Start your trip to Himachal Pradesh by exploring Shimla, the capital city of the state. Visit the Jakhu Temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers panoramic views of the city. Take a stroll at the Christ Church and St. Michael's Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in North India and the second oldest in India. End your day with some shopping at Mall Road which is filled with stores selling local handicrafts, souvenirs and snacks.
Drive to the scenic town of Kufri and indulge in some adventure activities like horse riding, skiing and yak riding. You can also visit the Himalayan Nature Park which is home to a variety of flora and fauna including snow leopards, Himalayan brown bears and bharal. End your day with some hot chai and maggi noodles at one of the numerous local food stalls.
Travel to the picturesque town of Manali, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Visit the iconic Hidimba Devi Temple which is dedicated to the wife of Bhima from the epic Mahabharata. Take a stroll on the Mall Road, similar to the one in Shimla, and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs. End your day at the Manali Nature Park, located near the Beas river, which has numerous walking trails and picnic spots.
Drive to the famous Rohtang Pass, known for its picturesque views and snow-capped peaks. Engage in some adventure activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. You can also opt for a scenic snow scooter ride. End your day with a hot cup of chai while admiring the beautiful vistas.
Visit the scenic town of Kullu, famous for its hand-woven carpets and shawls. Check out the Raghunath Temple, a 17th-century Lord Rama temple, and Bijli Mahadev Temple, a unique temple with a 60 feet high flagpole that attracts lightning which shatters the temple's shivling. Go rafting or kayaking in the white waters of the Beas River before ending your day with local delicacies like trout fish and siddu.
Head to Naggar, a town known for its beautiful castle, temples and art galleries. Visit the Naggar Castle, a unique mix of Himalayan and European architecture that has been converted into a heritage hotel. You could also check out the Gauri Shankar Temple, a 12th-century holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your trip with a visit to the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery which showcases the paintings of the famous Russian painter, and gives you a glimpse of the art and culture of the region.
If you have more time, you can explore nearby towns like Kasol and Tirthan Valley. If you have less time, you can skip Kufri and Naggar. May is a peak season, so make sure to book your accommodations and travel well in advance. It is advisable to carry warm clothes and rainproof gear as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. Lastly, try out the local cuisine which has a unique blend of Punjabi and Tibetan flavours, and carry back some local handicrafts as souvenirs.