A travelogue through Himachal Pradesh (Kinnaur , Spiti , Shimla & Manali) – May 2009

indracal · Sep 28th, 2009, 21:13

With a 6/7 yr child and a 73-yr person in my group, I wouldn't have tried the options you specified. I would deem them to be too hectic.

Best option was catch the 2311 Delhi-Kalka mail at 9:30 PM from Old Delhi (DLI) station to Kalka (KLK) straight on 16th night. This train connects to 241 Shivalik Dlx (KLK-SML) making you reach Shimla at 10:15 AM. Unfortunately, the Kalka mail only has availability in SL class and 241 is heavily waitlisted.

The other options are to reach Kalka via Paschim Express, or 2005 Kalka Shatabdi (Evening).

You can always think of booking a car from Kalka for your Himachal tour, in case you choose to reach Kalka via DLI KLK 2311 SL class. That way you get a window to see Delhi too (store your luggages at the cloak room) till 16th evening. Have your dinner packed from Comesum at the Old Delhi station.

IMO trains would be much more comfortable for the child as well as the elderly and you should plan accordingly.

EDIT: I guess you would be spending a couple of days at Shimla. In such case, it would be better to arrange a drop from Kalka to Shimla, and book a cab for your tour Shimla onwards from Shimla. That way, the car doesn't get idle days in Shimla. Please ensure that the second car booked from Shimla will drop you to Punjab/Haryana destinations ((e.g., Kalka, Chandigarh etc).

pg66 · Sep 29th, 2009, 00:55

Thanks again Indracal
Myself was also in doubt .As suggested I will try to catch Kalka Mail from Old Delhi on 16 Oct evening to reach Kalka on 17 oct morning . Unfortunately toy train from Kalka - Shimla in 17 Oct morning is all boooked . So I have to take a car drop to Shimla . Any idea of Indica rate from Kalka-Shimla . I shall stay one night at Shimla due to time constraint but would like to hire car from Shimla only for Kalpa-Sangla tour
Today I got a mail from Golden Apple Hotel at Kalpa regadrding booking on my enquiry with them . How is the Hotel and ther hospitality ?
Waiting to hear from other members too
Thanks again
Thanks again

WayFarer · Sep 29th, 2009, 10:32

Golden Apple at Kalpa is good , have stayed there myself. You will love the place and it's views

vasuki · Sep 29th, 2009, 15:41

If the terminating point of bus is at Chandigarh then it will land up at Sector 17. In case you board any Himachal bound bus from Delhi then it will land up at Sector 43 bus station irrespective of what ever state transport bus it is

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

TCan any one give information whether Delhi Chandigarh bus reaches ISBT SECTOR-17 or SECTOR 43 in Chandigarh?
thanks

pg66 · Sep 30th, 2009, 00:37

Thanks again
Do any one have idea about how cold will be at Kalpa and Sangla at night during October third week . Will night temperature fall to 5 degree Celsius ? Is there any heater required in room at Kalpa ?

prasenjits · Oct 4th, 2009, 01:22

Sorry for late response...as just I arrive kolkata today after noon ...
Please find my response in dark red

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

Hi Prosenjit
I am planing a short trip to Kalpa in Oct 15-24 , 2009 I plan following iteneries
Oct 15 leave kolkata by Rajdhani Exp
Oct 16 NDLS
Oct 17 Raech Shimla N/S
Oct 18 Reach Saharan N/S ( what is travel time frm Shimla- Shaharan )
Oct 19 Shaharan to Kalpa N/S
Oct 20 Kalpa N/S
Oct 21 Kalpa - Sangla - Chitkul (N/S at SANGLA or Chitkul ?)
Oct 22 Sangla to Narkanda N/S
Oct 23 Narkanda - Shimla & Shimla - NDLS by HPTDC NIGHT SERVICE
Oct 24 NDLS leave for Kolkata b Rajdhani

