Separated from the Kangra Valley to the south by the high Dhaula Dhar range and the remote Pattan Valley to the north by the Pir Panjal Range is the beautiful Chamba Valley, through which flows the Ravi River. For over 1000 years this region formed the princely state of Chamba, the most ancient state of northern India. Few travelers find their way here, and of those that do, even fewer continue down the valley beyond the hill station of Dalhousie.

The valley is renowned for its fine Shikhara temples, with excellent example in the beautiful town of Chamba, 56 km from Dalhousie, and at the ancient capital of Brahmaur, 65 km farther down the valley to the south-east. Brahmaur is also the starting point for some fine treks, including that or the sacred lake of Manimahesh, 28 km away.