Cafés in Manali — Old Manali, Mall Road, Vashisht and the Naggar road
Manali's cafés by area: Old Manali's lane, Mall Road, Vashisht and Jagatsukh. On their menus a cappuccino costs ₹120–200 and momos ₹170–320. Where to go.
The blog.
When to go, how to reach, where to stay, what it costs on the ground — written from the valley, checked against sources, dated.
Manali
The Manali guide →
Where to stay in Manali — the areas compared
Manali has five different places to sleep: the town round the Mall, Old Manali, Vashisht, the resorts at Prini and Aleo, and the Solang road. Which suits you.
Where to go after Manali — Kasol, Jibhi, Lahaul and Spiti, compared
The four ways on from Manali: Kasol and the Parvati valley, 75 km; Jibhi and the Tirthan, 90 km; Sissu and Lahaul through the tunnel; Spiti or Leh.
What to pack for Manali, by season
Manali packing by season: layers for cold nights at 2,050 m even in June, rain gear for July and August, real winter kit for Sissu and Solang. What to hire.
What to eat in Manali — the local plate, and where it is actually served
The Kullu valley's own food and where a visitor meets it: siddu with ghee, river trout, red rice, dham, the dhabas at Marhi and Jana, and Old Manali's cafés.
What a Manali trip costs on the ground — the honest price sheet
What Manali costs on the ground: typical bands for paragliding, rafting, skiing, camping, bike hire and guides; what is free; what moves with the season; cash.
Things to do in Manali — 20 that are worth the drive, and what each costs
Twenty things to do in Manali sorted by distance from the bus stand, with measured drive times, what each costs on the ground, and which month each is for.
The Rohtang Pass permit — how it works, who needs it, and when you don't
Rohtang Pass permit: online, per vehicle and date; ₹500 plus ₹50 for a car; 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles a day, released at 10:00 and 16:00.
Rohtang Pass or the Atal Tunnel — which day to do
Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) needs a permit and opens roughly May to November; the Atal Tunnel needs none, is open all year and puts Sissu an hour away.
Manali with kids — what works at each age, what to skip, and the altitude question
Manali with children: the park, grove and museum for small ones, the meadow and the snow day for the middle years, the walks for teens; altitude; what to skip.
Manali solo — the honest guide to going alone, on a budget or not
Going to Manali alone: the villages where solo travellers stay, the walks that need no guide, getting around without hiring a whole taxi, and what a week costs.
Manali or Shimla? An honest comparison for a first hill trip
Manali or Shimla for a first hill trip: which has the snow, which is closer, which suits families, couples and trekkers, whether to do both. Honestly.
Manali or Kasol? Two valleys, two kinds of trip, and how to do both
Manali or Kasol: snow, passes and day trips against the river, walks and cafés. They are 75 km and about 121 min apart by road. Which suits whom, and both.
Manali in September — the rain leaves, the treks come back, nobody has arrived yet
Manali in September: the monsoon drains away, days around 24 °C, the pass and the tunnel open, the treks in their best weeks, the valley empty before October.
Manali in October — the month we would send a first visit
Manali in October: the year's clearest skies, days around 22 °C, the pass open until mid-November, the poplars turning, the treks' last clear weeks, no crowd.
Manali in the monsoon — what July and August are really like, and who they suit
Manali in July and August: 201.5 mm and 217 mm of rain, slides that close the high roads, cloud on the meadows — and a green, empty, cheap valley.
Manali in May — the pass opens, the valley fills, and the first half is the secret
Manali in May: days around 25 °C, the pass opening with deep snow at the top, the Hadimba festival, rhododendron in the forests — and the crowd from mid-month.
Manali in March and April — blossom below, snow above, and nobody here
Manali in spring: days around 17 °C in March and 21 °C in April, orchards in flower, the high meadows white, the pass shut, the tunnel open. The quiet season.
Manali in June — everything open, everyone here, and how to still enjoy it
Manali in June: days around 26 °C, the pass open with snow at the roadside, flying and rafting at full tilt, the treks starting — and the year's fullest weeks.
Manali in January and February — the real winter, and how to use it
Manali's deepest winter: days around 10 °C, nights below freezing, snow on the Solang road and at Sissu, ski slopes when it holds, the Carnival on the Mall.
Manali in December — where the snow actually is, and how to plan for it
Manali in December: days around 13 °C, nights near freezing, snow in the town some weeks and reliable snow an hour away at Sissu. Roads, closures, packing.
A Manali honeymoon, honestly — where to stay, what to skip, which month
Manali for a honeymoon without the package: the areas that suit two, the days that work slowly, the quiet months, what to skip. Plan around the room.
Ten mistakes people make on a first trip to Manali
Snow in the town in December, Rohtang without a permit, a May weekend from Delhi, Lahaul as a day trip. Ten things that go wrong on a first trip, and the fixes.
Kullu Dussehra from Manali — the valley's biggest week, and how to see it
Kullu Dussehra begins the day Dussehra ends elsewhere and runs seven days at Kullu, 40 km from Manali, with the valley's village deities. When and how.
How to reach Manali
Manali by overnight bus from Delhi, 513 km; by car from Chandigarh, 264 km; by air to Bhuntar, 49 km away; by rail via Chandigarh. Each compared.
How many days do you need in Manali? Two, three, four, five and seven, compared
How many days Manali needs depends on one question — the pass, a trek, or neither. What two, three, four, five and seven nights each buy, with a plan for each.
Delhi to Manali by road — the 513 km, stop by stop
Delhi to Manali is 513 km through Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi and the Aut tunnel. When to leave, where to eat, the overnight bus, the last hours up the Beas.
The best time to visit Manali, month by month
Manali month by month: when Rohtang opens, when the snow is reliable, when the roads close, when it is empty. IMD temperatures and what each season is for.
Banjar
The Banjar guide →
Things to do in Tirthan valley and Jibhi — 10, by distance from Banjar
Ten things to do in Tirthan valley and Jibhi by measured drive time: the park centre, Chehni Kothi, Gushaini, Jibhi's waterfall, Shoja, Jalori and Serolsar.
Offbeat places around Banjar, Jibhi and Tirthan — 9 beyond the usual stops
Nine offbeat places around Banjar, Jibhi and the Tirthan valley, from a stone watchtower to a ridge lake, each with measured drive times and walks.
Where to stay in the Tirthan valley — Jibhi, Shoja, Gushaini, Nagini, Sharchi and Banjar, honestly compared
The Tirthan valley's villages compared for a stay: Jibhi's cafés and the pass road, Gushaini's homestays on the river, Shoja for the walks, Sharchi for quiet.
What a Tirthan valley trip costs on the ground — the honest price sheet
The Tirthan valley's prices as bands with the date checked: homestays and guesthouses, taxis from Aut and to Jalori, the park permit and guide, trout, the bus.
Jibhi or the Tirthan valley? The same valley, two sides — which to sleep on, and how to have both
Jibhi and the Tirthan are one valley with two sides half an hour apart: Jibhi's cafés and the Jalori road, Gushaini's homestays and the park. Who each suits.
Jalori Pass, Serolsar lake and Raghupur Fort — the pass day, walk by walk
The pass day from Banjar and Jibhi: the road to Jalori, the ridge walk to Serolsar lake, the climb to Raghupur Fort, the dhabas, a tent at the top.
How to reach the Tirthan valley — from Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali and the airport at Bhuntar, by bus, car and taxi
Every way into the Tirthan valley: the turn at Aut on the Kullu highway, the night bus from Delhi, Chandigarh by car, Bhuntar's airport 42 km away, Manali.
The Great Himalayan National Park from the Tirthan side — permits, the ecozone, the gate at Rolla, and what the park asks of a visitor
How the Great Himalayan National Park works from the Tirthan valley: the permit and guide at Sai Ropa, the ecozone paths from Gushaini, the gate at Rolla.
The best time to visit the Tirthan valley and Jibhi — month by month, with the IMD numbers
When to go to the Tirthan valley and Jibhi: October for the pass and the clear river, April to June for green and rhododendron, monsoon closures, winter snow.
Kasol
The Kasol guide →
Things to do in Kasol — 11 in the Parvati valley, by distance
Eleven things to do in Kasol by measured drive time: Chalal, Manikaran's springs, Malana, Tosh, Kalga and the Kheerganga walk, with walkers' times.
Offbeat places near Kasol — 7 beyond the main street
Seven offbeat places near Kasol in the Parvati valley, from the bridge road at Choj to roadless villages above Barshaini, with measured drive times and walks.
Where to stay in Kasol — the market, Chalal, Choj, Tosh and the hamlets compared
Kasol has five kinds of bed: the market street, Chalal over the bridge, Choj on the river, the villages above Barshaini, the camps at Kheerganga. Compared.
What a Kasol trip costs on the ground — the honest price sheet
The Parvati valley's prices as bands with the date checked: rooms in Kasol and Chalal, taxis to Barshaini and Malana, Kheerganga's camps, the bus, what is free.
Malana's rules for visitors — what they are, why they matter, and how to keep them
Malana, up its own gorge from Jari, tolerates visitors on its terms: no touching the temple or the people, no entering houses, stay on the path. The rules, why.
