Hill Station Trio - Dharamshala,
Shimla and Manali
- Ex Chandigarh
9N/10D
Duration
All year round
Best time to visit
Dinner and Breakfast
Meals provided
Hotels or Homestays or Camps
Stay provided
Local experienced driver
Transport
Experience the Peaceful Retreat of Dharamshala with its Tibetan influence, the Colonial Charm of Shimla with its heritage buildings and breathtaking landscapes, and the Adventure Paradise of Manali appealing to nature lovers and adventure seekers alike make for one exhilarating trip.
Places Covered
- Dharamshala
- Mcleodganj
- Dharamkot
- Manali
- Mall Road
- Hidimba
- Vashisth
- Solang
- Rohtang
- Naggar
- Shimla
- Viceregal Lodge
- Jhakhu
- Chail
- Kufri
Experience the best of tranquility, adventure and heritage in one trip exploring Himachal’s best hill stations.
You’ll experience:
- Dharamshala: Tibetan culture hub and home to the Dalai Lama in exile.
- Mcleodganj: Quaint town near Dharamshala, known for Tibetan influence.
- H.H. Temple: Historic temple in Mcleodganj dedicated to Tibetan culture.
- Dharamkot: Peaceful village near Mcleodganj, ideal for meditation and nature.
- Manali Mall Road: A popular tourist spot in Himachal known for souvenir shopping and diverse street food options.
- Hidimba Temple: Ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, surrounded by a cedar forest and built on a large rock.
- Vashisht: Village near Manali famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and three main temples.
- Atal Tunnel: The world’s highest single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet.
- Solang Valley: Ski resort in winter and adventure sports destination in summer, offering activities like parachuting and paragliding.
- Rohtang Pass: An ancient trade route connecting Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys, open from May to November.
- Naggar: Former capital of Kullu valley with Naggar Castle, now a heritage hotel, and the Nicholas Roerich museum showcasing his paintings.
- Shimla: Queen of Hill Stations with historic buildings and colonial charm.
- Viceregal Lodge: Also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas it is a stately colonial-era building in Shimla.
- Jhakhu: Home to the Jhakhu Temple – dedicated to Lord Hanuman
- Chail: A tranquil hill station with popular for its lush forests.
- Kufri: A hill station near Shimla, popular as a winter sports and wildlife destination.
| Day | Day Plan | Travel Time |
| Day 1 | Chandigarh to Dharamshala/ Mcleodganj and rest | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 2 | Local sightseeing- His Holiness Temple, Mall Road, Dharamkot, Market, St John in the Wilderness | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 3 | Local sightseeing- Dal Lake, Karmapa Temple, Norbulinka Institute | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 4 | Dharamshala to Manali via Mandi | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 5 | Local sightseeing- Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Van Vihar, Old Manali | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 6 | Local Sightseeing- Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Rohang (If permits are available), Vashisth, Jogni Water Falls | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 7 | Manali to Shimla via Naggar (Castle and Art Gallery) | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 8 | Local Sightseeing- Mall Road, Ridge, Jhakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Church | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 9 | Drive to Chail, Cricket Ground, Kufri, Chini Bungalow, Himalayan National Park and back | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 10 | Shimla to Chandigarh- trip ends | 4-5 hrs |
Your trip includes:
- Breakfast and Dinner as per the plan
- Transport and experienced local driver as per the plan
- Stay at the list of hotels shared as per the plan
- Driver to act as a basic guide
- All expenses for the driver are paid for, including all tolls, fuel, meals and accommodation
- Local coordinator in Himachal to handle your trip
Your trip excludes:
- 5% GST
- Lunch, snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)
- Any kind of insurance/ emergency and evacuation cost
- Local Guide
- Bus ticket cost/Monument Entry fee/Cost of permits
Here is the ultimate packing list for your Himachal trip.
- Shirt/t-shirt – 3-4
- Jeans/trekking pants – 2
- Windproof jacket of decent quality
- Regular socks – 3-4 pair
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable hiking/training shoes
- Floaters/sandals/chappals
- Water bottle
- Cap/hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Torch/flashlight
- Daypack/small backpack to carry it with you every day
- Prescription medicines (if any)
- Trekking pole (optional)
If you are travelling the in winter – please carry
- Thermals (upper and lower)
- Warm fleece/thick pullover – 2
- Woollen cap
- Woollen gloves
- Woollen socks
Experience the best of tranquility, adventure and heritage in one trip exploring Himachal’s best hill stations.
You’ll experience:
- Dharamshala: Tibetan culture hub and home to the Dalai Lama in exile.
- Mcleodganj: Quaint town near Dharamshala, known for Tibetan influence.
- H.H. Temple: Historic temple in Mcleodganj dedicated to Tibetan culture.
- Dharamkot: Peaceful village near Mcleodganj, ideal for meditation and nature.
