Shimla Sarahan Sangla Kalpa Tour

Our family is going to Himachal Pradesh and would like to complete the Shimla Sarahan Sangla Kalpa tour. These destinations have been put together by us and by some recommendations that we have read on the internet.

What we would like help with is the number of days we should be staying at each destination and the main places we should visit in each destination.

This would give us a good indication of how many days our trip would be for and prepare accordingly.

 

Sure, here's a suggested itinerary for your Shimla-Sarahan-Sangla-Kalpa trip in Himachal Pradesh, keeping in mind the must-see places and estimated time required at each destination:

Shimla (2 Nights)

Shimla, the Queen of Hills, is a popular hill station nestled amidst the Himalayas. Here's what you can do in 2 days:

• Day 1:

1. Morning: Stroll along the iconic Mall Road, the heart of Shimla, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
2. Afternoon: Visit the historic Viceregal Lodge, a grand neo-Gothic mansion that once served as the summer residence of British Viceroys
3. Evening: Enjoy a rickshaw ride (a fun and eco-friendly option) to the Ridge, a sprawling open space offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the neo-Gothic Christ Church, the oldest church in Shimla.

• Day 2:

1. Morning: Hike up to Jakhoo Temple, perched atop the highest peak in Shimla. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple offers breathtaking views.
2. Afternoon: Take a scenic ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This narrow-gauge railway winds its way through the Himalayas, offering stunning vistas of valleys, forests, and tunnels.
3. Evening: Do some souvenir shopping at Lakkar Bazaar, a bustling market known for its wooden handicrafts and souvenirs

Sarahan (1 Night)
Sarahan is a small village known for its beautiful scenery and the Bhimakali Temple.

• Day 3:

1. Morning: Drive from Shimla to Sarahan (approximately 165 kilometers, 7 hours).
2. Afternoon: Explore the village and visit the Bhimakali Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India
3. Evening: Enjoy the serene mountain beauty and tranquility of Sarahan.

Sangla (1 Night)

Sangla is a picturesque valley nestled in the Kinnaur district.

• Day 4:

1. Morning: Drive from Sarahan to Sangla (approximately 90 kilometers, 4-5 hours).
2. Afternoon: Explore Sangla village and its surrounding meadows. You can also visit the Kamakhya Temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvati.
3. Evening: Take a walk along the banks of the Baspa River and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Kalpa (2 Nights)

Kalpa is a beautiful town known for its stunning views of the Kinner Kailash peak.

• Day 5:

1. Morning: Drive from Sangla to Kalpa (approximately 49 kilometers, 4 hours).
2. Afternoon: Visit the Kalpa Monastery, a prominent Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop overlooking the town.
3. Evening: Relish the panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash mountain range, especially during sunset.

• Day 6:

1. Day trip to Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the road to the Indo-Tibetan border.
2. Explore the village and its unique culture. You can also go for a short hike in the surrounding hills.

Total = 6 Nights

This itinerary is a suggestion, and you can adjust the number of days spent at each location based on your interests and preferences. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Acclimatization: As you'll be traveling to higher altitudes, it's important to factor in time for acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Consider spending an extra day in Shimla or Sarahan to adjust before continuing your journey.
• Permits: Certain inner line permits might be required for Sangla and Kalpa. Make sure to research and acquire any necessary permits beforehand.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Himachal Pradesh is generally from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. However, keep in mind that some high-altitude areas might still be experiencing snowfall in September