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7-Day Shimla → Kullu-Manali → Billing → Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj) — 6 Nights Himalayan Road Trip

Viewed by 109 travelers

Day 1: Arrival Shimla

Shimla, India on November 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Indian Coffee House (Mall Road)

Historic, budget-friendly spot on Mall Road; great for parathas, simple South/Indian breakfast and people-watching. Open roughly 8:00am–8:00pm; confirm hours before you go.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Stroll Mall Road & The Ridge

Iconic pedestrian promenade with shops, viewpoints and colonial architecture—perfect for a relaxed first look at Shimla. Open all day; busiest midday.
INR0, 1h30m

10:45am

Jakhu Temple (via short hike or ropeway)

Hanuman temple with panoramic Shimla views and monkeys; the ropeway runs roughly 9:00am–5:30pm (subject to seasonal change). The short walk takes ~30–45 minutes uphill.
INR150, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar (The Oberoi Cecil) or local dhaba

Choose fine dining at Eighteen71 for colonial ambience or a local dhaba for hearty Himachali cuisine; city-centre options typically open from 12:00pm.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) visit

Grand colonial estate with gardens and a small museum; usual visiting hours about 10:00am–5:00pm, often closed Mondays — check ahead and book any required entry/time-slot.
INR50, 1h15m

4:00pm

Christ Church and Ridge sunset

Historic church and superb sunset vantage points over the Himalaya-facing side of Shimla; the church is generally accessible 9:00am–6:00pm.
INR0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Ashiana & Goofa or Cafe Sol

Local favourites for Himachali and North Indian dishes near Mall Road; restaurants commonly open till 10:30pm but check seasonal hours.
INR500, 1h15m

9:30pm

Overnight — Shimla hotel

Rest and prepare for the long drive next day. Confirm early check-out time if you have a morning departure.
INR0, 9h30m

Day 2: Kufri & Transit

Kufri → Kullu / Manali, India on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — hotel or local bakery (Shimla)

Quick early breakfast to leave for Kufri; many bakeries open from 7:00am–8:00am. Fuel up for short hill activities and the long drive later.
INR250, 0h30m

8:30am

Kufri Fun & Himalayan Nature Park

Small hill station 16km from Shimla with pony rides, short walks, and a compact amusement area; Fun World usually opens around 9:30am–5:30pm, park open daytimes. Great for quick hilltop views and photos.
INR300, 1h30m

10:15am

Drive Shimla → Manali (via Kullu) — scenic mountain transit

Long but scenic drive (approx 7–9 hours depending on traffic and stops). Plan fuel/tea breaks at Mandi or Kullu; roads can be narrow and windy—start early.
INR0, 8h0m

2:00pm

Lunch stop — Kullu shawl market cafés

Stop in Kullu for lunch and a quick market stroll — sample local trout or simple North Indian meals; many cafés open 11:00am–4:00pm.
INR400, 1h

6:30pm

Arrival & check-in — Manali

Settle into a hotel in Old Manali or Manali Town; rest after the long transit and prepare for next day exploring Solang/Old Manali.
INR0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Johnson’s Cafe (Old Manali) or local Himachali restaurant

Popular café in Old Manali for relaxed dinners; many Old Manali spots are open until late evening. Good choice for international and local dishes.
INR600, 1h15m

Day 3: Manali Local

Manali, India on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Café 1947 or local bakery (Old Manali)

Riverside cafés in Old Manali open early for a relaxed breakfast; great vibe for travellers. Confirm opening times (often 8:00am–10:00pm).
INR350, 0h45m

9:30am

Hadimba (Hidimba Devi) Temple & cedar forest walk

Ancient wooden temple set inside a cedar forest—peaceful and photogenic; site open roughly 7:00am–6:00pm. Ideal for a calm morning stroll.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Manali Mall Road & Tibetan Monasteries

Stroll local shops, try street snacks and visit nearby Tibetan monasteries; shops mostly open from 10:00am–8:00pm.
INR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — The Johnson’s or Il Forno (Italian) in Old Manali

Pick a riverside café for relaxed food—Old Manali has many international options. Kitchens generally open by noon.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Vashisht Baths & Temple

Traditional hot springs and a small temple at Vashisht village, great for a short soak (suitable clothing required). Baths are open through daylight hours; check local arrangements for bathing times and privacy.
INR100, 1h

4:30pm

Relax at Mall Road / book next-day activities

Organise Solang or paragliding bookings for the next day; shops and adventure operators usually open till early evening.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner — Café Amigos or The Lazy Dog (Old Manali)

Popular choices for travellers and hearty meals; kitchens open into the evening—confirm seasonal hours.
INR500, 1h

Day 4: Solang & Transfer

Solang Valley → Billing (via Kullu), India on November 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — early café in Manali

Early start for mountain activities; many cafés open 7:00am–9:00am for travellers heading out to Solang.
INR250, 0h30m

8:00am

Solang Valley — activities (ropeway, zorbing, paragliding options)

