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5-Day Scenic Road Trip Exploring Himachal Pradesh with Car Parking Convenience

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Day 1: Shimla Exploration

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Start your day with delicious continental breakfast at Cafe Simla Times, located centrally with ample parking space nearby.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Ridge

Explore The Ridge, a famous open space in Shimla offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the town.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Christ Church

Visit the iconic Christ Church, well known for its neo-Gothic architecture and stained glass windows, located near The Ridge with parking available nearby.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy traditional Himachali and Indian dishes at Indian Coffee House, offering budget-friendly meals with parking options around Mall Road.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Jakhoo Temple

Drive to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on Jakhoo Hill offering stunning views and parking available at the base.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Mall Road

Spend your evening leisurely strolling along Mall Road, exploring shops and enjoying the local vibe; parking available nearby.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Sol

Relish continental dishes and Himachali delicacies with mountain views at Cafe Sol, which has proper parking facilities.
INR800, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 2: Shimla to Manali Drive

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on August 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your Shimla hotel to prepare for the scenic drive to Manali.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Shimla to Manali

Embark on an approximately 7-hour drive covering around 250 km via NH205 and NH3; enjoy breathtaking mountain views and planned stops.
Fuel cost approx. INR3000, 7h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Murthal Dhaba (Pitstop)

Stop for authentic North Indian dhaba food at Murthal on the highway; ample parking space available.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arrival and Check-in at Manali hotel

Check-in to your hotel in Manali with convenient parking facilities.
Varies depending on hotel, 1h0m

4:30pm

Explore Old Manali

Visit Old Manali for its quaint cafes, local markets and serene environment, with parking options at main entry points.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

Enjoy fresh trout and international cuisine at Johnson’s Cafe, located in Old Manali with parking nearby.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Manali Adventure Day

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Snow Valley Cafe

Start your day with fresh organic coffee and a hearty breakfast at Snow Valley Cafe; parking available nearby.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Solang Valley

Drive 14 km to Solang Valley, famous for adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing; parking available at the site.
Entry free; activities extra, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Solang Valley Cafe

Enjoy traditional Himachali cuisine at the local cafe, with parking on site.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Return to Manali and visit the ancient Hidimba Devi Temple surrounded by cedar forests; parking available at entrance.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Stroll at Mall Road

Explore local shops, relax and sip tea at cafes along Manali Mall Road; parking available near the market.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Dine beside the river with Italian and Continental dishes, with secure parking facilities nearby.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Manali to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India on August 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting the 6-hour drive to Dharamshala.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Dharamshala

Drive approximately 237 km to Dharamshala via NH205 and NH154 with scheduled pit stops and parking on arrival.
Fuel approx. INR2500, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Have authentic Italian cuisine at Nick’s Italian Kitchen in Dharamshala with convenient parking options.
INR600, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex

Explore the Dalai Lama’s temple complex, a spiritual hub with ample parking facilities nearby.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Stroll in McLeod Ganj Market

Wander local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs; parking available at main entry points.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Relish authentic Tibetan and Himalayan dishes with parking available near the restaurant.
INR700, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dharamshala

Day 5: Dharamshala to Dalhousie and Return

Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, India on August 12, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast in Dharamshala before driving to Dalhousie.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to Dalhousie

Take a 2.5-hour scenic drive covering 120 km to Dalhousie; parking available at Dalhousie.
Fuel approx. INR800, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore Khajjiar

Visit Khajjiar, often called the 'Mini Switzerland of India,' nearby Dalhousie with large parking areas for tourists.
INR30 entry fee, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Dalhousie

Enjoy a variety of Indian and continental dishes in the heart of Dalhousie, with parking provided close by.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit St. John’s Church and Gandhi Chowk

Walk around historic church and local market; parking is available nearby.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive back to Shimla via Mandi

Begin the 7-hour drive back to Shimla passing through Mandi, with planned stops for refreshments and parking at final destination.
Fuel approx. INR3000, 7h0m

9:00pm

Late Dinner at Shimla hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your Shimla hotel after your long drive, with easy parking available.
Depends on hotel, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Dalhousie
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