Since u are on the trip , invite ur advice
How is road condtion between Sahran -Kalpa
Prasenjit:Wangtu to Karcham road is full of dust due the hydro project but motorable.
What is travel time from stop-overs
Pras: Not sure about the question.
Is tavera /tata sumo ok , wats appx per day cost ?
Pras:Tata Sumo is fine. For Sumo: Rs. 1700/day and Tavera 2200-2400/day.
Any warning from ur first hand exp on road , weather and hotels etc.
Pras:Try to keep mineral water as some time the local water may not suite.
I understand u are on the move Kindly post ur views when u find possible or time permits
Advice . suggestion invited frm other enlightened IMers
As the hotels rooms were available during puja seasons,please don't pre book any hotels from Kolkata.Try to book directly after reaching the place.
Hotels:
@Sangla--Prakash hotel/GH
@Chitkul--Panchali Resort/Rani GH/Thakur GH
@Kalpa--HPTDC Hotels/Shivalik Hotel
@Shimla--Gulmohar Regency

THANKS

Oct 18 Reach Saharan N/S ( what is travel time frm Shimla- Shaharan )

Prasenjit:5 to 6hrs.

Oct 21 Kalpa - Sangla - Chitkul (N/S at SANGLA or Chitkul ?)
Prasenjit:It is recomended to stay at Chitkul atleast one night.

Hope the infomation helpful to you.
I will upload the pictures shortly.

prasenjits · Oct 4th, 2009, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

Thanks again
Do any one have idea about how cold will be at Kalpa and Sangla at night during October third week . Will night temperature fall to 5 degree Celsius ? Is there any heater required in room at Kalpa ?

During end of october,there will be high chance of very much cold and may require room heater.In Kalpa HPTDC hotels rooms have the room heater.

prasenjits · Oct 4th, 2009, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

Thanks again Indracal
Myself was also in doubt .As suggested I will try to catch Kalka Mail from Old Delhi on 16 Oct evening to reach Kalka on 17 oct morning . Unfortunately toy train from Kalka - Shimla in 17 Oct morning is all boooked . So I have to take a car drop to Shimla . Any idea of Indica rate from Kalka-Shimla . I shall stay one night at Shimla due to time constraint but would like to hire car from Shimla only for Kalpa-Sangla tour
Today I got a mail from Golden Apple Hotel at Kalpa regadrding booking on my enquiry with them . How is the Hotel and ther hospitality ?
Waiting to hear from other members too
Thanks again
Thanks again

Did you try to book the ticket of Rail motor car?
I would recomend to stay Prakash GH/Bobby GH @ Sangla.
Hospitality of the Prakash GH is good.

pg66 · Oct 4th, 2009, 13:59

Thanks Prasenjit for your illuminating reply
I know you must be tired after long trip , but when you find time , a few more querries for you
a)I have contacted Ramchand (recommended by IMERs) .He suggested Hotel SUKHSAGAR in Shimla , any idea ?What is room rate of Gulmohar Rgency , is it approachable by car , how far is it from mall and any water problem there ?
b)In Kalpa , there are two properties of HPTDC - KINAUR COTTAGE ( Rates moderate )and Tourist Complex Kalpa (Rates very high) . Are both in same place , if not which ne is better ?
also any idea of Golden Apple Resort , Kalpa
c)Ramchand also recommenda Prakasg Guest House Sangla , but I am bit hesitant after reading Trip Reprt of Wayfarer in this thread , that is they try to offload guests to other sister concerns in time of rush . Do you have any idea of Mount Kailash at Sangla .
d)Iwas also inclined to stay at Citkul . But became hesotant as it is of height greater than 3500 ft and likely to be chilling cold at night . My group has one aged 74 yrs and one child 6 yrs . Is it safe at Chitkul . Is there chance of AMS
e)Does Prakash Guest House / Pancholi Resort has room heater , running hot water and fooding srrangement ? What is electricity siyuation at Sangla , Chitkul and Kalpa ?
I am afraid tht i have alrady posed you too much querries , but could not resist temptation as you are one IMER who has most recently visited the place . We are also waiting for your Trip Report and photos
Thanks a lot .Reply from other exp[erienced IMERS also most welcome
Thanks again

pg66 · Oct 4th, 2009, 14:03

Sorry I must correct myself , Chitkul is more than 3500 m
Thanks

amdtraveller · Oct 5th, 2009, 16:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

