Travelling in Himachal in June – 2007
Shimla >> Manali >> Rohtang >> Chandratal >> Ki/Kibber/Tabo >> Kalpa >> Shimla
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The travelogue on Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur is complete with this post. Here is the last one on planning, logistics and other information on the trip.

We started from Manali and ended in Shimla, travelling via Batal, Kaza, Nako and Rekong Peo. It is perfectly fine to do it the other way too, which seems to be the most common way to travel because Shimla is closer to Delhi and that’s where most people would like to begin.

Road Conditions

Some sections of the road will be closed in winter and will be open only for 4-6 months a year. If you are starting early in summer, it is always good to know weather condition. The stretch between Shimla and Kaza is likely to remain open through the year unless there are landslides or exceptionally bad weather. Rohtang Pass opens some time in late May but can get delayed depending on snow conditions. Kunzum la can take more time to open.

If you are planning to take your own vehicle, do note that the section of the road from Rohtang Pass to Losar village in Spiti can’t be done by cars. This stretch doesn’t have tarmac and can be ridden with stones and bad surface. It is better done with a utility vehicle. Tata Sumo and Mahindra jeeps seem to be the most commonly used vehicles. Scorpios might work too, but I haven’t seen Qualis or Tavera plying on these roads. The stretch from Kaza to Shimla can also be done by a small car. Bikes should be able manage the entire journey without too much of a problem, though Rohtang Pass to Losar will be a bit painful.

Road to Chandratal is always the last to open, if at all. Sometimes forest department closes the road to keep the place environment friendly while people with other interest try to keep it open. Always find the latest status before you go.

Weather

It doesn’t get very cold in summer, despite the altitude. I found a good jacket and a woolen cap to be sufficient cover. Days are in fact warm to hot. The high altitude sun tends to be very strong, and carrying sunscreen is important. Always wear full shirt or you might risk sunburn on the hands.

Logistics and expenses

You can hire Sumos or Mahindra jeeps in Manali, and hopefully in Shimla too. This would be the biggest of your expenses, so more people you have less expensive it is. The prices are much higher than in the plains and it might cost you more than Rs.2,000 per day. A lot of people do this journey in bikes too. Bikes can be hired in Delhi or Manali, but as far as I know there are no bike rentals in Shimla. The general opinion seems to be that you can get good bikes in Delhi but not in Manali. Food and accommodation is inexpensive in most places, but is also basic.

Public transport is available in good frequency till Rekong Peo. Connectivity from Rekong Peo to Kaza is also not bad, but you might want to know the timings before hand and plan the journey after you reach Rekong Peo. Buses start plying between Kaza and Manali a little late in summer, as it takes some time for the road to be fit for buses to go.

An ideal itinerary according to me would take seven days, stopping at Batal(2 days), Kaza(2 days), Nako, Kalpa, Sangla. But most people do it in 5 days or less, which is very much possible. The fastest you can do is in three days, doing just driving and little else. The most scenic part of the journey is between Rohtang Pass and Kaza.

Also see more information on Shimla, Manali and Kalpa.

End of the Series.

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