How many days do you need in Himachal?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Himachal, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

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Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Himachal. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Ultimate Himachal Pradesh Tour: Shimla, Manali & Dharamshala Adventure

Viewed by 255 travelers

Day 1: Shimla Exploration

Shimla, India on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Enjoy freshly brewed local coffee and scrumptious breakfast including croissants and eggs in this cozy café located near the Mall Road.

INR300, 1h0m

9:45am

Visit the Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road, the heart of Shimla, offering colonial architecture, quaint shops, and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.

Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

The Ridge

Explore The Ridge, an open space beside Mall Road where cultural events happen, also visit Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India located here.

Free, 1h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Café Simla Times

Relish authentic Himachali dishes and continental options at this popular café overlooking the Chail mountains, perfect to relax after a morning walk.

INR600, 1h15m

3:00pm

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Hike or drive to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman, located at the highest peak in Shimla with breathtaking views.

Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil

Savor fine dining with a blend of Indian and international cuisine at this heritage hotel with a charming ambiance.

INR1500, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 2: Kufri & Mashobra

Kufri and Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh, India on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sol

Relish fresh bakery breads, eggs, and tea at this quaint café in Shimla before heading out to Kufri.

INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Kufri

Drive 16 km to Kufri, famous for its scenic views, adventure sports, and the Himalayan Nature Park.

INR500 (taxi), 45m

10:30am

Himalayan Nature Park

Walk through this park that features Himalayan flora and fauna including rare species like the Himalayan monal pheasant.

INR50, 2h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Kiwi Café, Kufri

Enjoy local Himachali cuisine and fresh trout dishes in the charming hilltop café.

INR700, 1h15m

2:00pm

Visit Mashobra

Head to Mashobra for a tranquil experience among apple orchards and scenic walking trails.

Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Return to Shimla

Drive back to Shimla, relax at the hotel or do light evening strolls around Mall Road.

INR500 (taxi), 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a classic Indian meal in an old-world café noted for its affordable hearty fare and nostalgic ambiance.

INR250, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Kufri and Mashobra

Day 3: Travel to Manali

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Have a wholesome breakfast provided by your hotel to start the journey to Manali.

Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Manali

Enjoy a scenic 7-hour drive through the mountains covering approximately 250 km, with stops for photos and refreshments.

INR3500 (taxi), 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and rest

Arrive and check into your hotel in Manali, relax and freshen up after the drive.

Included, 1h30m

5:00pm

Walk on Mall Road, Manali

Explore Manali’s vibrant Mall Road with shops offering woollens, handicrafts, and street food.

Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Café

Dine on Himachali and international dishes in this cozy café renowned for trout and relaxed ambience.

INR1200, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Manali

Day 4: Manali and Rohtang Pass

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy early breakfast at the hotel before heading out to Rohtang Pass.

Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Rohtang Pass Excursion

Drive to Rohtang Pass (open from May to November from 6am to 4pm), known for stunning snow-capped views and adventure activities.

INR600 permit + INR2000 taxi, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at a local dhaba near Rohtang

Taste simple, authentic mountain food at a roadside dhaba including parathas and dal tadka.

INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hadimba Temple

Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple surrounded by cedar forests, a peaceful and spiritual stop in Manali.

Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Old Manali

Stroll through Old Manali’s quaint cafés, shops, and scenic spots for a bohemian vibe experience.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Enjoy riverside dining with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in this beautifully rustic café.

INR1000, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Manali

Day 5: Dharamshala Visit

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel in Manali before departure to Dharamshala.

Included, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Dharamshala

Embark on a ~7-hour scenic road trip covering approximately 230 km to Dharamshala, the home-in-exile of the Dalai Lama.

INR3500 (taxi), 7h

3:30pm

Check-in and relax

Arrive at your accommodation in Dharamshala, freshen up and rest after the journey.

Included, 1h

4:30pm

Visit McLeod Ganj

Explore McLeod Ganj’s Tibetan market, monastery, and cafés known for Tibetan culture and cuisine.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Try authentic Tibetan delicacies like momos and thukpa in this popular local restaurant.

INR600, 1h

Find Hotels in Dharamshala

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Itinerary created by Plantrip Team July 11, 2025 AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Ultimate Himachal Pradesh Tour: Shimla, Manali & Dharamshala Adventure

Day 1: Shimla Exploration

8:30am

9:45am

12:00pm

1:15pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Kufri & Mashobra

8:00am

9:30am

10:30am

12:45pm

2:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Travel to Manali

7:30am

8:30am

3:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Manali and Rohtang Pass

7:00am

8:00am

1:30pm

3:00pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Dharamshala Visit

7:00am

8:00am

3:30pm

4:30pm

7:00pm

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