Best of Himachal

With spectacular snowy peaks and plunging river valleys, beautiful Himachal is India’s outdoor adventure playground. From trekking and climbing to rafting, paragliding and skiing, if it can be done in the mountains, it can be done here.

A convoluted topography of interlocking mountain chains also makes Himachal a spectacular place simply to explore, by bus, car, motorbike, jeep or foot. Every pass crossing into a new valley brings you into a different world, with its own culture, deities and even language. Villages perched on staggering slopes enchant with fairy-tale architecture and their people's easygoing warmth.

Hill stations appeal with a holiday atmosphere and colonial echoes, while backpacker magnets lure with chilled-out vibes and mountain beauty. In the Dalai Lama's home-away-from-home, McLeod Ganj, or in remote Lahaul and Spiti with their centuries-old Buddhist cultures, you might wonder whether you've inadvertently stumbled into Tibet.

Photos

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrival Delhi / Transfer to Shimla - Local Sightseeing

  Arrival Chandigarh, meet & greet by our representative, transfer to Shimla ... 115 kms., 3.5 hrs. scenic drive
  
  Strung out along a 12km ridge, with steep forested hillsides falling away in all directions, the Himachal capital is one of India's most popular hill resorts, buzzing with a happy flow of heat-escaping Indian vacationers. For some visitors the attraction is perusing a dwindling series of relics from Shimla's previous incarnation as the summer capital of British India. Traffic is banned from the central part of town, so walking is pleasant – even when huffing and puffing uphill. The long, winding main street, The Mall, runs east and west just below the spine of the hill. South of it, the maze-like alleys and stairways of the bustling bazaar cascade steeply down to traffic-infested Cart Rd.
  
  From mid-July to mid-September Shimla is frequently wreathed in cloud, and from January it often gets a carpeting of snow. November is cold but clear with a distant horizon of Himalayan peaks sometimes visible from The Ridge.
  
  Check in at hotel on arrival
  
  Rest of day at leisure for local sightseeing
  
  Ridge : This ridge of Shimla gives a spectacular sight of the ice-covered mountain peaks. You also can have a look of the Tudor library and the Christ Church from this ridge.
  
  The Mall : The Mall, like most hill stations in North India, is the main shopping centre of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, Post Offices and tourist offices. The Gaiety Theatre is also situated there. People walk up and down the Mall slowly, stopping to gossip, as it is the main meeting place for everyone. The Ridge and Scandal point are the two main meeting points at the Mall.
  
  Jakhoo temple : The temple being situated at the highest peak of Shimla gives a stunning view of the Shimla town. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
  
  State museum : This is the abode to excellent paintings, handicrafts, textiles and stone carvings of Himachal Pradesh.
  
  Chadwick fall : The sight of the amazing waterfall of Chadwick being surrounded by thick forests and bushes from all around is very exciting.
  
  Summer hill : This hilly path with trees shading the way is ideal for a pleasurable walk.
  
  Narkanda : This is an important part of Shimla sightseeing as it gives an enchanting view of the mountain ranges being enveloped in white snow.
  
  Jubbal : It has been a very exciting tourist destination as it embraces the history of an age old palace that has been a conglomeration of the European and indigenous architecture.
  
  Glen : This is also a nice spot for the picnic planners with a dazzling stream flowing behind.
  
  Dinner & overnight at Shimla

• Day 2

  Shimla - Local sightseeing or excursions

  After breakfast, day at leisure for local sightseeing or excursion to Chail / Kufri
  
  Chail [60 kms. – 2 to 3 hrs. drive]
  
  Chail village became the summer retreat of the larger-than-life Maharaja of Patiala after, legend has it, he was banished from Shimla for attempting to elope with the viceroy's daughter. His grey-stone palace, built in 1891 in a staid English suburban style, is now a state-run hotel with extensive wooded grounds.
  
  With thick pine and cedar forests and moderate temperatures, the area has some nice walks, including through Chail Wildlife Sanctuary up the panoramic hill Kali Ka Tibba, 6km south of the village.
  
  Chail is at its most picturesque when under a coating of snow in January and February. It also claims the world's highest cricket ground, on a levelled hilltop 2 km southeast of the village centre in the grounds of Rashtriya Military School (vehicles may not be able to approach closer than 1km).
  
  Kufri [20 kms. – 1 hr drive]
  
  Situated near the Himalayan range, Kufri is a picturesque hill station situated 20 km from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Founded in 1819 by the British, the popularity of the hill station as a tourist spot grew only in the last few decades.
  
