6-Day Spiritual and Nature Tour: Dharmshala, Daulhousi, and Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Day 1: Explore Dharmshala

Dharmshala, India on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Enjoy a comforting breakfast with a range of continental and local Himachali dishes in this popular café that opens at 8AM.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Located in McLeod Ganj, this spiritual site is the residence of the Dalai Lama and offers serene atmosphere and Tibetan Buddhist culture. The temple opens from 7AM to 7PM.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Taste authentic Tibetan cuisine such as momos and thupka in this well-known restaurant near the temple complex.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Bhagsu Waterfall and Temple

A short drive and trek from McLeod Ganj, the waterfall is a beautiful natural spot and the nearby temple adds a spiritual touch. Open throughout the day, recommended until daylight.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Browse Local Markets and Handicrafts

Discover Tibetan handicrafts, woollens, and souvenirs. Markets usually stay open till early evening.
Variable, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Illiterati by Tibet Kitchen

Relax with a mix of Tibetan and continental dishes in a cozy ambiance, the perfect way to end your first day in Dharmshala.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 2: Nature and Culture Walks

Dharmshala, India on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Bhagsu

Start your day with a hearty breakfast offering fresh juices, eggs, and local flavors. Opens early at 7AM.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Trek to Triund Hill

A moderate trek providing breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar mountain range. Begin early to avoid heat and enjoy a picnic atop. Weather permitting, take 4 hours round trip.
Free, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jogindra Cafeteria

After your trek, recharge with simple but tasty local Himachali food in this popular eatery.
INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Norbulingka Institute

A cultural institute dedicated to preserving Tibetan art and culture. Explore beautiful gardens and workshops. Open till 6PM.
INR150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at St. John’s Church

Visit this serene church built in the 19th century with picturesque views around. Open till 6:30PM.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

End the day with some delicious Italian pizzas and pastas in this highly rated local spot.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 3: Travel to Daulhousie

Daulhousie, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Dharmshala

Enjoy an early breakfast before departure with a variety of fresh and local options.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Daulhousie

A scenic 4-5 hour drive through beautiful Himachali landscapes linking Dharmshala to Daulhousie. Start early to reach with ample daylight.
Transp cost approx. INR1500, 5h0m

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel Snow Valley

Settle in and enjoy a filling lunch at your hotel or nearby eateries offering local Himachali cuisine.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Walk in Subhash Baagh and Local Market

Take a gentle stroll through the lush gardens and quaint market area. It’s an excellent place to unwind and look for souvenirs.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit St. John’s Church

Explore this historic colonial-era church set amidst pine trees. Open till evening, a peaceful site for reflection.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Eating House

Enjoy multi-cuisine food with great ambience and excellent reviews in Daulhousie town center.
INR700, 1h0m

Day 4: Daulhousie Sightseeing

Daulhousie, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Shaheed Bhagat Coffee Shop

Begin with a fresh and hearty breakfast offering local and continental favorites.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Khajjiar Lake and Park

Known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India', Khajjiar is about 20-min drive from Daulhousie and offers a beautiful lake surrounded by lush meadows and forests. Open throughout the day.
INR100, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Khangri

Enjoy simple North Indian meals with a good view of the hills.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the thick deodar forests and spot local wildlife in this protected sanctuary open till late afternoon. Ideal for a nature walk or photography.
INR50, 3h0m

6:00pm

Relax and Tea at Hotel

Wind down at your hotel with a warm cup of tea.
INR150, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chaman’s Cafe

Sample North Indian and Himachali fare in a cozy café setting.
INR600, 1h0m

Day 5: Travel to Katra (Vaishno Devi Gateway)

Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel before the journey to Katra. Plan for 8-10 hours travel by road or train.
INR300, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Katra

A long but scenic journey. Opt for comfortable transport. Arriving by evening allows rest before the pilgrimage start.
Travel approx. INR2000, 10h0m

6:30pm

Check-in to hotel in Katra and Dinner at local dhaba

Stay overnight in Katra in preparation for early temple trek next day. Enjoy warm, simple, and wholesome local vegetarian food available at dhabas near hotels.
INR400, 1h0m

Day 6: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir, India on April 24, 2025

6:00am

Start Trek to Vaishno Devi Shrine

Begin your spiritual trek early in the cool morning. The 13 km trek is well-marked with resting points and facilities. The shrine is open from 5AM to 8PM.
Free, 6h0m

12:00pm

Darshan at Vaishno Devi Temple

Experience the spiritual atmosphere and perform darshan at the sacred shrine. Allocate time for queueing and rituals.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Packed Lunch during Return Trek

Carry a packed lunch or eat at the designated stops on the way down. Several stalls provide simple, hygienic food.
INR300, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Katra for Rest

Complete the return walk and rest back at your hotel or exploring the town.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Rajmandir

Celebrate the completion of the pilgrimage with a traditional meal offering North Indian specialties in a comfortable setting.
INR700, 1h0m