Meeting Aman Ahuja of BCM Touring
Life is an unexpected journey. Sometimes you plan and sometimes things happen just like that. This is what I call “Luck by Chance“.
My meeting with Aman Ahuja was completely adventitious. After showing much resistance, I gave in to my friend’s request to be part of one of the BCMtouring meetings. I really consider myself fortunate that I attended the meet.
What is BCMtouring and a Tribute to Mr. Yogesh Sarkar
Established in May 2006, BCMTouring is an online travel community and forum for the travel and road trip enthusiasts and is run by passionate and knowledgeable travelers with several years of travel, photography, social media and management experience. This group was founded by Yogesh Sarkar, a renowned writer and a travel enthusiast. The sad news is – Yogesh Sarkar of BCMTouring.com is no longer with us and breathed last in Merak (a village near Pangong Tso) on his tenth trip to Ladakh. The cause of death appeared to be AMS. Yogesh Sarkar will always be remembered. He loved Leh and he breathed his last in Leh in the year 2019. This was my last meeting with Yogesh and subsequently, he shared some of his travel stories, which we plan to publish soon. Thanks Yogesh Bhai- you will always be remembered and your guidance will always be there.
Also Read: London tourist spots
Know about AMS
https://www.healthline.com/health/acute-mountain-sickness
This meeting was very eventful as I got the chance to meet a lot of travel experts in the Delhi circuit. We had a lot of discussions pertaining to travel. I also spoke a lot about The Traveller Trails magazine. If you wish to know more about The Traveller Trails, here is the link:
https://thetravellertrails.in/
After conversing with Aman Ahuja, I got to know that he owns some hotels in Himachal Pradesh. The small chit chat became long discussions and post that meeting also, we continued our connection and spoke over the phone. Ultimately, we became friends.
Now you may think, why am I writing all these in this blog post? What is the ultimate goal?
Well! Through this blog, I would like to talk about Aman’s hotels and the wonderful host he is. Above all he is an awesome human being and a perfect person to chill with.
Hotel Apple Pie, Kalpa
Kalpa is a small village earlier known as Chini, situated in the lap of the mighty Kinner Kailash (one of the sacred panch kailash). It lies in the northernmost district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh that shares its border with tibet. Kalpa is famous for the apples of various species that grow here and are considered as world’s best apples.
If You are looking for an economical hotel in Kalpa but clean and comfortable accommodation while on a personal or a pleasure then Hotel Apple Pie is the place for you. Besides offering spacious and luxurious accommodation at reasonable room tariff in the most prestigious and prime location of Kalpa area, we provide, to the best of our efforts, a very personalized service.
Our simplicity and friendly attitude gives you all the more reasons to stay with us. You will never at any time feel like staying in an over-bearing, clinical strange environment. It is a family friendly, children friendly & pet friendly place. We have a reputation of providing a safe environment to families and female travelers.
Guests are most welcome to talk to us and discuss various places in and around Kalpa or kinnaur. Any kind of suggestions or help they need from us regarding Shopping, Health check ups, etc, we are always there.
Our Policies — Hotel in Kalpa
Photo identification and credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Check-in time is 1200 hrs
Check-out time is 1200 hrs
Hotel Apple Pie, Rakcham
Kinnaur – a divine place in Himachal pradesh associated with the “kinner Kailash ” incarnation of Lord Shiva. Situated in Kinnaur, Sangla Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in India. The belt remains unexplored till date. The tourists can have the best experiences of their lives while crossing the Sangla valley and reaching the last village of that road- Chitkul. The way passes through one of the best sceneries of nature and through the village Rakchham which is world famous for the quality apples. Kinnaur apples are the best quality apples that are found in abundance in Sangla valley , Rakcham and Chitkul.
From the point of view of a tourist, Sangla Valley, village Rakchham and village Chitkul occupy a dominant place in the lives of seekers.
Hotel Apple Pie is located on the main Chitkul Road, 10 km ahead of Sangla valley, in the picturesque village of Rakcham.
PLACES OF INTEREST in Sangla Valley
RECKONG PEO (2670M) : Located 240 km from Shimla, 7 km from Powari and 13 km from Kalpa. Reckong Peo is the headquarters of district Kinnaur.
KOTHI : Just 3 km from Reckong Peo. Kothi has a temple dedicated to the goddess Chanadika Devi. Set against a backdrop of mountains and graves of the deodar, the temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture. An exquisite gold image of goddess is enshrined in the sanctum.
SANGLA VALLEY : If a landscape had the powers of casting spells, then the Sangla valley would be a magician extraordinary. Once seen, it is a place that can never be forgotten. Even the rushing waters of the Baspa river, that flows through its 95 km length, seem to absorb some of the magic and slow down to savor its snow-frame beauty. 2 km from Sangla is the fort of Kamru (300 m) its architecture resembles that of the Bhima Kali complex and this was the origin of rulers of Bushehar. Chitkul (3450 m) is the last village of the valley and beyond lies Tibet.
RIBA (2745M) : Just 18 km from Powari on NH-22 is famous for its vineyards and local wine ‘Angoori’ made from grapes.
JANGI : 26 km from Powari, the inner border is located here beyond which foreigners require a permit to travel upto Tabo. From this point the famous Kinner Kailash Parikarama Trek starts touching Morang, Thangi and Kunocharang villages and entering Chitkul village in Sangla Valley.
PUH (2837m) : Lush green fields, orchards of apricot, almond trees and vineyards, are to be seen on route to Puh. Just 58 km from Powari along the NH-22, Puh has rest houses and basic hotel facilities.
NAKO (3662m) : 117 km from Kalpa. Hangrang Valley is the largest village above sea level. It is also famous for Nako Lake which has boating facilities in summer and during winter its frozen surface is used for ice skating. A Buddhist monastery is located here.
TABO (3050m) : 163 km from Kalpa and 27 km from Sando the ancient village Tabo is situated on the left bank of river Spiti. Flanked on either side by hills, it is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries regarded by many as only next to the Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It is also known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Tabo is the largest monastic complex of Spiti which has since been declared a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
KAZA (3600m) : 210 km from Kalpa 47 from Tabo. The headquarters of Spiti sub-district, Kaza is on the bank of river Spiti. In earlier times, it was the capital of Nono, the chief of Spiti. It has a Buddhist Monastery and Hindu Temple.
KEY GOMPA (4116m) : 7 km from Kaza. The largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Established in the 11th century, it has ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. Also houses the largest number of Buddhist monks and nuns.
KIBBER (4205 m) : 18 km from Kaza. The highest village in the world which is connected by a motorable road and also the highest village in the world which has its own polling station during elections.
KUNZAM PASS (4551m) : 76 km: One of the highest motorable passes. Goddess Kunjum keeps guard over the pass and wards of the evil
ACCESS : Nearest Airport (267 km) and Railhead (244 km) is at Shimla. The route is on NH – 22 (The Hindustan Tibet Road) which bifurcates to Kalpa from Powari. Buses and Taxis are available at Shimla and Rampur. One can also reach Kalpa via Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzam Pass – Kaza (400 km).
CLIMATE : In winter, the temperature can drop to below freezing point (at Kalpa / Rakcham both) when heavy woolens are required and for summers light woolens are recommended.
To sum up, if you visit Sangla Valley, don’t forget Mr. Aman Ahuja and Hotel Apple Pie.
Happy Travelling.