Geographical Location of District Chamba
- Chamba is the northernmost district of Himachal Pradesh. It share border with Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab on North and West respectively, in east with Lahaul and in South with Kangra. District is encircled from mountain from three side and it is opened to outside world near Khairi where Ravi leave the district.
Physiography of District Chamba
Physiographically district can be divided into Ravi valley ,Chenab valley and Beas valley.Former two are enclosed by Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar where as later is located on south of Dhauladhar.
- Pir Panjal is the most important and majestic range of district. It enter the district from NNE and continue toward South East. Famous Pangi valley is located on midst of this range. It formed the natural boundary with Lahaul.Drati Pass, Kalichoo Pass,Chobia Pass,Kugti Pass ,Asha Galu and Thamsar pass, all are located on Pir Panjal range.
- A Southern offshoot of Pir Panjal known as Dagni Dhar formed the boundary with Bhadarwah( Jammu and Kashmir). Famous Padri Pass is located on this range.
- Another offshoot of Pir Panjal in South East part of district separate Bharmour from Holi & Bara Bhangal area of Kangra. Mani Mahesh peak is located on this range.
- Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal both ranges mingle at Bara Bhangal which is the place of many prominent peaks and Glaciers such as Hanuman tibba and Tamsar peaks etc. Dhauladhar run in southern part of district from Beas to Ravi and formed natural boundary with Kangra. It also separate Bhattiyat valley from main Chamba valley.
- Hathi Dhar(Shiwalik) which began to rise near Dharamshala is another important mountain chain of district, it run parallel to Dhauladhar. Height of this range is ….Hathi Dhar is snowless mountain range and is part of Lower Siwalik group(. It form the boundary between Nurpur and Chowari. Famous Lahru Junction serve important link between two. Hathi Dhar is primarily composed of Sandstone and conglomerate of Tertiary age. Rocks are very loose and subject to intense erosion.
Valleys of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
- Ravi valley also called as Chamba valley proper is the most important valley, it is encircled by Pir Panjal on northern side and Dhauladhar on the southern side.Most of district population is located in Ravi and Churrah valley.
Valleys of District Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
- Bhandal valley is another beautiful valley located on western part of district in inner ridges of Dagani Dhar which is the offshoots of Pir panjal. In fact Dagani Dhar also defines the Political boundary of State with Jammu and Kashmir. Bhandal valley connect the Ravi valley with Bhadarwah(J&K) via Padri Pass(On dagani dhar).
- Chowari & Sihunta are two outer valleys ,located on southern slope of Dhauladhar range they are connected to main Ravi valley via Basodan Pass, also called as Jot in local dialect. These valleys are drained by Beas River.Whole district is drained by three major rivers viz Chandrabhaga, Ravi and Beas.
- However Ravi is main river of district. Most human settlement are located on the bank of it.
