Zostel Homes Chamera, Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Zostel Homes Hospitality Service is the world's largest chain of backpackers hostels with 63 hostels at present. One such property is the unique Chamera Homes due to the fact that it lies on the banks of the beautiful Chamba lake and is convenient to reach via waterways as the roads leading up to it are quite risky and better to be avoided. Zostel Chamera is located near the quaint town of Dalhousie in the state, Himachal Pradesh. The Zostel Chamera Home is a most exquisitely gorgeous place with surrounding lake, hills, mountains and the architecture and design being supremely classy and elegant with glass walls that provide a 360° view of the lake and the Himalayas. The rooms are luxurious, spacious, clean with classy decor. The balconies and porch open up to the lake and mountain view. The food is organic and local produce. The property is eco - sensitive yet provides all modern amenities and luxuries. 

Here are more details about the same. 

Location - Chamera Lake, Chamba, Near Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh 

How To Reach 

1. Banikhet 

Via Roadways - Delhi to Dalhousie by Bus / Vehicle. Banikhet bus stop is at a distance of 30 km from Zostel Home Chamera.

Via Train - Pathankot railway station is 100 km from the property. Taxis are available from the station at about ₹ 3500 / ₹ 4000

Via Airways - The nearest airport is Kangra Airport at a distance of 55 km

From Banikhet reach Zero Point in the Goli village through NH 154 A

2. Chamera 

Via Boats 

Reach Taleru Boating Point from Goli

Take a Speedboat /  local boat that charges ₹ 280 - ₹ 350 

Boating timings are 9.00 am to 6.30 pm

Via Roadways 

From the village of Goli, drive to Darada and from there on to Dugh. 

Ride is bumpy and the roads tricky so it must be preferred only by experienced and adventurous drivers. 

Reach before Sunset. 

Amenities

Valley View, Mountain View, OT Lockers, In-house Activities, Indoor Games,  Storage Facility, Hot water, Common hangout area, Free Wi-Fi, Parking Facility, Cafe, Breakfast (Extra Charges), Bedside Lamps, UPI Payment Accepted

Meals 

Organic, Vegetarian and Farm - Fresh 

Accommodation and Tariff / Night / Couple 

1. Superior Deluxe Room ( Balcony and Lake view) - ₹ 5499 / Night

2. Luxury Room ( Balcony and Lake View ) - ₹ 5999

3. Deluxe Room ( Balcony and Lake View ) - ₹ 4999

4. Standard Room ( Porch and Lake View ) - ₹ 3999

5. All have en - suite facilities

6. Beds are Double beds 

   

   

   
   

   
   

Things To Do - 

Nature Walks 

Laze in the Cafe with a hot cup of Coffee

Boating in the Chamera Lake 

Exploring the quaint town of Dalhousie

Stroll through colourful villages of Himachal

Hike to the Dainkund Peak 

Barbeque under the Starry night skies 

General Terms and Conditions

1. 100 % payment amount to be paid in advance

2. ID proof is mandatory

3. Liquor, Drugs and smoking is prohibited

4. No room or luggage service

5. Meal times - 8.00 am to 9.00 pm

6. Check In - 1.00 pm

7. Check Out - 11.00 am

8. Cancellation and detailed terms and conditions are available on the website 

9. Tariff subject to change at the discretion of the management

   
   
   

Contact Information 

Address -

Panchtatva Estate, 

Village Dugh, P.O Dradha, 

Tehsil & District Chamba - 176310

Himachal Pradesh 

Contact Number - 02249399550

Email Address - reservations@zostel.com

Instagram Account - @zostelhomes

Website - www.zostel.co

Images - From the Website and Instagram Account

Nirvana Hamta Retreat, Manali

 Nirvana Hamta Retreat, Manali is a unique Glamping retreat in the gorgeous Hampta Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It offers Glamping Geodesic Domes, Alpine Tents and Wooden Rooms at Manali near Sethan at a distance of only 5 kms from the start of Hampta Pass Trek, the most stunning trek in Himachal Pradesh.

