4. Baralacha Pass

Glaciers of Himachal Pradesh

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 Himachal Pradesh

Bara Shigri(Chandra Valley)

 Bara Shigri, is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh, located in the Chandra valley of Lahaul and feeding
the river Chenab.
 It is about 3 km wide and 25 km long.
 The entire tract is devoid of vegetation cover
 Across the Bara Shigri is another glacier known as Chhota Shigri. It is a comparatively smaller glacier and does
not reach down to the bed of the river, but it is most steep and slippery, difficult to cross.
 It is said that in the year 1936 this glacier caused a great havoc in Chandra valley and formed a large lake known
as Chandertal.
 The Bara Shigri glacier was first surveyed in 1906 by H. Walker and E.H. Pascoe of the Geological Survey
of India.
 This glacier was conquered in 1956 by all women mountaineers, in 1958 by Stephenson and in 1970 by Major
Baljit Singh who trekked it successfully.

Gyephang glacier
 The Gyephang glacier is named after the supreme Gyephang deity of Lahaul
valley which had temple at Sarahan.
 The Gyephang peak most well known is shaped somewhat like Matterhorn
in Switzerland is snow clad throughout the year
 The local fanatics considered it the Manimahesh of Lahaul.

Chandra Glacier(Chandra Valley)

 This glacier is responsible for forming Chandertal lake and has originally separated from Bara Shigri glacier.
 It feeds the river Chandra, which along with Bhaga forms the Chenab.

Bhaga Glacier(Bhaga valley)

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 Himachal Pradesh
 It is located on the slopes of the main Himalayan range in Lahaul area of Himachal Pradesh.
 The river Bhaga originates from this glacier. High snow clad peaks surround this glacier on all sides.
 Bhaga glacier can be approached via Koksar and Tandi in Lahaul-Spiti district. It is 25 km long.

The Lady of Keylong (Bhaga valley)

 Glacier is situated at an altitude of about 6061 mts. which can be seen from Keylong and is very popular among
visitors.
 It was named so by 'Lady Elashainghday' about a century ago during British Raj.
 In the middle, there is seen a dark bare patch that looks like the figure of a woman, walking with a load on her
back.
 Geological Survey of India has also recorded it as the 'LADY OF KEYLONG'.

Miyar Glacier(Miyar valley)

 It is 12 km long in Lahaul area, feeding the river Miyar.
 The Miyar glacier is the longest and it has shrunk by 120 m since 1975.

Chandra Nahan (Shimla)

 Chandra Nahan glacier is located on the South-Eastern slopes of the main Himalaya
 It has carved a depression and in it lies the Chandra Nahan lake.
 The river Pabbar is fed by this glacier.

Bhadal Glacier
 Bhadal Glacier is located on the South-Western slopes of the Pir Panjal range in the Bara Banghal area of
Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
 The river Bhadal is fed by this glacier, which is one of main tributaries of the river Ravi.
 Heavy snowfall in winter causes a rapid expansion of this glacier while in summer this is visited by migratory
graziers.

Gora Glacier
 The glacier is tenanted on the South-facing slopes of the main Himalayan range of Himachal Pradesh.
 Gora glacier has receded in the recent past due to a negative mass balance.

Sonapani
 It is only about five and half km. from the confluence of Kulti Nala and has been surveyed twice.
 First in 1906 by Walker and Pascoe and second time in 1957 by Kurion and Munshi from the Geological
Survey of India.
 Sonapani glacier is visible from the Rohtang Pass.

Dudhon and Parbati

 These glaciers are located in district Kullu having length of 15 km each.
 They feed the river Parbati.

Perad Glacier
 The Perad Glacier is a small, easily accessible near Putiruni in Lahaul-Spiti district.
 Perad in local dialect means broken rock, that has a nice cave too.

Beas Kund
 This glacier is the feeder of the river Beas .
 It is located on the South facing, slopes of the towering Pir Panjal near the world famous Rohtang pass

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 7. Mountain Passes

What are Passes ?

 A mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range or over a ridge
 The utility of a Pass depends upon its elevation above lower land at either end length of time in which it is free
of snow, thus open to travel and the type of area it joins

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Himachal Pradesh

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 Himachal Pradesh

Baralacha Pass (Pangi range - Lahaul - Bharmaur)

 Situated on Manali-Leh road about 75 km from Keylong towards
Leh, is at an elevation of 4890 mts.
 It is known the “pass with cross roads on summit”
 The roads from Zanskar , Ladakh , Spiti and Lahaul meet on the top
of it.
 It lies between Lahaul and Ladakh.
 This pass is also an origin of Chandra , Bhaga and Yunan rivers.
 They flow to three different directions, through the Chandra , Bhaga
and Lingti valleys.

