We now return to the Chandra valley from Spiti and, crossing the Rohtang pass by jeep, arrive at Manali. We retrace our steps and, passing through Mandi, branch southwards to Shimla via Bbilaspur. on the way, we obtain a panoramic view of the huge Gobind Sagar Lake which is formed by the Bhakhra Dam over the Sutlej. We spend an hour boating on the calm of Govind Sagar Lake.
From this gay hill station, we proceed some fifteen kilometers further to kufri, which is well known for its winter sports. Near kufri we visit the wild Flower Hall which was once the residence of lord Kitchhener. this luxurious building has now been converted into a hotel by the Himachal Pradesh government.
About 64 kilometers from Simla, we arrive at Narkanda, located at a height of 2,700 meters. at a short distance from Narkanda lies kotgarh, which is famous for its apple orchards.
From Narkanda we descend to the banks of the Sutlej and travel northeastwards to Rampur, Sarhan and Kalpa. Kalpa is the last big village on the Hindustan -Tibet Road. The Shipki -La Pass leading into Tibet is not very far from far from here. This region along the valley of the Sutlej is known as kinnaur.
We know return to Shimla and traveling southwards arrive at the lovely town of Chail. This was the summer capital of the erstwhile Maharajahs of Patiala and it boasts a cricket ground reputed to be highest in the world.