Exploring Amritsar, Shimla, Kullu Manali, and Kasol - 7-Day Itinerary
Sunday, December 10: Arrival in Amritsar
Welcome to Amritsar! Begin your trip by visiting the iconic Golden Temple in the morning, where you can experience its serene atmosphere and witness the beautiful reflections in the water. In the afternoon, explore the historic Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial park commemorating the tragic massacre. End the day with a visit to the colorful local bazaars, such as Hall Bazaar and Katra Jaimal Singh Market, offering a variety of traditional goods.
Golden Temple: Entrance is free, spend around 2-3 hours
Jallianwala Bagh: Entrance is free, spend around 1 hour
Local Bazaars: Budget around INR 500-1000, spend 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its flavorful Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their famous Amritsari Kulcha with Chole, a fluffy bread filled with spicy potato stuffing, served with spicy chickpeas. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, a local favorite for its mouthwatering Amritsari fish and tandoori specialties. Enjoy their crispy and tangy Fish Fry or indulge in their succulent Tandoori Chicken. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about Rs. 400 per person.
For dinner, visit The Kulcha Land, a restaurant renowned for its delicious stuffed kulchas. Feast on their delectable Paneer Kulcha or Aloo Kulcha, filled with a variety of flavorful fillings. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about Rs. 250 per person.
Monday, December 11: Amritsar to Shimla
Leave Amritsar and head towards Shimla, a beautiful hill station. In the morning, visit the Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, a colonial-era architectural masterpiece. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road, Shimla's popular shopping street, offering a range of handicrafts and local specialties. Enjoy a peaceful evening at Scandal Point, a famous meeting point offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Viceregal Lodge: Entrance fee of INR 100, spend around 2-3 hours
Mall Road: Budget around INR 1000-1500, spend 2-3 hours
Scandal Point: Free, spend around 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Wake & Bake Café, known for its delicious pancakes and baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For lunch, try Cafe Sol, a cozy restaurant serving a variety of international dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering burgers and refreshing salads. Average cost for a meal is about 500 rupees per person.
For dinner, indulge in authentic Indian flavors at Baljee's Restaurant. Known for its aromatic curries and tandoori specials, this restaurant offers a fine dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 800 rupees per person.
Tuesday, December 12: Shimla to Kullu Manali
Travel from Shimla to the enchanting town of Kullu Manali. Start the day by visiting the Hadimba Devi Temple, a serene place surrounded by tall deodar trees. In the afternoon, explore the colorful Tibetan Monastery and the vibrant Mall Road, lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts and woolen items. Spend a peaceful evening at the scenic Manali Club House, offering activities like boating and indoor games.
Hadimba Devi Temple: Entrance fee of INR 50, spend around 2-3 hours
Tibetan Monastery: Entrance is free, spend around 1 hour
Mall Road: Budget around INR 1000-1500, spend 2-3 hours
Manali Club House: Entrance fee of INR 50, spend around 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe 1947 located in Manali. This cozy cafe offers a delicious range of breakfast options, including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, visit Johnson's Cafe in Manali. This popular eatery is known for its mouthwatering Italian cuisine, with dishes like wood-fired pizza and pasta. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
For dinner, try Chopsticks Restaurant in Manali. This restaurant serves delectable Chinese and Tibetan dishes, such as momos and noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 13: Rohtang Pass Excursion
Embark on an exciting excursion to Rohtang Pass, located about 51 km from Manali. Enjoy the picturesque drive through snow-covered landscapes and breathtaking mountain views. Spend the day playing in the snow, trying adventure sports like skiing or snowboarding, and immersing yourself in the natural beauty. Return to Manali in the evening and relax at the hot springs of Vashisht Temple.
Rohtang Pass: Permit fee of INR 500, spend around 6-8 hours
Vashisht Temple: Free, spend around 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe Jeevan in Manali for a delicious and hearty breakfast of pancakes, sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Johnson's Cafe in Manali, known for its mouthwatering Italian and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Lama House in Manali for a cozy and authentic Tibetan dining experience. Enjoy their famous momos and thukpa while soaking in the warm ambiance. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
Thursday, December 14: Manali to Kasol
Leave Manali and head towards the serene village of Kasol, located on the banks of the Parvati River. In the morning, explore the picturesque village and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. In the afternoon, hike to the beautiful Chalal village, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. Spend the evening enjoying a bonfire by the riverside and experiencing the local culture.
Exploring Kasol: Budget around INR 1000-1500, spend 4-5 hours
Hiking to Chalal: Free, spend around 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to the charming Cafe Rudra in Kasol. This cozy cafe offers a range of delicious breakfast dishes, including fluffy omelettes and freshly baked pastries. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
For lunch, visit The Evergreen Restaurant in Kasol. This popular restaurant serves a variety of Indian and continental dishes, with options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
For dinner, try out the Himalayan Dhaba in Kasol. This rustic roadside eatery offers authentic Himachali cuisine, including mouthwatering dishes like Dham and Chha Gosht. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.
Friday, December 15: Kasol Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kasol. Start your day by visiting the serene Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and experiencing the hot water springs believed to have healing properties. In the afternoon, explore the charming village of Tosh, nestled amidst scenic mountains. Enjoy the evening by the Parvati River and indulge in local cuisine.
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara: Entrance is free, spend around 2-3 hours
Exploring Tosh: Budget around INR 500-1000, spend 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Moon Dance Cafe, a cozy little cafe serving delicious pancakes, sandwiches, and a variety of hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Little Italy, a popular Italian restaurant known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Evergreen, a quaint restaurant offering a range of Indian and Chinese delicacies. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis and sizzling hot garlic noodles. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Saturday, December 16: Return to Amritsar
Return to Amritsar from Kasol. Spend your last day exploring the historic Wagah Border, where you can witness the ceremonial lowering of the flags by the Indian and Pakistani soldiers. In the afternoon, visit the Partition Museum, showcasing the stories and artifacts related to the partition of India. End your trip by savoring the delicious local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs in Amritsar.
Wagah Border: Entrance is free, spend around 3-4 hours
Partition Museum: Entrance fee of INR 10, spend around 2-3 hours
Local Cuisine and Shopping: Budget around INR 1000-1500, spend 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Kesar Da Dhaba, a popular restaurant known for its delicious Punjabi breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at Brothers Dhaba, a local favorite known for its authentic Punjabi cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, a renowned restaurant specializing in mouth-watering fish and chicken dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the region, don't miss out on visiting the serene Tirthan Valley near Kullu, known for its pristine beauty and trout fishing opportunities. Another hidden gem is Malana, a unique village famous for its distinct culture and the production of high-quality cannabis. Locals also recommend visiting Naggar, a small town near Manali, known for its ancient Naggar Castle and breathtaking views of the Kullu Valley.
For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices at KAYAK.