Himachal trip

maverick9

Hi,

My first post on this forum...hope no one minds that its a long one!

I am planning our first trip to Himachal. We are a family of 4 travelling, and the trip is coming up next week between 5th and 10th August 09 - a total of 6 days.

Like many others, I wish to see the *best* of this beautiful state of my country, in only 6 days! An impossible feat that is, so i am trying to choose the most scenic places in this time. We will be traveling from delhi and will reach chandigarh by 4th nite. Will start from there on 5th morning on our own car.

I have a zillion doubts and questions in my mind, and as I discovered this wonderful forum today, thought of asking a few of them here...My trip is just 4 days away so any quick advice will be deeply appreciated. I will post my queries in points below:

1) Based on advice from some wanderer buddies, I have decided for one station - Manali, where I plan to stay for 2 days. Have settled on two temples, plus rohtang pass and solang valley there. What else can we cover in this time? Anything really good that we are missing?

2) Also contemplating on going to Dharamshala, a journey of i guess 7-8 hours from manali? Is the place worth the time and effort... i mean does it have something which manali doesnt...I know the flavor of every place is unique, but I wish to know from a time-constrained perspective, will it be worth making this journey and going there, specially after seeing Manali? If yes, can someone shed some light on what should we really *see* and *do* there?

3) If the answer to point 2 is No, what other place in Himachal will the known traveler suggest that are not too far from Manali and can be covered in 2 days, and are really beautiful? Pls shed some light.

4) As we will be travelling by our own car and I am driving, will love to know if there is any stretch particularly scenic that we should look out for, as a beautiful view from a car is so relaxing! Also, Is Manali -> Rohtang pass easily doable on a Maruti Swift?

5) Any other expert local advice which helps in this trip will be so much appreciated.

I wanted to ask for manali resorts as well, but then it will be too much for a single post, so deferring it for later

The post has gotten long and questions too many, but i hope some patient souls will find time and heart to answer them Thanks so much in advance!

delhiwala

Dharamshala or Mcleodganj to be more specific, is the seat of Tibetans in Exile. The place has to be felt and it's not a regular tourist spot with to do and see. Although you have a lake (rather boring) and Waterfall here.......

I'll say enjoy Manali and nearby areas. Scroll below and you'll find some threads for your reading ! or go to Himachal Pradesh forum and do a search.

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