Himachal Pradesh
A 9 nights and 10 days journey through Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Chandigarh, planned end to end by Himachal Pradesh specialists at Red Bird Holidays.
Trip highlights
- 2 nights in Shimla
- 3 nights in Manali
- 1 night in Dharamshala
- 2 nights in Dalhousie
- 1 night in Chandigarh
Day by day
1Delhi - Shimla - (343KMS, 9 hrs)Dinner
Arrive at Delhi Airport, meet the assistance and drive to Shimla - the land of pine scented hills, beautiful Shali peaks, crisp winter skies, fragrant cedar forests, romantic mists and golden hillsides. On arrival check into the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Shimla.
2ShimlaBreakfastDinner
Today morning after breakfast drive to Kufri valley - located 16 kms from Shimla, it commands a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas. Later visit Naldehra - 23kms - under a skyline etched with conifers, Naldehra offers a well-groomed nine hole golf course. Evening take a visit to a mall road to visit Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, from where you enjoy an excellent view of Shimla. Next visit the Viceregal Lodge - formerly the residence of the British Viceroy of India – that houses ancient articles and photographs dating back to the times of the British rule in India which once served as the seat of power, The Ridge and the Christ church. Evening return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Shimla.
3Shimla - Manali - (257 Kms, 7 ½ Hrs)BreakfastDinner
Today Morning after breakfast check out and drive to Manali. Enroute visit Kullu village and the shawl factory.Later drive to Manali. On arrival check into the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Manali.
4ManaliBreakfastDinner
Today Morning after breakfast visit the
Naggar Castle Art Gallery : It is a heaven for all the art lovers. This place will please anyone who loves art and paintings. This castle is also a heritage hotel and a great place for someone who loves art and artistic pieces.
Timings : 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Hadimba Devi Temple : It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata.
Tibetan Monastery : Manali Gompa is a great place to learn about the Buddhist culture. Famous for its wall paintings, architecture and Chortens, this place is a must-visit if you are looking for some religious and spiritual atmosphere. The landscape around this Gompa is also stunning. It is also famous for its pagoda-style architecture.
Timings: 07:00 am - 07:00 pm
Vashisht Temple for hot sulphur springs - just outside Manali, across the river Beas, known for its hot sulphur springs whose water is said to have curative properties.
Later drive to Kullu for Rafting : Beas river is the major spot for river rafting in Manali. Various private companies offer this adventure to tourists with great security and equipments. Rafters also get to witness amazing views of the landscape while enjoying rafting.
or enjoy the Mall road of Manali.
Return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Manali .
5Manali - Rohtang - Manali (51 Kms, 4 Hrs Drive One Way)BreakfastDinner
Today early Morning around 5.30 am proceed for an excursion to Rohtang Pass (At Personal Cost through Union Vehicle)
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas located 51 kms from Manali, 3978 meters high, It connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh and further to Ladakh. Spend some time at Rohtang, do photography, enjoy playing in snow, and having tasteful Maggi and hot tea.
While coming back if time permits, stop by Solang valley to enjoy some adventure sports like Paragliding, Zorbing (activities at own cost) (operational of this activity depends on the weather conditions. )
Return to your hotel in the evening. Dinner & Overnight stay at Manali.
6Manali - Dharamshala - (223 Kms, 7 Hrs)BreakfastDinner
Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Dharamshala.
Dharamshala is synonymous with the Tibetan Govt. in exile, the actual headquarters in Dharmashala at Gangchen Kyishong, and most travelers hang out at McLeod Ganj.
On arrival check into the hotel.
Enjoy spending time at Cafes and some good local Tibetian food
Cafes : Dharamshala is a popular tourist spot among youngsters because of its amazing cafe culture. This town, specifically Mcleodganj, is dotted with several cafes that serve delicious local and international cuisine, and beverages. They are great stops to unwind with your friends, chat all evening, and pamper your taste buds amid that instagram-worthy panorama.
Best cafes in Dharamshala: Illiterati, Shiva Cafe, Namgyal Cafe, and Joyful Café Return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Dharamshala.