Kunjum Pass Kunzum Mata Temple

 It provides the
 Located at 4590 mts elevation.
main approach
 It connects Lahaul to Spiti.
to Spiti from
the Lahaul.
 The Spiti area
is separated by
the Kunjum range from where the Spiti river orginates.
 This pass is situated at 60 Km from Gramphoo towards Kaza
on the Gramphoo-Kaza- Sumdo road.
 Bara Shigri peak in all its grandeur is seen right in from
from the Kunjum pass.
 A temple has been built on the top dedicated to lord
“Gyephang’-the chief deity of Lahaul

Rohtang Pass (Kullu-Lahaul)

 Rohtang Pass, located at an elevation of 3978 meters.
 Its name, derived from "Ro" (corpse) and "thang" (field) in local dialects, signifies "a field of corpses,"
 The pass is surrounded by the Bhrigu Tung Mountains and is also known by the name Ritanka Jot.
 Rohtang Pass forms the main Gateway between Lahaul Valley and the rest of Southern area of Kullu-
Manali.
 Rohtang is a famous Pass across the Pir Panjal range on the National Highway to Leh.
 The first Englishman to reach the Rohtang Pass was Moorecraft who called it Ritanka Jot.
 Dr. J.G Gerard , Lord Elgin the then Governor General crossed it twice on the same day in 1863.

According to legend the people prayed to Lord Shiva to make a way. Lord Shiva with his trishul cut the Bhrigu Tung
mountain and made a path that is known as the Rohtang pass. On the right of this pass lies the source of the river Beas
also known as Beas Rishi.

Sach Pass(Chamba-Pangi)
 Sach Pass is a 4,414-metre-high mountain pass in Chamba District on the Pir Panjal range of
the Himalayas.

Cheni Pass(Chamba)
 It is situated in Chamba region.
 Descent through Mindhal is easy.
 Mindhal village is Known for a famous temple of Kali.

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 Himachal Pradesh
PASSES, AND JOTS IN HIMACHAL

S.No Name of the Pass Altitude (Mts.) Location

1 Basodan 2,400 Chamba -Bhattiyat

2 Dulchi 2,788 Mandi-Kullu
3 Bhubu 2,895 Joginder Nagar-Kullu
4 Padri 3,050 Chamba -Jammu
5 Jalori 3,135 Inner & Outer Seraj in Kullu
6 Chauri 3,150 Chamba-Kangra
7 Rashol Jot 3,230 Kullu
8 Pajanund Galu 3,280 Mandi-Kullu
9 Khauli Galu 3,440 Kullu
10 Jalsu Ka Jot 3,450 Kangra -Chamba
11 Chandrakhani Galu 3,600 Kullu
12 Tainti Galu 3,600 Kullu
13 Baleni Jot 3,730 Kangra -Chamba
14 Gharhu Jot 3,730 Kullu
15 Sari Galu 3,740 Kullu-Kangra
16 Waru Pass 3,870 Kangra -Chamba
17 Shibaling Pass 3,980 Kinnaur
18 Rohtang Pass 3,978 Kullu -Lahul
19 Bherianga Pass 4,140 Kullu -kangra
20 Hamta Jot Pass 4,270 Pir Panjal -Kullu- Spiti
21 Singoor Pass 4,310 Kangra -Bharmaur
22 Indrahar Pass 4,320 Kangra -Bharmaur
23 Tori Jot 4,360 Kangra - Chamba
24 Sach Pass 4,395 Chamba-Pangi
25 Ranjcha Pass 4,400 Lahul-Spiti
26 Shipkilla Pass 4,500 Lahul-Spiti
27 Kunzam la Pass 4,520 Lahul-Spiti
28 Shi Jot 4,530 Kullu
29 Rangchi Galu 4,540 Kullu
30 Tamsar Pass 4,572 Kangra-Bara Banghal
31 Shinka Pass 4,575 Kinnaur-Gharwal
32 Burua Pass 4,578 Kinnaur-Gharwal
33 Rupin Ghati 4,625 Kinnaur-Gharwal
34 Talang Pass 4,640 Kangra-Chamba
35 KathiKukri 4,640 Kullu-Kangra
36 Gairu Jot 4,660 Kangra
37 Drati Pass 4,720 Chamba-Pangi
38 Kalicho Pass 4,729 Lahul-Bharmaur
39 Khidala Galu 4,750 Chamba
40 Nikhora Pass 4,750 Kangra-Bharmaur
41 Animal Pass 4,880 Kullu

