Suggestions needed on Kinnaur Trip in August

[Animish]

Dear All

I am thinking of doing a family trip (Me, my wife and my 3 years old daughter) to Sangla Valley - Kalpa in the month of August (10th - 17th August 2016)
In various forums including bcmtouring.com, I noticed that some people have advised against going to Kinnaur in August (Monsoon - Landslides - Flashfloods) while some people have suggested that it is doable.
I am thus little apprehensive about this trip.
Back in July end 2008 I had done a roadtrip: Delhi - Shimla - Kinnaur - Lahaul - Spiti - Manali - Delhi in 7 days and not a single day was wasted due to climatic conditions. However I understand that weather can be very unpredictable up in the mountains and I have thus roughly chalked out an itinerary which is as follows:

10th August - Mumbai - Chandigarh - Narkanda (stay at Hotel Hatu)
11th August - Hatu Peak (early morning) - Narkanda - Rakcham (stay at Rupin river view )
12th August - Chitkul - Back to Rakcham / Sangla (stay at Rupin River View / banjara camp)
13th August - Sangla - Kalpa (Stay at Kinner Villa)
14th August - Kalpa - Roghi (Stay at Kinner Villa)
15th August - Kalpa - Sarahan (stay at Srikhand)
16th August - Sarahan - Shoghi / Shimla (stay at Aamod resort, Shoghi / Fairmount, Shimla)
17th August - Shoghi - Barog - Chandigarh - Mumbai (evening 6 pm flight to Mumbai)
(I shall be hiring an Innova / Scorpio with driver for this journey)

Here, as you can notice, I shall be in Kinnaur from 11th - 15th August, with 2 days in Sangla, 2 days in Kalpa and 1 day in Sarahan. In case of any landslides / Heavy rain, I hopefully shall be able to alter / change /reduce my days in Kinnaur.

I have following concerns / queries:
1. Please advise, if I should venture going to Kinnaur in August?

2. Does the above plan sound practical to you guys? Would you like to make any suggestion / changes to above itinerary?

3. Is it safe to stay in camping places in Rakcham / Sangla, considering that they are right next to Baspa river (possibilities of Landslides / Flashflood)

4. As of now, I have decided to monitor weather conditions in August and hopefully shall take a final call by 6th August. In that case, would it be possible to do reservations on a short notice / on the spot at the above mentioned hotels ?

5. If Kinnaur is ruled out, how are the places like Mcleodganj, Dalhousie, Manali region in August? (I prefer quieter places)

Unfortunately, I would not be able to shift my dates to July / September due to my daughter's school's leave policies and I have already booked my Mumbai - Chandigarh return air tickets (Flash Sale! )

As of now, accuweather.com predicts Thunderstorms on 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th August in Sangla region, though I am not sure how accurate these predictions can be. So I am keeping my fingers crossed.

I would be glad to receive expert suggestions / advises from fellow members. Please help!

Thank you very much for patiently reading this post.

Regards,
Animish Bhure

 

[Prasham]

The biggest trouble spot I see in your itinerary with respect to the climate is Sangla. Rest of all the places have 2 approach routes and hence chances of getting stuck are less.

Don't alter anything now. Checkout the weather predictions around 8/9th August. If it shows heavy rainfall, avoid Sangla and you'll be fine mostly.

Scorpio though less comfortable than Innova is more powerful & agile so I suggest you find it for your trip.

 

[Animish]

Thank you Prasham for the reply and inputs. Yes, I shall be keeping a watch on weather prediction and fix my plans in the first week of August.
Also, do you think, HPTDC hotels bookings can be done with a short notice? Due to 15th August, its going to be a long weekend. So can't rule out the possibility of more tourists checking into HPTDC hotels in Kalpa and Sarahan.
Regards,
Animish

 

[skysat2005]

You can book HPTDC hotels in 3 days advance, subject they have room availability.

Once your plan is firm, go ahead with the bookings.

 

[Prasham]

Book them in advance. They are usually located at great locations and hence fill quickly.

Unlike Sarahan, Kalpa has many options for accommodation so if you aren't sure of your trip, don't book a hotel there.

 

[Animish]

skysat2005, Prasham.. Thank you guys. Your suggestions make sense! I hope, this goes well.