The Kheerganga trek, honestly — the path, the night, the pool, and when not to go
Kheerganga from Barshaini: the path through Nakthan and Rudranag, five to six hours up and three to four down, the camps, the pool, the months and the costs.
Kasol or Manali? The Parvati valley's case, honestly made, and when to choose the Beas
Kasol and Manali are two hours apart and two different trips: walks, one road and a river against drives, a town and a pass. Who each suits; the plan for both.
How to reach Kasol
Kasol by overnight bus from Delhi to Bhuntar, 494 km; by car from Chandigarh, 245 km; by air to Bhuntar, 32 km away; from Manali in two hours. Compared.
The best time to visit Kasol, month by month
Best time for Kasol: October for clear skies and dry paths, April for green and quiet, May and June busy and warm. July and August are the wettest months.
Darjeeling
The Darjeeling guide →
Sandakphu and the Singalila National Park — West Bengal's highest point and the trek along the ridge
Sandakphu at 3,636 m, West Bengal's highest point, with views of Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse and Makalu; the Singalila ridge trek, its seasons, red pandas.
Darjeeling tea gardens — how the tea began, the four flushes, and the estates you can see
Darjeeling tea gardens: first planted in 1841, the four flushes from March to November, Happy Valley (1854) near town and Makaibari (1852) near Kurseong.
Things to do in Darjeeling — sunrise, the toy train, monasteries and tea
Things to do in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill at sunrise, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Batasia Loop, monasteries, Chowrasta, the zoo and a tea estate.
How to reach Darjeeling — Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and the toy train
How to reach Darjeeling: Bagdogra airport, New Jalpaiguri station, the road from Siliguri, the toy train from the plains and the monsoon landslide risk.
Best time to visit Darjeeling — month by month, from the rain figures
The best time to visit Darjeeling, month by month from the IMD normals: clear autumn, a mild spring, a very wet monsoon, and a cold dry winter with frost.
Dharamshala
The Dharamshala guide →
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj in winter — where the snow falls, and what to do
Dharamshala in winter, from IMD normals: snow and sleet in upper McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu and Naddi, little in the lower town; what is open, Triund, what to pack.
Offbeat places near Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj — 9 beyond the main street
Nine offbeat places near Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, from a hillside cricket ground to a quiet lake and an old fort, each with measured drive times.
What a Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj trip costs
Typical prices for a McLeod Ganj trip: guesthouse rooms, budget stays in Dharamkot, taxis to Naddi and Kangra Fort, a Triund porter, and buses.
The Triund trek — a complete guide
Everything for the Triund climb from McLeod Ganj: distance, timing, tea stalls, permits, what to carry, and when the trail is at its driest and clearest.
Things to do in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj — 13 worth the drive, and what each costs
Thirteen things to do in Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj sorted by distance from the Mall, with measured drive times, what each costs, and when to go.
McLeod Ganj or Dharamshala town — where should you stay?
McLeod Ganj has the temple, the Mall and the Triund trailhead. Dharamshala town is the district headquarters. Here's the real difference, and which one to book.
How to reach Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj
Getting to Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj by air via Gaggal, by rail via Pathankot, or by road from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Manali, with real times.
The best time to visit Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, month by month
Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj month by month: when the Triund trail is clear, when the monsoon shuts it down, and when the Dhauladhar is visible from town.
Shimla
The Shimla guide →
Where to see snow in Himachal — ten places, and when each one gets it
Where to see snow in Himachal this winter: Shimla, Kufri and Narkanda, Manali and Sissu, Dalhousie, McLeod Ganj, Kinnaur and Spiti, with when each gets it.
Snowfall in Shimla — which month, and where the snow is
When it snows in Shimla on the IMD record: January and February carry most of it, December only a little. Where snow lasts (Kufri, Narkanda), roads and cold.
Day trips from Shimla — Kufri, Tara Devi, Chail and Narkanda
Day trips from Shimla by measured drive time: Kufri, Tara Devi, Chail and Narkanda, with what each gives you and which ones fit a single day.
Things to do in Shimla — 11 worth the visit, and what each costs
Eleven things to do in Shimla sorted by distance from the Ridge, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time of year to see them.
How to reach Shimla — road, rail and air
Getting to Shimla via Chandigarh in about three hours, by the UNESCO Kalka-Shimla Railway, or by HRTC bus — and what each approach actually involves.
The best time to visit Shimla
Shimla by season, using its own IMD weather record: when the monsoon hits hardest, when the snow falls, and the clearest windows for the Ridge and Kufri.
Kullu
The Kullu guide →
Things to do in Kullu — 12 in and around the town, by distance
Twelve things to do in Kullu by measured drive time: the Raghunath temple, Dhalpur, rafting at Pirdi, Bijli Mahadev, Bajaura, Naggar, Jana Falls and Pandoh.
The best time to visit Kullu — month by month, from the IMD record
When to visit Kullu, from Bhuntar's IMD record: spring and autumn for clear walks, Dussehra in October, the July–August rain, and winter nights near freezing.
Cafés in Kullu and Bhuntar — eggless bakeries, Italian and coffee on the highway
Cafés and bakeries in Kullu and Bhuntar: Valentino's, Sapna Bakers, Belle Vie and Valley Brew, with menus, hours, eggless and veg options and what they cost.
Hidden places near Kullu and Manali — 10 beyond the usual list
Ten places near Kullu and Manali that the usual circuit skips: old temples, a ridge walk, a gorge village and a river camp, each with measured drive times.
The Kullu shawl — what the patterns mean, what the wool costs, and how to buy one in the valley
What makes a Kullu shawl: the geometric border, the wool it is woven in, what each kind costs in the valley as of September 2026, and how to tell a handloom.
The temples of the Kullu valley — stone, wood and a god who rules a district
The Kullu valley's temples in one place: Raghunath in the town, the stone temple at Bajaura, the ridge shrine at Bijli Mahadev and the carved wood at Bhekhli.
Kullu or Manali — which one to sleep in, and what each is actually good at
Kullu or Manali as a base: 40 km and about 49 minutes apart. Manali for snow, cafés and a first visit; Kullu for temples, the airport and a working town.
Kullu Dussehra — what it is, what happens on each of the seven days, and how to be there
Kullu's Dussehra starts when the rest of India's ends and runs seven days at Dhalpur: what happens, how the town works that week, where to stay and the manners.
How to reach Kullu — the airport at Bhuntar, the buses, and the road up the valley
Reaching Kullu: the airport at Bhuntar 11 km away, buses from Chandigarh, Delhi and Manali, the railhead at Joginder Nagar, and which option is worth taking.
Hanle's dark-sky reserve and Tso Moriri from Leh — the permits, the roads, the night sky and the lake
Hanle, India's first dark-sky preserve since 2022, and Tso Moriri at 4,522 m: the Leh district permit portal, the long roads from Leh and acclimatisation.
Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake from Leh — permits, the roads, Diskit, Hunder and when to go
Nubra Valley and Pangong Lake from Leh: the online permit from the Leh district portal, the roads over Khardung La and Chang La, Diskit, Hunder, and when to go.
Hemis National Park — the snow leopard country south of Leh, and what a visit involves
Hemis National Park, Ladakh: about 4,400 km² south of Leh, about 200 snow leopards by Wikipedia's account, the Rumbak and Markha valleys, and permission.
Things to do in Leh — the palace, the monasteries and the passes
Things to do in Leh: Leh Palace and the Shanti Stupa, the monasteries along the Indus, Alchi and the Zanskar confluence, Khardung La and the war museum.
How to reach Leh — flights, and the Manali and Srinagar roads
How to reach Leh: flights all year, the seasonal Manali and Srinagar highways, bus options, measured road distances, and why there is no railway.
Best time to visit Leh — season, roads and temperatures
When to visit Leh: roads open from June to October, summer days are warm and dry, and winter is very cold. Month-by-month temperatures from Wikipedia's table.
Gangtok
The Gangtok guide →
North Sikkim — Lachung, the Yumthang valley and Gurudongmar Lake, with the permit rules
North Sikkim from Gangtok: Lachung at 2,900 m, the Yumthang valley's rhododendrons, Gurudongmar Lake at 5,430 m, and the Protected Area Permit you need first.
Sikkim permits — the Protected Area Permit for Tsomgo, Nathu La and North Sikkim, and the RAP for foreigners
Sikkim permits from the official Sikkim Tourism site: which places need a Protected Area Permit, the documents for Indians, and the free RAP for foreigners.
Things to do in Gangtok — monasteries, the royal chapel, Rumtek and the high road
Things to do in Gangtok: the Enchey and Rumtek monasteries, the Tsuklakhang, the Do-drul Chorten, Banjhakri Falls, and permit trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.
How to reach Gangtok — Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and the road up
How to reach Gangtok, Sikkim: Bagdogra and Pakyong airports, New Jalpaiguri station, road times from Siliguri and Darjeeling, and the monsoon landslide risk.
Best time to visit Gangtok — month by month, from the rain figures
The best time to visit Gangtok, month by month from IMD normals: mild spring and autumn, a very wet monsoon, a cool winter and a frozen lake.