The trek is one of the most favoured and challenging for trekkers and adventure seekers for it takes them across the Jobri, Hampta and Chandra River and the beautiful meadows of Chikka, Jwaara, Balu ka Ghera, Sheogru and Chatru. The magnificent peaks viewed from Hampta Pass are Indraasan, Deotibba and many more. In such blissful natural beauty lies the Nirvana Retreat with its beautiful Domes, Rooms and Tents providing innumerable activities for the thrill seekers along with a host of modern facilities that make the stay comfortable even in such a challenging environment.

Here are some more details about the same. 

How to Reach 

Prini - At a distance of 9 kms

Mall Road - At a distance of 12 kms

Bhuntar airport at a distance of 47 kms

Glamping Domes - 2

Rooms - 2

Camps - 10 

Capacity - 50+ guests 

Elevation - 2600 mts

Accommodation and Base Tariff / Night 

1. Rani Sui Glamping Domes for Couples - ₹ 6000 

2. Dhauladhar/Pir Panjal Luxury Glamping Domes - ₹ 8000 

3. Zanskar Jumbo Glamping Dome for Groups -  ₹ 8000

4. Wooden Cottage for Groups and Family at Sethan,Manali - ₹ 3500

5. Deluxe Room with Common Washroom in Sethan, Manali - ₹ 2000

6. Alpine Tents with Common Washroom in Sethan, Manali - ₹ 1200

7. Work from Hills Package - long stay offers

• ₹ 4000 / 4 nights / 5 days

8. Manali Luxury Glamping Dome Stay Package Group Camping - ₹ 2500 (Minimum 4 Persons)

9. Honeymoon Package for Couples in Glamping Dome - ₹ 20,000 / 2 nights / 3 days 

10. Manali Tour Packages with Sight-seeing (Volvo), Luxury Glamping Dome - ₹ 28000 / 2 nights / 3 days 

11.  Manali Tour Packages with Sight-seeing (Cab) and Stay in Luxury Domes (2 Persons) - ₹ 22000 / 3 nights / 4 days 

12. Hamta Valley Snow Trek - ₹ 4999 / 2 nights / 3 days 

13. Hamta Valley & Sethan Dome - ₹ 6999 / 3 nights / 4 days 

14. Hamta Circle Snow Trek - ₹ 8999 / 4 nights / 5 days 

15. Hamta Pass Summit & Return - ₹ 8999 / 4 nights / 5 days 

16. Hamta Pass Trek - ₹ 8999 / 5 nights / 6 days 

17. 1 Night / 2 Days Stay with all Meals & Hi-Tea - ₹ 1500

18. I Night / 2 Days Stay, Meals and Trekking - ₹ 2500

19. Igloo Stay in Hamta in Winters - 

₹ 5500

20. Hamta Stay, Meals, Trek and Skiing - ₹3000 / 1 night / 2 days 

21. Time to time offers and discount schemes are available

    
    
    

Features and Amenities

Basic - Electricity, Water, Hot water, Linens and pillows, Parking

Regarding 1 Shared Bathroom - Shower, Toilet, Towels, Toiletries, Toilet paper

WiFi, Full mobile network, Electric Heaters, Traditional Wood Fires, Big Screen TVs, Pet friendly

Check-In - 12:00 pm

Check-Out - 11:00 am

Activities

Snow Treks, Adventure Tours, Corporate Tours, Trekking, Paragliding, Zipline, Rafting, Trips to Himachal and Leh Ladakh, Snowboarding, Tuberides, Nature Walks, Star gazing, Night photography, astrophotography, Bonfires etc

Cancellation Policy as per the Official Website

• Cancellation received within 2 days prior to arrival - 20 % refund

• Cancellation before 3 -14 days of arrival - 30  % refund.

• Cancellation before 15 days of arrival date -  50 % percent refund.

• Cancellation before 30 days of arrival date - 100 %   refund.

• No refund on No-show or early departures. 