Popular adventure valley 12km from Manali for ropeway rides, summer sledging and paragliding (paragliding available subject to operator/season). Ropeway often 9:00am–5:00pm; individual activity times vary—book in advance.
INR500, 2h

10:30am

Return to Manali & check out

Pack and prepare for the long drive west to Billing; allow time for road stops and tea breaks.
INR0, 0h45m

12:00pm

Drive Manali → Billing (long scenic transfer)

Long drive (~6–7 hours depending on route and conditions). Crossing Kullu valley and Mandi; arrive Billing (near Bir) in the evening — check daylight and road/weather conditions.
INR0, 6h0m

3:00pm

Lunch en route — highway restaurant or Kullu café

Typical packed or roadside lunch stop at a reliable dhaba or café; most highway stops open 11:00am–6:00pm.
INR350, 0h45m

7:30pm

Arrive Billing / check-in

Settle into a guesthouse in Billing or Bir; rest ahead of paragliding the next morning. Verify slot bookings for morning flights (most pilots fly early due to stable thermals).
INR0, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner — local café in Bir

Simple cafés offering continental and Indian options; Bir town has a relaxed backpacker scene with many eateries open till late.
INR400, 1h

Day 5: Paragliding Billing

Billing / Bir → Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj), India on November 8, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast — early tea/porridge at guesthouse

Pilots usually launch early; light breakfast recommended. Confirm breakfast times with your host (often served 6:00am–8:00am).
INR150, 0h20m

6:30am

Paragliding — Billing tandem flight (morning thermal window)

Billing is one of the best paragliding sites in Asia; tandem flights generally fly in morning (approx 6:30am–11:00am) and afternoon windows if weather permits. Book with a certified operator; typical tandem cost varies ~INR2500–INR4500.
INR3000, 1h30m

9:30am

Short walk around Bir (tea gardens / monastery)

Visit the Tibetan monasteries and tea gardens near Bir; most are open through the day—peaceful cultural stop after the flight.
INR0, 1h

11:00am

Drive Billing → Dharamshala (McLeod Ganj)

Short scenic drive (~2–3 hours depending on traffic) up to McLeod Ganj; arrive early afternoon and check in.
INR0, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch — Tibet Kitchen (McLeod Ganj)

Popular spot for Tibetan/Indian meals near the main square; usually open midday. Good for momos, thukpa and Tibetan staples.
INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Tsuglagkhang Complex & Dalai Lama Temple

Seat of the Dalai Lama with prayer halls and library; visitor hours typically 6:00am–8:00pm but special events or teachings can limit access—check schedules and dress respectfully.
INR0, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll Bhagsunag (Bhagsu) waterfall & café area

Short walk to a pleasant waterfall and café strip; waterfall is accessible during daylight hours—easy half-hour walk from McLeod square.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner — Illiterati or Tibet Kitchen

Choose a café with mountain views and relaxed menu; many McLeod eateries open till late evening. Check closing times seasonally.
INR550, 1h

Day 6: Dharamshala / Triund

McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala, India on November 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — hotel or Illiterati Café

Fuel up for a day of trekking or local sightseeing; cafés usually serve from 7:00am onward.
INR350, 0h30m

8:00am

Option A — Half-day Triund trek (to viewpoint) or Option B — Kangra Fort & Norbulingka

Triund: a popular 4–6 hour return trek offering sweeping valley views; trail open year-round but weather-dependent — guides available. Kangra Fort/Norbulingka: cultural alternatives if you prefer no trekking; Kangra Fort usually open 9:00am–5:00pm, Norbulingka Institute 9:30am–5:30pm.
INR0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — pack lunch on Triund or Tibet Kitchen back in town

If trekking, carry a packed lunch or order a tea-house meal en route; in town, cafés serve until mid-afternoon. Confirm availability on the trail/tea-house.
INR300, 0h45m

3:00pm

Relax at McLeod square / shopping for Tibetan handicrafts

Browse narrow lanes for handicrafts, prayer flags and thangkas; most shops open 9:00am–7:00pm.
INR0, 1h

5:00pm

Optional — Attend an evening puja or community talk (if available)

McLeod Ganj often hosts public teachings or cultural events; check the Dalai Lama schedule and local community boards to confirm.
INR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner — Local Himalayan/Mediterranean café

Enjoy one last relaxed dinner with mountain views and local flavours; check kitchen closing times (many close by 10:00pm).
INR600, 1h15m

Day 7: Departure Day

McLeod Ganj / Dharamshala, India on November 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — hotel

Light breakfast and pack for departure. Confirm checkout time with your accommodation.
INR250, 0h30m

8:30am

Last-minute market walk or short photo stop at Bhagsu Nag

Quick local stroll for any last purchases and final views.
INR0, 0h45m

9:30am

Depart Dharamshala — onward travel

Head to your onward transport (Gaggal airport / bus / private driver); Gaggal airport (DHM) has limited flights—plan travel times carefully. Allow extra time for mountain road traffic.
INR0, Variable
0
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Plan Your Shimla kullu manali Kufri Bir billing Dharamshala mcdoelganj 6 nights Trip