10-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Himachal Pradesh

Day 1: Explore Shimla

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake

Start your day with a cozy breakfast offering a variety of fresh baked goods and coffee, located near Mall Road.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Mall Road Walk

Stroll the bustling Mall Road to enjoy shopping, local cafes, and Victorian-style architecture.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Visit The Ridge

Admire views of the surrounding hills and the Christ Church, a beautiful neo-Gothic structure.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Simla Times

Enjoy contemporary Himachali and international cuisine with a scenic ambiance.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Visit this ancient Hanuman temple with panoramic views of Shimla.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Himachal State Museum

Learn about Himachal Pradesh's cultural heritage through art, crafts, and historical exhibits. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro 22

Savor European and Indian dishes in a warm, elegant setting on Mall Road.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 2: Nature near Shimla

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Taste traditional South Indian breakfast items and strong coffee in this historic eatery.
INR150, 1h

9:00am

Excursion to Kufri

Explore this popular hill station known for scenic views, horse riding, and mini-zoo. Open all day.
INR100 entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Chalet at Kufri

Enjoy cozy mountain-view dining offering Indian and continental dishes.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Naldehra Golf Course

Stroll the beautiful golf course and pine forests, one of Asia's oldest golf courses.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Shimla and Rest

Rest and prepare for the next day’s travel.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Savor authentic Himachali cuisine in a traditional setting.
INR500, 1.5h

Day 3: Chail Palace & Nature

Chail, Himachal Pradesh on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Shimla

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to fuel your day.
Included with stay, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Chail

Scenic 1.5-hour drive to Chail, famous for its palaces and wildlife sanctuary.
Taxi approx INR1500, 1.5h

11:00am

Visit Chail Palace

Explore the grand summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, known for its architecture and surrounding forest.
INR100, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chail Palace Restaurant

Dine on classic Indian fare amid the palace ambiance.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Walk in Chail Wildlife Sanctuary

Enjoy a nature walk spotting birds and deer in this protected area open till sunset.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Shimla or overnight stay in Chail

Rest up for next day's onward journey.
Depends on chosen accommodation, Variable

7:00pm

Dinner at your stay’s in-house restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with local flavors and fresh ingredients.
INR500, 1.5h

Day 4: Dharamshala Spirituality

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh on April 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Dharamshala

Approximately 5-6 hours scenic drive from Chail/Shimla area to Dharamshala.
Taxi approx INR3500, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Enjoy a variety of Italian and continental dishes in a cozy setting.
INR700, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex

Explore the residence of the Dalai Lama including the temple and museum for rich Tibetan culture.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Walk around McLeod Ganj Market

Experience vibrant Tibetan handicrafts and cafés.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Sample authentic Tibetan cuisine such as momos and thukpa.
INR450, 1.5h

Day 5: McLeod Ganj Culture

McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jimmy's Italian Kitchen

Enjoy a range of fresh baked goods and breakfast classics.
INR600, 1h

9:30am

Bhagsunag Waterfall & Temple

Walk to the peaceful waterfall and nearby temple, popular for spirituality and nature.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Illiterati Restaurant & Cafe

Charming cafe offering fresh, local ingredients and vegetarian options.
INR550, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tibetan Museum

Deepen your understanding of Tibetan history and culture with engaging exhibits. Open 9am-5pm.
INR20, 1h

3:00pm

Tea at Café Norling

Relax with Tibetan butter tea or other local specialties.
INR150, 1h

5:00pm

Evening meditation or yoga session

Join a local meditation center for a calming evening group session (check availability).
Donation based, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nick's Italian Kitchen

Another chance to enjoy popular dishes or try something new from their diverse menu.
INR700, 1.5h

Day 6: Heritage & Tea Gardens

Palampur, Himachal Pradesh on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in McLeod Ganj

Enjoy a filling breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Palampur

Short 2-hour drive to Palampur, known for its lush tea gardens and cultural sites.
Taxi approx INR1500, 2h

10:30am

Visit Tea Gardens of Palampur

Take a guided tour through beautiful tea plantations and learn about tea processing.
INR100, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Clouds End Restaurant

Dine with a captivating view of the Dhauladhar mountains.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Andretta Artist Village

Explore this cultural hub with pottery workshops and art galleries. Open 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relax and evening stroll in Palampur Town

Small town walk with local shops and peaceful ambiance.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Monal

Enjoy local Himachali dishes and fresh produce in a peaceful setting.
INR500, 1.5h

Day 7: Paragliding & Adventure

Bir Billing, Himachal Pradesh on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Palampur

Fill up with breakfast before the adventure day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Bir Billing

Short 1-hour drive to the paragliding capital of India.
Taxi approx INR700, 1h

10:00am

Paragliding Experience

Fly tandem with certified pilots over stunning valley scenery. Open 8am-4pm; book in advance.
INR5000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tea Lounge

Light café fare including sandwiches and teas with valley views.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Palpung Sherabling Monastery

Explore this important Tibetan Buddhist center with beautiful frescoes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return and relax in Bir

Leisurely evening at local cafés and small shops.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Sole

Enjoy Mexican and continental favorites in a lively atmosphere.
INR600, 1.5h

Day 8: Manali Arrival & Leisure

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Bir

Eat a good breakfast to prepare for travel.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Manali

Situated about 4 hours from Bir, the route travels through beautiful hills and rivers.
Taxi approx INR2500, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Popular local café serving a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore a unique forest temple nestled amidst cedar trees dating back to 1553.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Manali Mall Road

Browse local shops and enjoy the lively market atmosphere open till late evening.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Riverside dining offering Italian cuisine and serene views.
INR800, 1.5h

Day 9: Valley & Pass Scenic Tour

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to get ready for a full day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Solang Valley Adventure

Enjoy ropeway rides, zorbing, and hiking in the beautiful Solang Valley area, open 9am to 6pm.
INR500 approx, 3h

11:30am

Rohtang Pass Excursion

Visit the snow-covered mountain pass (permit required), check local opening status as it reopens usually in May. If closed, explore nearby areas.
Permit INR500, 4h

4:00pm

Return to Manali and rest

Rest after the long day of sightseeing.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ragamaya

Experience a fine dining atmosphere with Indian and Asian cuisine.
INR900, 1.5h

Day 10: Kullu Valley & Departure

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Manali

Hearty breakfast before day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Kullu

Short scenic 1.5-hour drive to Kullu, known for the Beas River and temples.
Taxi approx INR1000, 1.5h

10:30am

Visit Raghunath Temple

Explore this famous temple and local market nearby for handicrafts.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Public Café

Casual dining with focus on local Himachali dishes.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Walk along Beas River

Relax by the riverside and take in the tranquil surroundings.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Departure Preparations

Return to Manali or your next destination from Kullu airport or road transport.
Variable, Variable