Chapter 15: A Glossary of Terms Related to Himachal Pradesh Tourism

15.0 Introduction 

This glossary provides clear definitions of key terms, local words, and phrases you’ll encounter when planning or enjoying a trip to Himachal Pradesh. Use it as a quick reference to deepen your understanding of regional culture, geography, activities, and logistical terms.

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A

• Abode Permit (Inner‑Line Permit)
  A government‑issued permit required to enter protected border areas such as Spiti, Kinnaur, and Kaza.

• Abhyanga
  In Ayurveda, a traditional oil massage using warm, herb‑infused oils for relaxation and detoxification.

• Altitude Sickness
  A condition caused by rapid ascent to high elevations (above ~2,500 m), characterized by headaches, nausea, and fatigue.

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B

• Bhoj
  A communal feast or banquet often organized during festivals, weddings, or as temple offerings.

• Botis
  Hereditary chefs (Brahmins) who prepare the traditional Dham feast in Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra districts.

• Brahmatal Trek
  A high‑altitude trek near Auli (Uttarakhand border) often accessed via the Dhauldhar foothills in Kangra.

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C

• Chadar Trek
  A winter trek on the frozen Zanskar River in Ladakh; sometimes referred to by regional operators offering similar ice‑walk experiences in Himachal’s cold zones.

• Chha Gosht
  A spicy mutton curry cooked in yogurt‐based gravy, originating from the Kangra Valley.

• Choula (Chola)
  Traditional woolen coat worn by men in Kullu and Shimla, often paired with a Himachali cap.

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D

• Dhauldhar Range
  A prominent sub‑range of the Himalayas near Dharamshala and Kangra, famed for trekking and the Triund ridge.

• Dham
  A multi‑course ceremonial meal served on banana leaves during weddings and religious festivals in Kullu, Mandi, and Kangra.

• Dharamshala
  A town in Kangra district, seat of the Tibetan government‑in‑exile and famous for its Buddhist monasteries.

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G

• Gaddi
  A pastoral community native to the Kangra and Chamba regions, known for shepherding and distinctive woolen crafts.

• Gompa
  A Tibetan Buddhist monastery found in Lahaul‑Spiti and Kinnaur, serving as centers for worship, learning, and art.

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H

• Hadimba Devi Temple
  A 16th‑century wooden temple in Manali dedicated to Hidimbi, wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.

• Homestay
  Accommodation in a local family’s home, offering cultural immersion and home‑cooked meals at budget to mid‑range prices.

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I

• Inner‑Line Permit (ILP)
  An official travel document required for Indian citizens to visit certain protected areas near international borders.

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K

• Kath‑Kuni Architecture
  Traditional Himachali building technique using alternating layers of wood and stone for insulation and seismic resistance.

• Kinnaur Kailash
  A sacred mountain peak in Kinnaur district, revered in Hindu mythology and a destination for pilgrimage and trekking.

• Kullu Dussehra
  A week‑long festival in Kullu where deities from neighboring villages gather in colorful procession at Dhalpur Maidan.

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L

• Lahaul‑Spiti
  A high‑altitude district in northeastern Himachal, characterized by cold desert landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture.

• Lavi Fair
  A historic trade fair in Rampur Bushahr that traces its origins to Indo‑Tibetan barter exchanges.

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M

• Manimahesh Yatra
  A pilgrimage trek to the sacred Manimahesh Lake at the foot of peak Kailash in Chamba district.

• Minjar Fair
  A July–August festival in Chamba celebrating the maize harvest with processions, wrestling, and cultural performances.

• Monal
  The Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), a brightly colored pheasant and state bird of Himachal Pradesh.

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N

• Nagaras (Nagara)
  Large kettledrums used in temple music and during festivals to accompany processions and dances.

• Nati
  A traditional folk dance of the Kullu, Shimla, and Sirmaur regions, performed in circles to rhythmic drumbeats.

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P

• Pahari
  The collective term for the various dialects and cultural practices of the hill peoples of Himachal Pradesh.

• Paragliding
  Adventure sport where participants glide from mountain ridges (e.g., Bir‑Billing) using a fabric wing and harness.

• Pattu
  A handwoven woolen shawl or cloak, especially common among women in the Kinnaur and Kullu regions.

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R

• Rajma Chawal
  Kidney beans cooked in spicy gravy, served with rice—a staple comfort food in Kangra and Chamba valleys.

• Rohtang Pass
  A high mountain pass (3,978 m) near Manali, gateway to Lahaul‑Spiti and known for snow activities.

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S

• Shakti Peeth
  Sacred shrines associated with the goddess Sati; Himachal hosts several, including Jwala Ji and Chintpurni.

• Shrikhand Mahadev
  A pilgrimage trek to a Shivling‑shaped rock at 5,227 m in the Kullu region, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s devotion.

• Siddu
  Steamed wheat or millet dough buns, often stuffed with poppy seeds, nuts, or jaggery.

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T

• Tabo Monastery
  An 11th‑century Buddhist monastery in Spiti, famed for its ancient murals and manuscripts.

• Tirthan Valley
  A scenic valley by the Tirthan River, gateway to the Great Himalayan National Park, known for trout fishing.

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U

• Unesco Heritage Toy Train
  The Kalka–Shimla narrow‑gauge railway recognized for its scenic route, tunnels, and colonial‑era bridges.

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V

• Vashisht Hot Springs
  Natural sulfurous hot springs near Manali believed to have therapeutic properties.

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Z

• Zanskar
  A remote Himalayan sub‑region often accessed via Ladakh, but similar ice‐trek experiences are marketed in Himachal’s cold deserts.

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How to Use This Glossary

• Refer back when you encounter unfamiliar local words during travel planning or on the ground.

• Combine terms—for example, “I need an Inner‑Line Permit for my Rohtang Pass trek” or “I’d love to stay in a homestay in Tirthan Valley.”

• Keep a copy handy (print or digital) as your quick guide to Himachal’s rich tourism vocabulary.

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Conclusion 

With these terms demystified, you’re better equipped to navigate Himachal Pradesh’s landscapes, cultures, and experiences. May your journey through the hills be informed, immersive, and utterly unforgettable!