Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Himachal Pradesh, January 11-17, 2024

Thursday, January 11: Exploring Shimla

Morning: Start your trip in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, by visiting the historical Viceregal Lodge. Explore this architectural gem and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its vantage point. In the afternoon, head to Jakhoo Hill to see the famous Hanuman statue and soak in the serene surroundings. In the evening, take a leisurely walk on Mall Road, the bustling heart of Shimla, dotted with shops, cafes, and beautiful colonial buildings.

• Viceregal Lodge: Prices and availability here. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Jakhoo Hill: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Mall Road: Prices and availability here. Time spent: 2-3 hours.

Friday, January 12: Manali Adventure

Morning: Depart for Manali, a popular hill station. Start your day with a visit to the famous Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by cedar forests. Enjoy the beautiful views and take a stroll in Manali Nature Park. In the afternoon, head to Solang Valley for exciting adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. Wrap up the day by exploring Old Manali, known for its bohemian vibe and local markets.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Manali Nature Park: Entry fee: Rs. 5. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Adventure activities in Solang Valley: Prices vary. Time spent: 3-4 hours.
• Old Manali: Free to explore. Time spent: 2-3 hours.

Restaurants

• Arogya Cafe: Start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at Arogya Cafe. They offer a range of organic dishes, including freshly brewed herbal teas and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• Johnson's Cafe: For lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, a charming eatery known for its European cuisine and cozy ambiance. Indulge in their homemade pasta or mouthwatering sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about ₹600 per person.
• Il Forno: Enjoy a delightful dinner at Il Forno, a popular Italian restaurant in Old Manali. Feast on wood-fired pizzas and authentic pasta dishes while overlooking the stunning views of the Manali valley. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.

Saturday, January 13: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Morning: Embark on a thrilling excursion to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowball fights. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Solang Valley for more adventure or relax amidst nature. Return to Manali in the evening and unwind in the hot springs of Vashisht.

• Rohtang Pass: Permit fee for a car: Rs. 500. Time spent: 4-5 hours.
• Solang Valley: Prices for adventure activities vary. Time spent: 3-4 hours.
• Vashisht Hot Springs: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.

Sunday, January 14: Dharamshala Cultural Delights

Morning: Travel to Dharamshala, home of the Dalai Lama. Visit the enlightening Tibetan Museum and learn about Tibetan culture and history. In the afternoon, explore the Namgyal Monastery and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Stroll along the vibrant streets of McLeod Ganj, exploring the local shops and savoring delicious Tibetan cuisine. Don't forget to try momos and thukpa!

• Tibetan Museum: Entry fee: Rs. 10. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Namgyal Monastery: Free entry. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• McLeod Ganj: Prices vary for shopping and dining. Time spent: 2-3 hours.

Monday, January 15: Dalhousie Serenity

Morning: Head to Dalhousie, a charming hill station adorned with colonial architecture. Visit Khajjiar, often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India," and enjoy the stunning landscapes and adventure activities like horse riding. In the afternoon, explore St. John's Church and walk along the tranquil paths of Subhash Baoli. Spend the evening at Gandhi Chowk, a popular market area.

• Khajjiar: Entry fee: Rs. 100. Time spent: 3-4 hours.
• St. John's Church: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Subhash Baoli: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Gandhi Chowk: Prices vary for shopping and dining. Time spent: 2-3 hours.

Tuesday, January 16: Chamba Ancient Heritage

Morning: Visit Chamba, a town known for its rich cultural heritage. Explore the ancient Bhuri Singh Museum, displaying a vast collection of artifacts and artworks. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Chamba's temples, including the Chamunda Devi Temple and Laxmi Narayan Temple. In the afternoon, take a leisurely boat ride in the serene Chamera Lake. Wrap up the day by witnessing the mesmerizing evening Aarti ceremony at Manimahesh Lake.

• Bhuri Singh Museum: Entry fee: Rs. 20. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Chamunda Devi Temple: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Laxmi Narayan Temple: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Chamera Lake: Boat ride fee: Rs. 300 per paddle boat (6 people). Time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Aarti ceremony at Manimahesh Lake: No entry fee. Time spent: 1 hour.

Wednesday, January 17: Return to Shimla

Morning: Return to Shimla and spend your last day exploring the beautiful mountain town. Take a heritage walk to admire the colonial architecture and visit Christ Church, one of Shimla's iconic landmarks. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic ride on the historic Kalka-Shimla toy train, passing through picturesque landscapes. Bid farewell to Himachal Pradesh with memories to cherish.

• Heritage Walk in Shimla: Free to explore. Time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Christ Church: No entry fee. Time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Kalka-Shimla Toy Train: Train ticket prices vary. Time spent: 4-5 hours.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the picturesque village of Prashar. Known for its stunning Prashar Lake and the centuries-old Prashar Rishi Temple, this hidden gem offers tranquility and breathtaking views. Another local favorite is Kasol, a small village situated along the Parvati River. Known as "Mini Israel," Kasol is perfect for nature lovers and offers hiking opportunities, hot springs, and a vibrant hippie culture.