7 Day Himachal

Itinerary

7 days trip to Himachal Pradesh 

A 7-day trip to Himachal Pradesh gives you ample time to explore multiple destinations and enjoy both the adventure and serenity the region offers. This itinerary will cover Shimla, Kufri, Manali, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and a day in Kullu and Dharamshala. You’ll also get time to relax, explore local culture, and indulge in various activities. Here’s your detailed plan:

Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla (Approx. 4-5 hours drive)

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• Morning:

  • Start early from Chandigarh (around 7:00 AM) and head towards Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, with scenic views of the hills.

• Afternoon:

  • Check in to your hotel in Shimla and relax.

  • After lunch, head to The Ridge, Mall Road, and Scandal Point for a leisurely walk. These spots are the heart of Shimla, offering great views of the surrounding mountains and colonial-era architecture.

  • Visit Christ Church and the Gaiety Theatre for a taste of Shimla's history.

• Evening:

  • Optionally, visit Jakhoo Temple (if you enjoy a short trek) for stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains.

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant serving Himachali delicacies like Siddu or Chana Madra.

Day 2: Shimla to Kufri & Fagu

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• Morning:

  • After breakfast, take a short drive (16 km) to Kufri, a small hill station that offers various adventure activities like skiing (in winter), tobogganing, and go-karting.

  • You can also explore the Himalayan Nature Park in Kufri for some nature walks and bird watching.

• Afternoon:

  • Continue your drive to Fagu (22 km from Kufri). Fagu is a serene village with apple orchards, pine forests, and scenic views. It’s perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

  • Have lunch at a local café or restaurant in Fagu, and enjoy the cool mountain air.

• Evening:

  • Return to Shimla by late afternoon and visit Shimla's Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) to explore the British colonial-era architecture and lush gardens.

  • Relax and enjoy dinner in Shimla.

Day 3: Shimla to Manali (Approx. 7-8 hours drive)

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• Morning:

  • After breakfast, depart early from Shimla to Manali (7-8 hours drive).

  • The journey will take you through beautiful landscapes, passing through towns like Kullu. Take short breaks for refreshments and sightseeing on the way.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Manali by late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and relax.

  • In the evening, you can take a walk along Old Manali and enjoy its bohemian atmosphere. Explore the cafés and local markets.

• Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at a café in Old Manali or Mall Road.

Day 4: Explore Manali (Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley)

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• Morning:

  • Start your day by visiting the famous Hadimba Temple, an ancient wooden structure surrounded by cedar forests. It is one of the most iconic temples in Himachal.

  • Visit Vashisht Temple and the nearby Hot Springs for a relaxing experience in the warm waters.

• Afternoon:

  • Head to Solang Valley (12-14 km from Manali) for adventure activities. Depending on the season, you can try skiing, paragliding, or zorbing in Solang.

  • You can also take a cable car ride for panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.

• Evening:

  • Return to Manali in the evening and relax. Explore Manali Mall Road for shopping and local food.

Day 5: Manali to Rohtang Pass (Optional) & Kullu Valley

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• Morning:

  • Early morning departure for Rohtang Pass (51 km from Manali). Rohtang Pass is one of the most famous tourist spots in Himachal, known for its snow-covered landscapes and thrilling adventure activities (skiing, snowboarding, snowball fights).

  • To visit Rohtang, you’ll need a permit, which can be obtained online or through local agencies. Be sure to check for permits well in advance, as they can get booked quickly in peak seasons (May-November).

• Afternoon:

  • After exploring Rohtang Pass, head towards Kullu Valley (on your way back). You can visit Kullu for some river rafting (on the Beas River) or visit Great Himalayan National Park for nature walks and bird watching.

  • Have lunch in Kullu or return to Manali for a meal.

• Evening:

  • If you have extra time, visit Naggar Castle (20 km from Manali) for its beautiful architecture and panoramic views of the Kullu Valley.

  • Return to Manali and relax in the evening.

Day 6: Manali to Dharamshala (Approx. 7-8 hours drive)

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• Morning:

  • After breakfast, depart for Dharamshala (7-8 hours drive). Dharamshala, known for its Tibetan culture, is located at the base of the Dhauladhar range.

  • The journey will take you through beautiful hills, rivers, and forests, with scenic views on the way.

• Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Dharamshala by evening, check in to your hotel, and rest.

  • In the evening, you can take a stroll around Mcleodganj, which is a vibrant Tibetan hub, home to monasteries, temples, and cafes serving Tibetan food.

• Evening:

  • Visit the Dalai Lama Temple and explore the Tibetan markets. Enjoy a peaceful dinner at one of the Tibetan restaurants.

Day 7: Explore Dharamshala & Return to Chandigarh

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• Morning:

  • Start the day with a visit to Bhagsunag Waterfall, located around 3 km from Mcleodganj. It's a beautiful spot for a short trek and relaxation.

  • You can also visit the Namgyal Monastery and the Tibetan Museum in Mcleodganj to learn about Tibetan history and culture.

• Afternoon:

  • After lunch, visit the Kangra Fort, which is about 30 km from Dharamshala. It is one of the oldest forts in India and offers great views of the surrounding area.

  • Explore the Masroor Rock Cut Temples if you have time.

• Evening:

  • Start your journey back to Chandigarh by late afternoon (8-9 hours drive). Arrive in Chandigarh by night, marking the end of your 7-day Himachal trip.

Additional Tips:

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• Travel Mode: car or Volvo buses

• Accommodation: From luxury resorts in Manali and Shimla to budget guesthouses and homestays in Dharamshala, there are plenty of options. Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons (May-June and September-October).

• Weather: Himachal can be quite chilly in the evenings, especially in higher altitudes, so pack warm clothes even in the summer months.

• Permits: If visiting Rohtang Pass or other restricted areas, make sure to obtain the required permits ahead of time. You can also book online permits for Rohtang Pass through the Himachal Pradesh tourism website.

Conclusion:

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This 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. From the colonial charm of Shimla and Kufri to the adventurous Solang Valley and the serene beauty of Dharamshala, you’ll experience a variety of landscapes and cultures in Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy your trip