The Bengali tourist season was in full swing during my visit to Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh. Set amidst old growth forests on one side and the spectacular views of the Himalayas on the opposite side, visitors come here to walk in nature while taking in views of Shivalik. It is said that you can see Lord Shiva above the highest peak in this area during certain conditions. And because of the abundance of local travelers, hotel rooms were in high demand. Stops along the road from Reckong Peo to Kalpa, 7 kms total, delivered one after another.
Just as we were about to give up and return to Reckong Peo, my friend Rakesh and I found the last room at Hotel Mont View. Night had fallen by the time we checked into the guest room. The hotel was packed with Bengalis making quite a racket. Kids were running up and down the short, narrow halls. Outside our window, young men peeked in while walking about the balcony. All tables were taken in the restaurant just off the main level lobby. These guests were hungry and trying to exhaust some energy from riding in the car all day.
Moon lights the sky from the balcony at Hotel Mount View
Fortunately our room provided a large, comfortable bed, TV, small seating area and en suite bathroom. Full time running hot water with shower and western toilet covered my needs. And even with the crowds waiting for food downstairs, we received our meal to the room in short time.
But the real reason to stay here is the view from the balcony when waking in the morning. By 6 AM, sunshine was drowning our room. Before any of the other guests rose, I was able to capture a few moments of peace and quiet watching the morning sun behind the Himalaya peaks. Scattered pedestrians walking to work on the road below were holding lunch pails while covered in shawls. Darkness from the previous evening brought with it, cooler temps.
Our room rate included breakfast which Rakesh and I ventured down to collect. Instead we found several mattresses covered with heavy blankets keeping the hotel staff warm as they slept. We decided to skip waking the guys, packed our bags and loaded the car. We were still the only guests moving about at this hour.
Morning views from balcony at Hotel Mount View
By the time we were set to leave, the staff had woken from their slumber offering apologies for tardiness with giant smiles. We paid the the bill, took some directions for a short cut to the main highway, and made arrangements for the staff to call ahead to Tabo to secure a hotel room. The Bengalis staying here would be on their way to Tabo as well, so any help of finding a room in advance was appreciated.
Comfortable, neat and clean bathrooms, decent food with impressive views of the mountains would bring me back here rather than the much higher priced HPTDC hotel further up the road.
Cost: Rs 800 ($18) Food: Rs 180
