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20‑Day North‑East Road Adventure from Delhi

Viewed by 82 travelers

Day 1: Delhi → Chandigarh

Morning: Depart Delhi early and cruise along NH 44, enjoying the changing landscape of Haryana. Stop at Kurukshetra for a quick visit to the historic battlefield.

Afternoon: Arrive in Chandigarh, check into your hotel, and explore the iconic Rock Garden created by Nek Chand.

Evening: Stroll along Sukhna Lake as the sun sets, and dine at a local dhaba serving Punjabi specialties.

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Day 2: Chandigarh → Shimla

Morning: Leave Chandigarh via NH 5, winding through the lush hills of Himachal Pradesh.

Afternoon: Check into a heritage hotel in Shimla and wander the colonial Mall Road, visiting the Christ Church.

Evening: Take the historic Kalka–Shimla Railway for a sunset ride to Jutogh before returning to town.

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Day 3: Shimla → Manali

Morning: Drive to Manali via the scenic Kullu Valley, pausing at the Raghunath Temple in Kullu.

Afternoon: Arrive in Manali, settle in, and explore the bustling Old Manali Market for handicrafts.

Evening: Relax by the banks of the Beas River and enjoy a cozy bonfire at your resort.

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Day 4: Manali – Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass

Morning: Head to Solang Valley for adventure sports like paragliding and zorbing.

Afternoon: Continue to the high‑altitude Rohtang Pass, taking in the panoramic snow‑capped vistas.

Evening: Return to Manali, unwind with a traditional Himachali dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 5: Manali → Dharamshala

Morning: Depart for Dharamshala, crossing the lush green valleys of Kangra.

Afternoon: Visit the tranquil Norbulingka Institute and admire Tibetan art and crafts.

Evening: Explore the vibrant McLeod Ganj bazaar and enjoy a rooftop dinner with mountain views.

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Day 6: Dharamshala – Dal Lake & Bhagsu Waterfall

Morning: Take a short trek to the serene Dal Lake for a peaceful paddle.

Afternoon: Hike to the cascading Bhagsu Waterfall, followed by a dip in the natural pool.

Evening: Attend a cultural program featuring traditional Tibetan music and dance.

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Day 3: Dharamshala → Amritsar

Morning: Drive to Amritsar, crossing the fertile plains of Punjab.

Afternoon: Explore the majestic Golden Temple, taking part in the community kitchen (langar).

Evening: Witness the ceremonial Wagah Border flag‑lowering ceremony with patriotic fervor.

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Day 8: Amritsar → Jammu

Morning: Depart Amritsar and travel southward toward Jammu via NH 44.

Afternoon: Arrive in Jammu, check into your hotel, and visit the historic Raghunath Temple.

Evening: Stroll along the scenic Lake Bahu and enjoy a lakeside dinner.

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Day 9: Jammu → Patnitop

Morning: Ascend to the hill station of Patnitop, soaking in the cool mountain air.

Afternoon: Explore the lush meadows and take a short trek to Patnitop Golf Course for panoramic views.

Evening: Relax at a cosy cottage, sipping hot tea while watching the sunset over the Himalayas.

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Day 10: Patnitop → Srinagar

Morning: Journey towards Srinagar, crossing the dramatic Pir Panjal range.

Afternoon: Check into a traditional houseboat on Dal Lake and explore the floating market.

Evening: Wander through the historic Shankaracharya Temple for a stunning cityscape view.

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Day 11: Srinagar – Mughal Gardens

Morning: Visit the beautifully landscaped Shalimar Bagh and Nigah Bagh showcasing Mughal horticulture.

Afternoon: Cruise on Jhelum River and discover the charming Charar-i-Sharif shrine.

Evening: Enjoy a Kashmiri dinner featuring Rogan Josh and Kashmiri Pulao on the houseboat.

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Day 12: Srinagar → Gulmarg

Morning: Drive to the alpine resort town of Gulmarg, renowned for its snow‑capped peaks.

Afternoon: Ride the historic Gulmarg Gondola to Phandal for breathtaking vistas.

Evening: Try your hand at skiing or simply relax in a mountain lodge with a fireplace.

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Day 13: Gulmarg → Pahalgam

Morning: Travel to the lush valley of Pahalgam, passing through pine‑forested roads.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Betaab Valley, a popular spot for picnics and photography.