Srinagar
The Srinagar guide →
Doodhpathri, Yusmarg and Kokernag from Srinagar — three meadow and spring day trips, with distances and seasons
Three day trips from Srinagar: Doodhpathri's meadows at 2,730 m, Yusmarg and its walk to Nilnag, and Kokernag's springs and trout farm, with distances.
Things to do in Srinagar — the lake, the gardens, the old city and day trips
Things to do in Srinagar: a shikara on Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens, the old city's mosques, the hilltop temple, spring tulips and day trips to Gulmarg.
How to reach Srinagar — by air, by train from Delhi over the Chenab bridge, and by road
How to reach Srinagar: Delhi to Kashmir by train via Katra and the Chenab bridge, flights to Budgam, and the road from Jammu and Delhi, with winter warnings.
Best time to visit Srinagar — tulips, lotus, autumn colour, and Kashmir in winter
When to visit Srinagar: spring tulips, summer lotus on Dal Lake, dry autumn, and the cold of Chillai Kalan in winter, with IMD monthly figures for 1991–2020.
Chamba
The Chamba guide →
Pangi valley and Sach Pass — Chamba's remote valley, and the summer road over the Pir Panjal
Pangi valley in Chamba district: the Chandrabhaga gorge between the Zanskar and Pir Panjal, the summer road over Sach Pass, the winter, and its festivals.
The fairs of Chamba — the Minjar Mela in July and the Suhi Mata Mela in spring
Chamba's two fairs: the Minjar Mela, a week in July at the maize harvest, with a procession and a market on the Chaugan, and the Suhi Mata Mela in spring.
Things to do in Chamba — 6 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Chamba, sorted by distance from the old town, with measured drive times to the hill temple and to Chhatrari, and when to go.
How to reach Chamba — distances and drive times
How to reach Chamba by road from Dalhousie, Pathankot, Dharamshala and Chandigarh, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Chamba — month by month
When to visit Chamba, month by month, from its own IMD normals: March to June is warm, July and August are wettest, October and November are driest.
Kaza
The Kaza guide →
Spiti in winter — the Kinnaur road, the cold, and what stays open
Spiti in winter: only the Shimla–Kinnaur road stays open while Kunzum is shut for months, January nights reach −30 °C at Kaza, and the trip needs slow days.
Hikkim, Komic and Langza — Spiti's high villages above Kaza
Above Kaza at 4,330–4,520 m: Hikkim's post office, Komic and the Tangyud gompa, Langza under the Princess Mountain. What Wikipedia says, and where it disagrees.
Chandratal — the moon lake below Kunzum
Chandratal, the moon lake at about 4,300 m below Kunzum: a 12 km side road near Batal, the last 1 km on foot, open late May to early October. A Ramsar site.
Offbeat places near Kaza — 6 beyond Key Monastery
Six offbeat places near Kaza in Spiti, from a fort monastery on a canyon rim to the Pin valley, with measured drive times from Kaza for each.
Things to do in Kaza — 9 worth the drive, and what each costs
Nine things to do in Kaza and the Spiti circuit, sorted by distance from town, with measured drive times, what each costs, and when to visit.
The monasteries of Spiti — a guide to Kaza's gompas
A guide to Kaza's fort monasteries — Key, Dhankar, Tangyud, Kungri and Lhalung — their founders, their settings, and which one to see first.
How to reach Kaza — two roads, two very different seasons
Getting to Kaza via Manali over Kunzum La (summer only) or via Shimla and Kinnaur on NH505 (open most of the year) — and which route to pick.
The best time to visit Kaza and the Spiti valley
Kaza and the Spiti valley by season: when the Manali road opens, when it closes for winter, and why the visiting window is shorter than it looks.
Dalhousie
The Dalhousie guide →
Dalhousie in winter — snowfall, Khajjiar and Dainkund
Dalhousie in winter on its IMD record: 20–30 snowy days and 90 frost days a year, January nights near freezing, where the snow lies, and how to plan Khajjiar.
Things to do in Dalhousie — 6 worth the drive, and what each costs
Six things to do in Dalhousie sorted by distance from the GPO, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time of year to go and see them.
How to reach Dalhousie — the Pathankot road
Getting to Dalhousie via Pathankot in about two and a half hours, by road from Chandigarh, or by HRTC bus — and what the approach actually involves.
The best time to visit Dalhousie
Dalhousie by season, using its own IMD weather record: when the roads to Khajjiar and Chamera Lake are driest, and how cold winter here actually gets.
Shillong
The Shillong guide →
Things to do in Shillong — lakes, falls, the cathedral and a sacred forest
Things to do in Shillong: Ward's Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, the Art Deco cathedral, Umiam Lake, the Mawphlang sacred grove and the museums.
Shillong to Dawki and Mawlynnong — distance, road times and a long day to the border hills
Shillong to Dawki is about 82 km and 144 minutes by road: the clear Umngot River, the 1932 bridge, Mawlynnong village on the way, and what we cannot verify.
How to reach Shillong — the Guwahati road, Umroi airport and the rail gap
How to reach Shillong, Meghalaya: the road from Guwahati past Umiam Lake, the small Umroi airport, why there is no railway, and distances from Delhi.
Best time to visit Shillong — month by month, from the rain figures
The best time to visit Shillong, month by month from the IMD normals: a cool dry winter, a rainy spring and monsoon, and when the falls and views are best.
Cherrapunji
The Cherrapunji guide →
Things to do in Cherrapunji — waterfalls, rain, root bridges and caves
Things to do in Cherrapunji: Nohkalikai and the Seven Sisters waterfalls, the living root bridges of nearby villages, valley viewpoints and the heavy rain.
Living root bridges near Cherrapunji — what they are and what we cannot yet tell you
Living root bridges near Cherrapunji: how the Khasi grow them from rubber fig roots, the Nongriat double-decker, and why we give no walking times or route.
How to reach Cherrapunji — from Shillong, Umroi and Guwahati
How to reach Cherrapunji, Meghalaya: the road from Shillong on State Highway 5, the small Umroi airport, Guwahati and the monsoon risk, plus the Delhi distance.
Best time to visit Cherrapunji — month by month, from the rain figures
The best time to visit Cherrapunji, month by month from the IMD normals: a very wet monsoon, a dry cool winter and when the waterfalls and views work best.
Badrinath
The Badrinath guide →
Things to do in Badrinath — the temple, Mana, Vasudhara and Pandukeshwar
Seven things to do in Badrinath: the temple and Tapt Kund, Mana with Bheem Pul and Vyas Gufa, the Mata Murti Temple, the Vasudhara Falls walk and Pandukeshwar.
How to reach Badrinath — road distances, registration and the season
How to reach Badrinath from Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun by road, with measured times, the nearest station and airport, and the yatra registration.
Best time to visit Badrinath — the temple season, month by month
When to visit Badrinath: the temple opens late April and closes early November; May, June, September and October suit most; July and August are wettest.
Almora
The Almora guide →
Things to do in Almora — 6 worth the visit, and how far each is
Six things to do in Almora by distance from town: Nanda Devi Temple, Kasar Devi, Chitai Golu Devta, the Katarmal Sun Temple, Binsar and the Jageshwar temples.
How to reach Almora — distances and drive times
How to reach Almora from Delhi, Kathgodam, Haldwani, Nainital, Ranikhet and Kausani by road, with measured times and the nearest railway and airport.
Best time to visit Almora — seasons, rain and festivals
The best time to visit Almora month by month: the dry months, the July and August rains, winter, and the festivals at Kasar Devi and Jageshwar.
Nainital
The Nainital guide →
Things to do in Nainital — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do around Nainital, from the lake and the Naina Devi Temple to Kainchi Dham, Bhimtal and the seven lakes of Sattal, with drive times.
How to reach Nainital — distances and drive times
How to reach Nainital from Delhi, Kathgodam, Haldwani, Pantnagar and Almora by road, with measured distances and times and the nearest railway and airport.
Best time to visit Nainital — month by month, and Nainital in winter
Best time for Nainital: March to early June, and October after the rains. July is the wettest month at 725 mm; winter runs mid-November to mid-March.
Mussoorie
The Mussoorie guide →
Things to do in Mussoorie — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do around Mussoorie, from the Gun Hill cable car and Happy Valley to Landour's ridge, Everest's House and Kempty Falls, with drive times.
How to reach Mussoorie — distances and drive times
Mussoorie is about 250 km by road from Delhi. The nearest railway station is Dehradun, 22 km below; Jolly Grant airport is 51 km. Measured times from each.
Best time to visit Mussoorie — month by month, and snowfall in winter
When to go to Mussoorie: the warm, clear weeks of April and May, the monsoon rain of about 660 mm a month, the clear autumn, and snow in December to February.
Jwalamukhi
The Jwalamukhi guide →
Things to do in Jwalamukhi — 6 stops, and which need a car
Six things to do around Jwalamukhi, from the flame temple and Bankhandi to Pong lake, Chintpurni, Masrur and the Kangra Fort, with measured drive times.
How to reach Jwalamukhi — distances and drive times
How to reach Jwalamukhi by road from Chandigarh, Pathankot, Dharamshala and Shimla, with measured drive times, the Kangra Valley railway and the airport.
