10-Day Family Adventure on a Shoestring Budget: Chandra Taal, Leh Ladakh, Dalhousie, Manali, Shimla, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand

Day 1: Arrival at Chandra Taal

Chandra Taal, India

10:00 AM

Settle In

Arrive at Chandra Taal and set up your camp or check into a budget guest house to unwind amidst stunning landscapes.
From Manali, take a local bus to Chandra Taal campsites.
INR3000, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a simple packed lunch of sandwiches or local cuisine prepared by camp cooks while soaking in the breathtaking views.
Dining at camp.
INR200, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Chandra Taal Lake

Embark on an easy trek around the enchanting Chandra Taal Lake, famous for its mesmerizing blue waters and surroundings.
Follow the marked trails around the lake.
Free, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Campfire Dinner

Gather around a campfire for a wholesome dinner of lentils, rice, chapati, and vegetables prepared by the camp staff.
Dinner served at camp.
INR300, 2 hours
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Day 2: Deeper into Nature

Chandra Taal, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast in the Wild

Savour a simple breakfast of oatmeal and fruits, energizing you for the day's explorations ahead.
Breakfast provided at the camp.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Batal Village

Take a short hike towards Batal village, where you will interact with locals and relish traditional snacks.
Hike approximately 5 km from the campsite.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Packed Lunch

Enjoy a delightful packed lunch amidst the scenic beauty of the mountains.
Lunch on the go.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Photography Expedition

Spend the afternoon capturing the magnificent landscapes and rich biodiversity of the area.
Walk around various viewpoints near the lake.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner Under the Stars

Relish a delicious dinner of local cuisine while sharing stories under the starlit sky.
Dinner served at camp.
INR300, 2 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Leh Ladakh

Leh Ladakh, India

6:00 AM

Breakfast and Pack Up

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of parathas and yogurt before packing your camping gear and getting ready for your next adventure.
Breakfast at camp, pack up your tent.
INR150, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Travel to Leh

Catch an early bus to Leh, traversing through picturesque landscapes and high mountain passes.
Take a local bus from Chandra Taal to Leh.
INR800, 8 hours

3:00 PM

Settle into Leh

Check into a budget guesthouse in Leh and rest after the long journey.
Arrive directly at the guesthouse.
INR800, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore Leh Market

Stroll around Leh Market, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and picking up local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Walk to Leh Market from your guesthouse.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Dine at a local eatery and try some traditional momos with noodles, a perfect ending to the day.
Choose from various eateries in the market.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Leh

Leh Ladakh, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast in Leh

Enjoy a traditional Ladakhi breakfast of chhoek and butter tea to start your day energetically.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Shanti Stupa

Take the morning to hike to Shanti Stupa, offering panoramic views of Leh town and surrounding mountains.
Walk approximately 3 km from your guesthouse.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch Break

Grab a quick lunch of rice and curry at a local café, trying out some regional delicacies.
Choose a café near the market.
INR250, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Explore Leh Palace

Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Leh Palace, learning about the fascinating history of Ladakh.
Walk from the café to Leh Palace.
INR100, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Local Tea House Visit

End your day with some refreshing tea at a local tea house while soaking in the Lehin river views.
Nearby tea houses.
INR150, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner and Relaxation

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in thukpa and paneer dishes while discussing the day's adventures.
Various options around the town.
INR400, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast and Depart

Breakfast at the guesthouse before boarding a bus to Dalhousie, enjoying the scenic ride through the mountains.
Breakfast at your guesthouse.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Dalhousie

Enjoy the picturesque views on your way to Dalhousie, filled with lush green hills and valleys.
Travel by local bus.
INR700, 10 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner in Dalhousie

Check into a budget hotel and enjoy local dishes like rajma and rice to refuel after a long journey.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
INR300, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Explore Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast in Dalhousie

Indulge in a hearty breakfast of aloo parathas before beginning your adventures.
Breakfast at the hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Khajjiar

Travel to Khajjiar, also known as 'Mini Switzerland of India', and spend the morning exploring the lush meadows.
Take a shared taxi to Khajjiar.
INR300, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst Khajjiar’s picturesque landscapes.
Lunch in the meadows.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Leisure Walk

Spend the afternoon during a leisurely walk, connecting with nature and observing wildlife.
Walk around Khajjiar.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Dalhousie

Travel back to Dalhousie in time for a relaxing evening.
Take a shared taxi back.
INR300, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner and Rest

Find a cozy restaurant for dinner and taste some traditional chhole bhature as you recount the day.
Dine at a local restaurant.
INR350, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Manali

Manali, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast and Depart

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your journey to Manali.
Breakfast at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Manali

Enjoy the scenic bus ride to Manali, surrounded by pine trees and green valleys.
Local bus to Manali.
INR600, 8 hours

5:00 PM

Explore Old Manali

Upon arrival, explore Old Manali’s charming streets filled with cafes and shops offering local crafts.
Walk around Old Manali.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner in Manali

Savor local delicacies like siddu and patande at a local restaurant to finish the day.
Choose from various eateries in Old Manali.
INR350, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Scenic Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast in Manali

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Manali before setting out for Shimla.
Breakfast at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Shimla

Take a bus to Shimla, admiring the changing landscapes through the pine-covered hills.
Travel by local bus.
INR600, 8 hours

5:00 PM

Check In and Explore

Arrive in Shimla and check into a budget hotel before exploring Mall Road, featuring shops and food stalls.
Check into your hotel.
INR800, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner on Mall Road

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant on Mall Road, sampling dishes like pasta and sandwiches.
Choose a restaurant on the bustling Mall Road.
INR400, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Adventure in Kashmir

Kashmir, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast in Shimla

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel before moving on to Jammu.
Breakfast at your hotel.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Jammu and Kashmir

Embark on your journey to Jammu, then continue on to Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir.
Catch a local bus to Jammu, then to Srinagar.
INR700, 10 hours

7:00 PM

Check In and Dinner

Check into a houseboat or budget hotel in Srinagar and enjoy a delightful dinner of Kashmiri rogan josh.
Dinner at your stay.
INR400, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Relaxation and Farewell

Uttarakhand, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast on Houseboat

Have breakfast one last time on the houseboat before preparing for your next adventure.
Breakfast on the houseboat.
INR200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Uttarakhand

Head towards Uttarakhand, making stops to enjoy the diverse landscapes along the way.
Local bus heading to Rishikesh.
INR800, 10 hours

7:00 PM

Final Dinner

Conclude your family adventure with dinner at a riverside café in Rishikesh, relishing local dishes like aloo tikki chaat.
Enjoy dining at a popular café.
INR350, 1.5 hours
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