Evening: Attend a cultural showcase of Kashmiri folk dances at a local community center.

**Day 14: Pahalgam – Aru Valley & Baisaran**

Morning: Trek to the scenic Aru Valley, enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Afternoon: Continue up to Mini Switzerland (Baisaran) for panoramic Himalayan views.

Evening: Return to Pahalgam for a relaxed dinner beside the Betraw River.

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Day 15: Pahalgam → Leh (flight)

Morning: Transfer to Srinagar Airport and take a short flight to Leh.

Afternoon: Acclimatize to the altitude, then explore the bustling Leh Market for Ladakhi textiles.

Evening: Visit the ancient Shanti Stupa for a sunset view over the Indus Valley.

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Day 16: Leh – Pangong Lake

Morning: Depart early for the legendary Pangong Lake, crossing the high‑altitude Changla Pass.

Afternoon: Arrive at the lake’s azure shores, take a leisurely walk and capture the surreal reflections.

Evening: Camp under a star‑filled sky, experiencing the serene silence of the Himalayas.

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Day 17: Pangong Lake → Nubra Valley

Morning: Drive through the dramatic Khardung La, one of the world’s highest motorable passes.

Afternoon: Descend into the desert‑like Nubra Valley, visiting the iconic Hunder Sand Dunes and enjoy a camel ride.

Evening: Stay in a traditional Bonfire Camp and savor Ladakhi delicacies.

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Day 18: Nubra Valley – Diskit Monastery

Morning: Explore the historic Diskit Monastery, home to the towering Maitreya Buddha statue.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient village of Hunder and its vibrant local market.

Evening: Return to Leh, stopping at a scenic viewpoint for sunset photography.

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Day 19: Leh – Thiksey & Shey Monasteries

Morning: Drive to the impressive Thiksey Monastery**, often called the “Taj Mahal of Ladakh”.

Afternoon: Continue to Shey Palace, the former summer capital of Ladakh, and explore its ruins.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Leh’s old town, sampling street food like Thukpa.

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Day 20: Leh → Delhi (flight)

Morning: Relax at your hotel, pack souvenirs, and take a final walk along the Leh Bazaar.

Afternoon: Transfer to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport for a flight back to Delhi.

Evening: Arrive in Delhi, concluding the epic 20‑day north‑east road adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Rock Garden (Chandigarh) – 2 hrs – ₹150
  • Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh) – 1.5 hrs – ₹100
  • Kurukshetra Battlefield – 2 hrs – ₹120
  • Mall Road & Christ Church (Shimla) – 3 hrs – ₹200
  • Kalika Railway (Shimla) – 1 hr – ₹80
  • Solang Valley Adventure – 4 hrs – ₹1,200
  • Rohtang Pass – 3 hrs – ₹500 (permits)
  • Norbulingka Institute (Dharamshala) – 2 hrs – ₹150
  • Golden Temple (Amritsar) – 2 hrs – Free (donations optional)
  • Wagah Border Ceremony – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Dal Lake Houseboat (Srinagar) – Overnight – ₹3,500
  • Shalimar & Nigah Bagh (Srinagar) – 2 hrs – ₹200
  • Gulmarg Gondola (Kashmir) – 2 hrs – ₹1,000
  • Betaab Valley (Pahalgam) – 2 hrs – ₹150
  • Shanti Stupa (Leh) – 1 hr – Free
  • Pangong Lake – 3 hrs – ₹800 (vehicle)
  • Khurdang La Pass (Leh‑Nubra) – 2 hrs – ₹500 (fuel)
  • Hunder Sand Dunes Camel Ride – 1 hr – ₹300
  • Diskit Monastery – 1.5 hrs – ₹100
  • Thiksey Monastery – 2 hrs – ₹150
  • Shey Palace – 1.5 hrs – ₹100
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹12,950

Tips

To extend the trip, add a few days in the Kashmir region to explore Sonamarg and Gurez Valley, or head further east to the pristine valleys of Ladakh’s Zanskar. If you need to shorten the itinerary, consider skipping the Nubra Valley loop and fly directly from Leh to Delhi after Day 16, which still provides a rich mix of hill‑station charm, cultural immersion, and high‑altitude scenery.

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