I had enough of mundane Mondays to freaky Friday’s office hours. I needed a break. It was time I headed out for some quiet time with myself. The hills were calling me. At the same time, I wasn’t willing to spend too much on a vacation. While I was doing my research work and I stumbled across www.himachaltourismtaxi.com and found Himachal taxi service the most affordable means to travel to Sangla, Chitkul and Kalpa from Delhi. The very reason I chose these places in Himachal Pradesh by taxi was because I wanted some excitement back into my life. Plus, I didn’t want to submerge myself in another crowded location with commercial flavour. Sangla, Chitkul and Kalpa are off-beat locations that offer serenity, excitement and the best part – falls in my budget. Now a days, it has becomes so hard to find non-commercial hill station where the agents are just waiting to rip off tourists.
With the passing journey with Himachal taxi service, I realised that I took the right decision, after all. They took care of my transfer, lodging and sightseeing. What a hassle free vacation without pinching my pocket!
Like they say, “First impression is the last impression”. I must say, I was highly impressed with their service as they appointed a well-mannered and well maintained travel executive to escort me in an exclusive vehicle to Sangla. I was picked up from the Bus Stand that was closest to my residence for a wonderful journey ahead.
It took me a comfortable seven to eight hours’ drive from Delhi to Shimla via road with short halts at Pinjore Garden and Rope way at Timber Trail.
The refreshing halt on the Ambala-Shimla road, Pinjore Garden is located in Pinjore City of Panchkula district in Chandigarh. It has a historical essence with effects of Mughal architecture. In fact, I was fondly reminded of Mughal Garden. As I dug deeper, I came to know that it was renovated by the Patiala Dynasty Jat Sikh Rulers.
Moving ahead on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway, we took a short break at Rope-way Timber Trail. I had a great time on the trolley ride there. The food was scrumptious and filling.
After crossing Chandigarh, I felt a change in the air quality and the temperature. I found the lofty mountains playing hide and seek throughout the road trip to Shimla. By evening, I reached the ex-summer capital of British era – Shimla. I checked into a nice hotel which was booked by Himachal Taxi Service. The room was so comfortable that I actually, slept like a baby.
The next morning after breakfast, Shimla taxi service transferred me to Sangla. On the way to Sangla, I visited Bhimakali Temple. The temple’s architecture needs a standing ovation. It is calculated that the temple was built during the Kushan period somewhere between first to third centuries CE. After worshipping Goddess Bhimakali, we stopped directly at Sangla for lunch. It nearly took me seven hours to be transported from Shimla to Sangla via NH5.
I had heard about the beauty of Sangla and Chitkul valley but what my eyes viewed was beyond any description. Sangla is a city in the Baspa Valley close to the Tibetan border. The cluster of trees on the sloping hills, the narrow valley and the curvy stream finding its way to an unknown destination is a sight to behold. The weather at Sangla was comfortable and the view was relaxing. Why would anyone want to remain indoors? I wrapped myself in a shawl just to be on the safer side and went out for a stroll towards the Kamru and Sangla village. The intricate designs of the wooden carved ancient temples and monasteries were astonishing. I had dinner with the locales there. There are such earthy people that you can’t even imagine. I returned to my hotel room and had a peaceful sleep.
After a delicious breakfast, Kinnaur valley taxi service was appointed for me for local sightseeing of Chitkul Sangla valley. My first stop was going to be Kamru Fort. My taxi had to be parked at the bottom of the fort. So, I had to walk uphill for about thirty minutes. But it was all worth it. Kamru Fort gave a whole new definition to Forts. It was an unconventional from the usual fort that I had ever seen. Unlike the typical forts, the structure was made from wood.
North of Sangla lays Chitkul. My next stop was going to be Chitkul village. It’s an hour drive from Sangla to Chitkul. Whoa! The roads seemed as if they had been slashed out from the rugged cliff. Perching at the height of 11,320 feet, Chitkul is situated on the banks of River Baspa. I was quite fascinated with the concept that the Indian road comes to a dead end here at Chitkul. Nature is at its abundance best and you’ll get much of it even before you have reached Chitkul. Basically, Chitkul is trekkers’ paradise. The snow -capped Mt. Kinner Kailash is a breath taking view from Chitkul. I clicked a few selfies with the local people here with Mt. Kinner Kailash in the backdrop. After a full day excursion, my taxi dropped me back to my Sangla hotel where I slept peacefully. The next morning, I checked out from the hotel after breakfast.
On the fourth day of my trip, Sangla Kalpa taxi service escorted me to Kalpa. The exquisite Kalpa is home to apple orchards and noble Kinnauri people. It is about two to three hours’ drive from Sangla. The beautiful hamlet is nestled at an altitude of 9,711 feet above sea level. I had come so far, I just couldn’t miss visiting Roghi village. Backpackers flock to Roghi village just to catch a glimpse of the spectacular view of the Kinner Kailash range. The tiny hamlet is encompassed by powerful mountainous area. The place was so captivating that I didn’t feel like going back home. After multiple requests from my taxi driver, I finally gave in. I spent the night at the hotel in Kalpa.
On the final day, unwillingly, I packed my luggage. With a heavy heart yet fond memories, I returned to Delhi. However, I was determined to return again.