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 Himachal Pradesh
42 Manali Pass 4,880 Manali-Kangra
43 Baralacha Pass 4,890 Pangi-Range,Lahul, Bharmaur
44 Templa Pass 4,930 Lahul-Spiti
45 Chabia Pass 4,934 Pangi-Range,Lahul, Bharmaur
46 Mulari Jot 4,960 Lahul
47 Kugti Pass 4,961 Lahul-Bharmaur
48 Shipting Pass 4,980 Bharmaur-Lahul
49 Taintu ka Jot 5,000 Kullu-Kangra
50 Sara umga Pass 5,010 Kullu-Spiti
51 Shahkarof 5,022 Lahul-Spiti
52 Asha Gali 5,030 Kangra-Lahul-Spiti
53 Nalgaon Pass 5,030 Kinnaur-Gharwal
54 Duggi Jot 5,060 Bharmaur-Lahul
55 Kamilaga Pass 5,151 Kinnaur-Gharwal
56 Makori Jot 5,190 Kangra
57 Lamkhaga Pass 5,284 Kinnaur-Gharwal
58 Charang Pass 5,266 Kinnaur-Gharwal
59 Pin Parbati Pass 5,319 Kullu-Spiti
60 Borsa Pass 5,360 Kinnaur-Gharwal
61 Laluni Jot 5,440 Lahul-Spiti
62 Chobu Pass Bharmaur-Lahul-Spiti
63 Bhim Ghasutri Pass Kangra-Chamba
64 Manirang Pass 6,593 Kinnaur-Spiti
65 Chini Pass Chamba
66 Bhaba Pass 4,890 Kinnaur-Spiti
67 Laluni Jot 5,404 Lahul-Spiti

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 8. Peaks of Himachal Pradesh

Reo Purgyil (Kinnaur)

 Reo Purgyil also known as Leo Pargial named after local diety.
 It is a mountain peak at the southern end of the Zanskar Range in the Western Himalaya.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 It is located the border between Himachal Pradesh and Tibet.
 At 6,816 m , Reo Purgyil is the highest mountain peak in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is located in Kinnaur
district.
 Geologically the peak is a dome structure and is part of a great massif that rises above the Sutlej river and
overlooks the western valleys of Tibet.
 The Spiti River a right hand tributary of the Satluj, drains the northern face of the massif.

Shilla (Spiti)
 Shilla is a mountain peak close to Spiti Valley in Zanskar range.
 The name may be derived from: Shi = death, Shi-la = range or peak death.
 It is located at an Altitude of 6132 m.
 Other meanings locally offered are 'a place of monastery' or 'a gateway to heaven’.
 The Shilla peak is on the divide between Lingti and Shilla Nullah/nala.

Kinner Kailash (Kinnaur)

 It is the third highest peak of Kinnaur.
 It lies in the Great Himalayas.
 Jorkanden is the highest peak in the Kinner-Kailash range.
 It is considered sacred by both Hindu and Buddhist Kinnauris. This mountain is sometimes confused with
the Mount Kailash in Tibet.
 The monolithic pillar (Shivling) is located at an altitude of around 4800 meters.
 Kinnaura’s strongly believe that Mt. Kinner Kailash is the inaccessible dwelling place of Lord Shiva and his
consort Parbati or Durga.

Jorkanden (Kinnaur)
 It is the highest peak in the Kinner Kailash range of the Greater Himalayas.
 It is located at an altitude of 6473 m.
 An expedition team of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police first climbed the peak on 26 May, 1974.
 The peak is often confused with the Kinnaur Kailash peak , which can be distinguished through its distinctly
pointed 'pillar' on top, which is worshipped as a shivling, abode of the Indian god Shiva.

Indrasan (Kullu)
 It is located at an Altitude of 6220 m.
 It is believed that whenever Lord Indra arrives on earth he resides here.
 Mt. Indrasan is considered as the most difficult mountain to climb in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas .

Deo Tibba (Kullu)

 It is located at an Altitude of 6001 m.
 It is situated in the Pir Panjal Range of mountains.
 It lies to the southwest of Manali above Jagatsukh village.
 As per local beliefs, Deo Tibba is the assembly site of the gods.
 The first exploration of Deo Tibba was carried out by General Bruce's guide, Furrer, who observed that one of
the mountain's ridges appeared climbable from the Hamta Nala area.

According to the Hindu mythology, the dome shaped peak of Deo Tibba is where the gods sit. Hence the
name Deo meaning ‘Gods’ and Tibba meaning ‘hill'.

Hanuman Tibba(Kullu -Kangra)

 Hanuman Tibba is the highest mountain peak in Kangra district and lies on Dhauladhar Range.
 It is located at an Altitude of 5860 m.
 To the north of Hamuman Tibba, lies the Taintuka Pass and to the south lies Manali Pass.
 These Passes form the district boundary between the Kangra District and Kullu District.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chau Chau Kang Nilda (Lahaul-Spiti)
 Chau Chau Kang Nilda also known as 'Guan Nelda' or 'blue moon in the sky'
 It is located at an altitude of 6303 mt.
 It is a mountain in the western Himalayas.
 The mountain located 13 km northeast of Kaza, the main town in Spiti, in the district of Lahaul and Spiti .

