Experience the Majestic Himalayas: Kasol, Sissu, Manali
Saturday, November 18: Arrival in Kasol
Start your Himalayan adventure by arriving in Kasol, a picturesque village nestled in the Parvati Valley. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the Parvati River, surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, explore the charming village of Kasol, known for its hippie culture, cozy cafes, and traditional Himachali architecture. As the evening sets in, relax by the bonfire and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Parvati River: Free, 2 hours
Kasol Village: Free, 3 hours
Bonfire: Free, evening
Restaurants
Café Sunshine: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café Sunshine, known for its delicious pancakes and fresh fruit bowls. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Jim Morrison Café: For a satisfying lunch, head to Jim Morrison Café and indulge in their mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
The Evergreen: End your day with a delightful dinner at The Evergreen, where you can savor traditional Himachali dishes like thukpa and momos. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunday, November 19: Trek to Kheerganga
Embark on a thrilling trek to Kheerganga, a mystical meadow surrounded by snow-capped peaks and hot springs. In the morning, start your trek from Barshaini and make your way through dense forests and scenic trails. After reaching Kheerganga, take a dip in the rejuvenating hot springs and witness the breathtaking sunset views. Spend the evening enjoying a delicious meal at one of the local cafes.
Trek to Kheerganga: Moderate Difficulty, Free, 7-8 hours
Kheerganga Hot Springs: Free, 2 hours
Local Cafe: ₹500 ($7) for meal, evening
Monday, November 20: Travel to Sissu
Leave the tranquility of Kasol and head towards the scenic village of Sissu. In the morning, enjoy a scenic drive through the mesmerizing Himalayan landscapes, passing through picturesque towns like Manikaran and Bhuntar. After reaching Sissu, explore the beautiful Chandra Valley and visit the stunning Sissu Waterfall. Spend the evening relaxing and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Scenic Drive: ₹1,500 ($21), 6-7 hours
Chandra Valley: Free, 2 hours
Sissu Waterfall: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Sam's Breakfast Joint: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sam's, located in the heart of Sissu. Indulge in their mouthwatering omelettes and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
The Riverside Cafe: For a delightful lunch experience, head to The Riverside Cafe, situated along the banks of the Chandra River. Enjoy a variety of dishes, including their signature trout fish. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
Moonlit Dinner Terrace: End your day with a romantic dinner at the Moonlit Dinner Terrace, offering breathtaking views of the starlit Himalayan sky. Feast on their delectable Indian and continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Tuesday, November 21: Discover Manali
Continue your journey to Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, visit the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple, a pagoda-style temple surrounded by cedar forests. Explore the bustling streets of Manali and indulge in some shopping at the Mall Road. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll by the Beas River and admire the stunning mountain views. As the evening sets in, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Hadimba Devi Temple: ₹50 ($0.70), 1 hour
Mall Road Shopping: Variable, 2 hours
Beas River Walk: Free, 1 hour
Local Restaurant: ₹800 ($11) for meal, evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Johnson's Cafe, a charming restaurant known for its freshly brewed coffee and hearty English breakfast. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to Chopsticks Restaurant, a popular spot offering a wide variety of Chinese and Tibetan cuisine. Don't miss their mouthwatering momos! Average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge, a cozy restaurant serving scrumptious Italian and Continental dishes. Enjoy their wood-fired pizzas and signature cocktails while enjoying the laid-back ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 22: Rohtang Pass Adventure
Embark on a thrilling adventure to Rohtang Pass, known for its breathtaking views and adventure activities. In the morning, drive through the scenic Rohtang Pass, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. Engage in activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights. After enjoying the snowy wonderland, make your way back to Manali. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant Tibetan Market and trying local delicacies.
Rohtang Pass Trip: ₹3,000 ($42), 8-9 hours
Adventure Activities: Variable, 3 hours
Tibetan Market: Variable, 2 hours
Local Delicacies: ₹500 ($7) for snacks, evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café 1947, located in Manali. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelets, and freshly baked bread. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Lazy Dog Restaurant in Kasol. This charming restaurant serves a range of international cuisines including Indian, Israeli, and Italian. Don't miss their lip-smacking wood-fired pizzas. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Johnson's Cafe in Manali. This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains while serving mouthwatering dishes like Tibetan momos and chicken curry. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Thursday, November 23: Departure
Wrap up your memorable trip and bid farewell to the enchanting Himalayas. Take some time in the morning to relax and soak in the serene surroundings of Manali. In the afternoon, check out from your hotel and proceed to the airport or bus station for your departure.
Relaxation Time: Free, 2 hours
Departure: Variable
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kasol, don't miss the hidden gem of Tosh, a small village located above Kasol. Known for its scenic beauty, Tosh offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and is a perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Another local favorite is Old Manali, a quaint neighborhood with charming cafes, live music, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Visit the Manu Temple in Old Manali to experience tranquility amidst the bustling town.