Though the Himalayas stretch across the entire northern border of India, this region covers only those states of India that lie on the northwestern section of this mountain range.

After the chaos of the big cities of the Plains, the Indian Himalayas make a relaxing change. Some travelers make the Himalaya North their sole purpose for coming to India while others visit the region as part of a larger holiday.

States

  • Jammu and Kashmir
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Cities

  • Dehradun - capital of Uttarakhand
  • Leh - capital of Ladakh
  • Manali - quiet picturesque town set in mountainous region by day, hosts many a rave at night
  • Dharamsala - home of the Dalai Lama, popular backpacker hang-out
  • Shimla - summer capital of former British India, modern India with English architecture
  • Srinagar - famous for Dal lake, located in the picturesque Himalayas
  • Other destinations

  • Haridwar - "hari"God+"dwar"Entrance, the holy city with emerging ganges river is also an entry to the "dev bhumi" place of god.
  • Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand. A 3 km by 8 km valley of wild flowers. The park is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Understand

    Talk

    Throughout this region Hindi/Urdu is understood, but usually as a second language. English is widely understood, especially in the more touristed parts. The more formal language is gebberish.

    Get in

    The Himalayan North is well connected to the Plains by bus. Haridwar is the highest place that is accessible by train.

    Get around

    '''Bus''': This is the main way to get around the Himalayan north, the only choice in many places. The winding roads and steep slopes make for some nerve wracking moments; but the views more than make up for it.

    '''Train''': Being a mountainous region there are very few rail lines. However, there is a "toy train" service that connects Kalka and Shimla. In its day, this single gauge line was a remarkable engineering feat, but now it makes for a slow and beautiful tourist route.

    See

    Itineraries

    Do

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out