Churdhar(Shimla/Sirmaur)
 Churdhar is the highest peak in Sirmaur district .
 It is located at an Altitude of 3647 m.
 To the South of Shimla is high peak of Churdhar also known as Chur chandani.
 It lies in the Inner Himalays or lesser Himalayas.
 Churdhar is a holy place related with Shri Shirgul Maharaj (Chureshwar Maharaj), a deity widely
worshipped in Sirmour and Chaupal.

Gya (Spiti)
 It is a mountain peak located at 6,795 m (22,293 ft) above sea level.
 It is India near the tri-junction of Tibet , Ladakh and Spiti.
 ‘Gya’ meant many things including ‘Hundred’, ‘White’, ‘Long pointed Chinese beard’ etc.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 9. Wild Life Sanctuaries and Parks in Himachal Pradesh

Year of
National Parks Area (km²)
Notification

1171 sq.Km (2014),

Great Himalayan National Park 1984
originally 754.40

Inderkilla National Park 104 2010

Khirganga National Park 710 2010

Pin Valley National Park 675 1987

27.88 (2010),
Simbalbara National Park 1958
originally 19.03

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 Himachal Pradesh
National Parks of Himachal

The Great Himalayan National Park / Rohla National Park

(World Heritage Park)

 It is located in the Banjaar Sub-Division Kullu and was set up on 1st March 1984
 In 1999, GHNP was formally declared a National Park , scattering in near about area of 754.4 sq kms.
 On 23rd June 2014 , GHNP was declared World Natural Heritage by UNESCO at its 38th session held at Doha
, in recognition of its outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation.
 The Great Himalayan National Park consists of the upper catchment areas of the Trithan , Sainj and Jiwa rivers
,which flow westwards and feed the Beas river .
 Besides the Tirthan sanctuary , it is also bordered by Pin valley National Park on the North East , Kanwar
sanctuary on the North –West and Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary to the east.
 In 2010, both the Sainj and Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuaries were merged with GHNP.
 GHNP includes the largest remaining population of Himalayan ‘tahr’ in Himachal Pradesh.
 It is also one of the only two places in India ,where anything more than a remnant population of “Western
tragopan” is known to survive.

Pin Valley National Park(Lahaul-Spiti)

 It is located in the cold desert Pin Valley on January 9, 1987
 On 9th January 1987 , it was declared National Park with an area of 675 square kilometres .
 Spreading south of Dhankar Gompa near the Tibetan border, the park marks the border between the formerly
separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti.
 The Flora of the Pin Valley National Park is rich and represents a number of plants species used in Indian
Traditional Medicine and Tibetian System.

There are 18 biosphere reserves in India . One of them “Cold Sphere Biosphere” is in Himachal .
Pin Valley National park is located in the desert habitat of the Spiti Valley, within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve,
in the Himalayas region.

Inderkilla National Park

 It is located in Kullu district.
 It is established in 2010 as National Park

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 Himachal Pradesh
 It covers an area of about 104 square kilometres (40 sq mi).

Khirganga National Park

 It is located Parvati valley of Kullu district.
 The national park is situated at a height of around 5,500 meters and is spread across an area of about 710 square
kilometres (270 square miles) of the Parvati Watershed.
.
Simbalbara National Park (Sirmaur)
 Simbalbara National Park is located in the Paonta Valley of Sirmour District.
 In 1958 , it was first notified as sanctuary and in 2013 it was declared as as National Park.
 It is also known as Col. Sher Jung National Park.
 The area was earlier a hunting preserve of the former Maharaja of Sirmaur, historical records indicate the
presence of elephant in the past.
 Main attraction is Cheetal, Goral, Sambhar, barking deer, leopard, wild boar, Partridges, red jungle fowl.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kangra

Pong dam Lake (Kangra)
 Named in the honour of Maharana Pratap (1540–1597), the reservoir or the lake is a well-known wildlife
sanctuary and one of the International wetland sites declared in India by the Ramsar Convention.
 The Pong Reservoir is important fishing reservoirs in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Mandi

Nargu Sanctuary
 Located in district Mandi.
 Notified in 1962 under the Punjab Wild Birds and Wilds Animal Protection Act.
 This is the most densely populated Sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh.
 Towards the South-East, it adjoins Khokhan sanctuary(Kullu).

