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7-Day Nature Itinerary for Shimla, Manali, and Leh Ladakh in September 2023

  1. Day 1: Shimla
    25 minutes (9.7 km) from Shimla Airport

    In the morning, visit the Viceregal Lodge, a sprawling Gothic-style mansion that was once the summer residence of the British Viceroy. Afternoon, head to the Himalayan Bird Park, a large aviary that's home to a wide variety of birds. In the evening, stroll through the Mall Road, Shimla's main commercial street where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

  2. Day 2: Manali
    6 hours (248 km) from Shimla

    Visit the Hadimba Temple in the morning, a wooden shrine dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. Afternoon, head to the Solang Valley, where you can enjoy adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. In the evening, visit the Manali Club House, a recreational center that offers indoor games, a bar, and a restaurant.

  3. Day 3: Manali
    30 minutes (15 km) from Manali

    Visit the Rohtang Pass in the morning, a high mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Afternoon, visit the Rahala Falls, a picturesque waterfall that's surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, explore the Old Manali, a quaint village that's famous for its apple orchards and traditional Himachali architecture.

  4. Day 4: Leh
    1 hour 20 minutes (424 km) from Manali

    Visit the Shanti Stupa in the morning, a large white-domed Buddhist stupa that offers panoramic views of the Leh city and the surrounding mountains. Afternoon, visit the Leh Palace, a former royal palace that's now a museum. In the evening, explore the Leh Market, a bustling bazaar where you can find everything from clothes to handicrafts.

  5. Day 5: Leh
    15 minutes (3.7 km) from Leh

    Visit the Thiksey Monastery in the morning, a large Buddhist monastery that's home to numerous statues, thangkas, and other artifacts. Afternoon, visit the Hemis National Park, a large conservation area that's home to rare Himalayan wildlife like snow leopards and Tibetan wolves. In the evening, explore the Chokhang Vihara monastery, a smaller but equally charming monastery that's located in the heart of Leh.

  6. Day 6: Leh
    45 minutes (27 km) from Leh

    Visit the Pangong Tso Lake in the morning, a large saline lake that's famous for its ever-changing hues of blue and green. Afternoon, visit the Tso Moriri Lake, a freshwater lake that's surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the evening, explore the nearby Korzok village, a tiny settlement that's home to traditional Ladakhi houses and a centuries-old monastery.

  7. Day 7: Leh
    20 minutes (8.5 km) from Leh

    Visit the Stok Palace in the morning, a royal palace that's now a museum and houses a large collection of Ladakhi art, artifacts, and weaponry. Afternoon, visit the Zanskar Valley, a rugged valley that's famous for its trekking trails, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing opportunities. In the evening, explore the Leh View Point, a scenic spot where you can watch the sunset over the Leh city.

Recommendations

If you're looking for more adventure, consider going on a trek to the Markha Valley or the Chadar Trek. You can also take a side trip to the Nubra Valley, a high-altitude desert that's home to the famous Bactrian camels. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary in such a way that you have enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Also, be sure to try the local cuisine, which includes dishes like thukpa, momos, and butter tea. Finally, don't forget to book your hotels and flights in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. You can use this link to find the best deals.

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