Travelling to Himachal

rumasan · May 28th, 2008, 18:52

Hi folks,

I know that many would have asked the same question again and again earlier. However I would like to request you all to help me out.

I am planning to travel to Himachal during the first and second week of October this year (Dushera time). I am from Hyderabad and the last two years I have been going to Uttarakhand and have seen some exotic places like Chaukori, Binsar and Munsiyari. This time, I want to go to Himachal. While I know the popular choices are Shimla, Kulu and Manali, I want advise from you folks on places that are beautiful and less crowded.

I am not looking for an adventurous option as I am travelling with 2 kids (8 and 4 yrs). I will be reaching Delhi and will be travelling from there by road (Innova).

My whole trip Delhi to Delhi would be around 7 - 8 days. Rqst you to help me out by suggesting some places / resorts which I can visit during that period (October 1st week). We are not the family who will stay put in one place. The max we will spend in any place is only 2 nights.

Will Rohtang be open during that time ?

Pls let me know.

Dilliwala · May 28th, 2008, 20:55

non-touristy Himachal holiday options in end October?
off the beaten track in HP.

Yes, Rohtang wil be open.

mani · May 28th, 2008, 21:38

dussera time will be busy in shimla & Manali due to Durga puja holidays in bengal.

see nayan travelouge on her trip to kinnaur & spiti ex shimla Trip report : kinnaur spiti tour - april 2008

hope that gives you some Ideas.

& At 4 & 8 kids love adventure. involve then in the planning.

If you do decide to go to shimla try & take the toy train up or down kids love to count the 109 tunnels the train goes thru. it does get tedious but then there is always something happeing outside so their attention can be diverted.

Have fun
mani

kullu gang · Jun 2nd, 2008, 13:36

Hi Kullu will be packed as so many come here for the mela meaning most other places in the valley are less then crowded as you have your own car a trip to pulga at that time will be beautiful snow will be on the higher reaches.As for the Rothang I would say yes and no you will be alble to drive some distant but for sure you will not be alble to go across the pass I live in Kullu and this years weather has been wet wet wet and wet happy travels....... if you go to Shimla by car you must cross the Jalori pass into kullu this will be open and is beautiful.

voyager61 · Jun 2nd, 2008, 19:46

Hi! Last year I crossed Rothang of 4th october,no problem. And for sure cars were still crossing it on 23rd November,on that very day the last 7 jeeps went from Manali to Kaza.

vasuki · Jun 8th, 2008, 03:26

Kinnaur trip would be something not to miss out and in case Rohtang is still a must visit place, can cross over via Jallori Pass to Manali. Innova can take you places in Himachal

rumasan · Jun 11th, 2008, 15:22

Folks,

Thanks you very much for sharing your ideas. I have started my initial planning using the ideas given by you. As most of you say, Kinnaur seems to be a place that should never be missed.

I also read other articles on Himachal and had a question for this forum. I know I am being Greedy and over-ambitious, but is it possible for me to make it to Suraj Tal during this time (Oct 2nd week). Or is it just a mad idea and I should never even dream about it ?

Let me know your thoughts...

Uma Shankar.

voyager61 · Jun 11th, 2008, 15:28

Hi!If you go to Kinnaur make sure you don't miss Spiti,the nicest monasteries are there and so much more.

Basho · Jun 11th, 2008, 15:58

Why not try the Chamba valley - very untouristy, but with lots to see including Bharmour. in a village Chamba there is a guest house called orchard huts which would be excellent for kids providing them with short walks and treks and other activities. See their website at www.himalayanlap.com

Dilliwala · Jun 12th, 2008, 02:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumasan

I also read other articles on Himachal and had a question for this forum. I know I am being Greedy and over-ambitious, but is it possible for me to make it to Suraj Tal during this time (Oct 2nd week). Or is it just a mad idea and I should never even dream about it ?

Let me know your thoughts...

Uma Shankar.

Most folks think that Suraj Tal is not really worth it as a separate trip, better to see it when passing by, on way to Ladakh. If you pass thru Kinnaur and Spiti, better to see Chandra Tal instead.

rumasan · Jun 19th, 2008, 14:59

Thanks to everyone for the inputs. Based on Nayan's travelogue, I reached out to Ramachandra and this is the final plan I have arrived at. Let me know your thoughts / inputs / comments.

Oct-01 :Hyd to Delhi by Train (I just love the First AC cabin with just me and my family for a full 24 hrs. Quality time..

)

Oct-02 :Reach Delhi, freshen up and leave to Shimla by road immediately

Oct-03 :Sightseeing in Shimla (Naldehra,Mashobra valley,Advanced Study,Sankatmochan Temple,Mall Road).

Oct-04 :Travel to Sarahan via Kufri ,Fagu ,Narkanda, Rampur.
Oct-05 : Sightseeing at Sarahan and travel to Sangla
Oct-06 :Visit Chitkul and reach Kalpa for night stay.
Oct-07 : Kalpa to Tabo and visiting Nako lake and Gheun village.
Oct-08 :Local sightseeing at Tabo and Dhankar monastery ,Pin valley and reaching Kaza by nightfall.

Oct-09 :Kibber village and Kee monastery.
Oct-10 : Kaza to Chandrataal and Kunzum La(if weather permits) and stay in Bataal. If (kunzum La is closed then I will have to go back all the way to Shimla to Reach Delhi)

Oct-11 : Bataal to Manali.
Oct-12 : Manali to Chandigarh.
Oct-13 : Chandigarh to Delhi and catch the train to Hyd on the same day.

How does this plan look ?

Dilliwala · Jun 19th, 2008, 19:49

I think voyager will have something to say about (not) staying at Batal!

rumasan · Jun 19th, 2008, 20:03

I will be talking to Ramchandra again tonight. I guess I will ask him for other options apart from Bataal. The plan was given by him and I just took it. I will also wait to hear from Voyager on this

nayan · Jun 20th, 2008, 18:28

I am commenting on the part that I have experienced myself

Oct-04 :Travel to Sarahan via Kufri ,Fagu ,Narkanda, Rampur.(if you start from shimla early ie 7-8 am you will reach Sarahan by 2pm even with a lunch break in roadside dhaba. Do stay at the temple rest house. Its excellent value for money)
Oct-05 : Sightseeing at Sarahan and travel to Sangla (Not much sight seeing to do at sarahan. you will most probably be starting by 7-8 am and reach sangla by 12pm. rest of the day spent in enjoying the views)
Oct-06 :Visit Chitkul and reach Kalpa for night stay.
Oct-07 : Kalpa to Tabo and visiting Nako lake and Gheun village.(nako will be almost on the route... just a 1km detour)
Oct-08 :Local sightseeing at Tabo and Dhankar monastery ,Pin valley and reaching Kaza by nightfall.

Oct-09 :Kibber village and Kee monastery.

This portion of the trip looks ok and not too hurried. i cant comment on the other parts.

Just a caution : keep one day as buffer. in this kinds of roads you never know when there will be a roadblock and you will get stuck for 1 day. Read my experience of road blocks near kalpa and at malling nala. if we had not planned for 1-2 buffer days we have been in very bad shape and missed our bus/flight back.

voyager61 · Jun 21st, 2008, 01:02

Hi! As I said many times Spitians try to avoid eating or staying in Batal at any cost. If they really have to they do it. But the food is really dirty crap there,making most people sick(happened to me twice,and I don't get sick so easily)and to sleep,well,last year I slept in the bus rather than on the wet spot where it was raining where the boss wanted to put me. Chatru has a little more choice and because of competition is probably better,and about 32 kms away.

May 28th, 2008, 18:52	#1
rumasan Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 14	Travelling to Himachal Hi folks, I know that many would have asked the same question again and again earlier. However I would like to request you all to help me out. I am planning to travel to Himachal during the first and second week of October this year (Dushera time). I am from Hyderabad and the last two years I have been going to Uttarakhand and have seen some exotic places like Chaukori, Binsar and Munsiyari. This time, I want to go to Himachal. While I know the popular choices are Shimla, Kulu and Manali, I want advise from you folks on places that are beautiful and less crowded. I am not looking for an adventurous option as I am travelling with 2 kids (8 and 4 yrs). I will be reaching Delhi and will be travelling from there by road (Innova). My whole trip Delhi to Delhi would be around 7 - 8 days. Rqst you to help me out by suggesting some places / resorts which I can visit during that period (October 1st week). We are not the family who will stay put in one place. The max we will spend in any place is only 2 nights. Will Rohtang be open during that time ? Pls let me know.

Jun 8th, 2008, 03:26	#6
vasuki mast maula Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Narkanda/ Kotgarh/ Shimla Posts: 261	Kinnaur trip would be something not to miss out and in case Rohtang is still a must visit place, can cross over via Jallori Pass to Manali. Innova can take you places in Himachal __________________ Of all the things lost.. I miss my mind the most

Jun 11th, 2008, 15:58	#9
Basho Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: UK Posts: 40	Chamba valley Why not try the Chamba valley - very untouristy, but with lots to see including Bharmour. in a village Chamba there is a guest house called orchard huts which would be excellent for kids providing them with short walks and treks and other activities. See their website at www.himalayanlap.com

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
travelling partner for Himachal in June/July	akumar	India Travel Partners	0	Jun 4th, 2007 21:39
Join the 1st ever MTB Himachal mountain bike tour through Himachal Pradesh!	adityabee	India Travel Partners	0	Aug 30th, 2005 23:06
Travelling in HIMACHAL PRADESH IN AUGUST	landoormama	India Travel Partners	1	Jun 8th, 2005 16:31

May 28th, 2008, 20:55	#2
Dilliwala Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dilli Posts: 3,233	non-touristy Himachal holiday options in end October? off the beaten track in HP. Yes, Rohtang wil be open.

May 28th, 2008, 21:38	#3
mani Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: body in Mumbai - mind in himachal Posts: 455	dussera time will be busy in shimla & Manali due to Durga puja holidays in bengal. see nayan travelouge on her trip to kinnaur & spiti ex shimla Trip report : kinnaur spiti tour - april 2008 hope that gives you some Ideas. & At 4 & 8 kids love adventure. involve then in the planning. If you do decide to go to shimla try & take the toy train up or down kids love to count the 109 tunnels the train goes thru. it does get tedious but then there is always something happeing outside so their attention can be diverted. Have fun mani

Jun 2nd, 2008, 13:36	#4
kullu gang Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: kullu himachal pradesh Posts: 53	Hi Kullu will be packed as so many come here for the mela meaning most other places in the valley are less then crowded as you have your own car a trip to pulga at that time will be beautiful snow will be on the higher reaches.As for the Rothang I would say yes and no you will be alble to drive some distant but for sure you will not be alble to go across the pass I live in Kullu and this years weather has been wet wet wet and wet happy travels....... if you go to Shimla by car you must cross the Jalori pass into kullu this will be open and is beautiful.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 19:46	#5
voyager61 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ivrea Posts: 265	Hi! Last year I crossed Rothang of 4th october,no problem. And for sure cars were still crossing it on 23rd November,on that very day the last 7 jeeps went from Manali to Kaza.

Jun 11th, 2008, 15:22	#7
rumasan Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 14	Folks, Thanks you very much for sharing your ideas. I have started my initial planning using the ideas given by you. As most of you say, Kinnaur seems to be a place that should never be missed. I also read other articles on Himachal and had a question for this forum. I know I am being Greedy and over-ambitious, but is it possible for me to make it to Suraj Tal during this time (Oct 2nd week). Or is it just a mad idea and I should never even dream about it ? Let me know your thoughts... Uma Shankar.