Shikari Devi Sanctuary

 It is located in Mandi.
 First notified a Sanctuary in 1962.
 This Sancturay is named after the goddess Shik
 ari Devi , to whom a temple situated within the sanctuary is dedicated.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kullu

Kais Sanctuary
 Located in district Kullu.
 Notified as a Sanctuary on 26th February 1954 under the Punjab Wild Birds and Wild Animals Act,1933.
 It includes part of the catchment of the Kais Nala (tributary of the Beas river.)
Kanawar Sanctuary
 Located in district Kullu near town Manikarn.
 Notified as a Sanctuary on 26th February 1954 under the Punjab Wild Birds and Wild Animals Act,1933.
 It is famous for one of the India’s largest remaining popultion of Himalayan Tahr.
Khokhan Sanctuary
 Located in district Kullu near town Bhuntar.
 Notified as a Sanctuary on 26th February 1954 under the Punjab Wild Birds and Wild Animals Act,1933.
 It is connected to Nagru sanctuary (Mandi) in the south West , across the Bagi Dhar.
 It is heavily distrubed by humans and livestock.
Manali
 Located in district Kullu.
 Notified as a Sanctuary on 26th February 1954 under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act,1933.
 This Sanctuary forms part of the catchment of Manalsu Nala (tributary of Beas).
 Beas Kund, the source of Beas river is located just north of the Sanctuary.
 Pir Panjal range is along its western boundary.
 Gujjars and Gaddis cause great disturbance to this Sanctuary.
Tirthan
 Located in district Kullu
 Notified as a sanctuary on 17th June 1976.
 Northern part of this sanctuary has been included in the Great Himalayan National Park.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Chamba

Gamgul Siahbehi Sanctuary

 Located in district Chamba near Chamba town.
 First notified in 1949.
 This is the only Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh which has reported the presence of Kashmir Stag.
Kalatope Khajjiar Sanctuary
 Located in District Chamba.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 Notified a game sanctuary on 1st July 1949.
 This small sanctuary lies in the catchment area of the river Ravi.
 A lovely bowl-shaped meadow at Khajjiar with a lake and ‘floating’ Island is a popular tourist spot.
Kugti Sanctuary
 Located in district Chamba.
 First notified in 1962 as a sanctuary.
 To the west it is connected with Tundah Sanctuary by a forest corridor.
 There is an annual pilgrimage to the Mani Mahesh temple inside the sanctuary.
Sechu Tuan Nala Sanctuary
 Located in district Chamba.
 First notified as a sanctuary in 1962
Tundah Sanctuary
 Located in district Chamba.
 First notified in 1962.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kinnaur

Lippa Asrang Sanctuary
 Located in district Kinnaur near town Morang.
 First notified as a sanctuary in 1962.
 The area is largely flat ,like a huge plateau and part of it is barren cold desert.
 This sanctuary is among the few in Himachal Pradesh , which is not open for tourists.
Rakchham Chitkul Sanctuary
 Loacted in district Kinnaur near town Kalpa.
 First notified in 1962.
 Govind Pashu Vihar sanctuary in Uttrakhand falls adjacent to its southern boundary and little beyond the eastern
boundary of the sanctuary lies the Tibetan Plateau of China.
Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary
 Located in district Kinnaur near town Rampur Bushahr.
 First notified as a sanctuary on 28th March 1982.
 The great Himalayan National Park and Pin valley National Park are located on its western and northern
boundaries ,respectively.
 Sanjay Vidyut Hydel Scheme is a great threat to the sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Sirmaur

Renuka Sanctuary
 Located in district Sirmaur near town Dadahu..
 First notified on 22nd July 1964 under Punjab Wild Life Act , 1933.
 It is one of the smallest sanctauries in H.P more famous as pilgrimage spot and for its lion safari.
Churadhar Sanctuary
 Located in district Sirmaur and Shimla near town Nohra.
 Notified as a sanctuary on 15th November 1985.
 The sanctuary gets its name from Chur peak ,on the top of which sits a majestic statue of Lord Shiva.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Shimla

Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary

 Located in district Shimla near town Shimla.
 First notified as a sanctuary on 29th July 1982.
 This sanctuary is free from habitation.
 This area has been preserved since 19th sanctuary as the catchment area providing water to Shimla town.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 It was earlier part of the Koti State and came under the state control in 1947-48.
Tarla Sanctuary
 Located in district Shimla near town Jubbal.
 First notified in 1962.
Daranghati Sanctuary
 Located in district Shimla near town Rampur Bushahr.
 First notified in 1962.
 The area was earlier a hunting reserve of the former Raja of Bushahr state.
 The sanctuary is in two segments , with villages and cultivated area in between .
 Animals movement take place over snow clad peaks into the Rakchham Chitkul sanctuary in the south-East and
Tarla Sanctuary in the south.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Solan

Shilli Sanctuary
 Located in district Solan.
 First notified as a sanctuary in 1963.
 This is the smallest sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh.
Chail Sanctuary
 Located in district Solan and Shimla.
 Notified as a sanctuary on 21st March 1976.
 Formerly a private game reserve of the erstwhile Maharaja of Patiala.
Majathal Sanctuary
 Located in district Solan and Shimla.
 First notified as a sanctuary in 1962.
 It is the single most important locality for chir phesant in the world
Darlaghat sanctuary
 Located in district Solan and Bilaspur.
 First notified as a santuary in 1962.
 Majathal Sanctuary adjoins the North-East boundary.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kangra

