Dhauladhar, Mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, India
Dhauladhar is a mountain range extending from Dalhousie to the Beas River, displaying dark granite formations with peaks between 3,500 and 6,000 meters high. Several rivers cut through the range, carving deep valleys and steep gorges that shape the rugged structure of the landscape.
The range formed millions of years ago through tectonic activity and became a natural dividing line between regions, shaping trade routes and settlement patterns across northern India for centuries. This geographical position made it crucial to how local societies developed and connected.
Gaddi shepherds move their herds seasonally to high mountain pastures, following traditions that have shaped how people interact with the land for generations.
Between April and October, visitors can explore multiple trekking paths from Dharamshala, with Triund offering the closest approach to the snow line. It is wise to start early and prepare for uneven terrain, as conditions vary depending on the season.
During the 2020 lockdown, reduced air pollution allowed residents of Jalandhar to see the snow-covered peaks from 160 kilometers away. This rare visibility revealed how much air quality typically limits the view of these distant mountains.
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