7-Day "Nature" Itinerary for Himachal Pradesh in October 2023

1. Day 1: Shimla
   1 hour 14 minutes (39.3 km) from Chandigarh International Airport

   Start your day with a visit to the Jakhu Temple, located on the Jakhu Hill. After that, head to the Scandal Point for some stunning views of the mountains and the city. In the afternoon, explore the Viceregal Lodge, and finish your day with a walk around the Mall Road.

2. Day 2: Manali
   4 hours 24 minutes (248 km) from Shimla

   Start your day with a visit to the Hadimba Temple, a peaceful and serene temple surrounded by tall cedar trees. In the afternoon, head to the Solang Valley for some adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. End your day with a visit to the quaint Manali market.

3. Day 3: Kullu
   1 hour 13 minutes (42.2 km) from Manali

   Start your day with a visit to the Raghunath Temple, which boasts of intricate carvings and stunning architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Great Himalayan National Park for a guided trek and some wildlife spotting. End your day with a visit to the Kullu Shawl Factory.

4. Day 4: Dharamshala
   3 hours 38 minutes (147 km) from Kullu

   Start your day with a visit to the Namgyal Monastery, a stunning monastery with intricate wall murals. In the afternoon, head to the Dal Lake for a relaxing boat ride. End your day with a visit to the War Memorial, an interesting museum about the history of the Indian Army.

5. Day 5: McLeod Ganj
   23 minutes (8.4 km) from Dharamshala

   Start your day with a visit to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, a beautiful temple complex that houses the Dalai Lama's residence. In the afternoon, head to the Bhagsu Waterfall for a refreshing dip. End your day with a visit to the McLeod Ganj market for some souvenir shopping.

6. Day 6: Palampur
   49 minutes (33.1 km) from McLeod Ganj

   Start your day with a visit to the Baijnath Temple, an ancient temple with stunning architecture. In the afternoon, head to the Andretta Pottery Studio for some pottery making. End your day with a visit to the Neugal Cafe for some stunning views of the mountains.

7. Day 7: Chandigarh
   4 hours 34 minutes (257 km) from Palampur

   Start your day with a visit to the Sukhna Lake for a peaceful morning walk. In the afternoon, head to the Rock Garden, a beautiful garden with sculptures made entirely of recycled materials. End your day with a visit to the Sector 17 Market for some shopping.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting Kinnaur and Spiti Valley for some stunning landscapes and remote villages. You can also take a side trip to Kasol for some relaxing time by the Parvati River. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide for some offbeat trekking trails.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Jakhu Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Scandal Point (30 minutes, free)
• Viceregal Lodge (1-2 hours, ₹20)
• Mall Road (2-3 hours, free)
• Hadimba Temple (1-2 hours, ₹50)
• Solang Valley (3-4 hours, ₹500)
• Raghunath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Great Himalayan National Park (3-4 hours, ₹1000)
• Dal Lake (1-2 hours, ₹200)
• Namgyal Monastery (1-2 hours, free)
• Bhagsu Waterfall (1-2 hours, free)
• McLeod Ganj market (2-3 hours, free)
• Baijnath Temple (1-2 hours, ₹50)
• Andretta Pottery Studio (2-3 hours, ₹500)
• Neugal Cafe (1-2 hours, ₹500)
• Sukhna Lake (1-2 hours, free)
• Rock Garden (1-2 hours, ₹30)
• Sector 17 Market (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹3,100 per person