The five Shakti Peeths of Himachal — a circuit, with drive times
Himachal's five Shakti Peeths are Jwalamukhi, Kangra, Chamunda Devi, Chintpurni and Naina Devi. How they connect, and the measured drive times between them.
Best time to visit Jwalamukhi — season by season
When to visit Jwalamukhi: winter for the Pong reservoir's birds, spring for the Bathu temples, and why the hot months from April to June are the hardest.
Sarahan
The Sarahan guide →
Things to do in Sarahan — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do around Sarahan, from the Bhimakali Temple and the old Indo-Tibetan road to Rampur Bushahr and Nirmand, with measured drive times.
How to reach Sarahan — distances and drive times
How to reach Sarahan by road from Shimla, Narkanda, Chandigarh and Kinnaur, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Sarahan — season by season
When to visit Sarahan: snowfall from November to March, mild summers from April to July, October for Durga Puja, and November for the Lavi fair in Rampur.
Things to do in Bir — 5 stops, and when each works
Five things to do in Bir, from Billing's launch meadow to the Tibetan Colony, with measured drive times and the months in which each one works best.
How to reach Bir — distances and drive times
How to reach Bir by road from Palampur, Dharamshala, Mandi, Pathankot and Chandigarh, with measured distances, drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Bir — the flying season and the rest
When to visit Bir: paragliding flies in September and October, with some flying in November. What to do in the other months, and why no weather table is given.
Sangla
The Sangla guide →
Things to do in Sangla — 3 worth the drive, and what each costs
Three things to do in Sangla and the Baspa valley sorted by distance from town, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time to go.
How to reach Sangla — the Kinnaur road from Shimla
Getting to Sangla via NH5 from Shimla in about six hours, by air via Bhuntar, or by HRTC bus — and what the long Kinnaur road actually involves along the way.
The best time to visit Sangla and the Baspa valley
Sangla and the Baspa valley by season: when the road to Chitkul is reliably open, when apple harvest hits, and how cold winter here actually gets.
Katra
The Katra guide →
Patnitop from Katra and Jammu — the pine hill station on the Srinagar highway, and the tunnel that bypasses it
Patnitop at 2,024 m on the Jammu–Srinagar highway: about 79 km from Katra and 101 km from Jammu on our routing, its winter snow, the tunnel and the ropeway.
Vaishno Devi yatra from Katra — the yatra card, the walk, Bhairon and the other ways up
The Vaishno Devi yatra from Katra step by step: the free RFID yatra card, the 6-hour rule at Banganga, the 12–14 km walk, Bhairon, ponies, ropeway, helicopter.
Things to do in Katra — the yatra, Bhairon, Reasi's fort, Siar Baba and the train to Srinagar
Things to do in Katra: the Vaishno Devi yatra and Bhairon, Bhimgarh Fort at Reasi, Siar Baba Waterfall, Shiv Khori, and the Vande Bharat over the Chenab.
How to reach Katra — by train, by road from Delhi and Jammu, and on to Srinagar
How to reach Katra for Vaishno Devi: SVDK station and the Vande Bharat to Srinagar, Delhi 642 km by road, Jammu station and airport, with measured times.
Best time to visit Katra and Vaishno Devi — month by month, from the IMD normals
When to go to Katra and Vaishno Devi: IMD 1991–2020 highs, lows and rain for every month, the mild spring and autumn, hot May–June and the wet monsoon.
Bilaspur
The Bilaspur guide →
Things to do in Bilaspur, Himachal — Naina Devi, the drowned town and the lake
Things to do in Bilaspur, Himachal: Naina Devi, the drowned temples of the old town, water sports on the lake, Vyas Gufa, Kandrour bridge and Anandpur Sahib.
How to reach Bilaspur, Himachal — distances and drive times
How to reach Bilaspur in Himachal by road from Chandigarh, Delhi, Mandi and Shimla, the nearest airport, and the drive on to Naina Devi, all measured.
Best time to visit Bilaspur, Himachal — the lake, the heat and the festivals
When to visit Bilaspur, Himachal: the full lake in October and November, the drowned temples in the dry months, the May–June heat and the Navratri crowds.
Rishikesh
The Rishikesh guide →
River rafting in Rishikesh — the season, the operators, Byasi and the rest of the river's adventures
White-water rafting on the Ganga at Rishikesh: the season from September to June, certified operators, Byasi 30 km upstream, and kayaking and bungee nearby.
Things to do in Rishikesh — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Rishikesh, from the Beatles Ashram and the two Jhula bridges to the Parmarth Niketan aarti and Neelkanth Mahadev, with drive times.
How to reach Rishikesh — distances and drive times
How to reach Rishikesh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar and Mussoorie by road, with measured distances and times, and the nearest airport and station.
Best time to visit Rishikesh — month by month
Best time for Rishikesh: October to March, cool and dry. April to June reaches about 40 °C, July is wettest at 444 mm, and the yoga festival is in March.
Gulmarg
The Gulmarg guide →
Gulmarg in winter — the snow months, skiing on Apharwat, the gondola and the road
Gulmarg in winter: January days of 0.7°C and nights of -7.7°C by IMD normals, skiing and snowboarding on Apharwat by gondola, the March festival, and the road.
Things to do in Gulmarg — the gondola, skiing, the meadow and two landmarks
Things to do in Gulmarg: the gondola up Apharwat, skiing in winter, the flowering meadow, St Mary's Church, the Maharani Temple and the wildlife sanctuary.
How to reach Gulmarg — the road from Srinagar via Tangmarg
How to reach Gulmarg from Srinagar by road via Tangmarg, with measured distances and times from the airport and railway, Baramulla and the winter road.
Best time to visit Gulmarg — snow, flowers and the winter festival
When to visit Gulmarg: heavy snow and skiing in winter, flowering meadows in spring and summer, a March winter festival, and what weather means for the gondola.
Pelling
The Pelling guide →
Where to see Kanchenjunga — Pelling, Tiger Hill, Ravangla and Gangtok's ridge
Where to see Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain at 8,586 m: Pelling, Tiger Hill above Darjeeling, Ravangla and the ridge above Gangtok, and when.
Things to do in Pelling — monasteries, a lost capital, a skywalk and a sacred lake
Things to do in Pelling, West Sikkim: Pemayangtse Monastery, the Rabdentse ruins, the Chenrezig statue and skywalk, Khecheopalri Lake, Tashiding and Yuksom.
How to reach Pelling — Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri and the roads from Sikkim and Bengal
How to reach Pelling, West Sikkim: Bagdogra airport, New Jalpaiguri station, road times from Siliguri, Gangtok and Darjeeling, and the distance from Delhi.
Best time to visit Pelling — what we can say without a weather table
When to visit Pelling, West Sikkim: with no weather table for the town, we use nearby Darjeeling's normals to show how rain, snow and clear views vary.
Kohima
The Kohima guide →
Things to do in Kohima — the war cemetery, the museum, Kisama, Khonoma and Dzükou
Things to do in Kohima: the war cemetery, the Nagaland State Museum, Kohima Village, Kisama and the Hornbill Festival, Khonoma, Japfü and the Dzükou Valley.
How to reach Kohima — Dimapur by air or rail, the road up, and the Inner Line Permit
How to reach Kohima: Dimapur airport 66 km and Dimapur station 69 km by road, Guwahati 335 km, and the Inner Line Permit (tourist ILP, 15 days, online).
Hornbill Festival 2026, Kohima — dates (1–10 December), the Kisama venue, what you see, and how to plan it
Hornbill Festival 2026 runs 1–10 December at Kisama near Kohima, Nagaland Tourism says: the dances, morungs, crafts, food, games, music and how to plan.
Dzükou Valley from Kohima — what is published about the walk, and what is not
The Dzükou Valley near Kohima: high meadows at about 2,438–2,452 m behind Mount Japfü, walked from Viswema or Jakhama, with flowers from May to September.
Best time to visit Kohima — dry winter and Hornbill, the long monsoon, the Dzükou lily
When to visit Kohima: dry winter days of 16.1–19.0°C and the Hornbill Festival (1–10 December), clear October–November, the rainy May–September. IMD normals.
Kalpa
The Kalpa guide →
Kinnaur in winter — Kalpa, Sangla and Chitkul under snow
Kinnaur in winter on Kalpa's IMD record: January nights −3.8 °C, 5 to 7 ft of snow in the villages, Chitkul emptied for the cold, and how the Shimla road copes.
Things to do in Kalpa — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Kalpa, from the old village of Chini to the temple at Kothi and Reckong Peo, with measured drive times and the best time to go.
How to reach Kalpa — distances and drive times
Kalpa is 220 km by road from Shimla, about 396 minutes on our routing, and 48 km from Sangla; Delhi is about 593 km. Distances and drive times from each.
Best time to visit Kalpa — the short summer and the long winter
Best time for Kalpa: June to September, the short warm season. October to May is cold and snowy, January nights average -3.8°C, March is the wettest month.
Kasauli
The Kasauli guide →
Himachal weekend trips from Delhi and Chandigarh — seven towns by road time
Seven Himachal towns for a weekend from Delhi or Chandigarh, sorted by measured road time: Kasauli, Nahan, Paonta Sahib, Chail, Shimla, Narkanda and Mandi.
