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7-Day Itinerary: Shimla, Kulu, Manali

Friday, December 22: Arrival in Shimla

Start your trip in Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, explore the Mall Road, a bustling street lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. Visit the Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, and enjoy the scenic views from Ridge Road. In the afternoon, take a ride on the Shimla-Glen Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the charm of the Himalayan foothills. As the evening sets in, savor local delicacies at one of the traditional restaurants.

  • Mall Road: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Christ Church: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Shimla-Glen Toy Train: Estimated cost - INR 500 (USD 7) per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Saturday, December 23: Kufri and Mashobra

Embark on a day trip to Kufri and Mashobra, located near Shimla. In the morning, head to Kufri, a picturesque hill station known for its snow-covered slopes and adventure activities. Enjoy horse riding and try your hand at skiing or snowboarding (seasonal). In the afternoon, visit Mashobra, a serene town famous for its apple orchards. Take a leisurely walk amidst nature, or visit the Reserve Forest Sanctuary to spot wildlife. As the evening approaches, return to Shimla and relax at your hotel.

  • Kufri: Estimated cost - INR 500 (USD 7) for activities, Time spent - 4-5 hours
  • Mashobra: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Sunday, December 24: Journey to Kullu

Leave Shimla and embark on a scenic drive to Kullu, located in the Kullu Valley. In the morning, enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you travel through the mountains. Reach Kullu by afternoon and visit the Bijli Mahadev Temple, situated atop a hill. Marvel at the panoramic views of the valley from the temple. In the evening, explore the bustling markets of Kullu and shop for local handicrafts and woolen items.

  • Bijli Mahadev Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Kullu Market: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, December 25: Adventure in Manali

Head to Manali, a popular tourist destination nestled in the mountains. Spend the morning exploring Old Manali, known for its charming cafes and ancient temples. Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. In the afternoon, indulge in adventurous activities like paragliding or river rafting (seasonal) in Solang Valley. Enjoy the snow-capped peaks and thrilling experiences. As the evening sets in, relax at a riverside cafe and admire the serene surroundings.

  • Old Manali: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Hadimba Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
  • Solang Valley: Estimated cost - INR 2,000 (USD 27) for activities, Time spent - 4-5 hours
Tuesday, December 26: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 3,978 meters. In the morning, drive through scenic routes with breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. Reach Rohtang Pass and enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights (seasonal). Take in the panoramic views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, return to Manali and explore the Tibetan Monastery and the Manali Market. As the evening approaches, savor local cuisine at one of the restaurants.

  • Rohtang Pass: Estimated cost - INR 3,500 (USD 47) for permit and activities, Time spent - 5-6 hours
  • Tibetan Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
  • Manali Market: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Wednesday, December 27: Naggar Castle and Manikaran

Visit Naggar Castle, a historic castle located in Naggar village. Explore the castle's architecture and art gallery, showcasing traditional Himachali artifacts. Enjoy the scenic views of the Kullu Valley from the castle. In the afternoon, drive to Manikaran, famous for its hot springs and religious significance. Take a dip in the hot water springs and visit the Gurudwara Sahib and Ram Temple. As the evening sets in, return to Manali and spend a relaxing evening at the Mall Road.

  • Naggar Castle: Estimated cost - INR 20 (USD 0.27), Time spent - 2-3 hours
  • Manikaran: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
  • Mall Road: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Thursday, December 28: Departure from Manali

Spend your last morning in Manali exploring the Van Vihar National Park, situated on the banks of the Beas River. Take a peaceful stroll amidst lush greenery and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, depart from Manali and head back to your onward destination, cherishing the memories of your Shimla-Kulu-Manali adventure.

  • Van Vihar National Park: Estimated cost - INR 10 (USD 0.14), Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off the beaten path experience, visit the village of Malana near Kullu. Known for its unique culture and secluded location, Malana offers a glimpse into the ancient traditions of the locals. Another hidden gem is the Jana Waterfall near Naggar, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Locals also love exploring the quaint village of Vashisht, known for its hot springs and ancient temples.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.

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