Planning a journey where every turn of the road brings fresh views of snow peaks, pine forests,, and colorful towns is breathtaking in Himachal Pradesh. This trip includes the colonial aura of Shimla, nature-filled valleys of Manali, tranquil monasteries at Dharamshala,, and mini-Switzerlandvibes of Khajjiar. Book your tickets,, and Chetram Holidays will cover nature, culture,, and adventure with nice hotels, private cab transfers,, and the best sightseeing experience. So take your warm clothes and camera with you; the Himalayas are waiting for you.
Your journey to Himachal will start from leaving early in the morning,, and plains gradually turn to rolling hills, with slopes of well-forested pines and picturesque hillside villages alongside the mountain roads. Get down the road at roadside dhabas for a hot cup of tea and breathe theHimalayan breath. In the afternoon you shall reach Shimla, the old summer capital of British India. Relax in your hotel,, and later head out for an evening walk along Mall Road. Stop by The Ridge to enjoy a view of the mountains and take a look at the iconic Christ Church with stained glass windows. Here you can shop around for souvenirs, woolens, and local handicrafts,, followed by a snack session savoring some Himachali snacks in one of the cafes. After having dinner back at your hotel, turn in for a restful night.
Wake up to fresh mountain air and enjoy breakfast before setting off for an excursion to Kufri, just 16 km from Shimla. Known as a winter sports paradise, Kufri comes alive in the colder months with skiing, tobogganing, and snow play. If the season is right, ride on yaks through snowy meadows and visit Kufri Fun World, one of the highest amusement parks in the world. Later, stop at Green Valley, framed by dense pine and deodar forests, for postcard-perfect photos. Visit the Himalayan Nature Park, where you can spot rare mountain wildlife such as snow leopards and Himalayan monals. In the afternoon, head back to Shimla and visit Lakkar Bazaar,, which is famous for wooden artifacts and souvenirs. Sit on Mall Road with a coffee and watch the world go by.
Drive throughHimachal's most beautiful landscapes from Shimla to Manali,i, covering around 8–9 hours of driving. After breakfast, leave for the lush valleys and descend down to 1250 feet,, passing through Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi,, and Kullu. Make a quick visit to the Pandoh Dam, with its inviting turquoise waters standing out against the surrounding mountains, perfect for a photo-op. If time permits, then try your handhand at river rafting on the BeasBeas River in Kullu (seasonal) or shop for warm woolens and Kullu shawls from the local markets. The road will take you through apple orchards, pine forests,, and hard-flowing streams before you arrive in Manali by the evening. Check in at the hotel, freshen up, and have a hot dinner.
Post breakfast, leave to explore the local sights of Manali. The first place on our list is Hadimba Temple, which is located amidst cedar forests at a 16th-century wooden temple having intricate carvings and an eternal calm vibe. Then visit Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu (the creator of the human race). Next, visit the renowned natural hot springs believed to have curative powers located at Vashisht Village. A short trek to visit the Jogini Waterfall, which has water falling into a pond of peace amidst the greenery. In the afternoon, shop at the Tibetan stalls and local eateries serving hot momos, trout fish, and Himachali delicacies. You can also go to the Tibetan Monastery, which is situated in proximity. As the sun sets, catch up on the beauty of Manali glittering with tiny lights against a background of huge mountains; get back to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
For adventurous souls, Solang Valley is the place to be during your adrenaline-packed day filled with paragliding, zorbing, and skiing. It is a winter wonderland, as you will be enveloped by snow-covered mountains, taking life to new heights at Solang. Then drive further to Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 3,978 meters, a high-altitude wonderland of difficult terrains and snow-clad mountains. You can relax on your way back while admiring the scenic views of the Beas River and little mountain villages. During the winter months, this is a snow-covered paradise, whereas summer brings meadows of wildflowers to the area. In the evening return back to Manali, and on the way, have tea at a roadside cafe, which shows you many waterfalls down in the valley. After the visit, return to spend a night full of memories with dinner.
You will drive from Manali to Dharamshala, the town of heaven on earth, which is embraced in the lap of the Western Himalayas. Upon completion of breakfast, hit the road through mountain routes followed by tea gardens and pine wood forests. You will be passing through charming villages and overlooking the majestic Dhauladhar range in the distance. Check in to the hotel and make the stop at Dharamshala. Evenings are best spent strolling in and around the local market or at the Tibetan cafe, savoring momos with herbal tea. Fresh mountain air, fluttering prayer flags, and far-off chants from the monasteries create a serene ambiance. The hotel serves dinner, which you can use to relax and get ready for your day in the calm, evergreen hill station with plenty of peaceful sightseeing.
After breakfast, visit the Namgyal monastery. Enjoy the serene gongs and delicate murals and sculptures. Devotees and nature lovers must visit Bhagsu Waterfall, which is also nearby. Proceed to Dal Lake, a small and picturesque lake enveloped with deodar trees.Do not forget to visit the Church of St. John in the Wilderness, a neo-Gothic church that is surrounded by forests. Followed by an exploration of McLeod Ganj (also known as “Little Lhasa”), including Tibetan handicraft shops, book cafés, and local eateries. One of the best views of the mountains, where you can enjoy tasting local thupka (thukpa) soup, tingmo bread, and other homemade dishes with coffee brewed right there.
Drive 4–5 hrs to Dalhousie, a charming hill station with some British flavor. You will pass through woods of pine and oak interspersed with views of the distant snow line. On reaching, check in at the hotel and relax for some time. Stroll through the old buildings and small shops at Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk, which are extremely popular as town squares in the evenings. Take a leisurely walk in the fresh mountain breeze on the quiet streets. You can also head to St. Francis Church or jump on a bench and look at the sunset across the mountains on the horizon. Staying in this small town that takes you back to the old-world charm of Nigeria.
After breakfast, move out to Khajjiar, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." Nestled high in pine forests, this meadow is super scenic, and tranquility can be seen in every possible way. You can engage in other activities here; this includes horse riding, zorbing, or just strolling around the grasslands. Khajji Nag Temple is another ancient temple, belonging to the serpent god, and is recognized by its old wooden architecture. Spend a while photographing the atmospheric nature of the place. Drive back to your home while checking out of the hotel at Dalhousie.
