7-Day Honeymoon Itinerary: Manali and Shimla

Saturday, August 12: Arrival in Manali

Start your honeymoon in Manali by immersing yourselves in the breathtaking natural beauty of the hill station. In the morning, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, nestled amidst tall Deodar trees, and seek blessings for your journey ahead. In the afternoon, take a romantic stroll along the Beas River and enjoy a picnic lunch. As the evening sets in, explore the Mall Road, known for its vibrant markets and delicious local cuisine.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: Entry is free. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Beas River: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Mall Road: Estimated cost for shopping and dining: INR 500-1000. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe 1947, a charming riverside cafe offering a variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Johnson's Cafe, a quaint eatery known for its mouthwatering sandwiches and burgers. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, indulge in traditional Himachali cuisine at Mount View Restaurant. Enjoy dishes like Dham and Siddu while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, August 13: Adventure in Solang Valley

Embark on an adventurous day in Solang Valley, just a short drive from Manali. In the morning, enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch at one of the local eateries. As the evening approaches, take a serene nature walk in the valley and witness the stunning sunset.

• Adventure activities in Solang Valley: Estimated cost for activities: INR 2000-3000 per person. Estimated time spent: 6-8 hours.
• Local lunch: Estimated cost for lunch: INR 500-1000 per person. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Nature walk in Solang Valley: Free to explore. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.

Monday, August 14: Rohtang Pass and Manikaran

Embark on a scenic road trip to Rohtang Pass, one of the most stunning mountain passes in the region. In the morning, drive through the picturesque landscapes and enjoy the panoramic views. After spending a few hours at Rohtang Pass, head to Manikaran to visit the natural hot springs and the famous Gurudwara. Enjoy a traditional Langar (community meal) before returning to Manali.

• Rohtang Pass: Entry fee for vehicle: INR 550. Estimated time spent: 4-6 hours.
• Manikaran and Gurudwara: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Langar at Gurudwara: Donations are welcome. Estimated cost for meals: Voluntary.

Tuesday, August 15: Journey to Shimla

Leave Manali and embark on a scenic journey to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, enjoy the picturesque drive through the mountains. After reaching Shimla, explore the Ridge, a popular open space in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, take a leisurely walk on Mall Road and enjoy the local street food.

• Drive to Shimla: Estimated cost for transportation: INR 2000-3000. Estimated time spent: 6-8 hours.
• The Ridge: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Mall Road: Estimated cost for shopping and dining: INR 500-1000. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.

Wednesday, August 16: Explore Shimla's Heritage

Immerse yourselves in Shimla's rich heritage and architectural beauty. In the morning, visit the Viceregal Lodge, a magnificent British-era building, and take a guided tour through its grand halls and gardens. Afterward, explore the Jakhu Temple, located on the Jakhu Hill, offering panoramic views of Shimla. In the evening, take a romantic horse ride at Kufri, a nearby hill station.

• Viceregal Lodge: Entry fee for guided tour: INR 100. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Jakhu Temple: Free to visit. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Horse ride at Kufri: Estimated cost for horse ride: INR 500-1000 per person. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.

Thursday, August 17: Naldehra Golf Course and Mashobra

Spend a day amidst nature and indulge in leisurely activities. In the morning, visit the Naldehra Golf Course, one of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in India. Enjoy a game of golf or simply soak in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, head to Mashobra, a quaint town near Shimla, and take a nature walk while enjoying a picnic amidst the lush green forests. Return to Shimla in the evening.

• Naldehra Golf Course: Estimated cost for a round of golf: INR 1500-2000 per person. Estimated time spent: 4-6 hours.
• Nature walk and picnic in Mashobra: Free to explore. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.

Friday, August 18: Mall Road Shopping and Farewell

On your last day, indulge in some shopping and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Shimla. In the morning, explore the shops on Mall Road, known for their handicrafts, woolens, and local souvenirs. Afterward, visit the Lakkar Bazaar, famous for its wooden handicrafts. In the evening, bid farewell to Shimla and cherish the memories of your honeymoon.

• Mall Road shopping: Estimated cost for shopping: INR 1000-2000. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
• Lakkar Bazaar: Estimated cost for shopping: INR 500-1000. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Manali and Shimla, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites. In Manali, venture off the beaten path and visit the lesser-known Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties. In Shimla, take a short trek to Chadwick Falls, a serene waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and experience tranquility amidst nature.

For hotel and flight prices in Manali and Shimla, check out Kayak.