5-Day Family Friendly Nature Itinerary: Shimla, Manali, and Dharamsala

Day 1: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the iconic Indian Coffee House where South Indian delicacies and steaming coffee await to energize your family.
Walk to the nearby Ridge area for a morning stroll.
INR300, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Ridge

Stroll around The Ridge, a spacious open space where you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Walk to Mall Road.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Malls and Shopping

Explore Mall Road, where your family can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect for bringing home memories of Shimla.
Continue to Jakhoo Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Café Simla Times

Savor a delicious lunch overlooking the hills, featuring multi-cuisine options to suit everyone's palate.
Travel to Jakhoo Temple via taxi.
INR600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Visit Jakhoo Temple, located at the highest point in Shimla, known for its giant statue of Hanuman and lovely panoramic views.
Return taxi ride back to Mall Road.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy Nature Walks

Take a scenic nature walk in the surrounding pine forests to enjoy the serenity and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Walk back to your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Baljees Restaurant

Finish the day with a delightful dinner featuring local Himachali cuisine at Baljees.
Short walk back to the hotel.
INR800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Manali

Shimla to Manali, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast in your hotel before embarking on a scenic journey to Manali.
Transfer to your vehicle for the drive.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Manali

Drive through mesmerizing landscapes, taking occasional breaks to capture the stunning scenery and stretch your legs.
Route via NH5 - beautiful stops at Kothi and Gulaba;
INR2000, 8 hours

4:00PM

Arrival at Manali

Check in to your hotel and refresh after the long journey before heading out to explore.
Check into your hotel.
Varies based on choice of hotel, 30 min

4:30PM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Visit the iconic Hadimba Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, surrounded by beautiful cedar trees—perfect for a family photo.
Short taxi ride or walk from hotel.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening at Mall Road

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Mall Road and indulge in some delightful shopping and street snacks.
Back to Mall Road from Hadimba Temple.
INR400, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Johnson's Lodge

Relish a hearty dinner at Johnson's Lodge, offering great views and multi-cuisine options for all tastes.
Head back to your hotel after dinner.
INR1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Enjoy Manali

Manali, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Savor a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, prepping for a full day of exploration.
Stay at your hotel; then head out.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Solang Valley Adventure

Visit Solang Valley for some thrilling family adventures like paragliding, zorbing, or simply enjoying the beautiful vistas.
30-minute drive from Manali.
INR3000 (for activities), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Solang Valley Restaurant

Refuel with a delightful lunch at a local restaurant in Solang Valley, enjoying local and continental cuisine.
Walk to the restaurant.
INR800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Rohtang Pass

Take a scenic vehicle ride to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass offering breathtaking views and snow activities.
Drive to Rohtang Pass.
INR600 (entry fee), 4 hours

6:30PM

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali, reminiscing about the adventurous day spent amidst nature.
30-minute drive back.
Included in transportation cost, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Lazy Dog

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a charming ambiance at The Lazy Dog, a favorite among families.
Return to your hotel after dinner.
INR900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Dharamsala

Manali to Dharamsala, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Dharamsala.
Get ready to leave.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Dharamsala

Set off on another scenic route, passing through lush valleys and quaint villages along the way to Dharamsala.
Route via NH3, with stops for photography.
INR2000, 7 hours

3:00PM

Arrival in Dharamsala

Check into your accommodation and relax after the journey before embarking on your explorations.
Check into a hotel in Dharamsala.
Varies based on choice of hotel, 30 min

3:30PM

Visit McLeod Ganj

Explore the vibrant neighborhood of McLeod Ganj, home to Tibetan culture, monasteries, and local shops.
Short taxi ride to McLeod Ganj.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Namgyal Monastery

Experience tranquility at Namgyal Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery outside of Tibet.
Walk to the monastery from McLeod Ganj.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Illiterati Café

Enjoy dinner at Illiterati Café, known for its delicious offerings and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a family meal.
Short walk back to the café.
INR700, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Explore Dharamsala

Dharamsala, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the last day with breakfast at your hotel, getting ready for a day filled with exploration.
Get ready for the day.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex, a must-see to understand the deep-rooted Tibetan culture and its significance.
Short walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Bhagsunag Temple and Waterfall

Head to Bhagsunag Temple and enjoy the beauty of the nearby waterfall, a great spot for a family photo-op.
Taxi ride to Bhagsunag.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shiva Café

Grab lunch at Shiva Café, a lovely place to relax and take in the views while enjoying delicious food.
Walk from Bhagsu Waterfall to the café.
INR500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit War Memorial

Visit the War Memorial, dedicated to the martyrs of Himachal Pradesh, offering a serene place to reflect amidst the lovely gardens.
Taxi ride back to the memorial.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Tea Gardens

Wrap up your trip with some relaxing time in the tea gardens, sipping on local brew while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Travel by taxi to the tea gardens.
INR200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Dhamma Café

Conclude your itinerary with dinner at Dhamma Café, featuring delicious vegetarian options in a tranquil setting.
Return to your hotel post-dinner.
INR600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability