Trip to Shimla in November 2008 -lookig for better Itinerary & fellow tourists

Hi,
I am trying to draw up an itinerary for a trip to Shimla (and possibly to Manali) in November. I would greatly appreciate your help in planning a doable and optimum itinerary. I will be reaching Delhi on Nov 22nd and should reach back to Delhi on 28th (need to catch a train to Allahabad 28th night).

This is what I have for an itinerary right now.
- 22nd Nov : Reach Delhi on 22nd Nov AN
- 23rd Nov : Reach Kalka in the morning by train (2311 HWH DLI KLK Mail)
Take the luxury toy train to reach Shimla in the after-noon
Walk around to see nearby places & mall
- 24th Nov : Take HPTDC tour number 5 : Kufri - Fagu - ChiniBunglow
- 25th Nov : Take HPTDC tour number 4 : Naldehra - Tattapani
- 26th Nov :
- 27th Nov :
- 28th Nov : Return to Delhi by HRTC volvo bus (either by the overnight bus on 27th or the day bus on 28th)

I was initially thinking of going to Manali by starting on a overnight bus on 25th Nov & then returning to Delhi from there on 27th Nov night. But I feel that will be too tedious traveling(after going through forums here about the travel from Shimla to Manali - 9-10hrs !!!)

I really look forward to your help in deciding what are the other places I can visit in and around Shimla on 26th and 27th. I am not very rigid on the plans I have for 24th and 25th either - any alternative suggestions for those days are welcome too.

One critical factor in the whole planning here : I am traveling alone and its my first time to Shimla. So, I am pretty much dependent on public transport.

I am also interested in taking up some easy trekking trips in Shimla. I do not have any significant trekking experience to talk of. If you can provide some information about trekking organizers in Shimla that would be helpful. Alslo, you may suggest some easy trekking trials (I am looking for some strenuous walking in a picturesque trail - absolutely no climbing or mountaineering )

If any of you are traveling to Shimla in this timeframe, please let me know. I would be happy to join your group or be in touch .

I am planning to stay at youth hostel (YHAI-http://www.yhaindia.org/), as I saw some good reviews of this place in the forum. Do let me know, if there are any issues with this place.

Thanks for your help.

-Naga

The himachal experts will soon come to your rescue. in the meantime why dont you look at the option of staying 1 day in narkanda?

hi i am planning for shimla trip. lets discuss and decide.

you can mail me at maplea_a@yahoo.com