Things to do in Kasauli — 5 worth the visit, and what each costs
Five things to do in Kasauli sorted by distance from the bus stand, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time of year to go.
How to reach Kasauli — the Chandigarh and Kalka roads
Getting to Kasauli via Chandigarh in about an hour and a half, by train to Kalka and onward by road, or by HRTC bus — and what each route involves.
The best time to visit Kasauli
Kasauli by season, using its own sparse published figures: when the monsoon humidity peaks, when the cold sets in, and the clearest windows for its viewpoints.
Narkanda
The Narkanda guide →
Narkanda in winter — snow, skiing and the Hatu road
Narkanda in winter: snow from November to March at 2,708 m, the government ski courses at the ABVIMAS centre, the Hatu road after snow, and the Shimla drive.
Things to do in Narkanda — 3 stops, and what each needs
Three things to do around Narkanda: Hatu Peak and its wooden temple, Tani Jubbar Lake and the apple belt at Kotgarh, with measured drive times and seasons.
How to reach Narkanda — distances and drive times
How to reach Narkanda by road from Shimla, Solan, Kullu, Mandi and Chandigarh, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Narkanda — summer, monsoon and the snow months
When to visit Narkanda: April to June is mild at about 20°C by day, July to September is the monsoon, and November to March is snow and ski season.
Pahalgam
The Pahalgam guide →
Things to do in Pahalgam — the river, the meadows, Aru and Chandanwari
Things to do in Pahalgam: walks on the Lidder, the Mamleshwar Temple, Aru's meadows and trek base, Betaab Valley and Chandanwari, and what we cannot verify.
How to reach Pahalgam — by road from Srinagar and Anantnag
How to reach Pahalgam from Srinagar and Anantnag by road, with measured distances and times, the nearest airport and railheads, and the safety advice to check.
Best time to visit Pahalgam — meadows, snow and the pilgrimage months
When to visit Pahalgam: mild summers from June to October, cold winters with snow up to 4 m deep, and the busy Amarnath pilgrimage weeks in July and August.
Haridwar
The Haridwar guide →
Things to do in Haridwar — 5 sites, and how far each is
Five things to do in Haridwar by distance from the ghat: Har Ki Pauri, the Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi, Kankhal and Mansa Devi, with measured times.
How to reach Haridwar — distances and drive times
Haridwar is about 217 km by road from Delhi, 3 hours free-flow. Haridwar Junction has direct trains; Jolly Grant airport is 41 km. Rishikesh is 22 km away.
Best time to visit Haridwar — seasons, rain and festivals
The best time to visit Haridwar: the cooler months, the July and August rains, the Dussehra canal closure and the Kumbh Mela, from published figures.
Chopta
The Chopta guide →
Things to do in Chopta — 5 stops, and which are on foot
Five things to do around Chopta, from the walk to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila to Deoria Tal and the pilgrimage town of Ukhimath, with drive times.
How to reach Chopta — distances and drive times
How to reach Chopta from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag by road, with measured distances and times, and where the regular buses stop.
Best time to visit Chopta — month by month
When to go to Chopta: the cool, clear weeks of spring, the cloud of June to August, the snow from November, and why the Tungnath temple is shut for six months.
Chail
The Chail guide →
Things to do in Chail — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Chail: the Patiala summer palace, the cricket ground at 2,444 m, the sanctuary forest, Kali Tibba and Sadhupul, with measured drive times.
How to reach Chail — distances and drive times
How to reach Chail by road from Shimla, Solan, Kasauli, Narkanda and Chandigarh, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Chail — the sanctuary months and the rest
When to visit Chail: March to October is named as the best time for the sanctuary, and no monthly weather table is published for the hill station itself.
Palampur
The Palampur guide →
Baijnath, Vaidyanatha and why Ravan is not burnt
Baijnath's Shiva temple is Vaidyanatha, lord of physicians. The 1204 AD shrine, the Ravana tradition and why Dussehra is not celebrated, 16 km from Palampur.
Things to do in Palampur — 5 worth the visit, and how far each is
Five things to do in Palampur sorted by distance from the town centre, with measured drive times, what each one is, and the best time of year to go.
How to reach Palampur — road, rail, nearest airport
Palampur is 36 km from Dharamshala and 38 km from Kangra Airport at Gaggal, with a small station at Maranda; the mainline railhead, Pathankot, is 111 km.
The best time to visit Palampur
Palampur month by month from modelled climate figures: a cool, wet winter, a dry spring, a very wet July and August, and a clear autumn for the Dhauladhar.
Tabo
The Tabo guide →
Things to do in Tabo — 5 stops, and which need a car
Five things to do in Tabo, from the monastery founded in 996 and cave retreats to Dhankar, Lhalung and Gue, with measured drive times and the best time to go.
How to reach Tabo — distances and drive times
How to reach Tabo in Spiti by road from Kaza, Reckong Peo, Kalpa, Shimla and Chandigarh, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Tabo — the short summer and the long winter
When to visit Tabo in the Spiti valley: summers are short, May to August, and winters long, mid-September to April, with winter nights that can reach -25°C.
Paonta Sahib
The Paonta Sahib guide →
Things to do in Paonta Sahib — 6 worth the visit, and what each costs
Six things to do in Paonta Sahib sorted by distance from the town, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time of year to go.
How to reach Paonta Sahib — road, rail, nearest airport
Paonta Sahib is 47 km and 46 minutes from Dehradun, the nearest station and airport, and about 236 km from Delhi by road. Chandigarh and Nahan routes too.
The best time to visit Paonta Sahib
Paonta Sahib by season, using its own sparse figures: genuinely hot summers, a cool rather than cold winter, and the clearest windows for visiting the town.
Mandi
The Mandi guide →
Things to do in Mandi — 7 worth the visit, and what each needs
Seven things to do in Mandi by distance from town: three old temples, the 1877 Victoria Bridge, Pandoh Dam, Rewalsar and Prashar lakes, with measured times.
How to reach Mandi — the Chandigarh and Bhuntar roads
Getting to Mandi via Chandigarh in about three hours, via Bhuntar airport in under an hour and a half, or by HRTC bus — and what each route involves.
The best time to visit Mandi
Mandi by season, using its own IMD weather record: when the summer heat peaks, when the monsoon hits hardest, and the clearest windows for the town's temples.
Keylong
The Keylong guide →
Things to do in Keylong — 9 worth the drive, and what each costs
Nine things to do in Keylong and the Lahaul valley sorted by distance from the bazaar, with measured drive times, what each costs, and when to go.
The monasteries of Lahaul — a guide to Keylong's gompas
A guide to Keylong's Drukpa Kagyu monasteries — Shashur, Kardang, Tayul and Guru Ghantal — their founders, festivals, and which to see first.
How to reach Keylong — the Atal Tunnel route
Getting to Keylong via the Atal Tunnel from Manali in under two hours, by air via Bhuntar, or by bus — and exactly what changed here since 2020.
The best time to visit Keylong and the Lahaul valley
Keylong and the Lahaul valley by season: when the Atal Tunnel keeps you moving year-round, and when the road further north actually opens up.
Kaziranga
The Kaziranga guide →
Things to do in Kaziranga — jeep and elephant safaris, the four ranges, Deopahar and the tea gardens
What to do in Kaziranga: jeep and elephant safaris in the Central, Western, Eastern and Burapahar ranges, the Deopahar ruins, tea gardens and the Karbi hills.
How to reach Kaziranga — from Guwahati, Jorhat and Tezpur, by road, air and train
How to reach Kaziranga: Kohora is about 190 km from Guwahati and 90 km from Jorhat airport by road on our routing, with the official distances and railheads.
Best time to visit Kaziranga — the dry season, the grass burning and the monsoon floods
When to go to Kaziranga: November to April, the best sightseeing from late February to early April, the winter grass burning and the monsoon floods.
Guwahati
The Guwahati guide →
Things to do in Guwahati — Kamakhya, the Brahmaputra, museums, ruins and silk
The best things to do in Guwahati: Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Island, the Assam State Museum, Basistha, Deepor Beel, Madan Kamdev and Sualkuchi, with times.
How to reach Guwahati — by air, by train and by road, and on to Shillong and Kaziranga
How to reach Guwahati: the airport 22 km out, the station in the centre, the Rupnath Brahma bus terminus, Delhi by road, and Shillong and Kaziranga from here.
Best time to visit Guwahati — month by month, with the monsoon and the dry winter
When to go to Guwahati: the dry, mild months of November to February, the heat of April and May, and the monsoon rain of June to September, with IMD normals.
Kalimpong
The Kalimpong guide →
Things to do in Kalimpong — monasteries, hill views, orchids and the Teesta river
The best things to do in Kalimpong: the Durpin monastery, Deolo Hill, Dr. Graham's Homes, the orchid nurseries and the Haat Bazar, with times from the town.
How to reach Kalimpong — from New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra, Darjeeling and Gangtok
How to reach Kalimpong: New Jalpaiguri 72 km and Bagdogra 78 km by road on our routing, Pakyong airport, the road from Darjeeling and Gangtok, and from Delhi.
Best time to visit Kalimpong — the five seasons, the monsoon and the Kanchenjunga view
When to go to Kalimpong: the spring and summer season visitors prefer, the severe monsoon of June to September, the cold of December to February, and fog.
