Motorcycle Adventure in Shimla, Chitkul, Kalpa, and Kaza
Friday, September 22: Arrival in Shimla
Arrive in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Start your adventure by exploring the Mall Road, the main street lined with shops, cafes, and colonial-era buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Viceregal Lodge, a magnificent heritage building with beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city. As the evening sets in, enjoy a scenic sunset at The Ridge, a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists.
Mall Road: Cost varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Viceregal Lodge: Cost varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
The Ridge: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Wake & Bake café, a charming eatery known for its delicious sandwiches and pastries. You can expect to spend around 200 INR per person for a meal.
For lunch, try out Café Sol, a popular restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines. Their Mexican dishes are particularly recommended. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Honey Hut, a cozy restaurant famous for its honey-based dishes and desserts. The average cost for a meal at Honey Hut is around 400 INR per person.
Saturday, September 23: Ride to Chitkul
Embark on a thrilling motorcycle ride to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Start your morning with a ride through picturesque valleys and dense forests. In the afternoon, explore Chitkul village and visit the ancient Mathi Devi Temple, known for its traditional Himachali architecture. Enjoy the evening by the Baspa River, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.
Motorcycle Ride: Cost varies, Time spent: Full day
Mathi Devi Temple: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Baspa River: Free, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is The Himalayan Cafe, known for their delicious blend of local and international breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
If you're looking for a hearty lunch, head to Taste of Himachal, where you can savor authentic Himachali dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit The Fernweh Restaurant, offering a cozy ambiance and a wide variety of Continental and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
Sunday, September 24: Journey to Kalpa
Continue your motorcycle adventure as you ride to Kalpa, a serene town located in the Kinnaur district. In the morning, ride through winding mountain roads and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kinnaur Valley. In the afternoon, visit the famous Kalpa Monastery, known for its ancient Buddhist artifacts and panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash range. Spend the evening exploring the quaint streets of Kalpa and admiring the traditional Himachali architecture.
Motorcycle Ride: Cost varies, Time spent: Full day
Kalpa Monastery: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Kalpa: Free, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day at Cafeteria Himalaya for a delicious breakfast of traditional Himachali dishes. This cozy restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and serves breakfast options such as steaming hot paranthas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Hotel Golden Apple, known for its delectable North Indian cuisine. This restaurant offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryanis, kebabs, and curries. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
In the evening, dine at Sher-e-Punjab Dhaba, a popular dinner spot in Kalpa. This rustic dhaba serves authentic Punjabi dishes including tandoori roti, dal makhani, and butter chicken. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, September 25: Discovering Kaza
Embark on an adventurous ride to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley. In the morning, ride through rugged terrains and challenging mountain passes, including the famous Kunzum Pass. In the afternoon, visit the Key Monastery, one of the iconic monasteries in the region, and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Spend the evening exploring the local markets of Kaza and interacting with the friendly residents.
Motorcycle Ride: Cost varies, Time spent: Full day
Key Monastery: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Exploring Kaza: Cost varies, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Himalayan Cafe. This cozy restaurant offers a range of delicious options such as pancakes, omelettes, and traditional Tibetan bread. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Taste of Spiti for some authentic local cuisine. This restaurant serves delicious Spitian dishes like thukpa, momos, and butter tea. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Buddha Restaurant, known for its excellent Tibetan and Indian dishes. From mouthwatering curries to flavorful momos, this restaurant offers a diverse menu. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Tuesday, September 26: Exploring Kaza and Surroundings
Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes and attractions around Kaza. In the morning, visit the picturesque villages of Langza and Hikkim, known for their scenic beauty and ancient monasteries. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful Chandratal Lake, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Enjoy the evening camping near the lake and stargazing in the clear night sky.
Langza and Hikkim Villages: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Chandratal Lake: Free, Time spent: Evening
Camping: Cost varies, Time spent: Overnight
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Himalayan Cafe. This cozy cafe offers a delicious spread of freshly baked bread, pancakes, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to The Monk's Kitchen, a serene restaurant with a panoramic view of the mountains. Indulge in their authentic Tibetan cuisine, including momos, thukpa, and butter tea. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at The Apple Tree Restaurant. This rustic eatery specializes in traditional Himachali dishes, such as siddu and chha gosht. Average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, September 27: Return Journey to Kalpa
Start your return journey to Kalpa, enjoying the scenic landscapes and peaceful mountain roads. In the morning, ride through the mesmerizing Spiti Valley and visit the picturesque village of Tabo, home to the ancient Tabo Monastery. In the afternoon, continue riding back to Kalpa and relax in the serene surroundings of this charming town.
Motorcycle Ride: Cost varies, Time spent: Full day
Tabo Monastery: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Relaxing in Kalpa: Free, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kalpa is The Himalayan Cafe, serving delicious local dishes such as parathas and aloo puri. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about INR 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to The Apple Tree Restaurant, which offers a variety of cuisines including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about INR 300 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a flavorful dinner at The Little Chef, known for its mouthwatering Indian and Tibetan dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about INR 400 per person.
Thursday, September 28: Farewell to Shimla
Bid farewell to the mountains as you ride back to Shimla. In the morning, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas one last time. In the afternoon, return to Shimla and explore any missed attractions or indulge in some souvenir shopping. In the evening, savor a delicious Himachali meal and reflect on your unforgettable motorcycle adventure.
Motorcycle Ride: Cost varies, Time spent: Full day
Exploring Shimla: Cost varies, Time spent: Afternoon
Himachali Dinner: Cost varies, Time spent: Evening
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Shimla is Café Sol, known for its delicious sandwiches and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Wake & Bake Café in Shimla, which offers a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Celebrate your final dinner in Shimla at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, a cozy restaurant serving delectable Indian and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While on your motorcycle adventure, don't miss the hidden gems and local favorites in the region. Take a detour to Nako Village, a tranquil hamlet with a beautiful lake and ancient monastery. Explore the scenic Pin Valley National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna. And for a unique experience, visit the Fossil Village of Langza, where you can witness ancient marine fossils embedded in the mountains. These offbeat attractions will add an extra layer of excitement to your journey.
For checking hotel and flight prices in Shimla and other destinations, you can visit Kayak.