[akp]

@subratamondal, @hvk : thanks a lot. Really appreciate all the inputs.

Originally Posted by hvkumar

Places like Nako - make bookings in advance, there is limited accommodation which is likely to be full.

Hotel bookings for Day 1 to Day 6 are done. On Day 2 and Day 3, we stay in Kalpa. So on Day 3, if we go towards Nako, we will go only as far as a timely return to Kalpa permits. If that means we turn back from some place before Nako, will do that.

Jalori Pass - during the current snow melt season, road should be very slushy and bad towards the top.

Thanks again for the timely warning - we will try to find out the exact state during our onward journey from locals/taxi operators in Narkanda or Rampur.

[wanderernomad]

The journey to Nako is worth, plus the roads are good and you can safely return to kalpa by dinner time. The must see places to stop and admire before kalpa would be Khab, Kazigs.

[subratamondal]

Originally Posted by akp

So on Day 3, if we go towards Nako, we will go only as far as a timely return to Kalpa permits. If that means we turn back from some place before Nako, will do that.

Nako is almost 120km from Kalpa...I would say if you really want to go to Nako, make sure you leave very early and determined to see Nako lake..it is worth visiting..Though 250 Kms in a day may not be an easy take as you have just the stopover in kalpa..Not sure which car you are travelling by..The car will make a big difference in that area..

[manver786]

Hi friends,

in June 2009 I along with my family (2+2) I had the same dilemma before the start of the journey but I completed the journey in my Swift Diesel and the itinerary was:

day 1: Delhi to Narkanda (sight seeing etc.) and stay
Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan and stay
Day 3: Sarahan to Kalpa via Sangla-Chitkul (stay and Kalpa for two nights)
Day 5: Kalpa to Kaza (ki and kibber) and stay
Day 6: Kaza to Manali and stay
Day 7: Back to Delhi

The whole journey was memorable especially the journey from Sarahan till Rohtang. If you can come back via Rohtang/Manali, that will be great. As far as vehicle is concerned, rest assured, any car will do with caution. The journey from Kaza to Kunzum was the ultimate. My son still yearns to go and visit. There I met a Bengali family which had come there for the second time. For accommodation I had booked only at Sarahan and Kalpa. At Kaza you will get HPTDC accommodation. It was a 1800 kms journey and the amount spent on fuel was about Rs.4000/-.

If I were to go again my itinerary would be:


Day 1: Delhi to Narkanda and stay
Day 2: Narkanda to Chitkul and stay there for at least three nights and enjoy
Day 6: Chitkul to Kaza and stay there for three nights
Day 9: Kaza to Manali (if possible stay in Batal or at any of the tented accommodation after Kunzum)
Day 10: Manali to Delhi



thanks,
manu

[akp]

Originally Posted by wanderernomad

The journey to Nako is worth, plus the roads are good and you can safely return to kalpa by dinner time.

Good to know that. Thanks.

Originally Posted by subratamondal

..Not sure which car you are travelling by..The car will make a big difference in that area..

We will be travelling in a Jazz.

Originally Posted by manver786

The whole journey was memorable especially the journey from Sarahan till Rohtang. If you can come back via Rohtang/Manali, that will be great.
As far as vehicle is concerned, rest assured, any car will do with caution.

We are not planning to complete the loop this time. We will do that some other time. Reassuring to hear the last part, as otherwise I have to wait till I buy an SUV. Anyway, ultimately it depends not just on the car, but the car and driver combo. So this trip will give me an idea whether I can do the Spiti loop in my car.

[wanderernomad]

Anytime mate. But the journey this side of Kaza is no where what you will face on the other side. I would say that Jazz would be only as good as the driver beyond Kaza. But do try to fit in Nako if all is well, you wont regret it.
And if you do then do have the momos at a small shop located just opposite the start of the trail leading to the Lake from the village.