Tawang
The Tawang guide →
Dirang and Bomdila on the road to Tawang — the two halt towns, their monasteries, and what to do with an extra night
Dirang and Bomdila, the two halts on the road from Assam to Tawang: Dirang Dzong, hot springs and monasteries, Bomdila at 2,415 m, and distances to Tawang.
Things to do in Tawang — the monastery, Urgelling, the war memorials, Nuranang Falls and Sela
Things to do in Tawang: India's largest Buddhist monastery, Urgelling, the Tawang and Jaswant Garh war memorials, Nuranang Falls and Sela Pass, and drive times.
How to reach Tawang — from Guwahati and Tezpur by road, over Sela Pass or through the tunnel
How to reach Tawang: about 555 km from Guwahati and 320 km from Tezpur by Wikipedia, the road through Bomdila, Dirang and Sela Pass, measured times and the ILP.
The best time to visit Tawang — clear autumns, spring, the wet monsoon and Sela's winter snow
When to visit Tawang: clear October and November, spring from March to May, the heavy monsoon of June to September, and winter snow on Sela Pass and the tunnel.
Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit — the tourist eILP for Tawang, Ziro and the rest of the state
The Arunachal Pradesh Inner Line Permit from the official eILP portal: who needs it, the tourist eILP for up to 14 days, fees of ₹300 and ₹500, and foreigners.
Sainj
The Sainj guide →
Things to do in Sainj valley — 7 from the bazaar to the park gate, by distance
Seven things to do in Sainj valley by measured drive time: Neuli, the park gate at Ropa, the Shangarh meadow and temple, the waterfall and Pundrik Rishi Lake.
The meadow at Shangarh — the temple custom, and how to be on it
What the Sainj valley village asks of visitors at the Shangarh meadow: the custom near the temple, no camping, and the best time of day to be there.
Sainj or Tirthan — two flanks of the same park, and which one you actually want
Sainj and Tirthan enter the same national park from opposite flanks. What each one has, what it costs, how far apart they are, and who should pick which.
How to reach the Sainj valley — the turning at Larji, the junction at Aut, and the road up the river
Getting to the Sainj valley: the Larji turning off the Kullu highway, 30 minutes from Aut, 54 from the Bhuntar airport, and what the bus actually does.
Nahan
The Nahan guide →
Churdhar — the trek to the highest peak of the outer Himalaya, and the seat of Shirgul Maharaj
Churdhar, 3,647 m, the highest peak of Sirmaur and the outer Himalaya: Shirgul Maharaj's temple, the routes from Nohradhar and Sarain, and the snow.
Things to do in Nahan — 5 worth the visit, and what each costs
Five things to do in Nahan sorted by distance from the town centre, with measured drive times, what each one costs, and the best time of year to go.
How to reach Nahan — road, rail, nearest airport
Getting to Nahan from Chandigarh in about 86 minutes, from Dehradun, Ambala or Shimla by road, and the nearest airport and railheads — what each route involves.
The best time to visit Nahan
Nahan month by month from its own IMD normals: hot dry April to June, a very wet July and August, and the mild clear stretches either side that suit it best.
Lansdowne
The Lansdowne guide →
Things to do in Lansdowne — the lake, the ridge, the regiment and a forest temple
Things to do in Lansdowne: Bhulla Tal, St Mary's Church and Tip-n-Top, the Garhwal Rifles' war memorial and museum, Tarkeshwar Mahadev, Kanvashram.
How to reach Lansdowne — from Delhi by road, by train to Kotdwar, and from Dehradun
How to reach Lansdowne: 258 km from Delhi by road, the train to Kotdwar 41 km below, Dehradun airport 148 km, Haridwar and Rishikesh, with measured times.
The best time to visit Lansdowne — clear autumns, mild springs, snowy winters and the crowded weeks
When to visit Lansdowne: clear October and November for the snow peaks, mild spring, crowded May and June, a wet foggy monsoon, and snow in the winter months.
Kedarnath
The Kedarnath guide →
Char Dham Yatra guide — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, the season and registration
The Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath, from Akshaya Tritiya, the closing dates and the free compulsory registration.
Things to do near Kedarnath — the temple, the lake and the valley below
Things to do near Kedarnath: the temple, the walk from Gaurikund, Chorabari Tal, Bhairavnath, and the temples of Triyuginarayan, Guptakashi and Ukhimath.
How to reach Kedarnath — the road to Gaurikund and the 17 km walk
How to reach Kedarnath: road distances to Gaurikund from Delhi, Rishikesh and Dehradun, the 17 km walk, the helicopter option and the yatra registration.
Best time to visit Kedarnath — when the temple is open
When to visit Kedarnath: the temple is open only from April to November. Early summer and autumn suit most; the monsoon needs spare days and weather checks.
Namchi
The Namchi guide →
Things to do in Namchi — two great statues, a monastery, Sikkim's only tea garden and Kitam
Things to do in Namchi: Siddhesvara Dham's Shiva, the Samdruptse Padmasambhava, Namchi Monastery, the Temi Tea Garden, Kitam and the Mamley stromatolites.
How to reach Namchi — Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, Gangtok, Ravangla and Darjeeling
How to reach Namchi, South Sikkim: Bagdogra 101 km, New Jalpaiguri 93 km, Gangtok 71 km, Ravangla 26 km and Darjeeling 44 km by road, with measured times.
Best time to visit Namchi — spring and autumn, the October festival, and the monsoon roads
When to visit Namchi, South Sikkim: pleasant spring and autumn, the Namchi Mohatsav festival each October, the monsoon on the mountain roads, and cool winters.
Tehri
The Tehri guide →
Things to do around Tehri — the lake, the dam, Chamba, Kanatal, Surkanda Devi and Dhanaulti
Seven things to do around Tehri: water sports on the lake, India's tallest dam, Chamba, Kanatal, the Surkanda Devi temple, Dhanaulti and the Koteshwar dam.
How to reach Tehri and Tehri Lake — from Delhi, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Mussoorie
How to reach New Tehri and Tehri Lake: 314 km from Delhi, Rishikesh station 68 km, Dehradun airport 77 km, the high road via Dhanaulti, measured times.
Best time to visit Tehri Lake — the lake season, the monsoon and the snow on the high road
When to visit Tehri Lake: April to June for water sports, dry October and November, the July–August monsoon and winter snow near Kanatal. IMD figures.
Mukteshwar
The Mukteshwar guide →
Things to do in Mukteshwar — the temple, the cliffs and a slow ridge walk
Things to do in Mukteshwar: the Shiva temple, Chauli Ki Jali climbing cliffs, the veterinary institute museum, sunrise views, ridge walks and nearby trails.
How to reach Mukteshwar — road times from Kathgodam, Nainital and Delhi
How to reach Mukteshwar: measured road distances and drive times from Kathgodam, Nainital, Almora and Delhi, the railhead, the airport and local transport.
Best time to visit Mukteshwar — monsoon, snow and clear months
When to visit Mukteshwar: month-by-month temperatures and rain from Wikipedia's table, a heavy monsoon from July to September and occasional snow in winter.
Ramnagar
The Ramnagar guide →
Things to do in Ramnagar — the park, the river shrine and Corbett's village
Things to do around Ramnagar: a Jim Corbett National Park safari, the Garjiya Devi Temple, Sitavani, Corbett Falls and Kaladhungi, with sources and permits.
How to reach Ramnagar and Jim Corbett National Park
How to reach Ramnagar, the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park: measured road distances from Delhi, Haridwar and Nainital, the rail link, buses and airports.
Best time to visit Jim Corbett National Park — season and zones
When to visit Jim Corbett National Park: the main season runs from November to mid-June, the core zones close for the monsoon, and April to June suits tigers.
Gangotri
The Gangotri guide →
Things to do in Gangotri — the temple, Harsil and Gomukh
Things to do in Gangotri: the temple of the goddess Ganga, the apple village of Harsil, the national park and the Gomukh trek to the glacier's snout.
How to reach Gangotri — the long road up the Bhagirathi
How to reach Gangotri by road: measured distances and drive times from Delhi, Rishikesh, Dehradun and Uttarkashi, the nearest station and airport.
Best time to visit Gangotri — when the temple is open
When to visit Gangotri: the temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes at Diwali. Early summer and autumn suit most; the monsoon needs spare days and checks.
Kausani
The Kausani guide →
Things to do in Kausani — the view, Gandhi's ashram, Baijnath and Bageshwar
Things to do in Kausani: the Himalayan view, Gandhi's Anasakti Ashram, the Lakshmi Ashram, the Pant museum, the Baijnath temples, Bageshwar and treks.
How to reach Kausani — roads from Delhi, Kathgodam, Almora and Ranikhet
How to reach Kausani from Delhi, Kathgodam, Pantnagar, Almora and Ranikhet by road, with measured distances and times, the nearest railway station and airport.
Best time to visit Kausani — clear mountain views through the year
When to visit Kausani: summer highs near 26 °C, cold winters near 2 °C, a wide rainfall band, and why cold dry months usually give the clearest views.