Pong Lake Sanctuary

 Located in district Kangra near town Dehra-Gopipur.
 First notified as a sanctuary on 1st June 1983.
 The Pong Lake was created in 1976 by damming the Beas river .
 This reservoir attracts a large number of migratory water birds.
 It is the only place in India where the rare Red necked grebe has been recorded.
 The lake contains “ one permanent island and several others that are intermittently connected to the shore.
 This sanctuary is a wetland.

Dhauladhar Sanctuary
 This place is also known as Gopalpur zoo.
 It spans over 944 square kilometers.
 It was established in 1994 .
 It is home to many animals including Himalayan black bears, cheetahs, sambar, ghoral, pheasants, peacock.

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Lahual & Spiti

Chandertal Wildlife Sanctuary
 It is lake in the Spiti Valley.
 It is accessible on foot from Kunzum Pass

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 Himachal Pradesh

Kibbar Wildlife Sanctuary

 It is establised in 1992 .
 It is largest wildlife sanctuary of Himachal
 Many rare and endangered medicinal plant species are present here.
 It is home to Himalayan Ibex , Snow Leopard , Lynx .

Wildlife Sanctuaries of Bilaspur

Govind Sagar Wilflife Sanctuary
It is situated in Lower Shiwaliks.
It is a water Reservoir formed by the Bhakhra Dam.

Naina Devi Wildlife Sactuary

Naina Devi Temple is located on a hill above the sanctuary.
Fauna - Jackals , Leopards , Sambhar

Ramsar Sites in Himachal

 Ramsar Convention is a convention on wetlands that was signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
 The negotiations for the convention started in the 1960s by the different countries and NGOs for the protection
of wetland habitats of migratory water birds. Finally, it came into force in 1975 India.
 There are 42 Ramsar Sites in India listed under Ramsar Convention.
 There are 3 Ramsar Sites in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
The State has Three Ramsar Sites Wetlands of International Importance namely-
1. Pong dam (Kangra)
2. Renuka (Sirmaur)
3. Chandertal (Lahaul & Spiti).

Pong dam Lake (Kangra)

 Date of declaration- 9 August 2002
 Area – 307.29 sq Km
 Maharana Pratap Sagar, also known as Pong Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake is a large reservoir in Fatehpur,
Jawali and Dehra tehsil of Kangra district .
 It was created in 1975, by building the highest earthfill dam in India on the Beas River in the wetland zone of
the Siwalik Hills.
 Named in the honour of Maharana Pratap (1540–1597), the reservoir or the lake is a well-known wildlife
sanctuary and one of the international wetland sites declared in India by the Ramsar Convention.
 The Pong Reservoir is important fishing reservoirs in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Renuka Wetland (Sirmaur)
 Date of declaration- 8 November 2005
 Area – 307.29 sq Km
 Renuka lake is in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
 It is the largest lake in Himachal Pradesh.
 This lake was named after the goddess Renuka and is designated as Ramsar site in November 2005.

Chandertal Wetland (Lahaul & Spiti)

 Date of declaration- 8 November 2005
 Area – 38.56 sq Km
 Tso Chigma or Chandra Taal (meaning the Lake of the Moon), or Chandra Tal is a lake in the spiti part of
the Lahul and Spiti district.
 Chandra Taal is near the source of the Chandra River.
 Chandra Taal lake is situated below the low ridge of Kunzum range.
 Chandra Taal lake is on the Samudra Tapu plateau, which overlooks Chandra river (a source river of
the Chenab.
 The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape.

Conservation Reserves in India

 For the preservation of the land, sea, and habitat of fauna and plants, it is a state-owned region close to National
Parks and sanctuaries.
 A Conservation Reserve Management Committee is in charge of managing it.
 The first conservation reserve in the nation is located near Tiruppadaimarathur, Tamil Nadu.
 The village’s residents took steps to create a conservation reserve in order to protect the birds that nest there.
 Residents of conservation reserves are not subject to any restrictions on their privileges.
 India currently has 100 conservation reserves, which together encompass 4927.28 km2, or 0.15 per cent, of its
total land area.

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Himachal Pradesh

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 10. Forests
 The Constitution of India through Article 48A directs the governments at all levels
to “Endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests
and wildlife of the country”.
 Article 51A (g) of the Constitution imposes duty on every citizen to “protect and
improve natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wildlife and to have
compassion for living creatures”.
 Forest cover is defined as an area more than 1 ha in extent and having tree canopy
density of 10 percent and above.
 Tree cover, on the other hand, is an estimated area comprising of tree patches,
which are less than one hectare and isolated trees outside the recorded forest.

