Getting to the Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
 

I'm travelling to Delhi in July and then on to hill stations. I'd like to know the easiest way to get to Dharamsala, Manali and other communities in the area, whether by train, car and driver, plane or some combination.
Thanks!
Kim

a. Catch a train, there are quite a few fast trains & detrain at Chandigarh.
b. From Chandigarh take a car to visit Dharamsala (300km), Manali (275km).
c. You may also take a train from Delhi to Shimla, the toy train from Kalka onwards is a joy to travel in. From Shimla, you may proceed to Sangla by car, but do give an overnight in Sarahan for the road is long & dangerous. Your driver will need to be fresh for the last 4 hours of journey.
d. You may now take the upper road & after doing Tabo, Nako & Batal arrive in Manali.The Kunzum Pass normally opens by 15 July. It is a dry cold desert all the way, yet very picturesque & never-to-be-forgotten terrain.
e. Once you are in the Kangra valley, do not miss a couple of days in Pragpur & do visit village Andretta, made famous by late Sobha Singh the renowned painter, for he had his studio in Andretta.
f. you will love the wonderful simple people of our foothills; unlike the maoist badmashes of Darjeeling!

wow -- singh, you make this sound like a fantastic trip. any more details on where to stay in the areas you mentioned in this posting?

Depending upon your budget:
a. Chandigarh - Taj***** or Aroma***
b. Dhramsala: Glenmore Cottages or Udechi Huts.
c. Manali: Solang Valley Resort or Banon Cottages.
d. Shimla: Chapslee / Woodville / Clarkes / Cecil / Wildflower Hall (10 miles above). Holiday Home for budget.
e. Sarahan: Sarahan Cottages.
f: FRH / PWD resthouses in Nako, Batal & Tabo Retreat.
g. Pragpur: Judges Court.
All the very best for your plans!

Hi,

Well "easiest" would doubtless be to hire a car and driver.

Most rewarding? Most economical?

Different questions.

I didn't go to Dharamsala - there were other places that appealed more. But did the whole trip on public transport.

Train from Delhi and toy train up to Simla. You should do this if you can - it's slow but is one of those experiences you should savour while you still can. From there I went up to Manali by bus, stopping off at a couple of places - a day here; 3 days there.

Do you have that kind of trip in mind?

Lots of other places you can go in HM by bus if you are so minded.