Sonamarg
The Sonamarg guide →
Things to do in Sonamarg — the glacier, the river, the lakes and the pass
Things to do in Sonamarg: the Thajiwas Glacier, trout fishing on the Sind, river rafting, treks to Vishansar and Gangabal lakes, and the road to Zoji La.
How to reach Sonamarg — the Srinagar highway and its winter closure
How to reach Sonamarg from Srinagar by road, with measured distances and times, the airport, the winter closure and the tunnels meant to change it.
Best time to visit Sonamarg — the short summer season
When to visit Sonamarg: summer for blooming meadows, trout rivers and the glacier, a winter cut off by snow and avalanches, and the weather figures given.
Ranikhet
The Ranikhet guide →
Things to do in Ranikhet — temples, orchards, a regiment museum and Dwarahat
Things to do in Ranikhet: the Jhula Devi and Haidakhan temples, the Kumaon Regiment museum, Chaubatia's orchards, Tarikhet, Majkhali and Dwarahat's old temples.
How to reach Ranikhet — roads from Delhi, Kathgodam and Nainital
How to reach Ranikhet from Delhi, Kathgodam, Nainital and Almora by road, with measured times, the nearest railway station and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Ranikhet — the pine ridges through the year
When to visit Ranikhet: March to October suits most, winters are very cold with snow from December to February, and the snow peaks show best in clear weather.
Dehradun
The Dehradun guide →
Things to do in Dehradun — temples, a gorge, a monastery and Mussoorie
Things to do in Dehradun: the Guru Ram Rai Darbar, Tapkeshwar cave temple, Robber's Cave, the Forest Research Institute, a Tibetan monastery and Mussoorie.
How to reach Dehradun — by road, rail and air, with measured distances
How to reach Dehradun from Delhi, Chandigarh, Haridwar and Rishikesh by road, with measured times, the railway station, Jolly Grant airport and the ISBT.
Best time to visit Dehradun — heat, monsoon and cool winters
When to visit Dehradun: hot from March to June, a heavy monsoon from June to September, cool winters from December to February, and what each means.
Joshimath
The Joshimath guide →
Things to do in Joshimath — temples, Auli and the walks from Govindghat
Six things to do in Joshimath: the Narsingh Temple, Jyotirmath, Vishnuprayag, Auli, and the walks from Govindghat to the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
How to reach Joshimath — road distances, rail and air
How to reach Joshimath from Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun by road, with our measured times, the nearest station and airport, and the road beyond.
Best time to visit Joshimath — Auli's snow in winter, the valley's flowers in summer
When to visit Joshimath and Auli: winter for Auli's ski slopes, June to October for the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, with IMD figures for the town.
Bharmour
The Bharmour guide →
Things to do in Bharmour — 4 stops, and which need a car
Four things to do in Bharmour: the Chaurasi complex, the Lakshana Devi and Narasimha temples, and the road to Hadsar, with measured times and seasons.
How to reach Bharmour — distances and drive times
How to reach Bharmour by road from Chamba, Dalhousie, Pathankot and Dharamshala, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Best time to visit Bharmour — the pilgrimage season and the rest
When to visit Bharmour: the Manimahesh Yatra runs in August or September, in the month of Bhadon, and no weather table is published for the town itself.
Ravangla
The Ravangla guide →
Things to do in Ravangla — the Buddha Park, Ralang, the Tibetan settlement and Maenam
Things to do in Ravangla, South Sikkim: the 130-foot Buddha at the Buddha Park, Ralang Monastery, the Tibetan settlement, mountain views and birds, and Maenam.
How to reach Ravangla — from Bagdogra, New Jalpaiguri, Gangtok, Namchi and Pelling
How to reach Ravangla, South Sikkim: Bagdogra 127 km, New Jalpaiguri 119 km, Gangtok 68 km, Namchi 30 km and Pelling 41 km by road, with measured times.
Best time to visit Ravangla — rhododendrons in spring, clear mountains in autumn
When to visit Ravangla, South Sikkim: orchids and rhododendrons in April and May, clear mountain views in autumn, winter snow up high, and the monsoon roads.
Munsiyari
The Munsiyari guide →
Things to do in Munsiyari — the peaks, the temple, the lake and the Johar valley
Things to do in Munsiyari: the Panchachuli peaks, the Nanda Devi Temple, Thamri Tal, Khaliya Top, birds and the lichen park, and treks into the Johar valley.
How to reach Munsiyari — the long road from Almora, Kausani and Pithoragarh
How to reach Munsiyari from Delhi, Kathgodam, Almora, Kausani and Pithoragarh by road, with measured distances and times, and the four routes from Almora.
Best time to visit Munsiyari — views, treks and the monsoon
When to visit Munsiyari: mid-March to May for the glacier treks, the monsoon from June with landslides, and what we cannot say because no weather table exists.
Barot
The Barot guide →
Things to do in Barot — 4 things, and what each needs
Four things to do in Barot in the Uhl valley: the 1932 barrage and reservoir, trout and the Uhl river, the Nargu sanctuary and treks such as Dehnasar Lake.
How to reach Barot — distances and drive times
How to reach Barot by road from Joginder Nagar, Mandi, Bir, Palampur and Chandigarh, with measured distances and drive times and the nearest airport.
Dehnasar Lake trek from Barot — what is published, and what is not
Dehnasar Lake sits at 4,280 m above Barot; the trek is 14 km each way from Polling and takes at least two days. June and September are the ideal months.
Best time to visit Barot — the valley and the high lake
When to visit Barot in the Uhl valley: no weather table exists for the village, but June and September are the ideal months for the Dehnasar Lake trek above it.
Across the Himalayas
Deepavali before sunrise — the south begins Diwali at dawn
In Tamil Nadu, Deepavali is kept on Naraka Chaturdashi with an oil bath before dawn; Goa burns Narkasur effigies in the dark. In 2026 it falls on 8 November.
Suraj Tal and Baralacha La — the lake below the pass where four roads meet
Suraj Tal, India's third-highest lake, lies below the 4,890 m Baralacha La on the Manali–Leh road, 65 km from Keylong, and is closed by snow November to April.
Kunzum Pass (Kunzum La) — the gate between Lahaul and Spiti, and when it is open
Kunzum La, 4,551 m, joins Lahaul and Spiti: 122 km from Manali, 79 km from Kaza, open roughly June to October, with the Chandratal trek from the top.
Kareri Lake — the Dhauladhar lake trek above Dharamshala, and the Seven Lake trek
Kareri Lake at 2,934 m, a 13 km trek from Kareri village above Dharamshala: when it freezes, what the path is like, and the Seven Lake trek beyond.
Indrahar Pass trek — from McLeod Ganj over Triund to the Chamba border at 4,342 m
The Indrahar Pass trek from McLeod Ganj via Triund and Lahesh Caves: the stages with the times Wikipedia gives, the 4,342 m top and the April–October season.
Great Himalayan National Park — the UNESCO park above Tirthan, Sainj and the Banjar valley
The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO site since 2014: where it is, what lives in it, permits at Sai Ropa, and the Tirthan and Sainj valleys it guards.
Gondhla — the seven-storey tower fort of the Thakurs of Lahaul
Gondhla Fort, a seven-storey Kathkuni tower at 3,160 m, 29 min from Keylong: the Thakurs of Lahaul, Roerich's paintings, and the monastery beside it.
Andretta — the artists' village near Palampur, Norah Richards, Sobha Singh and the pottery
Andretta, 19 min from Palampur: the artists' colony begun by Norah Richards in 1924, Sobha Singh's gallery, and the pottery society that still teaches potters.
Pangti — the Naga village whose name flew to Africa on a falcon
In 2013 a satellite-tagged Amur falcon named Pangti flew from a Naga village to Kenya in 13 days. How Pangti went from trapping falcons to protecting them.
Tehri — the lake in the hills that works like a battery
Tehri's pumped-storage plant stores spare power as water: it pumps the Bhagirathi up into the Tehri lake, then lets it fall back through turbines when needed.
How to reach Meghalaya and Nagaland from Delhi — Guwahati, Dimapur, Shillong airport and the hill roads
Delhi to Shillong, Cherrapunji and Kohima: flights and trains to Guwahati and Dimapur, hill road times in km, Shillong airport and the Nagaland ILP.
Food of Meghalaya and Nagaland — jadoh, tungrymbai, smoked pork with axone and fermented bamboo shoot
What to eat in Meghalaya and Nagaland: jadoh, tungrymbai, dohkhlieh, smoked pork with axone, fermented bamboo shoot, anishi and the rice drinks zutho, thuthse.
Festivals in Nagaland and Meghalaya by month — the Hornbill Festival, Sekrenyi, Wangala, Behdienkhlam and the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival
Nagaland and Meghalaya festivals by month from the state tourism sites: Hornbill, Sekrenyi, Tuluni, Wangala, Behdienkhlam and the 2026 Cherry Blossom Festival.
Best time to visit Meghalaya and Nagaland — month by month, with India Meteorological Department weather for Shillong, Cherrapunji and Kohima
Meghalaya and Nagaland month by month: IMD highs, lows and rain for Shillong, Cherrapunji and Kohima, plus the monsoon, cherry blossom and Hornbill.