Non
Forest

Scrub
OF
VDF
MDF

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 Himachal Pradesh
India State of Forest Report
 The Ministry for Environment, Forests and Climate Change has released the India State of Forest Report (ISFR),
2023.
 ISFR is a biennial publication of Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the Ministry of
Environment Forest & Climate Change.
 The ISFR assesses the forest and tree cover, bamboo resources, carbon stock and forest fires.

 The Forests in Himachal Pradesh are known for

their grandeur and majesty, like a green pearl in
the Himalayan crown. This life supporting
systems are presently under great stress due to
impact of modern civilization, economic
development and growth in human and cattle
population.
 According to National Forest Policy, 1988, at
least two
thirds i.e
32%
66 of the
Forest
geographical area should be under forests in hilly states like Himachal
68% Rest
Pradesh. However, keeping in view, that about 20 percent of the area is
inaccessible and beyond the tree limit, the State Government aims to bring
50 of the geographical area under forest cover .

 Forests in Himachal Pradesh cover an area of 37,948 square kilometres and account for 68.16 % of total
geographical area of the State.
 However, presently 15,580 sq.km or 27.99 % of the total geographical areas support forest cover.
 15,443 square kilometres (sq. km)-or 27.74 per cent of the State is under forest.

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 Himachal Pradesh
 37,948 sq. km (or around 68.16 per cent) of the State's landmass is covered by officially designated forest
land.
 According to Champion and Seth's taxonomy of forests (1968), there are 8 main categories of forests and 37
minor types of forests.
 Most land is covered by the Himalayan Moist Temperate forest.
 The Forest Department aims to enhance the forest cover in the State from about 27.99 per cent (as per India
State of Forest Report 2023) to 30 per cent of its geographical area, by 2030 to meet the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs).
 The policy action agenda aimed at ensuring the proper utilization, conservation, and expansion of forests,
while promoting a sustainable environment and climate action.

Select the correct statements from the following:

i. Supreme Court of India has allowed the State for silviculture green felling of three species on experimental
basis.
ii. Forests in H.P. cover an area of 37947 sq. kms of total geographical area of the state
iii. In H.P. presently 30% of the total geographical areas support forest cover.
iv. The aim of the forest department is to enhance the forest cover in the state to 35% of its geographical area by
2030.
a. (iii) and (iv)
b. (i) and (ii)
c. (i), (ii) and (iii)
d. None of these.

In FY2024-25, the forestry and logging sub-sector added ₹6,724 crore and accounted for 21.09 per cent of the
Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Agriculture and allied sector

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 Himachal Pradesh

 The forests in the State can be broadly classified into coniferous forests and broad-leaved forests.
 Distribution of species follows altitudinal zonation
 More than 95 species are endemic to Himachal Pradesh and characteristic of Western Himalayan flora, while
about 5% (150 species) are exotic, introduced over the last 150 years
 Himachal Pradesh has a rich natural vegetation. The vegetation extends right from the foothills to the snowline.
 In Himachal Pradesh larger part of the forest area is found in the eastern basin of the Yamuna and the Satluj and
smaller part in the western river basin of the Beas and Ravi.
 There is hardly 1% forest area in the cold , arid and highly mountainous part of the Chenab river basin.

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 Himachal Pradesh

Forest types in Himachal Pradesh

 Moist Tropical Forests
 Dry Tropical Forests
 Montane Sub-Tropical Forests
 Montane Temperate Forests
 Sub-Alpine Forests
 Alpine Scrub

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 Himachal Pradesh

The Rain

Rainfall
 Himachal Pradesh receives 1600 mm of rainfall every year.
 The lowest rainfall in Himachal Pradesh is only 50 mm in Spiti.
 Lahaul-Spiti is the driest district in the state.
 The highest rainfall in the state is in Dharamshala of Kangra.
 The State receives an average rainfall of 1,251 milimeter.
 Kangra district gets the highest rainfall followed by Chamba, Sirmaur and Mandi.

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 Himachal Pradesh
Chapter 11. Demographic Profile of Himachal Pradesh

Demographic Profile as per 2011 Census

 Himachal Pradesh has population of 68.65 Lakhs, an increase from figure of 60.78 Lakh in 2001 census.
 Total population of Himachal Pradesh as per 2011 census is 6,864,602 , Out of which male and female are
3,481,873 and 3,382,729 respectively.
 The total population growth in this decade was 12.94 % .
 The population of Himachal Pradesh forms 0.57 % of India’s population and ranks 21st position amongst all
states and Union territories of the country.

