5-Day Shoestring Adventure in Himachal Pradesh, India

Day 1: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with a traditional breakfast of soft idlis and filter coffee at the iconic Indian Coffee House on Mall Road.
Take a 10-minute walk to the Mall Road after breakfast.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Hike up to Jakhoo Temple, the highest point in Shimla, and enjoy the panoramic view of the city and surrounding mountains.
1.5 km hike from Mall Road; around 30 minutes uphill.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Stroll through Lakkar Bazaar

Experience local life as you browse wooden handicrafts and souvenirs in Lakkar Bazaar.
15-minute walk from Jakhoo Temple.
Free to explore, shopping extra, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Mall Road

Relish a budget-friendly thali at Sitaram Chole Bhature on Mall Road.
Just a few steps from Lakkar Bazaar.
INR 100, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Viceregal Lodge

Explore the beautiful gardens and stunning architecture of the Viceregal Lodge, a historical landmark in Shimla.
2 km from Mall Road; take a local bus if needed.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at The Ridge

Unwind at The Ridge, enjoying the serene views and local life; perhaps grab chai from a nearby stall.
Return to Mall Road, then walk to The Ridge.
INR 30 for tea, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sharma's Dhaba

Finish your day with a simple but hearty dinner of daal fry and roti at Sharma's Dhaba.
Walk back to local areas near Mall Road.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 2: Travel to Manali

Manali, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Ashiana & Goofa

Fuel up with a plate of parathas and yogurt before your journey to Manali.
Walk to the nearby café.
INR 120, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Manali

Catch a local bus from Shimla to Manali, experiencing the scenic beauty of the mountains.
Board at the local bus stand.
INR 600, 8-10 hours

5:00PM

Check-In & Freshen Up

Arrive in Manali, check into a budget guesthouse, and freshen up.
Choose guesthouses around Old Manali.
INR 600, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening Walk Along Mall Road

Enjoy a leisurely walk on Mall Road, experiencing the commercial heart of Manali.
Just a stroll from your guesthouse.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Punjabi Dhaba

Savor the flavors of North India with cheap and delicious chicken butter masala and naan.
Located near the Mall Road area.
INR 250, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure in Solang Valley

Solang Valley, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy the simplicity of eggs and toast with local tea at your guesthouse before heading out.
Get ready for the day.
INR 100, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Solang Valley

Take a local bus from Manali to Solang Valley, known for its adventure sports.
Board from the nearest bus stop.
INR 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Paragliding at Solang

Soar high above the valley while paragliding, and experience the unmatched thrills.
Follow signs to the paragliding site.
INR 1200, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Solang Valley

Eat a sumptuous meal of rice and raita at a food stall nearby, enjoying the mountains as your backdrop.
Choose a local stall in the area.
INR 150, 1 hour

1:30PM

Snow Activities

Engage in snow activities, like skiing or simply playing in the snow if it's winter.
Stay around the designated snow activities area.
INR 800 for skiing (depends on season), 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Manali

Catch a local bus back to Manali and rest up after an adventurous day.
Return to the bus stop.
INR 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sharda Restaurant

Indulge in a warm meal of rice, dal, and roti after a thrilling day.
Located in the Old Manali area.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Nature in Kasol

Kasol, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Café Moka

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of pancakes and honey in a beautiful setting.
Easy to find near Kasol's main area.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to Kasol

Board a bus to Kasol and get ready to experience this laid-back, scenic village.
Locate the local bus stop in Manali.
INR 150, 2 hours

10:30AM

Check-In & Relax

Check into a budget hostel and take some time to relax and enjoy the views.
There are many budget hostels in Kasol.
INR 500, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Parvati River

Stroll alongside the magnificent Parvati River, soaking in the beauty and tranquility.
Walk from your hostel to the river.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Buddha Gardens

Savor organic salads and juices at this trendy eatery in Kasol.
Found near the main market.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike to Kheerganga

Embark on a half-day hike to Kheerganga, famous for its hot springs and spectacular views.
Set out from Kasol, the trailhead is well-marked.
Free, 4 hours hike

7:00PM

Dinner at The Evergreen Café

Enjoy a fulfilling meal of Tibetan momos and thukpa after a long day of hiking.
Back in Kasol, close to your hostel.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Adventure in McLeod Ganj

McLeod Ganj, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at Art Café

Savor a plate of fresh fruit and muesli with yogurt to start your day in McLeod Ganj.
Located in the main market area.
INR 200, 1 hour

8:30AM

Bus to McLeod Ganj

Catch a bus to McLeod Ganj, the home of the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture.
Base your trip off of your hostel; they can help with directions.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Namgyal Monastery

Explore Namgyal Monastery, soaking in Buddhist teachings and tranquility.
Easily walkable from the bus stand.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore Local Markets

Wander through the local markets, finding unique Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.
Just stroll around the main square.
Free to explore, shopping extra, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Tibetan Kitchen

Experience authentic Tibetan cuisine with a lunch of thukpa and momos.
Located centrally in McLeod Ganj.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Bhagsu Waterfall

Take a hike to Bhagsu Waterfall, a beautiful spot to relax and dip your feet.
Follow signs toward Bhagsu from the main area.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Quality Restaurant

Wrap up your adventure with a wholesome dinner of paneer butter masala and rice.
Not far from the main square.
INR 300, 1 hour
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