Punjab
on the west, Uttar Pradesh
on the southeast, China on
the east, Haryana on the
southeast, and Jammu and
Kashmir on North border the
Indian state of Himachal
Pradesh. It extends from
the latitudes 30°22'40" North
to 33°12'40" North
and longitudes 75°45'
55" East to 79°04'
20" East. |
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The
climate of Himachal Pradesh, depending
on the altitude, varies at different
places from semi tropical to semi
arctic. Winters (October to February)
are very severe and heavy snowfall
is recorded during this season.
April to June is delightful and
comfortable at the higher altitudes,
though on the lower hills, this
season can have more humidity than
usual. July to September is the
time for rainfall and the entire
region becomes green and fresh
with streams swelling and springs
replenished.
The entire region of Himachal Pradesh
is hilly with the altitude ranging
from 350 meters to 7000 meters above
sea level. Forming a part of the
Punjab Himalayas, the altitude increases
from west to east and from south
to north. Geographically, Himachal
Pradesh can be divided into three
distinct regions, the Shivalik or
outer Himalayas, middle Himalayas
or inner Himalayas, and greater Himalayas
or the alpine zone.
The lower Himalayas include the
districts of Hamirpur, Kangra, Una,
Bilaspur, and the lower parts of
Solan, Sirmaur, and Mandi commonly
known as the Shivalik Hills. The
altitude in this region ranges from
350 meters to 1,500 meters.
The middle Himalayas comprise the
region between the altitudes of 1,500
meters and 4,500 meters. The districts
under this region are parts of Sirmaur,
Mandi, and the upper parts of Kangra,
Shimla, and Chamba.
The greater Himalayas or the alpine
zone is at an altitude of 4,500 meters
and above. The region is cut across
by the river Sutlej and comprises
the Kinnaur and Pangi tehsils of
Chamba, and some part of Lahaul and
Spiti.
The summer temperature varies from
the maximum of 38º celsius to
minimum 22º celsius and the
winter temperature varies from maximum
15º celsius to minimum 0º celsius.
The annual rainfall is 2909-3800
mm. Most of the adventure sports
are conducted during June to September
period. The months from September
to March are best suited for a great
trip to Himachal Pradesh.
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