New Delhi, 1999, 1st edition. 240 pp, 60 color and b/w plates, 16 maps. The Himalayan range, onwards from Garhwal, enters what is loosely called the western Himalaya or Himachal Pradesh. Immediately to the north are the valleys of Kinnaur. Ahead Spiti has been barren valleys with the occasional patch of green to remind that there is always some fun, something novel away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
If you are within 48 hours' distance from the Himalaya, as a visitor or a resident, then Himachal Pradesh holds the best attraction. Within a week or two you can climb and trek to your satisfaction. And it can be challenging too. To the north of Kullu valley, lies Rohtang, the most accessible and most frequented of the Himalayan passes, which leads to Lahaul. Lahaul is on the western side of Kunzum la and trekkers visit Chandra tal often and now the Manali-Leh highway passes through Lahaul, a popular jeep-safari route. Thus Himachal Pradesh has something for all.
This book is based on author's several visits to different areas of Himachal Pradesh, exploring its valleys and climbing peaks. It concentrates most valuably on the wealth of extremely rewarding summits, unknown passes and remote valleys, which have been hitherto neglected due to lack of information or difficulty of access. Complete with several maps, illustrated with many photographs, tables of road distances and trek routes this book is an exhaustive reference work on this area. The author's experience in H.P. takes one to transformation of many areas of H.P. from an ancient civilization to a tourist destination. The book will be essential reference for all travelers, trekkers, mountaineers and historians interested in Himachal Pradesh or as a simple armchair travelogue.
Contents : - List of Illustrations My Himalaya: An introduction 1. Valley of Kullu and Lahaul 2. Climbs and Treks in Kangra Valley 3. A Trek to Chamba Kailash 4. Trekking in Chamba 5. A Trek in Dhauladhar 6. Scrambles in Manali and Lahaul 7. Across Rohtang 8. Valleys of Kinnaur 9. Kinnaur: A Decade of Visits 10. Trekking in Unknown Sorang Valley 11. In the Land of Legends 12. First Ascent of Rangrik Rang 13. Manirang: On the Edge of Kinnaur 14. Valleys of Spit 15. Unknown Spiti: The Middle Country 16. Exploring Western Spiti Valleys 17. First Explorations of Lingti Valley 18. Climbs in Lingti Valley Appendices : 1. Regions and History of the Indian Himalaya 2. A Note on Climbing Mountains in India 3. Major Passes in Himachal Pradesh 4. Major River Valleys in Himachal Pradesh 5. Nomenclature and Notes 6. Major Peaks in Himachal Pradesh 7. Road Distances in Himachal Pradesh. Hardcover, DJ, New.
