6-Day Himachal Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shimla
   30 minutes (13 km) from Shimla Airport

   Start your day with a visit to Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, followed by a stroll on the Mall Road. After lunch, visit the Viceregal Lodge, which was once the summer residence of the British Viceroys. In the evening, head to the Ridge, a large open space that offers stunning views of the valley below.

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

   Begin your day with a visit to the Hadimba Temple, a beautiful wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests. After lunch, head to the Solang Valley, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to try your hand at adventure sports like paragliding and skiing. In the evening, take a stroll on the Mall Road and enjoy the local cuisine.

3. Day 3: Dharamshala
   7 hours (237 km) from Manali

   Start your day with a visit to the Namgyal Monastery, the largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet. After lunch, head to the Bhagsu Waterfall, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex and witness the evening prayer ceremony.

4. Day 4: Dalhousie
   3 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Dharamshala

   Begin your day with a visit to the Khajjiar Lake, also known as the Mini Switzerland of India. After lunch, head to the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to spot some local wildlife. In the evening, take a stroll on the Mall Road and enjoy the local cuisine.

5. Day 5: Kasauli
   5 hours (190 km) from Dalhousie

   Start your day with a visit to the Christ Church, a beautiful colonial-era church in the heart of the town. After lunch, head to the Gilbert Nature Trail, a scenic trail that takes you through lush green forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, take a stroll on the Mall Road and enjoy the local cuisine.

6. Day 6: Chandigarh
   3 hours (152 km) from Kasauli

   Begin your day with a visit to the Rock Garden, a beautiful garden made entirely out of recycled materials. After lunch, head to the Sukhna Lake, a beautiful man-made lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills. In the evening, take a stroll on the Sector 17 Market, a bustling market that offers a variety of shopping and dining options.

Recommendations

If you're interested in adventure sports, consider adding a day trip to Kullu or Manikaran to go trekking, river rafting or hot springs. To maximize your fun, try to start your days early and plan your travel in such a way that you have enough time to explore each destination fully.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Christ Church (1 hour, free)
• Viceregal Lodge (2 hours, INR 20)
• Hadimba Temple (1 hour, INR 50)
• Solang Valley (3 hours, INR 500 for adventure sports)
• Namgyal Monastery (1 hour, free)
• Bhagsu Waterfall (2 hours, free)
• Dalai Lama Temple Complex (1 hour, free)
• Khajjiar Lake (2 hours, INR 50)
• Kalatop Wildlife Reserve (3 hours, INR 250)
• Christ Church Kasauli (1 hour, free)
• Gilbert Nature Trail (2 hours, free)
• Rock Garden (2 hours, INR 30)
• Sukhna Lake (2 hours, free)
• Sector 17 Market (2 hours, cost varies)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1000 per day

Check here for hotel and flight prices.