7-Day Itinerary: Himachal, Chandigarh, McLeod Ganj, and Dalhousie

1. Day 1: Chandigarh
   Arrive at the Chandigarh Airport

   Visit the Rock Garden, a sculpture garden made of recycled materials. Then, head to Sukhna Lake, a man-made lake, for a peaceful evening.

   Time and distance estimate: 30 minutes (8 miles) from the airport to the Rock Garden and 10 minutes (2 miles) from the Rock Garden to Sukhna Lake
2. Day 2: McLeod Ganj
   Drive to McLeod Ganj and check-in to your hotel

   Visit the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Bhagsu Waterfall, which features a scenic waterfall and natural pool.

   Time and distance estimate: 4 hours (115 miles) from Chandigarh by car
3. Day 3: McLeod Ganj

   Explore the local markets and enjoy the views from the St. John in the Wilderness Church.

   Time and distance estimate: Walking distance from your hotel.
4. Day 4: Dalhousie
   Drive to Dalhousie and check-in to your hotel

   Visit the Khajjiar Lake, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," and take a stroll through the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.

   Time and distance estimate: 4 hours (85 miles) from McLeod Ganj by car
5. Day 5: Dalhousie

   Take a scenic drive to Dainkund Peak for panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain Range. Then, head to the Chamera Dam for a serene sunset.

   Time and distance estimate: 1 hour (7 miles) from Dalhousie by car to Dainkund Peak and then a 45-minute (20 miles) drive to the Chamera Dam
6. Day 6: Himachal
   Drive to Himachal and check-in to your hotel

   Take a scenic drive through the Kullu Valley and explore the local markets for souvenirs and trinkets.

   Time and distance estimate: 7 hours (190 miles) from Dalhousie by car
7. Day 7: Himachal

   Visit the Hidimba Devi Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the wife of Bhima from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Then, head to the Solang Valley for adventure sports like paragliding and zorbing.

   Time and distance estimate: 1 hour (5 miles) from your hotel to the Hidimba Devi Temple and then a 20-minute (8 miles) drive to the Solang Valley.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Rock Garden (2 hours, Free)
• Sukhna Lake (1-2 hours, Free)
• Tsuglagkhang Complex (2 hours, Free)
• Bhagsu Waterfall (1 hour, Free)
• St. John in the Wilderness Church (30 minutes, Free)
• Khajjiar Lake (2 hours, Free)
• Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary (2 hours, Free)
• Dainkund Peak (2 hours, Free)
• Chamera Dam (1-2 hours, Free)
• Hidimba Devi Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Solang Valley (2 hours, adventure sports prices vary)

Total Estimated Costs: Free (excluding adventure sports)

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting Kasauli, a quaint hill station known for its colonial-era architecture and scenic views. If you have less time, consider skipping the Kullu Valley and spending an extra day in McLeod Ganj or Dalhousie.