9-Day Family Adventure in Himachal Pradesh on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival at Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

9:00 AM

Explore Rock Garden

Start your trip with a visit to the famous Rock Garden, an artistic creation made of industrial & home waste.
Take a local bus from the railway station.
INR 30, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a budget-friendly but delightful lunch at Indian Coffee House, famous for its South Indian dishes.
Walk from the Rock Garden.
INR 250, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Sukhna Lake

Relax and take a boat ride at Sukhna Lake, a serene man-made reservoir.
Local bus or rickshaw from Indian Coffee House.
INR 50, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Travel to Shimla

Board the evening train to Shimla, enjoying the picturesque landscapes.
Train station access from Sukhna.
INR 150, 3 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Experience authentic Himachali cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
Walking distance from the station.
INR 300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Discovering Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Start your day with delicious pastries and coffee at this cozy cafe.
Walking distance from hotel.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Mall Road

Stroll along the famous Mall Road, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the views.
Walk to Mall Road.
Free, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Jakhoo Temple

Trek up to Jakhoo Temple, where you can find giant monkey statues and enjoy the panoramic views.
Take a shared taxi to the foot of the hill.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Ridge

Dine at The Ridge, trying some street food like momos for a unique experience.
Walk to the Ridge from Jakhoo.
INR 150, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit the Viceregal Lodge

Explore the historical Viceregal Lodge, which offers guided tours and beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from The Ridge.
INR 50, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Chill at Scandal Point

Relax at the iconic Scandal Point, perfect for family photos with stunning views.
Walk from the lodge.
Free, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Chaat Bazaar

Enjoy some local delicacies and street food in Shimla’s famous Chaat Bazaar.
Walk from Scandal Point.
INR 200, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure in Narkanda

Narkanda, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Narkanda

Catch a local bus to Narkanda, experiencing the scenic drive amidst mountains.
Bus station is nearby.
INR 80, 2.5 hours

10:30 AM

Skiing (Seasonal)

Try skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Narkanda if visiting in winter.
Rent equipment from local shops.
INR 1000, 3 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Orange Cafe

Refuel with delicious pizzas and sandwiches at this popular spot.
Short walk from the slopes.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hatu Peak Trek

Embark on a family trek to Hatu Peak, witnessing lush greenery, apple orchards, and incredible views.
Follow marked trails; local guide option available.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Apple Farm

Enjoy home-cooked meals in a warm setting while overlooking apple orchards.
Nearby local taxi.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Stop at Kotkhai

Kotkhai, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a simple breakfast at your lodging.
Breakfast at the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kotkhai

Board a local bus to Kotkhai to experience local village life.
Bus from Narkanda.
INR 60, 1.5 hours

10:30 AM

Visit the Kotkhai Palace

Explore the historic Kotkhai Palace and its surrounding gardens.
Walking distance from the bus stop.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Local Dhabha

Savor traditional Himachali thali at a local dhaba for an authentic taste.
Short walk from the palace.
INR 200, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the local apple orchards

Spend some time exploring and learning about Himachal's apple industry.
Local guide can assist.
Free, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return to Narkanda

Take a local bus back to Narkanda late in the afternoon.
Nearby bus stop.
INR 60, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

End the day with another delightful dinner at your hotel.
At the hotel.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Fun Day at Kufri

Kufri, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Kufri

Take a short bus ride to Kufri, a popular ski destination.
Bus from Narkanda.
INR 80, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Himalayan Nature Park

Explore the beautiful nature park and see local species like the Himalayan Black Bear.
Walk from the bus stop.
INR 50, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Cafe Neelkanth

Enjoy a meal with stunning mountain views at this lovely cafe.
Short walk from the park.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Horse Riding

Indulge in some horse riding, which is a highlight for kids visiting Kufri.
Local vendors offer rides on-site.
INR 200, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Visit the Mahasu Peak

Trek or ride to Mahasu Peak, the highest point in Kufri for breathtaking views.
Follow the trail marked from the horse riding area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Local Dhabha

Enjoy some local Himachali dishes to end the day perfectly.
Walk from the Mahasu Peak area.
INR 250, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Journey to Manali

Manali, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at the hotel before heading out.
In the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Manali

Take a scenic bus ride to Manali, well-known for its stunning mountainous views.
Board a bus to Manali.
INR 120, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Check-In at Hotel

Get settled in your accommodation and prepare for an exciting afternoon.
Nearby property.
INR 1000 (average for budget hotel), 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe 1947

Dine by the riverside, enjoying delicious homemade pasta and dessert.
Walking distance from hotel.
INR 500, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Hadimba Temple Visit

Explore the ancient Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar trees, truly breathtaking.
Local taxi or walk nearby.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Old Manali Exploration

Discover the charm of Old Manali with its quaint cafes and shops.
Short walk from Hadimba Temple.
Free, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at the Lazy Dog

End the day with a lively dinner at this popular yet budget-friendly joint.
Nearby Old Manali.
INR 350, 1 hour
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Day 7: Adventure at Solang Valley

Solang Valley, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before heading out for an adventurous day.
At the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Solang Valley

Catch a local taxi or shared vehicle to Solang Valley for a day of adventure.
Management at hotel can assist.
INR 300, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Paragliding

Experience the thrill of paragliding, suitable for families looking for adventure.
Sign up with local providers on-site.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Indoor Activities

Engage in other fun activities like zorbing, rope courses, or ATV rides.
Various providers around the site.
INR 1000, 2.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Solang Valley Cafe

Refuel with hearty lunch options at the cafe nearby.
Short walk from activity area.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Gelande Jump & Snow Activities (if winter)

Enjoy snow-related activities for kids if you visit during winter.
Equipment rental on-site.
INR 800, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali after an exciting day.
Shared taxi back to the hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour

7:30 PM

Dinner at Drifter’s Inn

Savor scrumptious mountain dishes while sharing the day’s adventures.
Walking distance.
INR 350, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Dharmshala

Dharmshala, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Begin your journey with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel.
At the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Travel to Dharmshala

Take a local bus to Dharmshala, known for its Tibetan culture.
Local bus terminal nearby.
INR 100, 4 hours

12:30 PM

Visit the Tibetan Monastery

Delve into Buddhist culture at the Tibetan Monastery and attend local ceremonies.
Short walk from the bus stop.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at the Moonpeak Cafe

Enjoy some Tibetan food and classic café dishes with lovely views.
Nearby the monastery.
INR 300, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Dharamkot

Venture over to Dharamkot for scenic views and peaceful ambiance.
Shared taxi or local bus.
INR 50, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit Bhagsu Waterfall

Enjoy a relaxing day at Bhagsu Waterfall where kids can play and families can unwind.
Short walk from Dharamkot.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Wrap up your day with a delicious Italian meal that's family-friendly.
Walk back to Dharmshala.
INR 400, 1 hour
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Day 9: Return to Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before beginning your journey back.
At the hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Chandigarh

Catch a bus back to Chandigarh, reminiscing about your adventures.
Bus terminal nearby.
INR 300, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Barbeque Nation

Enjoy a buffet meal at Barbeque Nation for a satisfying farewell.
Walking distance from bus station.
INR 800, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Elante Mall

Spend some time shopping and relaxing at Elante Mall before your departure.
Taxi from the restaurant.
INR 150 (taxi), 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return Home

Farewell interviews as you return home, hopefully packing memories.
Local taxi to railway station or airport.
INR 150, 1 hour
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