The Himalayas cover approximately 1,500 mi (2,400 km) and pass through the nations of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan and Nepal. Himalayas aren’t just a mountain range. Apart from their geographical advantage, Himalayas have become a popular trekking destination and a vibrant hub of religion. Many temples and ashrams attract thousands of pilgrims and visitors yearly.
Running through northern and north-eastern India, the Himalayan foothills and mountains have sevreral towns and cities which are not very frequenetly visited and quite unheard of.
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This article gives an insight into a few of these Himalayan cities and towns
Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
The largest township in Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Kaza boasts of high mountains with snowy crowns, crystal clear rivers, streams and barren splendor interspersed with patches of green. Kaza is known for its colorful festivals and the Sakya Tangyud Monastery.
Rudyard Kipling described the Lahaul and Spiti region as ‘a world within a world’. And situated about 11,980 feet above sea level, it really is just that. Strung along the Spiti River, Kaza and the Spiti Valley have strong geographical and cultural similarities with Tibet and Ladakh. Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley, making it an important administrative and commercial center.
Most hotels, market, main bus depot, hospitals and government offices are located here. Kaza can be divided into two sections, Kaza Soma is the new town while the older one is Kaza Khas. The government offices are located in Kaza Soma while Kaza Khas has the king’s palace, monasteries, gompas and other historical buildings.
Its mountainous terrain and pristine locales attract visitors who want to indulge in adventurous activities and spiritual well being alike. It is the base camp for trekking, mountaineering and other adventures. Pin-Parvati, Parang-La and Pin-Bhaba are some of the popular trails which start from Kaza. A gentle stroll to villages around Kaza can also be an interesting experience.
