5-Day Foodie Itinerary: Delhi to Himachal - June 2023
Day 1: Shimla
6 hours (342 km) from Delhi
Start your day with a plate of steaming momos and thukpa at the popular Ashiana and then head to the Jakhu Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman situated at a height of 8500 ft.
In the afternoon, visit The Ridge and indulge in some shopping at the Mall Road. End your day with a delicious plate of chhole bhatura at Sita Ram & Sons.
Day 2: Manali
8 hours (250 km) from Shimla
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Drifter's Cafe and then visit the famous Hidimba Devi Temple, located amidst the cedar forest in Manali.
For the afternoon, take a stroll along the Manali Mall Road and try out some of the local street food like momos, thukpa, and spicy chaat items. End your day with a warm cup of coffee at Johnson's Cafe.
Day 3: Kasol
2 hours (75 km) from Manali
Start your day with a plate of paranthas at Stone Garden Cafe and hike to Kheerganga, a beautiful trek offering scenic views of the Parvati Valley.
In the afternoon, head to Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and indulge in the famous langar. End your day with a tasty plate of Israeli food at Jim Morrison Cafe.
Day 4: Dharamshala
7 hours (240 km) from Kasol
Start your day with a cup of hot tea and some delicious biscuits at The Tea Garden and then visit the famous Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall.
In the afternoon, visit the Namgyal Monastery, the largest Tibetan temple outside Tibet and take a stroll around the beautiful Dal Lake. End your day with a hearty plate of thukpa at Norling Restaurant.
Day 5: McLeod Ganj
30 minutes (10 km) from Dharamshala
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Illiterati Cafe and then visit the famous Tsuglagkhang Complex, the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and indulge in some shopping at the local Tibetan market.
In the afternoon, head to the Namgyal Cafe and try out some of the delicious Tibetan and Italian food. End your day with a mesmerizing sunset view at Sunset Point.
Recommendations
If you're a foodie and have some extra time, you can also consider visiting the Kangra Valley to try out some of the famous Kangri dham, a traditional Himachali meal. You can also take a side trip to Bir-Billing, known for its paragliding and camping experiences. To maximize your fun, try to plan your travel in June to witness the annual Minjar Mela in Chamba, a week-long festival filled with cultural and traditional events. Make sure to carry comfortable clothing and footwear as most of the places require walking and hiking. Lastly, don't forget to carry a camera to capture the beautiful landscapes of Himachal.