  Kufri derives its name from ‘Kufr’ which means lake. Especially popular among trekkers, Kufri is the starting point of treks to Manali, Shimla, Rewalsar and Fagu among others. Kufri, Shimla and Chail form the Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh.
  
  The cool and pleasant climate, along with stunning natural beauty, makes Kufri a perfect summer getaway.
  
  Later return back to Shimla
  
  Dinner & overnight at Shimla

• Day 3

  Shimla to Manali

  After breakfast, transfer to Manali ... 250 kms., 7 to 8 hours drive
  
  With mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is a year-round magnet. Backpackers are well catered for in parts of Vashisht and Old Manai where numerous agents offer trekking, climbing, rafting and skiing according to season. Meanwhile, so many Indian families and honeymooners come for a first taste of snow that greater Manali now has an estimated 800 to 1000 hotels and guesthouses.
  
  Tight-packed resort buildings already fill the town centre and are now steadily devouring former orchard terraces as far south as once-rustic Prini 'village'. But while the whole area gets jam-packed in season (mid-April to mid-July, mid-September to mid-October, and over Christmas–New Year), it doesn't take too much effort to get off the main tourist trail. And in November, clear skies plus slashed prices make Manali a bargain – if you can handle the cold and the closure of some restaurants.
  
  On arrival check in at hotel
  
  Evening at leisure to relax at your resort
  
  Dinner & overnight at Manali

• Day 4

  Manali - Sightseeing

  After breakfast, day at leisure to visit the places of sightseeing at Manali
  
  Hadimba Temple: Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hadimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May.
  
  Manu Temple: 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth.
  
  Tibetan Monasteries: There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.
  
  Vashist hot water springs & Temple (3 kms): Vashist, a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass is worth a visit. It is renowned for its hot springs and temples. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashist Muni.
  
  Solang Valley: 13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali.
  
  Around Manali
  
  Nehru Kund : It is located on the Manali-Keylong road at a distance of 6 km from Manali town The Kund is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The place is especially famous for the clean water spring, from the Brhigu Lake.
  
  Jagatsukh : It is located at a distance of 6 km from Manali, Jagatsukh is the largest village of Kullu district. It is situated on the bank of the river Beas, The village has a famous temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is built in Shikhara style. Jagatsukh also functioned as the ancient capital of Kullu for about ten generations.
  
  Arjun Gufa : It is Located at a distance of 15 km from the Manali town, near the Prini Village, According to a legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, used to practice meditation here to get the powerful Pashupata Ashtra (a powerful weapon).
  
  Dinner & overnight at Manali

• Day 5

  Manali Sightseeing

  After breakfast depart for local sightseeing or venture for adventure activities
  
  Rahala Water Falls : 16 kms. on way to Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot as well.
  
  Rohtang Pass : Rohtang Pass (3979 m) is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan.
  
  Adventure Activities around Manali
  
  River Rafting : River rafting has gained immense popularity in the last few years in Himachal Pradesh. The melting snow on Himalayas during summers, fill the rivers with water and also provide them the enough speed to take up rafting challenges. Himachal Pradesh’s snow-fed rivers pose the toughest of the challenges to the rafters. The magic behind rafting is the extreme and never-ending thrill in the untamed rivers.
  
  Para Gliding : As free as a bird, riding the warm thermal currents of the air, is perhaps the closest man has ever come to sailing the skies of Manali. Seemingly at will, you dip and wheel high over the hills and valleys of the Himalaya. Paragliding has emerged as a new means to satisfy the hunger for flying. Para gliding uses “thermals’ as the driving force. In perfect weather conditions one can stay aloft for over three hours and can soar to heights more than 3,000m.
  
  Skiing : The challenge of the snow covered terrain and a streak of adventure in man. That is what combines together in the realm of skiing - the fastest and most fascinating winter sport. Encircled by some of the most stunningly scenic landscapes in the world, Manali, Himachal Pradesh is a major focus for the sport of Skiing. No matter where you are, if you are looking for the best ski slopes, come to Manali. It offers exciting skiing opportunities for both beginners as well the professional skiers.
  
  Angling : Angling is a source of recreation to innumerable naturists belonging to different strata of the society. Himachal, with its many rivers and streams, offers vast opportunities for the sport of fishing and angling.
  
  Rock Climbing : Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain climbing. Yet, this may also be treated as an independent sport, where the most basic level is climbing or descending a rock face, using only hands and feet and a safety rope.
  
  Rappelling : Rappelling is the practice of sliding down a rope to descend a rock face in a controlled manner. The technique was developed by climbers, but has turned into a sport of its own. When you want to descend, there are basically two options: you can walk or climb down, or you can rappel. When the terrain is easy, walking or climbing down is the best choice.
  
