hill stations booking?

hi all,
i was wondering if its a good idea to pre book accomadation for hill stations in may/ june. ill be going to darjeeling on the 5th of may, then make my way to himachal pradesh for a couple of weeks then up to leh for the end of june. im looking for no frill clean lodging. i dont have a credit card, and i know that internet bookings are much more pricey. whats the best way?
thanks all.
shell

hi shell,

i haven't been to india jet. so, what i'm saying is just some personal oppinion and experience from former trips to different
parts of the world.

i think it depends on what kind of journey you'r planning to do.
do you need the savety of knowing where you will sleep the next
night? or do you like the little adventure of not knowing? i think chances of not getting a bed at any place are nearely not existent.
it never happend to me and i have never booked a room in advance. even if there is really no official room available in some place, there will be a bed somewhere for you. it may be some kind of hassle sometimes but you can also have some great experiences and positiv surprises you would have never expected.

so, all you need to know is what kind of journey you want, and than you may decide.

but, as i said before this is just my own little oppinion


have fun and enjoy your trip
martin

belleshell

If you mean by no frill clean lodging, low budget hotels or guest houses then you should have no problems in Manali and Leh. There are hundreds of these in both these towns and during the main holiday season many locals also rent out rooms in their homes.

I'm not sure about Darjeeling as we've never stayed there in the high season but I'm sure nobody would leave you on the street. It's never happened to us in years of travelling around India.

Agree with Alan D. If its low budget guest houses and hotels you are looking at, then advance booking will not be necessary. For mid-range and high-range hotels at hill stations, advance booking is a must for the months April to June.