Central Himachal Pradesh

Central Himachal Pradesh is a region in Himachal Pradesh, consisting of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi and Una districts.

Cities

 * &mdash; a town regarded as the first planned hill town in the country


 * &mdash; a town in the Karsog Valley amidst enormous orchards of apples and dense hilly woods of deodars and pines


 * &mdash; home to Baba Balak Nath and Narvdeshwar temples


 * &mdash; a destination for hanging out, trekking, paragliding, angling and camping


 * &mdash; a small local village on the way of Pin-Parvati Pass


 * &mdash; a small hill station


 * &mdash; a backpacker stronghold in Kullu Valley famous for trekking and mountaineering


 * &mdash; a town built along the banks of the Beas River. Home to many temples dedicated to Shiva and Kali, and hub for trips around the region


 * &mdash; a town and municipal council that is the site for Shri Naina Devi Temple (Mahishapeeth)


 * &mdash; according to Buddhist legend, this lake was created out of a burning pyre by master Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche)

Other destinations





 * &mdash; the main deity of Mandi district. Its temple is at the height of 3,334 m above sea level on Mandi-Karsog Road. Perfect place for trekkers.


 * &mdash; at an altitude of 2,730 m in district Mandi, 40 km from Mandi town. The deep blue water at this beautiful lake is held sacred to the sage Prashar. A three-tiered Pagoda-like temple dedicated to the sage lies by the lake—'rishi' Prashar is said to have meditated here. Its remarkable setting is enhanced by a frame of snow-draped peaks visible from the lake's edge, and the water of the river Sutlej flows due south. The lakeside and the nearby villages are sites of various festivals held at different times of the year

See
From Mandi (see there), there are many destinations to explore, even though the city itself is not necessarily a place to hang around. Such destinations include:
 * Gadda Gusaini, a virgin valley near the backpacker stronghold of Jibhi
 * Jhatingri, with beautiful deodar and blue pine forests
 * Karsog Valley, full of scenic beauty and abundance of apple orchards near Chindi
 * Rohanda Valley, popular among motorcycling clubs
 * Barot, 12 km by Haulage Trolley from Jogindernagar it packs an enormous range of out door activities

Eat
While the region seems to derive pride from its apple orchards, apples and pears in this region are actually less tasty than in Europe, and it is better to stick to Bananas, Mangos and Papayas—but be your own judge.