The plateau of Palampur (1219 metres) nestles amidst the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar Range, flanked by terraced paddy fields, forests of pine and deodar and lush tree plantations. The mountains offer some fabulous trekking trails - through the Sanghar Pass to Holi and Bharmour; Waru Pass onto Chamba; the Shinghar Pass to Holi; the Indrahar Pass to Dharamsala; and the Jalsu Pass from Bharmour to Baijnath.

Palampur has old forts and temples such as the five centuries old Temple of Bundlamata and the Chamundadevi Temple. The Kangra valley’s distinctive art style survives in the lovely little village of Andretta, 14 km south of Palampur. The Dhauladhar National Park at Gopalpur, 13 km from Palampur has a mini zoo with black bear, leopard, lion, red fox and several types of deer such as goral and sambar.

Taragarh, an idyllic retreat 12 km from Palampur, is set amidst picturesque tea estates at the foot of the Dhauladhars. You can ride up on mountain bikes to the little Tibetan village of Tashijong Gompa known for its thangka paintings, carpet weaving and block printing. Neughal Park, 1 km from Palampur, affords an awe-inspiring view of the mighty Dhauladhar mountains and the River Neughal.

The twin villages of Bir and Billing are excellent hang gliding and para-gliding grounds and are famous for their Buddhist Monasteries and Tibetan handicrafts. The Kangra Tea Factory is your best bet for picking up genuine tea and for seeing the entire procedure of plucking, picking and processing tealeaves