Chandigarh to Kalpa is possible in a day’s bike ride but one needs to rough it out on the last 20kms where road is not good.
Ride time: 10 hours
I would suggest to start from Shimla early morning 6-7am, then you can reach either Chitkul or Kalpa by evening (before dark).
From Delhi, it however will take longer. One needs to start from Delhi at night to reach Kalpa the next afternoon.
However, if you could spare an extra day and are keen on taking in all the beautiful landscapes, go slow and take nigh halt at Narkanda or Saharan.
STAY AND EXPLORE:
At kalpa apart from HPTDC, I won’t recommend any stay. This offers spectacular view of Jonakarden peak and Kinner Kailash. Also chakka trek and roghi village is easily accessible from HPTDC point. Since it is far from Reckong Peo you might as well find it difficult to shop but it is very very serene and peaceful.
Other good places worth mentioning: Apple Pie, Kinnaur Villa,
Must visit Chitkul and Suicide Point
OPTION:
For off-beat experience one can try covering Ropa valley. It is a little ahead of Pooh. For Kalpa you will have to take the diversion at Powari. The road that goes straight from Powari will lead to Pooh (60-65 km), a little ahead of Pooh, lies the beautiful and less-ventured valley of Ropa. However, roads are not in great shape ahead of Powari, so in case time is a constraint then re-consider this suggestion. Also accommodation in Ropa is problematic, so it’s better to stay in Pooh if you consider doing Ropa.
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