b)In Kalpa , there are two properties of HPTDC - KINAUR COTTAGE ( Rates moderate )and Tourist Complex Kalpa (Rates very high) . Are both in same place , if not which ne is better ?
also any idea of Golden Apple Resort , Kalpa
c)Ramchand also recommenda Prakasg Guest House Sangla ,

d)Iwas also inclined to stay at Citkul . But became hesotant as it is of height greater than 3500 ft and likely to be chilling cold at night . My group has one aged 74 yrs and one child 6 yrs . Is it safe at Chitkul . Is there chance of AMS

e)Does Prakash Guest House / Pancholi Resort has room heater , running hot water and fooding srrangement ? What is electricity siyuation at Sangla , Chitkul and Kalpa ?

Hi, I stayed at HPTDC Kalpa, in the Tourist cottages,
in may 09. They are older than the Tourist Complex, which is in the same place. You have to climb a few steps to get to the place about 50 m away.

Nights in Chitkul could be extremely cold and bring on headaches. I also stayed in Prakash GH, Sangla instead of at Chitkul.

At the outset, let me say that despite all the inconveniences, I would stay at Prakash GH again, if the PWD rest house is un-available. The views are great and the people are accomodative. Take the non-road facing rooms if you do stay there. The views are on the river facing side.

Prakash GH does not have room heaters (I was told the wiring was not designed to take that load) though I did see a heater in one room. They are building a new property across the road which will have more amenities. It is scheduled to start "next season". For Hot water, there is a small geyser. Enough for a very quick bath. Then a long wait for the second person...

Food is good, but you have to inform your choices in advance so they can get stuff from the market.

I got milk (Amul 1L tetrapacks) from the bazaar as I find the powdered milk tea and coffee are unpalatable. They were kind enough to heat it for my daughter.

pg66 · Oct 5th, 2009, 22:23

Thanks Amdtraveller for your input
Is Prakash G H clean and provides adequate blankets or we have to carry ourselves . How far is it from Sangla town .Is it in desolate place?
Any idea about Hotel Mount Kailash , Sangla

amdtraveller · Oct 6th, 2009, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

Thanks Amdtraveller for your input
Is Prakash G H clean and provides adequate blankets or we have to carry ourselves . How far is it from Sangla town .Is it in desolate place?
Any idea about Hotel Mount Kailash , Sangla

Pg, Prakash GH was clean and provided us all the blankets we needed. If you take Ramchanders taxi, he will sort out any problems that you may have. He has a very good equation with the owners. And don't forget to check out the owners' apple orchard and stock. Kinnaurs Golden apples are terrific.

Prakash GH is not too far away from the town, but is far enough to be relatively quiet. Being on the road to Chitkul, there may be traffic sounds in the day. I have some snaps of the place, but I have to locate the CD. I had a hard disk crash, but fortunately had backed them up. In case you want, I can upload a few pix taken from Prakash GH on Sunday.

No idea about Hotel Mount Kailash.

prasenjits · Oct 6th, 2009, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by pg66

Thanks Prasenjit for your illuminating reply
I know you must be tired after long trip , but when you find time , a few more querries for you
a)I have contacted Ramchand (recommended by IMERs) .He suggested Hotel SUKHSAGAR in Shimla , any idea ?What is room rate of Gulmohar Rgency , is it approachable by car , how far is it from mall and any water problem there ?

b)In Kalpa , there are two properties of HPTDC - KINAUR COTTAGE ( Rates moderate )and Tourist Complex Kalpa (Rates very high) . Are both in same place , if not which ne is better ?

also any idea of Golden Apple Resort , Kalpa

c)Ramchand also recommenda Prakasg Guest House Sangla , but I am bit hesitant after reading Trip Reprt of Wayfarer in this thread , that is they try to offload guests to other sister concerns in time of rush . Do you have any idea of Mount Kailash at Sangla.

d)Iwas also inclined to stay at Citkul . But became hesotant as it is of height greater than 3500 ft and likely to be chilling cold at night . My group has one aged 74 yrs and one child 6 yrs . Is it safe at Chitkul . Is there chance of AMS

e)Does Prakash Guest House / Pancholi Resort has room heater , running hot water and fooding srrangement ? What is electricity siyuation at Sangla , Chitkul and Kalpa ?

