Manali, Oct. 8 : The tourist resort of Manali recently played host to the concluding part of the Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA) sponsored Hercules Mountain Biking Himachal 2008.

The 10-day event, saw the participation of cyclists from 13 countries.

"The objective was to promote tourism, in Himachal Pradesh. This was a very big initiative to promote tourism in this area," said Mohit Sood, Director, Himalayan Adventure Sports and Tourism Promotion Association.

The main objective of event was to promote adventure sports and tourism in Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamsala, Oct 7 : Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama arrived here last evening to undergo a routine medical check-up.

He was seen off at the airport in Dharamsala by Samdong Rinpoche, the Tibetan Prime Minister in-exile.

"He has some gall bladder problem infection and that is now okay. It is a periodical re-checkup which is needed, for that he is going to Delhi," said Rinpoche.

The Dalai Lama will undergo a routine medical check-up as a follow-up since he was admitted to hospital with abdominal discomfort in August.

Kullu, Aug. 29 : Large number of local residents and visitors from different parts of the country and abroad enjoyed attending a special three-day apple festival held here this week.

Organised by Himachal Tourism, the apple festival was intended to promote tourism and spread awareness about various varieties of apples and apple products produced in Himachal, described to be the apple bowl of India.

One of the prime attractions at the festival was the facility to visit the apple orchards where the visitors could savour the fruit of their choice directly from the trees.

Shimla, Aug 8 (ANI): Apple farmers in Himachal Pradesh are worried about their crop being affected by the leaf drop disease this year.

The ''Marsonina'' disease is bound to have an adverse affect on apple production in rural Shimla.

The dropping of the leaves is because of an infection caused by a fungus called ''Marsonina''. The fungus mainly attacks densely forested orchards and moisture and
humidity act as catalysts.

About 20 per cent of the crop has already been damaged in the middle and the higher belts.