Start your trip by arriving in Himachal and checking into your hotel. Spend the morning exploring the local markets and sampling traditional Himachali cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the historic Shimla Ridge and take a leisurely walk along Mall Road, admiring the colonial architecture. In the evening, enjoy a sunset view from the Jakhoo Hill and visit the famous Christ Church.
Shimla Ridge: Free, 2 hours
Mall Road: Free, 2 hours
Jakhoo Hill: Free, 1 hour
Christ Church: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Himachal is Café Simla Times, known for its delicious English breakfast and cozy ambiance. An average meal here costs around Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, head to The Devicos, a charming restaurant offering a variety of dishes including Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. You can enjoy a satisfying meal here for about Rs. 300 per person.
If you're looking for a great dinner option, try Eighteen 71 Cookhouse & Bar. This restaurant is known for its wide range of multi-cuisine options and vibrant atmosphere. Expect to spend around Rs. 600 per person for a delightful dinner experience.
Monday, December 18: Exploring Kalpa
Start your day by traveling to Kalpa, a picturesque town in Kinnaur district known for its apple orchards and stunning mountain views. In the morning, visit the Kalpa Monastery and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. After a delicious local lunch, take a leisurely walk through the town, exploring its traditional houses and interacting with friendly locals. Watch a beautiful sunset over the snow-capped peaks in the evening.
Kalpa Monastery: Free, 1 hour
Exploring Kalpa town: Free, 2 hours
Watching sunset: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Juniper in Kalpa. This cozy café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options and has a warm and inviting ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the traditional Himachali cuisine at Restaurant Tara in Kalpa. This restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and friendly service. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Himalayan Paradise Restaurant in Kalpa. This restaurant offers a range of Indian and international dishes with breathtaking views of the mountains. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Tuesday, December 19: Adventure in Kalpa
Embark on an adventurous day in Kalpa. Start with a visit to the Suicide Point viewpoint to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. Afterward, go trekking in Chaka Meadows, surrounded by lush green forests and snowy peaks. In the afternoon, explore the quaint village of Roghi, known for its traditional wooden houses, and interact with the locals to learn about their way of life.
Suicide Point: Free, 2 hours
Trekking in Chaka Meadows: Approx. $20, 4 hours
Exploring Roghi village: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Kalpa is Cafe Sunrise, offering a variety of delicious sandwiches and freshly-brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Himachali Dhaba, a local eatery serving authentic Himachali cuisine. Don't miss the signature dish, Madra, made with chickpeas and a blend of spices. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit The Himalayan View Restaurant, known for its fantastic views and delectable Tibetan and Indian dishes. Try their mouthwatering momos and thukpa. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, December 20: Travel to Kasol
Leave Kalpa in the morning and travel to the scenic village of Kasol in Parvati Valley. Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains and arrive in Kasol by afternoon. Spend the rest of the day exploring the hippie culture, local cafes, and vibrant markets in Kasol. In the evening, relax by the Parvati River and savor the tranquility of the surroundings.
Travel from Kalpa to Kasol: Approx. $30, 6 hours
Exploring Kasol: Free, 4 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Evergreen, located in the heart of Kasol, is a cozy cafe known for its delicious breakfast options. Try their mouthwatering pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Lunch: The Little Italian Cafe offers a delightful range of Italian delicacies in a relaxed setting. Indulge in their scrumptious pizzas and pasta dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: The Evergreen Israeli Restaurant is a popular choice for dinner in Kasol. Enjoy their authentic Israeli cuisine, including hummus, falafel, and shawarma. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Thursday, December 21: Tosh Village Excursion
Take a day trip to Tosh Village, a picturesque hamlet located near Kasol. In the morning, hike through the scenic trails surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests. Reach the serene Tosh Glacier and enjoy the breathtaking views. Afterward, explore the village, interact with the locals, and savor delectable Israeli cuisine at the quaint cafes. Return to Kasol in the evening and relax by the riverside.
Trek to Tosh Glacier: Approx. $15, 6 hours
Exploring Tosh Village: Free, 2 hours
Restaurants
Moon Dance Cafe & German Bakery offers a delightful breakfast experience with a variety of freshly baked goods and a peaceful ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Evergreen Cafe is a charming lunch spot known for its hearty Tibetan and Israeli dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Little Italy is a popular dinner destination offering a wide range of mouthwatering Italian delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Friday, December 22: Kheerganga Trek
Embark on an exciting trek to Kheerganga, known for its natural hot water springs and stunning views of the Parvati Valley. Start early in the morning and hike through the picturesque trails, crossing streams and lush green hills. Reach Kheerganga and take a dip in the hot springs to rejuvenate. Enjoy camping amidst the serene wilderness and witness the beautiful star-lit sky.
Kheerganga Trek: Approx. $25, 8-10 hours
Camping in Kheerganga: Approx. $15, Overnight stay
Restaurants
A cozy breakfast spot near Kheerganga is Cafe 360. This charming cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, such as fluffy pancakes and omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Evergreen Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its tasty Indian and Chinese cuisine. From flavorful curries to crispy noodles, they have something to satisfy every palate. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit Little Italy Restaurant. This Italian restaurant serves authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, December 23: Departure from Kasol
On your last day, spend the morning exploring the local markets in Kasol and picking up souvenirs. Enjoy a final meal of local delicacies before bidding farewell to the serene beauty of Himachal. Depart from Kasol in the afternoon, taking back memories of a memorable trip.
Exploring Kasol markets: Cost varies, 2 hours
Departure from Kasol: N/A
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to German Bakery in Kasol which offers a wide variety of freshly baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 200 per person.
For lunch, try out The Evergreen Restaurant in Kasol that serves delicious North Indian and Israeli cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 300 per person.
For dinner, visit Little Italy Restaurant in Kasol known for its mouth-watering Italian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Himachal, don't miss out on the hidden gems and local favorites. Visit the quaint village of Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, to experience the traditional way of life. Explore the serene landscapes of Barot Valley and go trout fishing in the Uhl River. For adventure enthusiasts, try paragliding in Bir Billing, one of the best paragliding spots in the world. These off the beaten path attractions will give you a unique and authentic experience of Himachal Pradesh.