I am afraid tht i have alrady posed you too much querries , but could not resist temptation as you are one IMER who has most recently visited the place . We are also waiting for your Trip Report and photos
Thanks a lot .Reply from other exp[erienced IMERS also most welcome
Thanks again

I stayed at Gulmohar regency for one night.Both the Shimla Kali bari and Mall are near to this hotel.
The room I stayed,rate is Rs.600(including 10% luxary tax)

I stayed at KINAUR COTTAGE and the rate is 1400(3BD) and 1200(2 BD)
Don't have any idea about Golden apple.
There is another hotel near to KINAUR COTTAGE probably the name is Rolling rang hotel.Rooms have good views but don't have any idea abouth theire service as I didn't stay here.
Though Puja vaction is a peak season in HP,we found a good Mt. facing room at Prakash GH.Hot water are also available at most of the hotels.
Foods were good and very tasty espeacially in the HPTDC hotel's restuarents.
Just to suggest,as you have 6 years child,try to use
mineral water.
We didn't face anything like AMS at Chitkul.

Power situation is good in himachal as far as my experience.Never face any water shortage.

pg66 · Oct 7th, 2009, 14:32

Thnaks amtraveller and Prasenjit for live and very useful inputs . I am posting my tour itenary for your final comments
15 /10 Leave Kolkata by Delhi Rajdhani
16/10 Reach New Delhi at 10 -00 AM , Avail Klka Mail at night for Kalka
17/10 Reach Kalka in morning . Take TAXI To Shimls
Local sight seeing and Night stay , Shimla (Ramchand recommends Hotel White )
18/10 Shimla to Saharan ( stay at HPTDC Hotel Srikhand )
19/10 Saharan to Sangla ( Ramchand recommends Prakash G H )
20 /10 Sangla - Chitkul -Sangla Night stay at Prakash G H
21/10 Sangla to Kalpa (Reamchand recommends Golden Apple Resort , I prefer HPTDC , any comments )
22/10 Kalpa to Narkanda ( night stay at HPTDC )
23/10 Narkanda - Shimla - Kalka , avail Kalka Mail at night

What is travel time from Kalpa - Narkanda ?
Kindly post comeents and valuable advice
Thanks again

Sep 28th, 2009, 21:13	#31
indracal Wanderlust - but bills bug! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Kolkata Posts: 514	With a 6/7 yr child and a 73-yr person in my group, I wouldn't have tried the options you specified. I would deem them to be too hectic. Best option was catch the 2311 Delhi-Kalka mail at 9:30 PM from Old Delhi (DLI) station to Kalka (KLK) straight on 16th night. This train connects to 241 Shivalik Dlx (KLK-SML) making you reach Shimla at 10:15 AM. Unfortunately, the Kalka mail only has availability in SL class and 241 is heavily waitlisted. The other options are to reach Kalka via Paschim Express, or 2005 Kalka Shatabdi (Evening). You can always think of booking a car from Kalka for your Himachal tour, in case you choose to reach Kalka via DLI KLK 2311 SL class. That way you get a window to see Delhi too (store your luggages at the cloak room) till 16th evening. Have your dinner packed from Comesum at the Old Delhi station. IMO trains would be much more comfortable for the child as well as the elderly and you should plan accordingly. EDIT: I guess you would be spending a couple of days at Shimla. In such case, it would be better to arrange a drop from Kalka to Shimla, and book a cab for your tour Shimla onwards from Shimla. That way, the car doesn't get idle days in Shimla. Please ensure that the second car booked from Shimla will drop you to Punjab/Haryana destinations ((e.g., Kalka, Chandigarh etc). __________________ Did you wear the other person's shoe today?

