We had been to Trekking organised by Youth Hostel Association of India(YHAI) at Dalhousie, some 12 years back. We had become 1 yr. member of YHAI and joined their trekking trip. We were 6 college friends in early twenties and just free from engineering semester exam. We went to Dalhousie for trekking which was first ever experience, almost for all.
It was such a fun for all us that even after more than 10 yrs. it feels great. We started on 4 Jan. from Mumbai and returned on 14 Jan. The trekking was for some 4 nights but while returning we had stayed at New Delhi( at YHAI hostel in posh beurocrate Chankyapuri area at Rs. 25 / person per day in dormitory of 8 persons - Can’t get better deal than this in New Delhi where hostel was located - in a very good area and facilities were also good. I haven’t stayed in any hostel before or after that, so I don’t know about YHAI or any other hostels. But, YHAI - Chankyapuri, New Delhi was nice one. )
The trek covered Kalatop, Dyan Kund, Khajjiar and Chamba. From Chamba, we came back to Dalhousie in bus. It was a fantastic trekking experience with very best Himalayan views( never seen again in the second family trip). Particularly, Dyan Kund from where we saw Khajjiar ground looking very small, from the top of Dyan Kund - almost size of a hand. Imagine watching small Khajjiar ground from the top during lunch and large Khajjiar meadow unfolding in front of you in evening! It had not snowed then , but upper area of Dyan Kund was having snow. It was some 10, 000 ft. height. Simply fab! Remember Manisha Koirala’s `Ed Ladki Ko Dekha’ song - it was picturised at Kalatop / Dyan Kund - white Dauladhar peaks in back ground.
We were provided stay at Govt. rest houses in Dormitary( separate for boys & girls). They were neat & clean, but you can not expect hotel like obvious comfort. But then also, it was great fun as we were in group. I still remeber taking breakfast outside in cold winter day & leaving for trekking or rubbing pain relieving balm on feets after full day’s trekking!
While returning, we dropped at New Delhi( which we had booked in advance). Then went to sight seeing trip of Delhi and Agra( which was booked from YHAI itself). I recommend this trek to all youngsters as you may not be able to do such low budget trek in the future ( due to family life). Don’t see staying luxury or food( we had to pack our lunch during breakfast in winter days!). Just for the sake of fun and experience this trekking is very good. It bonded our friendship more strongly. But, above all if you are nature lover & love to see beautiful himalayas then trekking in himalayas is the must & the best . I still cherish that virgin beauty of himalaya.
Read more info about YHAI trekking at https://yhaindia.org/himalayan.htm