On your arrival at Chandigarh, meet our representative and you will start your journey towards Shimla known as the “Queen of Hill Station”. The road trip is a nice way to ease into the mountains, as the land becomes gradually hilly and covered more densely with pines along the journey. Upon arrival in Shimla, check in at your hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon go for riding and in the evening you should visit The Ridge which is considered to be the heart of Shimla surrounded by the panoramic snow-peaks. Explore Christ Church, a neo-gothic wonder from the 19th-century, and wander through Mall Road. Also go to Lakkar Bazaar which is a good street to buy woollens, wooden crafts, Himachali caps and many other things. Wrap up your day with local delights, momos, rajma-chawal and coffee amidst the mountains.
Post breakfast, drive to Kufri 16 kms from Shimla. Visit Himalayan Nature Park where you can spot endangered animals like the Himalayan Monal. Continue your ride over a horse or yak and reach to the Mahasu Peak offering panoramic views of snow trim mountains. In winter, you can also go skiing, sledding or snowboarding. Later, head to Fagu Valley, a quiet village with apple orchards and deodar trees all around where a photostop is good for breathing fresh air and land there after one hour drive. On the way back to Shimla, you can halt at dhabas on roadsides for hot Maggi, paranthas, and chai with sights of deep valleys beneath.
Afterdrive to Manali from Shimla, you will have a great experience with the diversity of landscapes in between. You can also take a break for photography at Sundernagar Lake and visit Pandoh Dam having the view of Beas River. Go to the Kullu Valley where apple orchards and pine forests appear on either side as you enter. Stopover at a Kullu shawl factory and buy shawls and scarfs. Thereafter if time permits treat yourself to an adventurous experience of White water rafting on Beas River. After reaching Manali in the evening, check-in and later walk along the river bank before dinner.
Post-Lunch proceeds to Solang Valley as this place is full of activities like paragliding, zorbing or a ropeway ride up high viewpoints. During the winter season it becomes a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snow scooter jaunts and sledging. If the weather is clear head on to Rohtang Pass for amazing glacier and peak views. Head back to Manali and end your day with the warm womb like interiors of the small town cafes that dish out everything from Israeli platters
Visit the cultural and natural gems in Manali which is wooden Hadimba Devi Temple, in a forest glade then Manu Temple on the Beas River downstream. Take a bath in the curative waters of Vashisht Hot Springs. Take a leisure walk alongside the Beas river followed by a visit to Tibetan Monastery where one might see Chinese architecture and fine art. See the prenuptial meeting in the calm roads of Old Manali and appreciate unrecorded music bistros, bakeries and apple plantations. Do not forget to taste the traditional dish of Himachal “Babaru”
Post breakfast, drive to Dharamshala. On reaching, check into your hotel and relax. In the evening walk around McLeodganj, visit the bustling streets with Tibetan crafts shops, café and art galleries. Here the air is laced with incense blended with the crisp mountain air.
Explore the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in India. Stop at Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall and continue to St. John in the Wilderness Church, surrounded by thick deodar forests. Do not miss the HPCA Cricket Stadium with snow-peaked backgrounds. After sightseeing, drive to Dalhousie. Upon arrival you will take a short walk through the silent alleys of ancient colonial structures.
go to Khajjiar typically called 'Mini Switzerland of India' for its dew-fresh meadows, the luster of cedar woodlands and also the small lake today. You can ride a horse on the meadow, take postcard photos or just smell daisies and fresh air. Visit the ancient shrine of the serpent god, Khajji Nag Temple. After Breakfast in the hotel drive back to Dalhousie Visit Panchpula as it is a beautiful spot with awesome waterfalls and pleasant walks amidst nature. In the evening, visit Gandhi Chowk market to shop for local handicrafts.
After breakfast, drive back to Chandigarh with scenic memories of snow-clad peaks, lush valleys, and Himachali hospitality. Board your flight/train with stories and pictures to last a lifetime.