- Manali Mall Road: A popular tourist spot in Himachal known for souvenir shopping and diverse street food options.
- Hidimba Temple: Ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, surrounded by a cedar forest and built on a large rock.
- Vashisht: Village near Manali famous for its sulphurous hot water springs and three main temples.
- Atal Tunnel: The world’s highest single-tube tunnel above 10,000 feet.
- Solang Valley: Ski resort in winter and adventure sports destination in summer, offering activities like parachuting and paragliding.
- Rohtang Pass: An ancient trade route connecting Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys, open from May to November.
- Naggar: Former capital of Kullu valley with Naggar Castle, now a heritage hotel, and the Nicholas Roerich museum showcasing his paintings.
- Shimla: Queen of Hill Stations with historic buildings and colonial charm.
- Viceregal Lodge: Also known as the Rashtrapati Niwas it is a stately colonial-era building in Shimla.
- Jhakhu: Home to the Jhakhu Temple – dedicated to Lord Hanuman
- Chail: A tranquil hill station with popular for its lush forests.
- Kufri: A hill station near Shimla, popular as a winter sports and wildlife destination.
| Day | Day Plan | Travel Time |
| Day 1 | Chandigarh to Dharamshala/ Mcleodganj and rest | 6-7 hrs |
| Day 2 | Local sightseeing- His Holiness Temple, Mall Road, Dharamkot, Market, St John in the Wilderness | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 3 | Local sightseeing- Dal Lake, Karmapa Temple, Norbulinka Institute | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 4 | Dharamshala to Manali via Mandi | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 5 | Local sightseeing- Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Van Vihar, Old Manali | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 6 | Local Sightseeing- Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Rohang (If permits are available), Vashisth, Jogni Water Falls | 5-6 hrs |
| Day 7 | Manali to Shimla via Naggar (Castle and Art Gallery) | 7-8 hrs |
| Day 8 | Local Sightseeing- Mall Road, Ridge, Jhakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Church | 4-5 hrs |
| Day 9 | Drive to Chail, Cricket Ground, Kufri, Chini Bungalow, Himalayan National Park and back | 3-4 hrs |
| Day 10 | Shimla to Chandigarh- trip ends | 4-5 hrs |
Your trip includes:
- Breakfast and Dinner as per the plan
- Transport and experienced local driver as per the plan
- Stay at the list of hotels shared as per the plan
- Driver to act as a basic guide
- All expenses for the driver are paid for, including all tolls, fuel, meals and accommodation
- Local coordinator in Himachal to handle your trip
Your trip excludes:
- 5% GST
- Lunch, snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)
- Any kind of insurance/ emergency and evacuation cost
- Local Guide
- Bus ticket cost/Monument Entry fee/Cost of permits
Here is the ultimate packing list for your Himachal trip.
- Shirt/t-shirt – 3-4
- Jeans/trekking pants – 2
- Windproof jacket of decent quality
- Regular socks – 3-4 pair
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable hiking/training shoes
- Floaters/sandals/chappals
- Water bottle
- Cap/hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
- Torch/flashlight
- Daypack/small backpack to carry it with you every day
- Prescription medicines (if any)
- Trekking pole (optional)
If you are travelling the in winter – please carry
- Thermals (upper and lower)
- Warm fleece/thick pullover – 2
- Woollen cap
- Woollen gloves
- Woollen socks
Detailed itinerary
Get picked up from Chandigarh airport/ railway station this morning and head to Dharamshala. Dharamshala is a small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, home to the his holiness the Dalai Lama and has become to centre for Tibetan Buddhism hosting people from all over the world for teachings and meditations. Enjoy the beautiful lush scenery on your way and pass quaint little villages as you enter Kangra district. Reach Dharamshala and rest today. You can go and explore the market place in the evening if you are upto it.
Its a busy day today with lots of sightseeing and a small hike to the Bhagsu Nag waterfall. Start off your day with visiting the Namgyal monastery more popularly known as the H.H Dalai Lama temple. You can spend some time there and sit to meditate if you’d like or go and turn the prayer wheels as a form of meditation. From here its mostly exploring on foot as your car cannot go to all the places. Visit the Bhagsu Nag temple and the hike to the nearby waterfall. The Hindu temple is dedicated to the snake god Bhagsu Nag and houses a fresh water seeing open to devotees and visitors to take a dip in. A quick 20 min hike from the temple takes you the Bhagsu Nag waterfall. Next you can visit the Mcleodganj market and have lunch in one of the many cafes. Enjoy some local Tibetan cuisine or indulge in some great continental food. The market place is Mcleodganj is buzzing and there are ample of places to shop for souvenirs and gifts. End the day in the beautiful village of Dharamkot. Dharamkot is a village above Mcleodganj and more popular as the starting point for the Triund Trek. You can head to the village and walk around the local trails, observe the local architecture and enjoy some spectacular views of the Kangra Valley below.
