Yes it's very hot in April... especially in Bangkok...hv been to Phuket & Bkk in April....we used to escape the heat by spending the first half of the day mainly 11am to 3pm in the Malls...Weather gets better in the evenings... So if u plan ur days well, a holiday in April is manageable... And living in India, we are used to the hot Summers neways ☺
How to reach Manali- The most easiest and convenient way to reach Manali is to take an HRTC bus from Kashmere Gate, Delhi. The prices for the bus ranges from 600 to 1200/- , travelling through HRTC buses is safe and also comfortable. The journey will take about 10-11 hrs. I always prefer an overnight journey as it saves a day. Where to stay- There are plenty of options to stay in Manali. There are Hostels, Hotels, Home-stays. I prefer to stay in Hostel as it is affordable and also gives me a chance to interact with other travelers and for that matter Zostel, always has my heart. Whenever in doubt or not sure about your stay, just book your bed at Zostel. If you're occupying a bed in one of the dorms, 500 rs/- is what you pay. Places to eat at- New Manali is fun with all the hustle and bustle of the streets but I prefer the quaint old Manali. There are dozens of Cafe's in Old Manali and you can go cafe hopping. There are Cafe's offering you a view of the Manalsu River and also live Music. Cafe il Forno, Cafe 1947 and Cafe Kathmandu are some of my favorites. The food surely won't cost you more than 600-700 rs/- per day.
From where are you starting. i am not sure how good ur hitchhiking would. dont carry lot of valuables. usually people are friendly but stil be cautious. if u come to cohin do ping me. i can help you around in cochin. also for travel relate things in cochin check my trip published in my profile.
Hey 1- Devraj coffie corner
Also popular as the German Bakery in Rishikesh, it is hidden near the foot of Laxman Jhula. Nevertheless, its fame as one of the best places to savour European food in Rishikesh has foodies making a beeline for it 2-Madras cafe
Immensely popular with backpackers, this spacious cafe was once a hole-in-the-wall. It was perhaps its unforgettable mushroom curry or the very delicious Himalayan pulao that catapulted this modest cafe into such fame. 3-Chotiwala restaurant
One of the oldest restaurants in Rishikesh, Chotiwala is a must visit for anyone craving for homelike food. While the restaurant is labelled as a multi-cuisine facility, its highlight is its typical North Indian and Garhwali dishes. 4-Bistro nirvana
If the trek to the high banks region in Rishikesh makes you hungry, Bistro Nirvana is where you should head to. With its rustic ambience that has furniture made of bamboo, mud and clay and outdoor seating in a grove of trees, it is one of the best cafe-cum-restaurants in Rishikesh. Its huge menu has some not-to-be-missed delicacies including organic pizzas, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan, pita-falafel platters, pancakes, waffles and a range of soups.
Yes i have been to gurudongmar lake in mid December as the temperature was -21 and about 17800 ft above its very difficult to stay for 10-20 minutes there you need to be prepared for this. No there are no checkpost i guess there is just one
I went there last April. The temp is freezing cold and u can hardly stay there for around 15 20 minutes. I found it difficult to climb the stairs there..going down was easy...Be well prepared..I had taken a flask of hot water popcorns and kapoor to smell too...All of it helps a lot. I doubt therw are any medical check posts there as such.
Though there are many touristy places around there are two places that attracts less people but are absolute gems. If you are a history buff visit Naggar castle with wooden architectures and piquant interiors. The other one is the Jogini Devi Waterfall which has an enchanting route going through forest with river Beas flowing by your side most of the time. You can find the whole route and detailed information here.
https://www.tripoto.com/community/offbeat-places-to-visit-in-manali
There are such places at every corner of the city. Keep your eyes open when you walk in the streets you can find immense options and also at very affordable rates. Booking previously can actually cost you more