Shimla-Manali-Dharamshala Itinerary: 7 Days 6 Nights
Day 1: Arrival in Shimla
Morning:
Arrive in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. You can either take a flight to Jubbarhatti Airport or travel by train to Kalka and then take a toy train or drive to Shimla.
Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon:
Explore Mall Road: Enjoy a leisurely walk, shop for local handicrafts, and try some local cuisine at the numerous cafes and eateries.
Visit Christ Church and the Ridge for panoramic views.
Evening:
Relax at your hotel or enjoy a quiet evening at one of Shimla’s cafes.
Day 2: Shimla to Kufri and Fagu
Morning:
Head to Kufri (about 16 km from Shimla). Visit the Himalayan Nature Park and enjoy activities like horse riding or skiing (seasonal).
Afternoon:
Continue to Fagu (about 22 km from Kufri) for its serene landscapes and apple orchards. Have lunch here or return to Shimla for a meal.
Evening:
Return to Shimla. Enjoy a relaxing evening or visit Lakkar Bazaar for souvenirs.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
Morning:
Drive to Manali (about 250 km, which takes approximately 7-8 hours). You can also choose to take a Volvo bus.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Manali and check into your hotel.
Evening:
Explore the Mall Road in Manali, visit the Hadimba Temple, and stroll through the nearby forests.
Day 4: Manali Local Sightseeing
Morning:
Visit the Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (seasonal).
Afternoon:
Head to Rohtang Pass (if open; it's generally open from May to November). Enjoy the snow-capped views and various snow activities.
Evening:
Return to Manali and relax. You can explore local cafes and markets in the evening.
Day 5: Manali to Dharamshala
Morning:
Depart for Dharamshala (about 240 km, approximately 6-7 hours drive). You can also choose to take a bus.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Dharamshala and check into your hotel.
Evening:
Visit the McLeod Ganj area, explore the local markets, and visit the Dalai Lama Temple complex.
Day 6: Dharamshala Local Sightseeing
Morning:
Visit Bhagsu Waterfall and the Bhagsunath Temple.
Explore Triund Hill (if you’re up for a trek) or enjoy a relaxing morning in the serene environment.
Afternoon:
Visit the Tibetan Museum and explore the local monasteries. Have lunch in McLeod Ganj.
Evening:
Relax and enjoy a quiet evening in Dharamshala or explore more local cafes.
Day 7: Departure
Morning:
Depending on your departure time, you can either return to Shimla or head straight to your departure point from Dharamshala.
Afternoon:
Travel to your departure location, whether it’s Shimla for a flight/train or another destination.
Tips:
- Travel Time: Roads in Himachal can be winding and travel times can be longer than expected. Plan for extra time in your itinerary.
- Weather: Check the weather conditions, especially for high-altitude areas like Rohtang Pass and Triund.
- Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Permits: If you plan to visit Rohtang Pass or any restricted areas, ensure you have the necessary permits.