12-Day Scenic Himachal and Uttarakhand Adventure from Mumbai with Optimal Train Transfers

Day 1: Arrival and Transit

Delhi, India on April 21, 2025

9:00am

Flight Mumbai to Delhi

Fly from Mumbai to Delhi early morning for efficient onward train travel to Chandigarh. Delhi is well connected and serves as the best gateway to Himachal and Uttarakhand.
INR4500 approx, 2h30m

2:00pm

Train Delhi to Chandigarh

Board Shatabdi Express or similar fast train from Delhi to Chandigarh, a 3-4 hour comfortable journey that leads closer to Himachal Pradesh.
INR600 approx, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at BlackBerry Restaurant Chandigarh

Enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine with excellent vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in a cozy ambiance.
INR700 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Chandigarh

Chandigarh, India on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Savor strong South Indian filter coffee and light breakfast items in this historic café open from 7am.
INR150 approx, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rock Garden

Explore Nek Chand’s famous Rock Garden, showcasing unique sculptures made from recycled materials. Opens at 9am.
INR30, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Black Lotus

Enjoy fine Chinese cuisine inside Taj Hotel, perfect for a delicious, relaxed lunch.
INR1200 approx, 1h30m

2:00pm

Relax at Sukhna Lake

Spend a peaceful afternoon walking around or boating in the serene Sukhna Lake.
Boating INR100, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pal Dhaba

Experience rustic Punjabi flavors at this popular dhaba known for buttery dal makhani and tandoori dishes.
INR500 approx, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Dharamshala

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India on April 23, 2025

7:00am

Train Chandigarh to Pathankot Railway Station

Start early morning train ride to Pathankot, approximately 2.5 hours, as a principal railhead to Dharamshala.
INR300 approx, 2h30m

11:00am

Taxi/Bus from Pathankot to Dharamshala

Take a road transfer (3-4 hours) through scenic mountain roads to reach Dharamshala.
INR1200 approx (taxi), 4h

4:00pm

Check-in and Local Walk

Check into hotel and enjoy a relaxing stroll around Dharamshala town for acclimatization and exploration.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Norling Restaurant

Taste Tibetan and Himachali delicacies such as momos and thukpa in a welcoming setting.
INR600 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: McLeod Ganj Exploration

McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Moonpeak Espresso

Enjoy fresh bakery items and quality coffee with scenic views in McLeod Ganj. Open from 7:30am.
INR350 approx, 1h

9:00am

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Visit the spiritual center and Tibetan museum. It opens at 9am and offers insights into Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Sample authentic Tibetan dishes like thenthuk and momos served fresh and delicious.
INR500 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Bhagsunath Waterfall and Temple

Short hike to serene waterfall and historic temple nearby, ideal for nature lovers and photography.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Enjoy a mix of Italian and Indian dishes in a cozy ambiance with ample vegetarian options.
INR800 approx, 1h
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Day 5: Travel to Manali

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Taxi from Dharamshala to Manali

Embark on a scenic 7-8 hour road journey through beautiful valleys and mountains to Manali.
INR2000 approx, 8h

4:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Rest after a long journey, enjoy hotel amenities or take a short walk in Mall Road.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Riverside dining offering Italian-inspired menu with beautiful views of the Beas River and cozy vibe.
INR900 approx, 1h
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Day 6: Explore Manali

Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India on April 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Johnson’s Café

Known for hearty breakfast and freshly made croissants, open from 8am.
INR400 approx, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple and Cedar Forest

Explore an ancient temple surrounded by tranquil cedar forests, a peaceful cultural experience.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Cozy restaurant offering local Himachali dishes and continental options.
INR700 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Solang Valley Adventure

Visit Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing (seasonal). Opens 9am-5pm.
Variable activity charges, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Medu

Popular spot for wood-fired pizzas and relaxed ambiance.
INR700 approx, 1h
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Day 7: Travel to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India on April 27, 2025

6:00am

Drive from Manali to Chandigarh

Early morning taxi transfer to Chandigarh railway station, about 7-8 hours.
INR2500 approx, 8h

3:30pm

Train Chandigarh to Haridwar

Take a direct evening train to Haridwar (approx. 4.5-5 hours), gateway to Rishikesh.
INR400 approx, 5h