Jun 11th, 2008, 15:28	#8
voyager61 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ivrea Posts: 265	Hi!If you go to Kinnaur make sure you don't miss Spiti,the nicest monasteries are there and so much more.

Jun 19th, 2008, 14:59	#11
rumasan Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 14	Thanks to everyone for the inputs. Based on Nayan's travelogue, I reached out to Ramachandra and this is the final plan I have arrived at. Let me know your thoughts / inputs / comments. Oct-01 :Hyd to Delhi by Train (I just love the First AC cabin with just me and my family for a full 24 hrs. Quality time.. ) Oct-02 :Reach Delhi, freshen up and leave to Shimla by road immediately Oct-03 :Sightseeing in Shimla (Naldehra,Mashobra valley,Advanced Study,Sankatmochan Temple,Mall Road). Oct-04 :Travel to Sarahan via Kufri ,Fagu ,Narkanda, Rampur. Oct-05 : Sightseeing at Sarahan and travel to Sangla Oct-06 :Visit Chitkul and reach Kalpa for night stay. Oct-07 : Kalpa to Tabo and visiting Nako lake and Gheun village. Oct-08 :Local sightseeing at Tabo and Dhankar monastery ,Pin valley and reaching Kaza by nightfall. Oct-09 :Kibber village and Kee monastery. Oct-10 : Kaza to Chandrataal and Kunzum La(if weather permits) and stay in Bataal. If (kunzum La is closed then I will have to go back all the way to Shimla to Reach Delhi) Oct-11 : Bataal to Manali. Oct-12 : Manali to Chandigarh. Oct-13 : Chandigarh to Delhi and catch the train to Hyd on the same day. How does this plan look ?

Jun 19th, 2008, 19:49	#12
Dilliwala Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dilli Posts: 3,233	I think voyager will have something to say about (not) staying at Batal!

Jun 19th, 2008, 20:03	#13
rumasan Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 14	I will be talking to Ramchandra again tonight. I guess I will ask him for other options apart from Bataal. The plan was given by him and I just took it. I will also wait to hear from Voyager on this

Jun 20th, 2008, 18:28	#14
nayan Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: hyderabad/tokyo Posts: 691	I am commenting on the part that I have experienced myself Oct-04 :Travel to Sarahan via Kufri ,Fagu ,Narkanda, Rampur.(if you start from shimla early ie 7-8 am you will reach Sarahan by 2pm even with a lunch break in roadside dhaba. Do stay at the temple rest house. Its excellent value for money) Oct-05 : Sightseeing at Sarahan and travel to Sangla (Not much sight seeing to do at sarahan. you will most probably be starting by 7-8 am and reach sangla by 12pm. rest of the day spent in enjoying the views) Oct-06 :Visit Chitkul and reach Kalpa for night stay. Oct-07 : Kalpa to Tabo and visiting Nako lake and Gheun village.(nako will be almost on the route... just a 1km detour) Oct-08 :Local sightseeing at Tabo and Dhankar monastery ,Pin valley and reaching Kaza by nightfall. Oct-09 :Kibber village and Kee monastery. This portion of the trip looks ok and not too hurried. i cant comment on the other parts. Just a caution : keep one day as buffer. in this kinds of roads you never know when there will be a roadblock and you will get stuck for 1 day. Read my experience of road blocks near kalpa and at malling nala. if we had not planned for 1-2 buffer days we have been in very bad shape and missed our bus/flight back.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password

Jun 21st, 2008, 01:02	#15
voyager61 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ivrea Posts: 265	Hi! As I said many times Spitians try to avoid eating or staying in Batal at any cost. If they really have to they do it. But the food is really dirty crap there,making most people sick(happened to me twice,and I don't get sick so easily)and to sleep,well,last year I slept in the bus rather than on the wet spot where it was raining where the boss wanted to put me. Chatru has a little more choice and because of competition is probably better,and about 32 kms away.