Trend in Sex Ratio

 Sex ratio is important demograpghic indicator and is defined as number of females per 1000 males.
 2011 Census shows, Sex ratio of 972 females per 1000 males.
 The position of sex ratio in the state is comparatively good than sex ratio of 940 females in the country.
 Hamirpur district is at top position, and has sex ratio above the parity line(1096 females per 1000 males).
 Kinnaur district has the lowest sex ratio of 819 females per 1000 males.

Child Sex Ratio

 Female foeticide seems to be gaining ground in the state as the five most populous and most literate districts
bordering Punjab , face an adverse child gender ratio in the age group of (0-6 years).
 The five major districts that present a dismal child gender ratio Una, Kangra , Hamirpur, Bilaspur and Solan.
 Child Sex ratio is highest in Lahaul & Spiti and lowest in Kinnaur.
 Various Schemes launched by the government to improve the child Sex ratio-
 Beti Hai Anmol
 The Maitri Sewa Yojna

Density of Population
 The Density of population reflects the ratio between population and land.
 The Density of population in State is 123 person pe Km².
 The Density of population in Himachal Pradesh is quite low as compared with all India average of 382 person
per Km².
 The highest density of population is recorded in Hamirpur district, where it is 407 person per Km².
 The lowest density of 2 persons per Km² is recorded in Lahaul & Spiti district though this district is biggest in
terms of area in the state but distribution of population is very sparse.

District Population Area (km²) Po. Density Sex-ratio

Kangra 1,510,075 5,739 263 1,012
Mandi 999,777 3,950 253 1,007
Shimla 814,010 5,131 159 915
Solan 580,320 1,936 300 880
Sirmaur 529,855 2,825 188 918
Una 521,173 1,540 338 976
Chamba 519,080 6,522 80 986
Hamirpur 454,768 1,118 407 1,095
Kullu 437,903 5,503 80 942
Bilaspur 381,956 1,167 327 981
Kinnaur 84,121 6,401 13 819
Lahul & Spiti 31,564 13,841 2 903

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 Himachal Pradesh

Rural and Urban Population in Himachal Pradesh

 Out of total population of Himachal Pradesh, 10.03% people live in urban regions. The total figure of population
living in urban areas is 688,552.
 Of the total population of Himachal Pradesh state, around 89.97 % live in the villages of rural areas.
 Total population of rural areas of Himachal Pradesh state was 6,176,050.

Here is the table for "Himachal Pradesh Urban & Rural Population":
Description Urban Rural
Area (sq.km) 270.82 55,402.18
Number of households 170,770 1,312,510
Total Population 688,552 6,176,050
Population (%) 53.96% 49.64%
Male Population 371,528 3,110,345
Female Population 317,024 3,065,705
Sex Ratio 853 986
Literacy (%) 82.49% 72.4%

Literacy
 Average literacy rate of Himachal Pradesh is 82.80 %.
 The proportion of total literates in the state is more than all India’s average of 74.04 % literates in 2011 census
 Male literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh is 89.53 %.
 Female literacy rate in Himachal Pradesh is 75.93 %.
 Total literates in Himachal Pradesh are 51,04,506 people , Out of which males are 27,91,542 and females are
23,12,964.
 The highest percentage of literates is recorded in Hamirpur district (88.95%).
 Chamba has the lowest percentage of literates (72.17)%.

Scheduled Caste Population

 The highest proportion of Scheduled Castes population was reported from Kangra district.
 The lowest proportion of Scheduled Caste population was recorded in tribal district of Lahaul & Spiti.
 The total scheduled castes population in Himachal Pradesh is 1729252 which is 25.19% of the total population.

Scheduled Tribe Population

 The highest proportion of tribal population was recorded in Chamba
 The lowest proportion of tribal population was recorded in Hamirpur district.
 The Scheduled Tribe population of the Pradesh which has its concentration in districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-
Spiti, Pangi and Bharmour parts of Chamba and scattered in other district is 3,92,126.
 The total scheduled castes population in Himachal Pradesh is 5.71% of the total population.
Religion based Survey
 India being a secular country has followers of many religions.In Himachal Pradesh the highest proportion of
Hindus.
 Hindus constitute the majority in the state with nearly 58 lakh hindus .
 Kangra has the maximum number of hindus followed by Mandi and Shimla.
 Una district has the highest Sikh community and Lahaul & Spiti has the highest number of Buddhist population.

Here is the table for "Himachal Pradesh Religion Population":

Description Population Percentage
Total 6,864,602 100%

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 Himachal Pradesh
Description Population Percentage
Hindu 6,532,765 95.17%
Muslim 149,881 2.18%
Sikh 79,896 1.16%
Buddhist 78,659 1.15%
Christian 12,646 0.18%
Religion not stated 8,094 0.12%
Jain 1,805 0.03%
Other religions and persuasions 856 0.01%

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Himachal Pradesh

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