Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang Pass, which is famous for its extreme climatic conditions, will now flaunt CNG buses at 13,050 feet, and may become the world's highest mountain destination to do so.

In a first for the state of Himachal Pradesh, 22 blind students received admission in two of the most prestigious colleges of Shimla, with 20 of them receiving full scholarships.

Here is a first hand experience of a journey to the amazing Himachal Pradesh and its beautiful valleys. Join Gayatri Mendanha as she visits intense music concerts, tries her hand at art and pottery, samples exotic dishes like the Kangri dham, finds peace in the serene monasteries, experiences the thrill of paragliding, and much much more in just a few exciting days!

Yoginder Sikand was just settling in for some peace and quiet in a tiny hamlet of the deliriously scenic Spiti ecosphere, when he was hit by the recent snowstorm. Faced with the possibility of being stuck without food and warmth for weeks, he decided that he would try to get to a bigger town and seek help. But how was he to find his way, being completely foreign to those parts and terrains? Much to his wonder, a helping hand was always around!

It takes courage to be a shining beacon for others. Especially for young and influential minds. However, it is a responsibility few take on, so that there is some kind of guidance available for children to make those tough career choices at the crucial time in life. Meet Kshitij Mehra, one such shining beacon, spreading awareness in the hills of Himachal at present.

It is not often that we come across serial innovators. And innovators who use locally sourced materials to create products that impact the lives of people in the region by providing means of livelihood and everywhere else by providing useful products at lower prices, are rare indeed. So meet Mr. Nand Lal Gupta whose innovations include adhesives made from cactus, boards made from pine needles and building blocks made of soil!

This is the story of a remarkable man, Mr. Vidya Rattan Sharma, who started as a cook in a local NGO, and went on to create several innovative products in the area of cooking stoves, traditional medicine, organic farming and animal husbandry. His passion for finding solutions to centuries-old problems and determination to carry on his work even in the face of resistance or lack of resources is an inspiration to all.