[akp]

Originally Posted by wanderernomad

But do try to fit in Nako if all is well, you wont regret it.
And if you do then do have the momos at a small shop located just opposite the start of the trail leading to the Lake from the village.

Thanks wanderer for these wonderful inputs.

But the journey this side of Kaza is no where what you will face on the other side.

Don't worry. I do not have any immediate plans of going there in my car.

By the way, while searching for "kazigs" in this forum a couple of days back, I came across this two year old thread (Destiny or fate or a coincidence?) of yours, and read the complete story. What can I say - I have no words. It must have taken a hell of a lot of determination - and it must have been a terribly difficult few hours both for you as well as your family. On the brighter side, what you experienced there is the kind of thing that makes life so much more interesting and worth living (provided it ends well, like in your case).

[wanderernomad]

Originally Posted by akp

Thanks wanderer for these wonderful inputs.

By the way, while searching for "kazigs" in this forum a couple of days back, I came across this two year old thread (Destiny or fate or a coincidence?) of yours, and read the complete story. What can I say - I have no words. It must have taken a hell of a lot of determination - and it must have been a terribly difficult few hours both for you as well as your family. On the brighter side, what you experienced there is the kind of thing that makes life so much more interesting and worth living (provided it ends well, like in your case).

Thanks mate. Yes but it was more anxious moments for the wife and mom than me and dad as he knows I can hold my own in those terrains having been roaming them for quite some years now. The only thing that irked me was that I was carrying a stupid camera in my pocket when I should have been carrying a water bottle, lol.

[akp]

Been back from the trip last night.
Third day's plan (Kalpa-Nako-Kalpa) was changed, eventually we decided to do a very relaxed Kalpa-Akpa-Kalpa instead. Everything else was as planned earlier. We had a great time. Chitkul for me was the most attractive, followed closely by Sarahan and to some extent Kalpa. Thanks everyone for helping with your inputs.

Chitkul in the evening:

[akp]

Originally Posted by akp

Chitkul in the evening:

Sorry folks, just realized my mistake - this was actually an early morning picture. Anyway, all the pictures are coming up in this thread (Kalpa-Chitkul-Sarahan, June 2010).

[wanderernomad]

Sorry I seem to be suffering from Monday morning blues. I ahve deleted the post.

[fine69]

Hi All,

I'm planning a 5 day trip to HP in April (22 to 26). It would be me & wife (Car - Swift diesel) and I was thinking of going to Narkanda, Kalpa and Chitkul and this is how the initial itinerary looks like.

Day 1 - Delhi to Narkanda
Day 2 - Narkanda to Kalpa
Day 3 - Kalpa to Chitkul
Day 4 - Chitkul to Narkanda
Day 5 - Narkanda to Delhi

I love to drive however not sure if with this itinerary all I'd end up doing is driving. I do not want this holiday to be a very hectic one, you know touch & go types. I mean I'd want to enjoy the mountains with walking around a little, visit near by scenic places either on foot or car but in a relaxed manner.

Is it true that Sarahan is more scenic than Kalpa? Or should I forget Kalpa/Sarahan completely and make it Narkanda & Chitkul only. I'd prefer to stay in budget hotels throughout (e.g. Harsh Villa in Narkanda)

So all the mountain lovers please help in tweaking this itinerary to my needs, thanks.

[tsk1979]

You will reach Kalpa by noon. Basically nothing much to see around, except view of the Kinner Kailash.
I suggest for a five day trip a better thing would be
1. Delhi to Narkanda
2. Narkdanda Chitkul
3. Chitkul
4. Chitkul - Solan (HPTDC)
5. Back to Delhi
You will save 3 hours on your return trip by staying in solan and so next day at work will be easier.

[fine69]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Chitkul - Solan (HPTDC)

Is the Solan HPTDC hotel called 'The Bhagal' and is in Darlaghat, Solan distt.?

[tsk1979]

Its in Kiarighat, and is called the apple cart inn, you can check out hptdc website for online booking.