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Sep 29th, 2009, 00:55	#32
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Thanks again Indracal Myself was also in doubt .As suggested I will try to catch Kalka Mail from Old Delhi on 16 Oct evening to reach Kalka on 17 oct morning . Unfortunately toy train from Kalka - Shimla in 17 Oct morning is all boooked . So I have to take a car drop to Shimla . Any idea of Indica rate from Kalka-Shimla . I shall stay one night at Shimla due to time constraint but would like to hire car from Shimla only for Kalpa-Sangla tour Today I got a mail from Golden Apple Hotel at Kalpa regadrding booking on my enquiry with them . How is the Hotel and ther hospitality ? Waiting to hear from other members too Thanks again Thanks again

Sep 29th, 2009, 10:32	#33
WayFarer Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: 22° 34' N , 88° 22' E 3rd Rock from Sol Posts: 59	Golden Apple at Kalpa is good , have stayed there myself. You will love the place and it's views

Sep 30th, 2009, 00:37	#35
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Thanks again Do any one have idea about how cold will be at Kalpa and Sangla at night during October third week . Will night temperature fall to 5 degree Celsius ? Is there any heater required in room at Kalpa ?

Oct 4th, 2009, 13:59	#39
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Thanks Prasenjit for your illuminating reply I know you must be tired after long trip , but when you find time , a few more querries for you a)I have contacted Ramchand (recommended by IMERs) .He suggested Hotel SUKHSAGAR in Shimla , any idea ?What is room rate of Gulmohar Rgency , is it approachable by car , how far is it from mall and any water problem there ? b)In Kalpa , there are two properties of HPTDC - KINAUR COTTAGE ( Rates moderate )and Tourist Complex Kalpa (Rates very high) . Are both in same place , if not which ne is better ? also any idea of Golden Apple Resort , Kalpa c)Ramchand also recommenda Prakasg Guest House Sangla , but I am bit hesitant after reading Trip Reprt of Wayfarer in this thread , that is they try to offload guests to other sister concerns in time of rush . Do you have any idea of Mount Kailash at Sangla . d)Iwas also inclined to stay at Citkul . But became hesotant as it is of height greater than 3500 ft and likely to be chilling cold at night . My group has one aged 74 yrs and one child 6 yrs . Is it safe at Chitkul . Is there chance of AMS e)Does Prakash Guest House / Pancholi Resort has room heater , running hot water and fooding srrangement ? What is electricity siyuation at Sangla , Chitkul and Kalpa ? I am afraid tht i have alrady posed you too much querries , but could not resist temptation as you are one IMER who has most recently visited the place . We are also waiting for your Trip Report and photos Thanks a lot .Reply from other exp[erienced IMERS also most welcome Thanks again

Oct 4th, 2009, 14:03	#40
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Sorry I must correct myself , Chitkul is more than 3500 m Thanks

Oct 5th, 2009, 22:23	#42
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Thanks Amdtraveller for your input Is Prakash G H clean and provides adequate blankets or we have to carry ourselves . How far is it from Sangla town .Is it in desolate place? Any idea about Hotel Mount Kailash , Sangla

Oct 7th, 2009, 14:32	#45
pg66 Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: kolkata, india Posts: 46	Thnaks amtraveller and Prasenjit for live and very useful inputs . I am posting my tour itenary for your final comments 15 /10 Leave Kolkata by Delhi Rajdhani 16/10 Reach New Delhi at 10 -00 AM , Avail Klka Mail at night for Kalka 17/10 Reach Kalka in morning . Take TAXI To Shimls Local sight seeing and Night stay , Shimla (Ramchand recommends Hotel White ) 18/10 Shimla to Saharan ( stay at HPTDC Hotel Srikhand ) 19/10 Saharan to Sangla ( Ramchand recommends Prakash G H ) 20 /10 Sangla - Chitkul -Sangla Night stay at Prakash G H 21/10 Sangla to Kalpa (Reamchand recommends Golden Apple Resort , I prefer HPTDC , any comments ) 22/10 Kalpa to Narkanda ( night stay at HPTDC ) 23/10 Narkanda - Shimla - Kalka , avail Kalka Mail at night What is travel time from Kalpa - Narkanda ? Kindly post comeents and valuable advice Thanks again