7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Vaishno Devi, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, and Manali

Day 1: Pilgrimage Day

Katra, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Eatery

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of parathas and chai at one of Katra's local restaurants.
Walk to a local eatery close to your accommodation.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:00AM

Trek to Vaishno Devi Temple

Embark on the famous trek to the Vaishno Devi temple, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views.
Begin at the base of the trek in Katra.
Free, 5-6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Bhawan Canteen

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the Baba Vaishno Devi Bhawan's canteen after your trek.
At the temple complex.
INR 500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Darshan at Vaishno Devi Temple

Participate in the spiritual experience of seeking blessings at the famous Vaishno Devi shrine.
Within the Bhawan, a short walk from the canteen.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return Trek to Katra

Enjoy the scenic beauty on your return trek to Katra.
Follow your original trail back to Katra.
Free, 5-6 hours

10:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

Indulge in a delightful dinner at your hotel to reflect on your fulfilling day.
In your hotel restaurant.
INR 700, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at your hotel in Katra.
In the hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Dalhousie

Take a scenic taxi ride to Dalhousie, soaking in the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.
Hire a taxi from Katra to Dalhousie.
INR 2500, 5-6 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Dalhousie and check in to your family-friendly hotel.
At your chosen hotel's reception.
N/A, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Evening Walk at Mall Road

Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road, enjoying the refreshing mountain air and beautiful views.
Walk to Mall Road from your hotel.
Free, 1-2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Moti Mahal

Savour authentic North Indian cuisine at Moti Mahal, a family-friendly restaurant.
Located on Mall Road.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel, readying yourself for the day's adventures.
In the hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Khajjiar

Head to Khajjiar, often referred to as 'Mini Switzerland', for breath-taking landscapes and peaceful meadows.
Take a taxi to Khajjiar.
INR 1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Khajjiar

Organise a family picnic on the lush lawns of Khajjiar, enjoying the serene surroundings.
On the meadow at Khajjiar.
INR 500 for food, 1 hour

1:00PM

Return to Dalhousie

After savouring your picnic, return to Dalhousie.
Taxi back to Dalhousie.
INR 1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Tibetan Market

Explore the colourful Tibetan Market for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local snacks.
Walk to the market from your hotel.
Free entry, shopping at your cost, 1-2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Divine Indian

Dine at The Divine Indian, enjoying delightful traditional dishes.
Located close to Mall Road.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savour a hearty breakfast before checking out of your hotel.
In your hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Dharamshala

Take a scenic drive to Dharamshala, admiring the beautiful hills along the way.
Hire a taxi for the trip.
INR 1500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive and check into your chosen hotel in Dharamshala.
At your hotel reception.
N/A, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at The Corner House

Enjoy a delightful lunch at this popular restaurant known for its diverse menu.
Nearby your hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Tsuglagkhang (Dalai Lama Temple)

Explore the beautifully serene Tsuglagkhang temple complex, learning about Tibet's rich culture.
Take a short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1-2 hours

5:00PM

Explore McLeod Ganj Market

Stroll through McLeod Ganj Market for local crafts, souvenirs, and delightful street food.
Walk to the market nearby.
Free entry, shopping at your cost, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Dine at Nick's Italian Kitchen, renowned for its pizza and pasta options.
Close to the market area.
INR 900, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Dharamshala Exploration

Dharamshala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast at the hotel.
At your hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

McLeod Ganj Trek

Enjoy a guided trek around McLeod Ganj, truly immersing yourself in the Himalayan wilderness.
Depart from your hotel.
INR 500 (for guide), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Namgyal Cafe

Relax and recharge with lunch at Namgyal Cafe, offering Tibetan delicacies.
In McLeod Ganj, near your trek conclusion.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Norbulingka Institute

Explore the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture and art.
A short taxi ride from McLeod Ganj.
INR 300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Stroll in Nature

Spend some time enjoying the natural surroundings in the tranquil gardens of the institute.
Explore the garden areas at Norbulingka.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Khana Nirvana

Dine at Khana Nirvana, offering a delightful mix of Indian and international cuisine.
In McLeod Ganj, on your return.
INR 800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Manali

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting your journey to Manali.
At your hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Manali

Take a scenic taxi ride to Manali, through picturesque landscapes, experiencing the beauty of the Himachal region.
Hire a taxi from Dharamshala.
INR 3000, 7 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Hotel

Arrive in Manali and check in to your family-friendly accommodation.
At your hotel’s reception.
N/A, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Explore Manali Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road in Manali, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and indulging in shopping.
Walk from your hotel.
Free entry, shopping at your cost, 1-2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Johnson’s Lodge

Dine at The Johnson’s Lodge, known for its cozy atmosphere and delightful cuisine.
At a nearby location along Mall Road.
INR 900, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Manali Adventure

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
In the hotel restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hadimba Temple Visit

Visit the Hadimba Temple, surrounded by cedar forests and showcasing stunning architecture.
Take a taxi to the temple.
INR 100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nature Walk around Old Manali

Take a scenic walk through Old Manali, soaking in beautiful mountain views and quaint cafes.
Walk from Hadimba Temple.
Free, 1-2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Lazy Dog restaurant, known for its inviting ambience.
In Old Manali.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Solang Valley Adventure Activities

Join thrilling activities in Solang Valley, like paragliding or zorbing, perfect for families.
Take a taxi from Manali.
INR 2500 (activities extra), 4 hours

6:00PM

Return to Manali

After an adventurous day, return to Manali and relax.
Taxi back to your hotel.
INR 500, 1 hour

8:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Restaurant at The Himalayan

Conclude your trip with a sumptuous farewell dinner, reflecting on your beautiful experiences.
At The Himalayan.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability