I booked the trip for Shimla and Manali from Travelepedia through TravelTriangle.
I would say the overall experience was 3/5.
The major problem was that there was a lack of coordination between the a (Read More)gent(Miss Neesha) who give you all the details and design the itinerary and the one who will book your itinerary(Mr. Vikas).
Pros:
1.) Since we travelled off-season, they provided very good hotels within our budget(including breakfast and dinner) and I would say the hotels and rooms provided were outstanding.
2.) Due to a lack of coordination, there were some changes in our itinerary, the good part is they refunded that amount from the itinerary(sad things are discussed in cons).
3.) The itinerary was very well structured and I would say it was a value for money.
4.) We almost covered every famous spot in Manali and Shimla.
5.) Bus booked from Manali to Delhi was great.
6.) Nevertheless, our driver was good and very well mannered.
Cons:
1.) In our case the bus mentioned was Volvo, but they booked some third class bus named Scania from Delhi to Shimla, I would suggest never travelling with that bus for such a long journey even if the agent tries to
convience you.
2.) While booking, the agent told me that Rohtang pass, Sissu valley and Solang valley would cost approx. 2-3K in off-season extra but later they charged 4K for the same.
3.) Not only this, even after discussing the final amount of 4K for the Rohtang pass, Solang valley and Sissu valley inclusive of everything, they charged ₹200 extra for the Sissu valley pass.
4.) They charged an extra ₹400 on the name of Manali green tax, which logically should be included in the itinerary amount since every tourist has to pay that tax.
5.) Lack of coordination between Travelepedia and their cab vendor.
6.) I know these are very fewer amounts and can be ignored in such a big tour, but as a reviewer, I am placing my points so that whoever reads it can be aware of it.
Suggestions to save money:
1.) Always try to explore things by yourself(may be online, or just ask from localities), since booking activities via driver might be too expensive since they have their commissions too.
2.) Always cross-check the rates of the activities from the one your driver tells you.
3.) For the Rohtang pass, cross-check the rates from your hotels, you might get better deals.
4.) Shimla’s mall road is far far better than Manali’s. So if you want to buy anything opt for Shimla.
5.) Bargain as much as you can from shops on mall roads(it has its own joy).
Must visit places in Shimla:
1.) Shimla mall road.
2.) Kufri
Must visit places in Manali:
1.) Sissu valley(liked more than Rohtang and Solang valley), You will surely thank me later.
2.) There is a Paragliding point 12km above the Sissu valley, if anyone is fond of paragliding you can visit there, it was nominal as compared to Manali and Kullu.
3.) Cafe 1947
4.) Manu temple old Manali, the temple has many nearby cafes like a lazy dog, cafe evergreen is a must visit.
5.) Clubhouse if you are fond of games like pool, snooker etc.
6.) Hadimba Devi temple
7.) van vihar for leisure
If there would have been proper coordination between Neesha and Vikas, I would have rated it 5/5 for sure.