Ultimate Himachal & Uttarakhand Tour: Manali, Kullu, Dharamshala, Shimla & Rishikesh Adventure with River Rafting and Cultural Experiences

Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh

Delhi to Rishikesh, India on April 20, 2025

7:00am

Depart Delhi for Rishikesh

Start early morning on the approximately 5-6 hour drive to Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the World, known for its spiritual ambience and adventure sports.
INR 1500 (taxi or bus), 5-6h

1:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

After arrival, check into your riverside guesthouse or hotel and enjoy lunch at a café serving wholesome vegetarian fare with Ganga views.
INR 400, 1h

3:00pm

River Rafting on the Ganges

Experience thrilling river rafting on the Ganges, suitable for beginners as well as experienced rafters, operating daily typically 9am-5pm with safety gear provided.
INR 1000-1500, 2h

6:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the captivating evening Ganga Aarti ceremony with rhythmic chants and flame offerings at this sacred ghat, a truly spiritual experience open every evening around sunset.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy a peaceful dinner featuring local vegetarian delicacies in one of Rishikesh's popular eateries.
INR 400, 1h

Day 2: Rishikesh to Manali

Rishikesh to Manali, India on April 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with fresh fruit and continental or Indian breakfast options overlooking the Ganges.
INR 300, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Manali

Embark on a scenic approximately 10-12 hour drive from Rishikesh to Manali crossing mountainous terrain and picturesque valleys.
Transport fare, 10-12h

8:00pm

Dinner at Falak Open Air Restaurant

Arrive in Manali and enjoy dinner at this restaurant known for its Himachali dishes in a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
INR 500, 1h

Day 3: Manali Adventure

Manali, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mount View Noodles

Relish Tibetan-style noodles and local breakfast favorites to energise your day.
INR 300, 1h

9:30am

Paragliding at Solang Valley

Soar above Solang Valley’s stunning landscape with professional paragliding operators open daily 8am-5pm.
INR 2500, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore this iconic wooden temple enshrined among cedar forests, revered for its unique architecture and cultural significance.
INR 10, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Falak Open Air Restaurant

Enjoy delicious Himachali and North Indian food complemented by outdoor mountain views.
INR 500, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Vashisht Hot Springs

Unwind in the natural thermal sulphur springs known for therapeutic qualities, open throughout daylight hours.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Mall Road Shopping

Browse for woollens, souvenirs and handicrafts while soaking in Manali’s vibrant street atmosphere.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Evergreen Kasol

Dine on authentic Himachali cuisine in a cozy ambiance, highly recommended by locals.
INR 600, 1h

Day 4: Kullu Temples & Travel

Kullu, India on April 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Eatery

Start with traditional Himachali dishes and tea in a local restaurant.
INR 200, 1h

9:00am

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore the intricately carved wooden temple steeped in local religious history.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Travel and Visit Bijli Mahadev Temple

Drive up to this hilltop temple marked by a lightning rod and offering sweeping views of Kullu valley.
Free, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Himachali Rasoi

Savour the unique flavours of Himachali cuisine in a traditional setting.
INR 450, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Dharamshala

Embark on a 3-4 hour journey to Dharamshala, a Tibetan spiritual centre nestled in the mountains.
Transport fare, 3.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Northern Cafe Bir

Enjoy a relaxed meal featuring organic and wholesome dishes in Dharamshala.
INR 500, 1h

Day 5: Dharamshala & Mcleodganj

Dharamshala & Mcleodganj, India on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Northern Cafe Bir

Start with fresh organic breakfast options and coffee in the café's tranquil setting.
INR 350, 1h

9:30am

Dalai Lama Temple Visit

Visit the peaceful Tsuglagkhang Complex, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama, open 9am-6pm daily.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Tibetan Museum

Gain insights into Tibetan history and culture via the museum’s informative exhibits.
INR 100, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Local Tibetan Eatery

Relish Tibetan staples such as momos and thukpa in Mcleodganj’s vibrant dining scene.
INR 400, 1h

2:00pm

Tea Garden Walks

Enjoy peaceful strolls through scenic tea plantations near Dharamshala.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Mcleodganj Market

Browse colourful shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and Tibetan artefacts until evening.
Varies, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Evergreen Kasol (Optional)

Enjoy a second chance to indulge in Himachali cuisine at this highly recommended eatery.
INR 600, 1h

Day 6: Shimla & Toy Train

Shimla, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee with neat views along Shimla’s bustling Mall Road.
INR 350, 1h

8:30am

Shimla-Kalka Toy Train Journey

Take the UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge train journey through tunnels and bridges for unforgettable mountain scenery; confirm schedules and tickets in advance.
INR 600-1500, 5-6h

2:30pm

Relax at The Ridge

Unwind at Shimla’s central social and cultural hub with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Mall Road Shopping and Stroll

Shop for souvenirs, woollens, and handicrafts and experience charming colonial architecture until evening.
Varies, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Brew Estate

Enjoy craft beers and an excellent menu of Indian and continental dishes in this popular Shimla restaurant.
INR 700, 1h

Day 7: Kasauli Highlights

Kasauli, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Café

Begin with Himachali tea and traditional breads in a cosy hill town setting.
INR 200, 1h

9:30am

Monkey Point Hike

Hike to Monkey Point for stunning views and a visit to the shrine of Lord Hanuman.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Hanuman Temple Visit

Visit this tranquil temple near Monkey Point, perfect for quiet reflection.
Free, 1h

1:15pm

Lunch at Local Himachali Restaurant

Taste regional dishes with authentic flavour at a respected local eatery.
INR 400, 1h

3:00pm

Sunset Point Visit

Relax and watch the sun set over the Himalayas from this scenic viewpoint.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Leisure / Departure

Spend some leisure time or prepare for onward travel or return to Delhi as per your schedule.
Varies, Varies