8-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Himachal & Kashmir

Day 1: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Wake and Bake Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and coffee while enjoying the view of the mountains.
Walk to the cafe from your accommodation in the Mall Road area.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Ridge

Stroll along the scenic Ridge, the central part of Shimla, lined with colonial architecture and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Short walk from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore Mall Road

Shop for local handicrafts and woolens, perfect for the chilly weather.
Proceed along Mall Road from the Ridge.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Indian Coffee House

Relish a simple yet delightful North Indian meal with a nostalgic vibe.
Short walk from Mall Road.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Christ Church

Tour the iconic neo-gothic church, the second oldest church in North India.
Walk over to the church from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Kids' Play at Scandal Point

Let the kids have some fun at this lively viewpoint while enjoying some local snacks from nearby vendors.
A short uphill walk from Christ Church.
INR 200, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Experience authentic Himachali cuisine, a perfect end to your day.
Head back towards Mall Road.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Travel to Manali

Manali, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe 1947

Enjoy a delicious breakfast along the river, including fresh juices and sandwiches.
Drive to the cafe from your accommodation.
INR 700, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Manali

Embark on a picturesque journey to Manali, known for its lush greenery and stunning views.
Take NH5, then NH3 towards Manali.
INR 3000 for taxi, 8 hours

4:30 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle into your hotel and rest for a bit before exploring.
Your taxi will drop you off at the hotel.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the serene temple surrounded by towering cedar trees in the evening light.
Drive to the temple from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Johnson's Lodge

Relish diverse cuisines with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for families.
Short drive from Hadimba Temple.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Rohtang Pass, India

6:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling buffet breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day ahead.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Head to Rohtang Pass

Set out early to ensure a full day of fun activities at this breathtaking location.
Private taxi ride from your hotel.
INR 5000 for taxi (round trip), 2 hours

9:00 AM

Enjoy Snow Activities

Engage in snowball fights, sledding, and other snow fun suitable for all ages.
Walk around the snow fields once you arrive.
INR 2000 for activities, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try Madra (a local Himachali dish) and some hot soup to stay warm!
Choose any roadside stalls serving local food.
INR 600, 1 hour

1:00 PM

More Snow Fun

Continue enjoying snow-based activities or relax by the scenic view.
N/A
Included in earlier costs, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Return to Manali

Head back while enjoying the stunning mountain scenery.
Taxi back to Manali.
Included in earlier costs, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Relax at Hotel

Unwind at your hotel pool or enjoy some family games.
N/A
Included in stay, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Corner House

End your day with some delicious North Indian cuisine and dessert.
Short taxi ride from your hotel.
INR 900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a healthy breakfast buffet at the hotel.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Dharamshala

Enjoy a scenic drive through lush pines and hills as you head to the next destination.
Drive from Manali to Dharamshala via NH3.
INR 3000, 7 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Rest and refresh at your hotel upon arrival in Dharamshala.
Hotel check-in process.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit McLeod Ganj

Explore the religious and cultural hub, and perhaps meet some monks in the local monastery.
Short taxi ride or walk from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Lung Ta Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan dishes like Thukpa and Momos with the family in a cozy setting.
Walk or taxi from McLeod Ganj.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Dalhousie

Drive through the picturesque hills of Himachal to reach Dalhousie, renowned for its colonial architecture.
Private taxi from Dharamshala.
INR 2500, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Settle in at your hotel and take in the fresh mountain air.
Hotel check-in process.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Mall Road

Dine at a local favorite restaurant while enjoying the views of the hills.
A short walk from your hotel.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Khajjiar

Take a short drive to Khajjiar, known as 'Mini Switzerland,' for its lush meadows and beautiful landscapes.
Taxi from Dalhousie to Khajjiar.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Family Activities at Khajjiar

Engage in activities like paragliding and horse riding amidst breathtaking views.
Activities available on-site.
INR 2500, 3 hours

8:00 PM

Return to Dalhousie and Dinner

Relax at the hotel and enjoy dinner at their in-house restaurant.
Drive back from Khajjiar.
INR 600, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Amritsar

Amritsar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel your day with a generous breakfast buffet at the hotel.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Amritsar

Embark on a scenic drive towards Amritsar, the heart of Punjab.
Private taxi from Dalhousie.
INR 4000, 7 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in at Hotel

Rest up before heading out to see the famous Golden Temple.
Hotel check-in process.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit Golden Temple

Experience the serene beauty of the holiest Gurdwara in Sikhism, immersing in its spirituality.
Short taxi ride from the hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Langar Dinner at Golden Temple

Enjoy a communal meal at the temple; a must-try experience that feeds thousands daily.
Dining hall located within the temple complex.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Pahalgam

Pahalgam, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a breakfast buffet at the hotel.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Pahalgam

Depart Amritsar and take a flight to Srinagar; a private taxi awaits you for the journey to Pahalgam.
Taxi to Amritsar Airport then flight.
INR 10000 (including flight), 3 hours

12:00 PM

Check-in at Pahalgam Hotel

Rest and freshen up at the hotel overlooking the Lidder River.
Hotel check-in process.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy river-side dining with Kashmir's traditional cuisine.
Short walk or ride from the hotel.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Betaab Valley

Discover this picturesque valley famous for its lush greenery and beautiful views.
Taxi ride to Betaab Valley.
INR 300, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Family Fun at Pahalgam

Take a pony ride along the Lidder River, an exciting adventure for the kids.
Activities near the riverbank.
INR 1500, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Relish a delicious dinner with a view of the river as a perfect end to your day.
On-site dining at the hotel.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Explore Srinagar

Srinagar, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before the day of exploration.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Dal Lake Shikara Ride

Experience a serene ride on the Shikara while witnessing the beauty of Dal Lake.
Short taxi ride to the lake.
INR 2000, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Visit Mughal Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, enjoying the exquisite flowers.
Taxi from Dal Lake to the gardens.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Ahdoos Restaurant

Savor authentic Kashmiri cuisine, including Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo.
Taxi from gardens to restaurant.
INR 1000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Local Markets

Shop for Pashminas and handicrafts, making it a perfect finale to your Kashmir trip.
Walk to nearby markets.
Variable, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Visit Hazratbal Shrine

Experience the tranquility of this revered shrine by the lake.
Taxi from markets to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at The Chashme Shahi

Celebrate the end of your journey with a lovely dinner with views of the famous Mughal Gardens.
Taxi from the shrine.
INR 1500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability