Kullu Manali Shimla - A 5-Day Adventure in the Foothills of the Himalayas

1. Day 1: Arrive in Kullu
   2.5 hours (51.6 miles) from Chandigarh Airport

   Start your trip at the scenic district of Kullu where you can partake in an early morning mountain trek or go river rafting. The Bijli Mahadev Temple is a must-visit for spiritual and architectural enthusiasts. End the day with shopping for Kullu shawls and woollens at a local fair.

2. Day 2: Rohtang Pass & Manali
   3 hours (71.9 miles) from Kullu

   Travel over the majestic Rohtang Pass for spellbinding views and an adrenaline rush via skiing and paragliding. Manali, the adventure sports capital of Himachal Pradesh, offers paragliding, zorbing, and trekking through the lush green hills. The quaint Hadimba Devi temple is a popular spiritual destination for tourists.

3. Day 3: Kullu - Manikaran & Kasol
   2 hours (41.1 miles) from Manali

   Head to Manikaran, known for its hot springs and stunning natural beauty. After a dip in the healing waters, savor traditional Himachali cuisine, especially the saffron-infused rice dish, "kesari pulao." The International Himalayan Festival in Kasol is a top attraction in Himachal Pradesh, with live music, dancing, and yoga features.

4. Day 4: Shimla
   6.5 hours (233.3 miles) from Kasol

   The British summer capital of Shimla offers a well-preserved colonial heritage and scenery. Walk on the charming Mall Road, enjoy the winding train ride of an antique Toy Train, and find spiritual solace at the Jakhu Temple. Adventure enthusiasts can opt for a trek to Chadwick falls or Mashobra.

5. Day 5: Kufri
   1 hour (18.6 miles) from Shimla

   A visit to the picturesque hill station of Kufri should be on every traveler's bucket list. A guided trek to the Mahasu Peak can provide breathtaking views of the valley and vast expanses of snowy mountains. Don't miss out on the Himalayan Nature Park and the Kufri Fun World, a famous amusement park for families.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Bijli Mahadev Temple (2 hours, Free entry)
• Rohtang Pass (6 hours, INR 6,000)
• Hadimba Devi Temple (1 hour, INR 50)
• Manikaran Hot Springs (3 hours, INR 800)
• Himalayan Festival Kasol (2-3 hours, INR 2,000)
• Jakhu Temple (1 hour, INR 50)
• Chadwick Falls (2-3 hours, Free entry)
• Mashobra Trek (3-4 hours, INR 500)
• Kufri Trek to Mahasu Peak (4-5 hours, INR 1,200)
• Himalayan Nature Park (2-3 hours, INR 200)
• Kufri Fun World (3-4 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 10,300

Useful Tips

If you have more time, do not miss the Buddhist monasteries in Kullu, Rahala Falls in Manali, and the historic Viceregal Lodge in Shimla. For shopaholics, Manali and Shimla have vibrant local markets. If you have less time, skip the Fun World, and trekking, and instead opt for sightseeing in Kufri and Mashobra.