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10-Day Northern India Cold Region Itinerary: Explore Shimla, Manali & Dharamshala

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Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Shimla, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Simla Times

Start your day with fresh bakery items and a hot cup of tea at this popular café that opens early and is located near the Mall Road.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

The Ridge Walk

Take a leisurely stroll on The Ridge, Shimla’s cultural hub, enjoying mountain views and colonial architecture; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Relish classic Indian dishes in a heritage café known for its nostalgic charm and budget-friendly menu; open from 10am-8pm.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Explore this ancient Hanuman temple perched on Jakhoo Hill with panoramic views of Shimla; open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes with mountain views in a cozy setting suitable for solo travellers; dinner service starts at 7pm.
INR600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 2: Exploration and History

Shimla, India on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Try the freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries in this quaint café that opens at 7:30am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Viceregal Lodge Visit

Tour this historic British-era building and its beautiful gardens which open from 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Himalayan Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Himachali dishes and hearty meals in a traditional setup; open from noon to 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kufri Day Trip

Drive 16 km to Kufri, renowned for beautiful mountain scenery and adventure activities; tourist spots open until 6pm.
Transport Cost INR400, 3h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar

Dine in style with a varied menu and great ambiance close to the town centre; open for dinner from 7pm.
INR700, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 3: Travel to Manali

Manali, India on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple and wholesome breakfast including parathas and chai to fuel your day before travel.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Manali

Scenic 7-hour drive from Shimla to Manali through winding mountain roads with stops for photos and refreshments.
INR1500 taxi or bus fare, 7h0m

4:30pm

Check-in & Rest

Settle into your hotel or guesthouse and relax after the journey.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Café

Taste local trout and North Indian specialties at one of Manali’s best-known eateries; open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Manali

Day 4: Manali Sightseeing

Manali, India on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy riverside ambiance and fresh bakery items starting from 8am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple

Explore this ancient forest temple surrounded by cedar trees; open 7am to 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Manu Temple and Old Manali Market

Visit the temple dedicated to sage Manu and then browse handicrafts in Old Manali.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Evergreen

Try Tibetan momos and thukpa in this cozy, budget-friendly café open till 5pm.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Solang Valley Afternoon

Head to Solang Valley for stunning views and possible adventure sports such as paragliding; open till 6pm.
Entry free; sports extra, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Drifters’ Café

Enjoy international cuisine and a lively atmosphere, open for dinner from 7pm.
INR650, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Manali

Day 5: Relax and Nature

Manali, India on May 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast with local fresh fruits and breads.
Included in stay, 1h0m

10:00am

Jogini Waterfall Trek

Half-day trek to beautiful Jogini Waterfall starting from Vashisht Village; trek duration around 2-3 hours.
Free, 4h0m

3:00pm

Tea at Johnson’s Café

Unwind with hot beverages and snack by the riverside café.
INR250, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Lalit

Enjoy North Indian cuisine with a quaint atmosphere; open 7pm till late.
INR550, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Manali

Day 6: Travel to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, India on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick and filling breakfast before the road journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Dharamshala

Approximately 7-hour scenic drive through mountain roads with photo stops at scenic points.
INR1800 taxi fare, 7h0m

3:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Settle into your guesthouse or hotel in McLeod Ganj and unwind after travel.
Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Evening Walk at Dal Lake

Stroll around the serene Dal Lake area with scenic views of Dhauladhar ranges; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine and momos, a must-try in Dharamshala; open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dharamshala

Day 7: Cultural Tour

Dharamshala, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moonpeak Espresso

Artisan coffee and healthy breakfast in a trendy café open from 8am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex

Explore the spiritual heart of Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama; open 8am to 6pm.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Illiterati Café

Cozy, book-themed café serving hearty meals with vegetarian options; open noon to 9pm.
INR450, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Bhagsu Waterfall and Temple

Short hike to the scenic Bhagsu waterfall and visit the peaceful Bhagsunath Temple; accessible all day.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Relish Italian and continental dishes in a lively atmosphere; dinner starts at 7pm.
INR700, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Dharamshala

Day 8: Return Journey

Shimla, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a quick breakfast in Dharamshala.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive back to Shimla

Enjoy the mountainous drive back to Shimla, approx 7 hours with scenic stops.
INR1800 taxi fare, 7h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax

Rest at your accommodation in Shimla after return journey.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lounge 5

Dine with a trendy ambiance offering Indian and continental options; open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 9: Leisure Day Shimla

Shimla, India on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Mundy

Enjoy one of Shimla’s oldest bakeries with fresh coffee and croissants; opens at 8am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Shopping at Mall Road & Lakkar Bazaar

Browse souvenirs, handicrafts, and woollens in these lively shopping streets; open all day.
Free to browse, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Restaurant at Clarke’s

A classy dining experience with European and North Indian cuisine; open noon to 3pm.
INR800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Gaiety Theatre and Shimla State Museum

Discover local art, culture, and heritage; museum open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Baljees

Famous for North Indian and Himachali thalis; open till 9:30pm.
INR550, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Shimla

Day 10: Departure Day

Shimla, India on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early wholesome breakfast to prepare for your onward journey.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Pack & Check-out

Complete packing and check out from your accommodation.
Free, 1h0m

10:00am

Transport to Departure Point

Take taxi or bus to Shimla railway station or airport for onward travel.
INR500 - 1000, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Shimla
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