  
  
  

Contact Information 

Address :

Nirvana Hamta Retreat,

Curve 30, Hampta Hydel Project Road,

Prini, Manali, 

Himachal Pradesh, 

India - 175143

Call @  +91 7807289392 / +91 7559623023

Email Address - nirvanahamta@gmail.com

Website - www.nirvanahampta.com

Images - From the website 

Kalka Shimla Toy Train - The Himalayan Queen

The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a narrow guage railway in North-West India travelling mostly in the

mountain route from Kalka to Shimla. The view all through the journey is enthralling. The city of Shimla was a summer settlement for Britishers and it also became their summer capital. The Kalka-Shimla railway route winds from Sivalik foot hills of Kalka to Shimla on hill top. Enroute it crosses the stations of Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, Totu and Summerhill.

Out of the 107 tunnels built on the track 102 remain still in use. The longest tunnel at Barog. The line crosses over 864 bridges too. The first locomotives used in the train was class B coaches from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway but was converted to suit the tracks of this railway. The first diesel locomotive was introduced in the year

1955. But the current line is operated with ZDM-3 diesel hydraulic locomotives which was built in 1970 to 1982 at Chittaranjan Locomotive works. The current engine was built to climb the 916 curves and to climb from an altitude of 656 mts to 2076 mts on the mountain slope. 

Himachal Pradesh

The North Indian state of Himachal pradesh is bordered by Jammu and Kashmir in the north, Punjab on the west, Haryana in the south west, Uttarakhand in the south-east and by Tibet on the north. This state is situated in the western Himalayas. The state is situated in the Dauladhar range of Himalayas. There are lot of hill stations mainly created by the British rulers for their rest and relaxation during the summer season in India. The entrie state is a state of scenic beauty and is really worthy of visiting for a vacation. The places one can visit in Himachal pradesh vary from just scenic beauty hill stations to sanctuary to paragliding site.

Hindi is the official language and the spoken language of Himachal Pradesh though Pahari is the spoken language of most people. English is also the official language for work. The terrain of the state have made it difficult for the external cultures to make a huge impact on the culture of the state, though the state have easily adapted to the modern technological developments. The cuisine of Himachal is largely lentils, rice and vegetables and rotis made of wheat and maize. The special dishes of Himachal pradesh include dishes like Madrah, Sepu badi, Saag, Khatti dal and a lot more.

Some of the famous film personalities from the state are Anupam Kher, Preity Zinda, Namrata Singh, Kangana Ranaut. There are a lot more other personalities of this state including the first voter of independant India - Shyam Saran Negi.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its landscapes and popular hill stations and so a lot of outdoor activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, ice skating and heli skiing happen here. Shimla is the state capital and the Kalka-Shimla Railway is one of the major attractions. Shimla is one of the major hill stations that attracts skiers from all over the world. Manali and Kasauli are the other famous hill stations of the state.

One of the most important place worth visiting is Dharmshala which is the home of Dalai Lama and is known for a lot of Tibetian monastries and Buddhist temples. 

Himachal Pradesh Tourism Information Centres

Tourist Information Centers with in  the state:
    * Near Victory Tunnel, Shimla- Phone:             +91-177-2654589      
    * Railway station, Shimla-Phone:
    * Bye pass road, Shimla, Phone:             +91-177-2832498      .
    * The Mall, Manali- Phone:             +91-1902-252175      .
    * Dhalpur, Kullu-    Phone:             +91-1902-222349      .
    * Bhuntar Airport, Kullu-Phone:             +91-1902-265037      
    * Dharamshala (Kangra).  Phone:             +91-1892-224430      .
    * Near Bus Stand, Dalhousie- Phone:             +91-1899-242225      .


Tourist Information Centers outside State:

    * Opposite Railway Station, Pathankot (Punjab). Phone:             +91-186-2220316      .
    * Inter State Bus Terminal, Sector 17, Chandigarh- Phone:             +91-172-2708569      .
    * Tourist Information Centre, Kalka - Railway Station. Phone:             +91-1733-221079      .
    * 2H, 2nd Floor,  Electronic Centre, 1A,   B.A.C. Street, Kolkata
                Phone:  +91-33-22126361      .
    * 36, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai- Phone:             +91-22-22181123      .
    * Tamilnadu Tourism complex, Wallajah road, Chennai-  Phone:             +91-44-25385689      .