  Dinner & overnight at Manali

• Day 6

  Manali - Day at leisure

  After breakfast, day is at leisure to cover places of sightseeing or explore the local market for shopping or just relax at the resort
  
  Often acknowledged as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road in Manali is the most attractive tourist destination for the Himachal travelers. Renowned for its street shopping adventure and bustled with heaps of activities, the Mall Road of Manali has got a lot of things to keep you busy for the day. Lined with multiple restaurants, cafes, and dhabas, this place is ideal for those who have got a flavor of bargaining skills deeply rooted in them
  
  Dinner & overnight at Manali

• Day 7

  Manali to Naldehra or Parwanoo

  After breakfast, depart for Naldehra [255 kms,, 8 hrs. drive] or Parwanoo [290 kms., 9 hrs. drive]
  
  Naldehra, 25km northeast of Shimla, is famous chiefly for the historic Naldehra Golf Club, curiously designed as a bowl with criss-crossing fairways. It's a steep 400m walk up from the bus stand where tourist ponies await (half-hour rides ?500). Since 2017 the area beside the course, including the access path, has been classed an 'eco-park' (entry ?10).
  
  Less than five minutes' walk further through the trees around the course perimeter brings you to the small, naïvely carved Nag Devta temple (beside Hole 16), from which the name Naldehra is probably derived. On a very fine day there's a distant Himalayan panorama between the trees from near here.
  
  Parwanoo is a place where one can enjoy the captivating ambience of a hill station and hustle-bustle of a city. Situated on the border of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, this small town offers beautiful apple orchards and delicious fruit products.
  
  An ideal getaway for outdoor activities such as trekking and hiking, it is also a destination for nature lovers. Once a sleepy town, today Parwanoo has transformed into an industrial city. The verdant cover of pine and fir trees along with pleasant weather will make you fall in love with this place. Packed with lakes, temples and gardens and a ride on a cable car, a trip to this town can be one of the most enjoyable and cherished.
  
  On arrival check in at hotel
  
  Evening at leisure
  
  Dinner & overnight at Naldehra / Parwanoo

• Day 8

  Naldehra or Parwanoo - At leisure for local sightseeing

  After breakfast, day is at leisure or venture for some local sightseeing
  
  Golf Course - At a height of 2044m and just 300 metres from The Chalets Naldehra, lies the Naldehra golf course. This is a nine hole that is among the most picturesque ones in the world. The surrounding country, bouncy turf and a grove of deodars caught the eye of Lord Curzon, and the golf course was designed under his personal supervision. This is open to all at nominal green fees. Golf sets, balls and caddies are available on hire. The course is closed from 15th December to end February.
  
  Fagu - 22 km from Naldehra, Fagu is a vantage point with panoramic views of the ranges and valleys. Picturesquely located amidst forests and orchards, it is an interesting village and serves as a good base for exploring the nearby countryside.
  
  Tattapani - Tattapani is a popular attraction of this place, located at a distance of 30 km from Naldehra and 56 km away from Shimla. Tattapani is famous for its hot water springs and every year, many people come to this place to take a dip in this water. It is known for its sulphurous spring water, which is believed to cure many ailments like joint pain, fatigues and certain skin diseases. The springs are situated on the banks of River Sutlej, spread over an area of 1 sq km.
  
  Tattapani is located at an elevation of 655 m above sea level. This hot water spring is at a distance of 4 km from the Hindu temples and the Shiv Goofa (Shiva Caves) located at Saraur. Tourists also come to this place to try their hand at rafting along the Sutlej River.
  
  Narkanda - An enchanting 65 km drive from The Chalets, brings you to Narkanda, which is a popular skiing resort in winter. It has a choice of ski slopes – a beginner’s run, a slalom slope and sharper descents for the seasoned foot. Narkanda offers some of the finest views of the Greater Himalayas.
  
  Dinner & overnight at Naldehra / Parwanoo

• Day 9

  Naldehra or Parwanoo to Chandigarh Airport / Departure flight

  After breakfast, transfer to Chandigarh airport for onward flight ... 60 kms. / 2 hrs. drive from Parwanoo & 140 kms. / 4 hrs. 30 mins. drive from Naldehra ...

Notes

Round the Year Destination ... Extension recommended to Delhi, Agra, Jaipur & Northern Himachal covering Dharamshala & Dalhousie

Hotels

Span Resort and Spa Manali

Manali

The Oberoi Cecil Shimla

Shimla

Wildflower Hall Shimla

Shimla

Moksha Himalayan Spa Resort Parwanoo

Parwanoo

Larisa Resort Manali

Manali

The Chalets Naldehra

Naldehra

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