[tsk1979]

Hi,
Thinking of going to Shoja in a weeks time. The route will be via Kullu-Aut side since Jalori pass is going to be closed.
But I am unable to find any HPTDC hotel. The only option is Banjara camps which
1. Is closed, its open only in winter
2. At 4000/night a little too steep

I am told there are PWD rest houses nearby, any idea how you book a PWD rest house.
There is supposed to be a major town called Banjar near shoja, any idea where to stay in Banjar or Shoja?
Any nice places on the way to Jalori pass near shoja.

Looking for "Where to stay" is proving to be the major headache!
And advice welcome!

[wanderernomad]

Shoja has an HPSEB guest houise I think. Staying should not be a problem during this time. But the damn guest house has only 2 rooms and a single toilet so you are better off not staying there.Banjar will have a couple of lodges in the main bazaar.When are you planning to go if its still some time away I can ask a couple of friends to check out the exact details. But the valley is good and if you plan to go to jalori keep a day at hand and visit the Serelusar lake about 5 kms walk from the pass. But its worth the effort.

[tsk1979]

Planning on going this weekend.
Will start from Ludhiana in morning, reach by late noon or around 2pm, spend 2 nights there.
I heard there is a very nice forest rest house there?

[phamilyman]

call me. i know just the people you need to talk to.

[BunnyPunia]

Yes, u wil get accomodation in Banjar
try Meena GuestHouse : 01902-222258
Patial palace GH : 01902-276620
Tirthan ADv camping : 225007
Trout valley GH : 222527

[tsk1979]

I have heard that staying at Shoja is better then staying at Banjar?
Also could you suggest which is a better option among the hotels you suggested(nice views and not in heart of the city)

[simply_sunny001]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

At 4000/night a little too steep

Exactly,4k for staying in a tent is highway robbery.

[rahuldeodhar]

Shoja is awesome just about 10 houses there -where banjara retreat is located - opens into an awesome valley all still at night- compared to that banjar has village feel to it - more people stay there

I would say banjara retreat is a great place to stay - if cost is ok with you.

there is a guest house but I never got to book it - but the guest house location is also amazing - its about 2 kms from Banjara retreat - no clue how to book it.

My take - stay at banjara retreat - I guess they open in Feb so it must be ok now.

Rahul

[tsk1979]

Originally Posted by simply_sunny001

Exactly,4k for staying in a tent is highway robbery.

I have figured out where to stay. Made some calls. Its off season, and most hotels are willing to welcome you at hefty discounts, and go out of the way in arranging sighseeing. Will stay at whichever place seems the best.
The beauty of offseason is that you can be very choosy and decide which hotel to choose.

That leaves me with route problem
I guess its
Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Mandi, Aut, Shoja.. Right?

[simply_sunny001]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

That leaves me with route problem
I guess its
Ludhiana, Rupnagar, Mandi, Aut, Shoja.. Right?

Tanveer,this route is preferable to what little i know of Shoja,the other route via shimla is a NO-NO and that route wont suit you as you will be leaving from Ludhiana.

just make sure you dont miss the small turn from Aut.

and write a review and pics once you are back as i've always been a fan of hill getaways which are peaceful and less travelled.

[tsk1979]

Jalori pass is closed so anyways that route is a no no.
I am confused on how to go to Mandi. I know the way till Kiratpur sahib. I think from there you take the Kullu-Manali highway?(turn right just after the bridge on sutlej canal?)
Some route details please.

[simply_sunny001]

Originally Posted by tsk1979

I am confused on how to go to Mandi. I know the way till Kiratpur sahib. I think from there you take the Kullu-Manali highway?(turn right just after the bridge on sutlej canal?)
Some route details please.

From KiratPur,take Right turn for BilasPur--Mandi

If you go stright from KiratPur you will reach AnandPur Sahib.

i traveled this stretch in night,so dont remember each and every turn and milestone.

but its sure that you have to take right from KiratPur for Bilaspur--mandi

[dadu]

Yes, take the right, you will be able to see the ramp going up from the main highway. Later, for a km or so you will drive along with the canal and then cross a railway line too. Just follow you nose then to Bilaspur - Sunder Nagar - Mandi - Kullu (Aut will come before it).

There are few turns inbetween but can't get lost.

Originally Posted by tsk1979

Jalori pass is closed so anyways that route is a no no.
I am confused on how to go to Mandi. I know the way till Kiratpur sahib. I think from there you take the Kullu-Manali highway?(turn right just after the bridge on sutlej canal?)
Some route details please.

[hvkumar]

Disances are as follows:

Ambala Railway Station (Flyover on NH1) - 0 kms
Haryana Border/Toll Gate - 14 kms
Turn off to right before the toll gate
Banur - 18 kms
This is the junction on Chandigarh-Rajpura Road
Kharar - 23 kms,
turn left into NH21
Rupnagar - 29 kms
Kiratpur - 31 kms
Turn right to Bilaspur/Manali road, continuing on NH21, clear signboards, straight goes to Anandpur Saheb
Swarghat - 23 kms
Bilaspur - 40 kms
Mandi - 70 kms

IN case you wish to go through Chandigarh, turn off a Ambala and go into Chandigarh and take the same route via Kharar.

From Mandi, continue on NH21 through Pandoh Dam (20), Thallout (16), Aut (5).

At Aut, turn off NH21 right to cross Beas.
Aut - 0 kms
Larji - 4
Banjar - 21
Shoja - 16

[tsk1979]

Thanks HV, thats great help!
I am not planning to go through chandigarh.
Ludhiana-Kurali-Kiratpur.I know that area like the back of my hand .
Its after kiratpur that I was in a fix.

Thanks for the help fellows.