HPTDC's Marketing Offices:

    * The Mall, Shimla- Phone:             +91-177-2652561       / 2658302. Fax: +91-177-2652557.
    * The Mall, Manali.  Phone:             +91-1902-253531      
    * 36, Chanderlok Building, Janpath, New Delhi-   Phone:             +91-11-23325320       / 23324764
    * 205, SHILP-2 Near Income Tax Office, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad - Tel.             +91-079-27544800       Fax +91-79-27544548
    * Himachal Emporium, Ganesh Complex No. 13, S.C. Road, Bangalore-  Phone:             +91-80-22876591      .
Himachal Tourism Directorate 
Block No. 28, SDA Complex,
Kasumpti, Shimla-171009
Ph:            +91-177-2625924      , Fax: +91-177-2625456.
E-mail: tourismmin-hp@nic.in ; tourism@hp.gov.in website: www.himachaltourism.gov.in  

Jeep Safari in India

One of the new adventure sports people have taken up in the recent times is the Jeep Safari tour in the Himalayan Regions especially in the Trans-Himalayan region. Driving in a jeep in the snow desert, yes desert, we can say the Himalayan region as a snow desert as the habitat there is either nil or sparse. The Himalayan region is just right for those who love trekking or mountaineering.  But jeep safari gives a personal touch and those who are going on those trips get to know places that only natives and locals of that region know.

The Jeep Safari tours give the travellers a best experience to explore those regions. Those who love and admire nature will definitely get a great treat for their eyes and cameras. T

  These areas have safaris ranging from short tours to long and wild tours which gives an experience of driving through mountainous valleys and narrow passes and great heights.

Yak Safari in Himachal Pradesh

Yak Safari in Himachal pradesh is one of the adventerous sporting activity. The snow clad mountains of Himachal pradesh  makes the Yak Ride highly enjoyable. The ride is to Kullu, Kufri and Solang valley and these are places that have plenty of snow.

Yak are animals that have long hairs, and are also famous for its supply of milk and meat These beasts are very important entertainment feature in the Tibetian festivals. The wonder thing about these beasts are that they live in the height of above 6000 m. They are found near lakes and marshes. Though Yak gives rides to the tourists they are very dangerous when they get wild (they have curved horns).

Yak Safari Destinations:
Kullu and Kufri are the two Yak Safari destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal Pradesh travel and tourism department offers this safari on prior booking. Best time to enjoy Yak Safari is from November to February. This is the time when it is peak winter.

Heli Skiing in India

Heli Skiing in India is picking up as a new adventure sport.

The difference between normal skiing and heli skiing is that a helicopter will drop the skiiers on a top of a hill and from there the skiiers have to come down the hill simply criss-crossing the whole route. Heli Skiing is a very very risky sport and it gives a chance for those who wish to risk a lot in their life. The route the heli skiiers would have to take is not the normal route but have to travel down through unexplored routes and at times even ridges.
The Himalayan region in India is the best place to give a try to this thrilling and exciting, risk taking sport. The places where Heli Skiing is currently offerred are:

Hanuman Tibba, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Deo Tibba, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Rohtang Pass, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Chandarkhani Pass, Manali, Himachal Pradesh,
Auli, Uttranchal,
Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

The skiing destinations are located in Himalayas and gives a chance to the skiiers to witness the unexplored glacial regions. In general, the heli skiiers are allowed to ski down only in groups of 3 with one in-experienced skiier and 2 or 3 experienced skiiers and a guide. The skiiers experience powdery snow as the helicopter drop is at 6500m. The powdery snow is light and skiing down in that is very easier. (This skiing helps a lot for new skiiers

Kangra Toy Train of India - Unesco Heritage

Kangra Toy Train links Pathankot and Joginder Nagar. The entire journey in this train is mostly through maze of hills and valleys and also through 2 tunnels. The 163km long route was opened to traffic in the year 1926. The entire journey takes about 9 hours.