How to reach Sikkim and Darjeeling from Delhi — New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra and the hill road to Gangtok
Delhi to Gangtok and Darjeeling: the railhead at New Jalpaiguri, Bagdogra airport, hill road times in km, the toy train, Pakyong airport and the permit rules.
Food of Sikkim and Darjeeling — momo, thukpa, churpi, sel roti and the fermented foods of the Eastern Himalaya
What to eat in Sikkim and Darjeeling: momos and thukpa, churpi cheese, sel roti, gundruk and kinema, and tongba, the millet drink — with what Wikipedia records.
Festivals in Sikkim and Darjeeling by month — Losoong, Losar, Pang Lhabsol, Kagyed, Dashain and the tourism festivals
Sikkim and Darjeeling festivals by month from the Sikkim Tourism site: Losoong, Losar, Maghey Sankranti, Pang Lhabsol, Kagyed, Dashain and tourism festivals.
Best time to visit Sikkim and Darjeeling — month by month, with India Meteorological Department weather for Gangtok and Darjeeling
Sikkim and Darjeeling month by month: IMD highs, lows and rain at Gangtok and Darjeeling, the official spring and autumn windows, the monsoon and snow.
How to reach Kashmir and Ladakh from Delhi — the train to Katra and on to Srinagar, flights, and the two highways to Leh
Delhi to Srinagar and Leh: the Katra train and the Vande Bharat on to Srinagar, flights, road distances in km, and the Manali and Srinagar highways to Leh.
Food of Ladakh — thukpa, skyu, tsampa and gurgur cha, the butter tea
What to eat in Ladakh: thukpa and momos, skyu and chutagi, tsampa, Ladakhi pulao and tigmo, with gurgur cha, the salted butter tea, and sweet cha ngarmo.
Food of Kashmir — the wazwan feast, kahwa and noon chai, and what else the valley eats
What to eat in Kashmir: the multi-course wazwan with rogan josh and gushtaba, kahwa with saffron, pink noon chai, haakh and rice, nadur and Mushk Budji rice.
Festivals in Ladakh and Kashmir by month — Hemis, Dosmoche, Losar, the Tulip Festival and Kheer Bhawani
Ladakh festivals by month from the Leh district site — Spituk, Dosmoche, Hemis, Thiksey — plus Losar, the Srinagar Tulip Festival and the Kheer Bhawani mela.
Best time to visit Kashmir and Ladakh — month by month, with India Meteorological Department weather for five stations
Kashmir and Ladakh month by month: IMD highs, nights and precipitation for Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Leh and Katra, with snow, the Leh roads and festivals.
How to reach Uttarakhand from Delhi — road distances, the railheads at Haridwar, Dehradun and Kathgodam, and the two airports
Delhi to Uttarakhand by road in km for Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Almora and Badrinath, plus the railheads at Haridwar, Dehradun, Kathgodam and the airports.
Food of Uttarakhand — what to eat in Kumaon and Garhwal, from bal mithai and singori to kafuli, chainsoo and aloo ke gutke
What to eat in Uttarakhand: bal mithai and singori from Almora and Tehri, kafuli, chainsoo, bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke and the millet and pulse dishes.
Does Himachal get snow in November? Where it snows, and where it does not yet
Snow in Himachal in November: almost none in Shimla, the first falls at Narkanda and Dalhousie, the high valleys already white, and Rohtang closing.
Do you need a permit for Spiti or Kinnaur? What Indians and foreign visitors must carry
Spiti and Kinnaur permits: Indian citizens have not needed an Inner Line Permit since 1992; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit. The official rules.
Festivals in Uttarakhand by month — Phool Dei, Harela, Nanda Devi Mahotsav, the 12-year Raj Jat and Ganga Dussehra
Uttarakhand festivals by month from the state tourism site: Phool Dei, Uttarayani, Harela, Nanda Devi Mahotsav, the 12-year Raj Jat and Ganga Dussehra.
Cheapest way to reach Shimla from Delhi — bus, train and taxi compared
Delhi to Shimla by state bus, by train to Kalka and on, or by taxi: the distances and times, and where to read the official fares for your date.
Best time to visit Uttarakhand — month by month, with India Meteorological Department weather for five hill towns
Uttarakhand month by month: IMD highs, lows and rain at Mussoorie, Nainital, Mukteshwar, Joshimath and Tehri, plus snow, the Char Dham season and the monsoon.
How to reach Himachal from Delhi and Chandigarh — by train, bus and flight
Himachal from Delhi and Chandigarh by road, rail and air: distances and drive times to 16 hubs, the Kalka–Shimla and Kangra Valley trains, and the airports.
Himachali food guide — siddu, dham, babru, chha gosht, Chamba chukh and the trout
The dishes of Himachal and where they come from: dham feasts, siddu buns, babru, sepu badi, chha gosht, Chamba chukh and the Kullu trout, from open sources.
Himachali crafts — Kullu shawls, Kangra painting, Chamba rumal, the Himachali cap and Kangra tea
Himachal's crafts and where they come from: Kullu shawls, Kangra painting, Chamba rumal, the Himachali cap and Kangra tea, with links to a shop that has some.
Fairs and festivals of Himachal by month — Kullu Dussehra, Minjar, Lavi, Phulaich and more
Himachal's fairs by month: Winter Carnival, Mandi Shivratri, Shoolini, Minjar, Phulaich, Kullu Dussehra and Lavi, with the dates the state's tourism site gives.
Best time to visit Himachal, month by month — snow, monsoon and the roads that open
Himachal month by month: when it snows in Shimla and Manali, when the monsoon peaks, when the Spiti and Lahaul roads open, with IMD rainfall.
Karva Chauth — the moon through a sieve, and the day that leads to it
Karva Chauth from sargi before dawn to the moon through a sieve: the fast, the karva pots, the circle of thalis and the arghya. In 2026 it falls on 29 October.
Sharad Purnima — one full moon, five names
Kojagari, Kojagiri, Kumar Purnima, Sharad Purnima and Kojagrat: one full moon of Ashvin, five names, and what each region does that night. Dates for 2026.
Winter treks in Uttarakhand — Chandrashila, Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal, and which treks wait for spring
Winter treks in Uttarakhand, December to February: Chandrashila above Chopta, Kedarkantha near Sankri, Dayara Bugyal, and why Har Ki Dun waits for spring.
Polo — the British learned the game from Manipur
The word polo comes from Manipur, where it named the wooden ball. British tea planters learned the game from Manipuris and set up a club at Silchar in 1859.
Treks in Himachal by length and month — an hour's walk to a five-day crossing
Himachal treks by how long they take and which months they open: short walks, Triund in a day, Kheerganga overnight, Bhrigu, Beas Kund and Sar Pass.
Skiing in Himachal — Solang, Narkanda and Kufri, and when the snow holds
Where to ski in Himachal: Solang above Manali, Narkanda and Kufri above Shimla, the state institute's courses, and the January–February snow.
Lakes of Himachal — 12, from the ones you drive to the ones you walk to
Twelve lakes of Himachal by how you reach them: Khajjiar, Rewalsar and Renuka by road, Prashar near it, Serolsar and Bhrigu on foot, Chandratal high up.
Hot springs of Himachal — Manikaran, Vashisht, Kheerganga and Tattapani
Himachal's hot springs: Manikaran's gurdwara tanks, the free baths at Vashisht, the pool at the top of the Kheerganga walk, and Tattapani on the Sutlej.
Weekend getaways from Delhi — hill towns in Uttarakhand and Himachal, by distance, with a plan for each
Weekend trips from Delhi to the hills by road distance: Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Lansdowne, Nainital, Kasauli, Shimla, Tirthan, Kasol and Manali, each with a plan.
Chenab Rail Bridge — take away a pier and the train still runs
The Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir stands 359 m above the river. Railways says it stays open at 30 km/h even if one pier or trestle is removed.
Ice stupas — how Ladakh grows its own glacier for spring
Ladakh's ice stupas freeze winter stream water into cones of ice that melt slowly into spring, when fields need water and streams run low. How they work.
Roopkund's skeletons — the DNA says they did not die together
The Roopkund skeletons were long blamed on one hailstorm. DNA from 38 of them, read in 2019, found three groups who died about 1,000 years apart.
Khardung La's sign says 18,380 ft — the pass is 17,582 ft
The famous sign at Khardung La in Ladakh says 18,380 ft and the world's highest road. GPS surveys give 5,359 m (17,582 ft); higher roads now cross Ladakh.
Phulkari — the Punjab embroidery that is worked from the back
Phulkari is Punjab's folk embroidery: silk darned from the back of coarse khaddar, counted with no stencil. Its history, its songs, and phulkari versus bagh.
Loktak Lake and Keibul Lamjao — the national park that floats
Keibul Lamjao on Loktak Lake, Manipur, is called the only floating national park: phumdi mats of grass and soil, 80% underwater, home of the sangai deer.
Jaipur blue pottery — the pottery made without potter's clay
Jaipur blue pottery uses no potter's clay: quartz, glass, multani mitti and gum, fired once at low heat. How it is made, how it nearly vanished, who saved it.
Photographs by Wikimedia Commons contributors (CC0, CC BY, CC BY-SA), resized; each picture is credited on its own page.