This morning we head to Dal Lake (named after the famous Dal Lake in Kashmir). The lake is a mid altitude lake in the village of Tota Rani. The lake is surrounded by majestic Deodhar Trees and rugged mountains. There is a famous Shiva Temple on the bank of the lake, making it a sacred spot for locals. Our next stop for the day is the Karmapa temple, belonging to the Kagyu sect of Buddhism. The temple specialises in tantric meditation, tantric ritual arts and Buddhist philosophy. Visitors can take part in the prayers on Wednesdays and Saturdays if they like. The last place to visit today would be the Norbulingka institute, founded in 1995 it is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan culture in its literary and artistic forms. Norbulingka is dedicated to handing down tradition and restoring standards by providing training, education and employment for Tibetans. Norbulingka produces high quality, traditionally crafted art objects, as well as clothing and home furnishings. Free guided tours of the institute are available to visitors every day except Sunday. Workshop are also offered for those wishing to study Tibetan arts. All proceeds from all Norbulingka’s projects go directly back into the institute to further our endeavors to preserve Tibetan culture.
Today we head to Manali, Himachal’s resort town. Head for Manali after breakfast as its a long drive. On the way stop on the Kullu Manali highway for some traditional shawl shopping if you’d like. Reach Manali and rest in the evening.
Start your day after breakfast and first visit the famous Hidimba temple also known as Dhungri temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima, a figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Surrounding the temple are the Dhungri forests which are also a nature sanctuary. Next we head to Manu temple which is a walk from the Old Manali bridge as that is the drop off point, due to lack of parking on the Old Manali road. The temple dedicated to sage Manu, is where Manali gets its name from. It has superb views of the original Old Manali village and a must visit for everyone. After your visit to the temple you can walk down Old Manali road and do some souvenir shopping, stop by for lunch in one of the many cafes lining the street. Post lunch you head to Vashisht temple, famous for its sulphur hot springs believed to have healing properties. From Vashisht is a small hike to Jogni waterfall. The hike is a beautiful walk through the forest leading to magical glimpses of the waterfall. You can hear the water roaring from a distance as you start your hike. The last stop for the day is on Mall Road, where you can again indulge in some shopping and stop by one of its many cafes and restaurants. Head back to your hotel for dinner.
We leave after a leisure breakfast to Atal Tunnel – the world's longest tunnel above 10000 ft. Visit the tunnel and cross over. to Khoksar where you can stop at a cup of tea and some mountain maggi. On your way back you will go to Solang Valley and go up on the ropeway or even indulge in some paragliding and other adventure activities. On your way back visit Vashisht temple, famous for its sulphur hot springs believed to have healing properties. From Vashisht is a small hike to Jogni waterfall. The hike is a beautiful walk through the forest leading to magical glimpses of the waterfall. You can hear the water roaring from a distance as you start your hike. Call it an early night. Tomorrow we head to Shimla.
We head to Shimla today, but on your way we make a quick stop at Naggar Castle, as medieval monument in Naggar town nestled between Kullu and Manali. Naggar used to be the ancient seat of the King of Kullu, but is now run as a heritage hotel and tourist monument. A little ahead of the castle is Roerich Art Galley, which used to be the habitation of world famous Russian artist Nicholas Roerich and his family. The place is now turned into an exhibition space by a joint venture between the Russian and Himachal Pradesh governments. It is visited by most people who come to Naggar and is an inspirational space for budding artists to see Roerich’s work on Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti Valley. You can chose to have lunch in Naggar village before heading to Shimla. Reach Shimla and rest this evening.
Leave for Shimla town after a leisure breakfast. You can take the day easy today and explore the town on foot as vehicles are not allowed on Mall Road. Visit the famous and most photographed, ridge in Shimla. You can even visit Vice Regal lodge ( formerly known as Rashtrapati Niwas) and the botanical gardens. It houses some of the most ancient articles and photographs going back to the times of the British rule in India.Next we visit the famous Jakhu temple by ropeway. Dedicated to lord Hanuman the temple is a very famous tourist point and a must see. As your day comes to an end, you can indulge in shopping on Mall Road for local handicraft and stop by a cafe for some dinner.
Leave for Chail this morning and on your way make a stop at Kufri. Kufri is famous for its Amusement park which has the world's highest go-kart track. If you are with children then there is a good chance you might end up spending the entire day there. Chini bungalow which is famous for its statues and architecture and the Kufri zoo are some of the main attractions. You can spend your day in Kufri before heading for Chail. Chail is a quieter place known for its famous cricket ground, Chail Palace and for its bird sanctuary. Chail Palace has been turned into a heritage hotel by the government and is a worthy visit if you are into British architecture.
Head back to Chandigarh this morning after breakfast and catch your flight back home. Trip ends today.
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