The Kangra Toy Train starts from Pathankot a northeastern Punjab town which is at a height of 333 mts. The train passes through grider bridges that are constructed over beautiful rivers. After an hour the train reaches Nurpur Road at the height of 402 mts. From here the journey starts towards southeast where the train stops at Bharmar, Nadpur Bitali, Guler, Lunsu and Jwalamukhi road which is at 579 mts. Most of the stations are small ones and have simple buildings. These stations connect nearest tourist destinations.

From Jwalamukhi Road station, the train starts towards Kangra Station in the northern direction. The train crosses the Bathu bridge and crosses the Dhaundni tunnel (250 ft long) and Daulatpur tunnel (1070 ft long). The train reaches Kangra Station at about 686 mts. From here the train travels towards east and south and reaches the stations of Nagrota, Palampur before reaching Palampur, which is a tourist paradise during summer.

From Palampur the train starts its ascend and travels close to the Dhauladhar range and reaches Baijnath Paprola station which is at 943 mts. From here only 4 coaches start its journey further and so the train stops at this station for about 45 minutes. The train reaches Ahju station crossing the Bhir gorge at 1210 mts the highest point in the entire travel stretch. The train moves towards Joginder nagar the last stop which is at 1139 mts.

The entire journey is through meter guage. The passengers can view the snow capped Dhauladar hills. The valleys and rivers comes in the right side when travelling from Pathankot. One can get a picturesque view of the rivers and valleys if they get a seat in the right side of the compartment.

Shivalik Palace - The Luxury Coach

Shivalik Palace, a special tourist coach, which is a 6 seater one, which can be classified into a deluxe hotel room. This can be attached with any train that runs between Kalka and Shimla so that a good view of the valleys, mountains and lot more.
The journey in this coach is absolutely elite class one. It have a kitchen with kitchen ware which can be used by the tourists themselves. It have two rooms and is suitable for a family of 6. The entire coach is nicely decorated with lights, music system, a load of indoor games, books and magazines to get entertained if at all the view outside is boring, though which is not to happen at any time.

The rooms have folding cushion beds. The kitchen have a dining table and refrigerator. The bathrooms are fitted with modern amenities.

The total fare is Rs. 8,225.00 (both ways), and for the up direction - Rs. 4,790.00 and for down direction Rs. 3,495.00. A complimentary retiring room for two at Shimla  comes with the fare.

Shivalik Queen - Tourist Coach for Honey mooners

A luxury tourist coach launched in the year 1998, especially for the honey moon couples. There are two sections in each coach which is designed elegantly from wall to wall and the windows are curtained beautifully. There is a bell to communicate with the driver and microphone to communicate with the guard. Magazines and newspapers are provided for free. The fare for a couple is approximately around Rs. 750 per couple in which meals are also included. This coach can be attached along with any mail or express from Kalka-Shimla.

Whispering Valley Resort - Manali

Whispering Vallery resort located close to the Manali Mall. The resort is managed by well trained staff and cares for the comfort of its guests. There are 31 rooms and family suites. The resort is surrounded by high mountains of Manali. The hoel offers an ambience mixed with business and pleasure. The open air restaurant in Whispering Valley offers an different ambience to enjoy the food.

Facilities offerred at Whispering Valley are: 24 hours room service, Business Centre, Child Care facility, EPBAX enabled telephone facility, Spa, Money changer, Laundry Service, Power backup, Travel Desk, Doctor on Demand, 24 hours hot and cold water, TV in all rooms

The Whispering Valley resort also arranges for Jungle Trekking and Nature Walk, Bon fine, Meditation and Yoga classes for its guests on demand. One can also book the dance floor for an exciting dance with their spouse. The games room offers a variety of games like Badminton, Carrom, Chess etc for the guests to enjoy themselves when they are relaxing.
Address: Whispering Valley Resorts Near Beas Bridge Left Bank, Manali Distt. Kullu (H.P) Phones : 01902-252463,250496 Cell : 09816417904, 09816017904 Email : whisperinggroup@gmail.com