7Dharamshala - Dalhousie - (92 Kms – 4 Hrs)BreakfastDinner
Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Dalhousie. Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel. Visit places in Dharamshala like
Dal Lake : located on McLeod Ganj Road, North of Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj in Kangra district. Known for its altitude, it is surrounded by canopies of deodar trees that add to the charm of this small lake.
HPCA Cricket stadium : The HPCA stadium is located in Dharamsala and is more popularly used for Ranji Trophy matches. The high altitude of the stadium makes it a little difficult to use for international cricket since rains or snow can disrupt roads making transportation tough. Catch a game when here and enjoy the sport as you take in the breathtaking and majestic mountains in the background.
Gyuto Monastery : It is located approximately 9 kilometers south east of Dharamsala on the Palampur-Dharamsala road. It’s a very important monastery in Buddhist heritage as it is a premium tantric college. It follows the principles of the Gelug Order, a relatively new Buddhist order that focuses on discipline and ethics to achieve spiritual fulfillment. This is a beautiful place to visit in order to relax and meditate. The sheer beauty along with the peace and quiet of this monastery is sure to calm anyone. It’s a place one must visit to experience it Later drive to Dalhousie.
On arrival check into the hotel. Enjoy the evening or take a stroll on the mall road. Take visit of Rang Mahal - home to the Himachal Emporium. Dinner & Overnight stay at Dalhousie.
8DalhousieBreakfastDinner
Today Morning after breakfast start little early, take full day trip of sightseeing place of Dalhousie covering Khajjiar - a popular tourist spot, the most beautiful and lush green place where you can enjoy photography and Horse riding (at additional cost). It’s also known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. Surrounded by a thick cover of deodar and pine trees with the snow capped Himalayas in the backdrop.
Visit Singing Hill’, Dainkund Peak is one of the highly recommended and famous places in Dalhousie. One can enjoy refreshing views of the green hills, valleys and plains while they’re here. But what makes it stand out is the enchanting view of the three rivers – Chenab, Ravi and Beas, that weave through these greens below and enhance the beauty of this place manifold.
St. John’s Church: It is the oldest church in the town and has a lot of religious and historical importance. Lady Elgin donated stained-glass windows which happens to be the main attraction of the church.
Timings: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Evening visit Mall road. Return to the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Dalhousie.
9Dalhousie - Chandigarh - (320 Kms, 9 Hrs)BreakfastDinner
Today Morning after breakfast check out early and drive to Chandigarh. Its going to be a long and hectic drive. On arrival check into the hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay at Chandigarh.
10Chandigarh Airport DropBreakfast
Today morning after breakfast check out and visit
Rock Garden : The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a sculpture garden in Chandigarh, India. It is also known as Nek Chand's Rock Garden after its founder Nek Chand Saini, a government official who started the garden secretly in his spare time in 1957. Today it is spread over an area of 40 acres
Timings : 9:00 am – 7:00 pm all days
Entry fee : INR 30 per person
Later drop at Chandigarh airport for flight to your home town. You return back with wonderful memories of Himachal.
(The itinerary changes as per the flight timings on this day)
What is included
- Accommodation in handpicked hotels or resorts on the stated sharing basis
- Daily breakfast, with additional meals as listed in the day wise plan
- All transfers and sightseeing by a private air conditioned vehicle
- Driver allowance, toll, parking and interstate permits
- Assistance on arrival and a dedicated travel planner through the trip
Not included
- Airfare, train fare and visa fees unless quoted separately
- Monument, park and activity entry tickets
- Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, telephone and minibar
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Ask us about this trip
This itinerary is a template. Nights, hotels, sightseeing and travel dates are all adjustable, and the final quote depends on your group size and the season you travel in.
Starting price
On request
Priced once we know your dates, group size and the hotels you prefer.
Mon to Fri, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm · Sat, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm · Sun closed
You may also like
Karnataka
India
Palaces, coffee hills and a quiet coast
Bangalore · Mysore · Coorg · Ooty · Coimbatore
Kashmir
India
Shikaras, saffron meadows and houseboat nights
Srinagar · Pahalgam · Gulmarg · Srinagar
Leh Ladakh
India
High passes, blue lakes and monastery mornings
Leh · Nubra Valley · Pangong
Not sure where to start?
Send us your dates and a rough budget. We will come back with ideas that fit.
