This is a detailed review of Chinar Resort, Sharan. We visited this place in the first week of September 2020. After booking the rooms, one is required to deposit 50% of the amount in their bank account within 24 hours. We didn’t deposit the money in time and our booking was dropped by the computer. We then faced some difficulty in re-booking our rooms, which created some tension.
We followed the route recommended by Google Maps which took us on Hazara Motorway and then to Highway N15 through the so called New Balakot City. The road linking the two highways was in poor shape but was only 5 km long, but uninhabited (no help will come if you get stuck). Due to recent rains there were mud patches and I was concerned about my Civic getting stuck or hitting the bottom. But in the end we made it safely. One advantage of taking this route is that you get to make a stop at the only Service area on Hazara motorway. The other alternative is to pass through Mansehra. This part of the road is much better but means taking a longish detour through a crowded city. You also miss the Service area on Hazara motorway. If your vehicle has good ground clearance, follow the route recommended by Google.
We parked our cars in Paras at Chinar Resort parking lot and took a jeep to the resort. This ride is not meant for the faint hearted. Later, after lunch we took the jeep to Sharan forest. At the end of tour the same jeep dropped us back at the parking lot. Jeep charges: Rs. 5000.
We had booked Executive rooms, each at Rs. 10,000 per night. Deluxe rooms are at Rs. 7000 per night and Standard rooms at Rs. 5000 per night. Some Standard rooms are without view. The resort has two dining areas, one without view and one with view. Food charges came to around Rs. 3250 per person per day (heavy breakfast + dinner), including tea and mineral water. Hot water routine is from 6-11 AM.
The resort has a nice open air terrace to while away time if it is not raining. The view is simply fascinating. The place is ideal for people who love hiking.
The only negative side was that Rs. 20,000 excess room charges were included in our bill, which were quickly deleted, once we complained. Therefore please examine your bills carefully before paying.
