2. The Himachal Himalayas

Stretching over Himachal Pradesh, it occupies an area of about 45,000 sq km. All the three ranges (the Greater, the Lesser and the Outer Himalayas) are well represented in this region. The northern slopes of the Himachal Himalayas are clothed with thick forests and show plains and lakes, while the southern slopes are rugged and forest clad. Rohtang, Bara-Lacha, and Shipki-La are the important passes which join Himachal Pradesh with Tibet (China). The beautiful and highly productive valleys of Kangra, Kullu, Manali, Lahul, and Spiti lie in Himachal Pradesh. These valleys are well known for orchards and scenic beauty. Shimla, Dalhousie, Chamba, Dharamshala, Kullu-Manali are the important hill stations of this region.