Your day begins with an early pickup from Chandigarh and a relaxed drive into the mountains via the scenic Mandi-Kullu highway; enjoy coffee and chai stops at highway dhabas while watching terraces and pine-clad slopes roll by. Pause at Kullu for quick photos of the Beas River and the valley outlook, stretching your legs before continuing toward Manali.
After crossing picturesque towns and hairpin bends, arrive in Manali around mid to late afternoon and check in at Cliff Heaven Cottage — drop bags, refresh, and take a short stroll around the property to soak in the Himalayan views. If time permits, visit nearby Hadimba Grove for a gentle walk among cedar trees and the famous Hadimba Temple’s wooden pagoda architecture, a calm preview of tomorrow’s sightseeing.
As evening falls, settle into the cottage for a warm dinner included with your package while enjoying views of the snow-dusted peaks and a cozy common-area bonfire if arranged by the property. Later, take a brief walk to Mall Road for a cup of hot chocolate or to explore local shops and cafés in Old Manali, breathing in the crisp mountain air and gearing up for the snowy adventures ahead.
Start early and drive through the engineering marvel of Atal Tunnel, emerging into the stark, silvery beauty of Lahaul — stop at viewpoints to admire the vast snowfields and the ribbon of highway cutting through the mountains. Visit Sissu Lake for crisp morning air and quick photo ops of the frozen shoreline, then stroll gently toward the valley edges to watch shepherds and highland villages framed by snow-capped peaks.
Head deeper into Lahaul toward the Anjani Mahadev Temple trekhead and take a short, scenic walk up to see dramatic ice formations clinging to the temple cliffs — the trek is rewarding and offers spectacular panorama of the valley. Enjoy a packed picnic or warming tea at a local dhaba in Sissu, tasting simple Himachali fare while absorbing the remote, peaceful atmosphere before returning to Manali in the late afternoon.
Back at Cliff Heaven Cottage, freshen up and prepare for the New Year gala: an upbeat DJ night, bonfire under the starry Himalayan sky and a special gala dinner featuring regional dishes and celebratory toasts. Mingle with fellow travelers, step outside for moonlit views of the peaks between songs, and ring in 2026 with warmth, music and fireworks (if arranged) before a cozy overnight stay.
After a relaxed New Year morning at Cliff Heaven Cottage, wander to the serene Hadimba Devi Temple and its cedar grove — admire the temple’s carved wooden architecture, feed the curious squirrels, and take photos on the mossy stone paths. From there, stroll a short distance to the nearby Manu Temple and the peaceful Van Vihar lawns for panoramic views of the Beas valley and fresh mountain air.
Enjoy a hearty lunch in Old Manali, then set off on the scenic trail to Jogini Waterfall — the gentle 30-45 minute walk through terraced fields and rhododendron groves leads to a dramatic cascade where you can pause, dip your toes, and capture dramatic winter-light shots. After the waterfall, visit the Vashisht village: relax in the natural hot springs, explore the 400-year-old Vashisht temples, and sample local chai at a riverside tea shop.
Return to Mall Road as dusk falls for a leisurely evening of shopping and café-hopping — browse handicrafts, pick up warm shawls or Himachali souvenirs, and settle into a cozy café for hot chocolate or local Himachali cuisine. Finish the night with a visit back to Cliff Heaven Cottage for a warm dinner and a quiet fireside recap of the trip before turning in or heading out for one last stroll under the starlit Himalayas.
Leave Manali after an early breakfast and enjoy the scenic drive through the Kullu Valley toward Kasol — pause at scenic viewpoints overlooking the Parvati River and snap photos of the pine-forested slopes. Once in Kasol, take a relaxed stroll along the riverside promenade, browse the indie cafés and quaint shops, and sample freshly brewed coffee and Israeli-style snacks that earned Kasol its ‘Mini-Israel’ nickname.
Drive a short distance to the spiritual and geothermal site of Manikaran Sahib; visit the historic Gurudwara, participate in the langar if you wish, and feel the warm steam rising from the famed hot springs where locals cook rice and lentils in natural heat. Spend time exploring the stone-paved lanes around the gurudwara, visiting small temples and taking in the valley vistas before boarding the vehicle for the return journey to Chandigarh.
Begin the late-evening drive back to Chandigarh with comfort stops for tea and dinner en route, reflecting on the snowbound highlands and relaxed Parvati Valley moments; expect to arrive in Chandigarh late at night depending on traffic. Collect your luggage and contacts at the pickup point, exchange goodbyes with fellow travelers, and keep the organizer numbers handy for any post-trip queries or feedback.