9:00pm

Taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh

Short 30-minute taxi transfer to Rishikesh.
INR400 approx, 30m

9:45pm

Dinner at The Sitting Elephant

Late dinner spot known for organic and healthy meals, perfect to unwind after travel.
INR600 approx, 1h
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Day 8: Rishikesh Spiritual & Adventure

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Chatsang Café

Enjoy wholesome breakfast with a view of the Ganges, serving fresh organic dishes.
INR350 approx, 1h

9:00am

Visit Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)

Explore the graffiti-filled ruins of the ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968. Opens 8:30am-5pm.
INR150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen

Enjoy healthy vegan and vegetarian meals beside the Ganges.
INR600 approx, 1h

2:00pm

River Rafting in Ganges

Experience thrilling white-water rafting, available from 9am till evening. Advance booking recommended.
INR1500 approx, 2h

6:30pm

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Witness the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual at the confluence of three rivers.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Café

A chilled out café offering a mix of Indian and Continental dishes with a cozy vibe.
INR700 approx, 1h
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Day 9: Trip to Haridwar

Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Rishikesh

Start your day with a light breakfast at your hotel before travelling to Haridwar.
Included with stay, 1h

9:00am

Taxi to Haridwar

Short 30-minute drive to Haridwar for sightseeing.
INR400 approx, 30m

10:00am

Visit Har Ki Pauri

Visit the famed ghats on the Ganges, revered for religious significance and evening Aarti.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hoshiyar Puri

Enjoy traditional vegetarian Punjabi food in a popular local restaurant.
INR400 approx, 1h

2:00pm

Mansa Devi Temple

Reachable by cable car, this temple is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi and offers panoramic views.
Cable car INR150 one way, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chotiwala

Dine at an iconic restaurant known for pure vegetarian dishes and local treats.
INR600 approx, 1h
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Day 10: Travel to Mussoorie

Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Train Haridwar to Dehradun

Take an early train to Dehradun (35-45 minutes), the nearest railhead to Mussoorie.
INR150 approx, 45m

9:00am

Taxi Dehradun to Mussoorie

Drive up scenic hills to Mussoorie, approximately 1-1.5 hours journey.
INR800 approx, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Explore Mall Road

Settle into hotel and stroll around Mall Road with shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kalsang Friends Corner

Enjoy Tibetan and local food specialties in a friendly atmosphere.
INR500 approx, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Gun Hill

Take the cable car or hike to Gun Hill for panoramic views of the Doon Valley. Opens 9am-4:30pm.
INR150, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Ivy

Charming café offering multi-cuisine options in cozy setting.
INR700 approx, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Nainital Journey Begins

Nainital, Uttarakhand, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Taxi from Mussoorie to Kathgodam Railway Station

4-5 hour scenic drive to Kathgodam station, the gateway to Nainital.
INR2500 approx, 5h

1:00pm

Train Kathgodam to Nainital (by taxi from station)

From Kathgodam, take a short taxi ride to Nainital (approx. 30 minutes).
Taxi INR400 approx, 0h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Enjoy delicious European and North Indian dishes with scenic views near the lake.
INR700 approx, 1h

3:30pm

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Relaxing boat ride on the serene lake, open 9am-6pm.
INR150 per person, 1h

5:00pm

Walk the Mall Road

Explore shops and cafés along the lake’s main promenade.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Sherwood

Fine dining with local and continental dishes in a historic setting.
INR800 approx, 1h
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Day 12: Nainital and Departure

Nainital to Delhi, India on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Nainital

Enjoy a comforting breakfast before the journey back to Delhi.
Included with stay, 1h

8:00am

Taxi from Nainital to Kathgodam

Short taxi trip to Kathgodam railway station for train to Delhi.
INR400 approx, 0h30m

9:00am

Train Kathgodam to Delhi

Board the train to Delhi, approximately 8-10 hours journey.
INR600 approx, 9h

7:30pm

Dinner in Delhi Railway Station Area

Grab a quick dinner at known railway food stalls before heading to your hotel or airport.
INR300 approx, 1h

10:00pm

Flight Delhi to Mumbai

Night flight back to Mumbai to complete the trip.
INR4500 approx, 2h30m
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