Trip to Kinnaur - April 2018, Need Suggestion

Hey Guys,

I am planning a trip to Kinnaur in April 2018, with my wife and 4 years kid.

I have been trolling around few plans, but need suggestion to make them correct

Alternative Plan 1
===========

1. Kolkata to Chandigarh - 6.25 AM flight from Kolkata which reaches Chandigarh about 10.30 AM, then moved to Shimla. Distance == 112 KM.

2. Next day Shimla - > Sarahan == 162.9 KM.

3. Sarahan to Chitkul / Karcham == 103 KM

4. Around

5. Karcham to Kalpa == 53 KM

6. Around Kalpa

7. Kalpa to Narkanda === 160 KM

8. Narkanda to Shimla == 63 KM

9. Shimla to Chandigarh Airport == 112 KM. 3.30 PM flight. 8 PM at Kolkata


Alternative Plan 2
===========

1. Kolkata to Chandigarh - then move to Shimla which is approx 112 KM.

2. Shimla to Kalpa === 225 KM

3. Around Kalpa

4. Kalpa to Rakcham / Chitkul === 53 KM

5. Around Chitkul

6. Chitkul to Sarahan === 103 KM

7. Sarahan to Narkanda === 99 KM

8. Narkanda to Chandigarh === 173 KM

9. Chandigarh to Kolkata

==================

I have been offered the following package:

Hotels:

1. Narkanda: Hotel Snowflake
2. Karcham: Hotel rupin river view
3. Kalpa: Hotel rolling range
4. Sarahan: Hotel Bashal

Car: Innova
Food: Breakfast & Dinner

Cost: 40, 000 INR

===================

1. What do you think about the cost?
2. Is Chitkul operates in April?
3. How is the road condition now? I have been there in 2010, but road condition wasn't good then.
4. If you suggest any alternate route, that's fine as well.

Let me know

Thanks - Arin

My few cents -

Roads are good now so no need to worry. Trust, you have mixed up between Rackcham and Karcham. Have stayed at those hotels at Rackcham and Kalpa and both are good specially food, seems Jisthu Ji have sent you the offer. Cost is bit higher, 35K could have been a good deal. You can even minimize the cost by opting for Sedan class vehicle in lieu of SUV. That will save minimum Rs.500/day on A/c. of car hiring. Plan A looks better any day and yes, Chitkul with layer of white is probable.

Thanks for replying. Yes I did that mix up. I also stayed in Rupin river view in 2010, and stuck for 2 days due to snowfall.

No Jisthu ji didn't send me this. Actually there are distance like 175 or 160 km, which is a bit of concern with 4 year old kid. That's why I wanted to know about the road conditions.

Also which sedan can be available?

Dezire, Etios etc..what we commonly find in our city are available there as well. Road are that good to be traveled by sedan.

Travelled just a month back from Delhi to Kalpa during Diwali. Roads are excellent now. Post Wangtoo i was driving at a speed of 60-80Km/hr. On the way back reached narkanda in 6 hours. narkanda to delhi - standard 10 hours drive.

Thanks for replying. Any idea about the weather conditions in April, in those regions? I am asking as I will have my 4 years old kid with me.

Thanks - Arin

Day temperature would be comfortable, don't require to wear woolen but once sun sets temperature drops drastically. So pack enough woolen stuff and cover him appropriately at night.

Thanks for your reply..much appreciate

You can look at my trip report (in signature) for some idea about weather condition, snow levels. I'd advise you to steer clear of Karchham as the notable attraction is a large hydroelectric plant. There's usually some maintenance carried out and it generates fine dust. A better bet is to stay in Chitkul (check my TR for hotels etc). It will be the coldest place you'd visit on your trip, but perhaps the most scenic.

Also you will require woolens in April. I needed them in May first week!

Thanks for replying...

As I spoke to the driver, it may happen, Chitkul may be unreachable that time, if roads are not cleared. Otherwise, I will stay in Chitkul, as I missed it in 2010

You may visit this thread

http://www.indiamike.com/india/himac...015-a-t231921/

It may be helpful.

Nice report. Thanks for sharing.

I have been to the place in 2010, October. Road conditions where terrible then. That's why I needed to know these things

Hello Guys,

I changed my plan a bit, in spite of Kinnaur, I decided to gor Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Khajjar this time. As I have my kid with me, so I decided to travel where I will find all kinds of facilities.

This is what I planned so far..

Apr 14: Chandigarh, arrival at 3 PM
Apr 15: Chandigarh - Dalhousie
Apr 16: Dalhousie - Khajjar - Dharamsala
Apr 17: Dharamsala - Manali
Apr 18: Manali
Apr 19: Manali
Apr 20: Manali - Shimla
Apr 21: Shimla Sightseeing and back to Chandigarh
Apr 22: Back to Kolkata, by morning Flight

Please share your valuable thoughts.

Thanks in advance

Regards - Arin