7-Day May Itinerary in Himachal Pradesh: A Perfect Blend of Popular and Offbeat Destinations with Comfortable Stays

Day 1: Arrival and Shimla Exploration

Shimla, India on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Enjoy a cosy breakfast in this café known for its fresh pastries and wood-fired oven delights, perfectly setting your day in Shimla.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Mall Road Walk

Stroll along the iconic Mall Road for shopping and sightseeing. It's a lively area with colonial architecture and offers beautiful Himalayan views.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Explore this temple dedicated to Hanuman atop Jakhoo Hill, offering panoramic views of Shimla and surrounding peaks.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Café Simla Times

Relish Himachali delicacies and continental food in a serene garden setting.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Christ Church Visit

Visit the second oldest church in North India renowned for its stained glass windows and neo-Gothic architecture.
Free, 45m

4:00pm

Relaxed Evening at the Ridge

Spend the evening at the Ridge – the cultural hub of Shimla with views of surrounding hills, perfect for a relaxing stroll or tea.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Himachali Rasoi

Taste authentic local Himachali cuisine in a warm, traditional ambiance.
INR700, 1h
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Day 2: Mashobra and Naldehra Day Trip

Mashobra & Naldehra, India on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your stay before heading out to Mashobra.
Included, 45m

9:00am

Travel to Mashobra

A scenic 30-minute drive from Shimla through lush forests leading to tranquil surroundings.
INR500 (taxi), 0h30m

9:45am

Explore Mashobra

Enjoy the less crowded forest trails, quaint apple orchards, and peaceful environment perfect for nature lovers.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Naldehra Golf Course

One of the oldest golf courses in India, surrounded by deodar forests and beautiful landscapes.
INR100 for entry, 1h

1:15pm

Lunch at The Royal Kitchen – Naldehra

Savour simple yet flavourful Himachali and Indian dishes with outdoor seating amid nature.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Short Horse Ride or Nature Walk

Choose a gentle horse ride around the golf course or a nature walk to soak in the fresh mountain air.
INR300 per horse ride, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Shimla

Head back to Shimla for rest and dinner.
INR500 (taxi), 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Sol

Enjoy fusion menu featuring local and international dishes in a charming setting.
INR700, 1h
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Day 3: Tirthan Valley Immersion

Tirthan Valley, India on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Travel

Have a quick breakfast before beginning a 4-hour scenic drive to Tirthan Valley known for its pristine natural beauty.
INR300 (breakfast), INR1500 (taxi), 4h

11:00am

Check-in at Riverside Stay

Settle in a charming riverside guest house or eco-camp – ideal for connecting with nature and relaxing.
INR1500 per night, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Camp Office

Enjoy freshly prepared local Himachali meals in a rustic ambience close to the river.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) Entry

Start your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, engaging in easy trails and spotting unique flora and fauna.
INR100 per person, 2h

4:00pm

Relax by Tirthan River

Spend a peaceful evening by the riverbank, ideal for photography or simply unwinding.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Riverside Camp

Enjoy bonfire dinners featuring local trout and traditional dishes in a warm setting.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 4: Great Himalayan National Park Trek

Great Himalayan National Park, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided trek inside the GHNP.
INR300, 45m

8:30am

Guided Trek in GHNP

Embark on a moderate trek led by a certified guide exploring alpine meadows, forest ecosystems, and possibly wildlife sightings.
INR800 for guide, 5h

2:00pm

Packed Lunch during Trek

Enjoy a packed lunch amid nature with scenic mountain backdrops.
Included in trek, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Riverside Stay

Rest and freshen up after the trek, soaking in the tranquility around you.
Free, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Camp

Relish warm Himachali curry and bread meals to replenish after an active day.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Palampur Charm

Palampur, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Enjoy a light breakfast and check out, then take a two-hour drive to Palampur, a beautiful tea-growing region.
INR300 (breakfast), INR1200 (taxi), 2h

10:30am

Check-in at Tea Estate Homestay

Stay amidst tea gardens offering a peaceful countryside experience with splendid views of the Dhauladhar mountains.
INR2000 per night, 30m

11:00am

Visit Tea Gardens and Tashi Jong Monastery

Walk through lush tea estates and visit the Tibetan monastery known for its vibrant murals and peaceful aura.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Rustic Oven

Savour healthy, locally sourced dishes paired with herbal teas in a quaint setting.
INR600, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Saurabh Van Vihar Park

Lush park for a light walk or bird watching, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Homestay

Enjoy home-cooked Himachali meals with fresh organic ingredients.
Included in stay, 1h
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Day 6: Bir Billing Adventure

Bir Billing, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Travel

Early breakfast before taking a 1.5-hour drive to Bir Billing, the paragliding capital.
INR300, INR800 taxi, 1h30m

9:15am

Paragliding Experience

Book a tandem paragliding flight to admire Himachal’s stunning valley views with expert instructors (weather permitting).
INR3500, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Deer Park Institute

Explore this centre of Buddhist studies set in serene surroundings with beautiful gardens.
Free, 1h30m

1:45pm

Lunch at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Enjoy quality Italian cuisine in a quaint village setting with excellent views.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Village & Cafés

Walk the idyllic village lanes, visit art galleries, and relax in cafés famous for artisanal coffee.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Nomad

Savour a mix of North Indian and international dishes with relaxed vibes.
INR600, 1h
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Day 7: Dharamshala and Departure

Dharamshala, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Travel

Have breakfast, then a short 1-hour drive to Dharamshala for your final day.
INR300, INR700 taxi, 1h

9:30am

Visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Explore this serene Tibetan spiritual centre, rich in culture, art and history.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tibet Kitchen

Taste authentic Tibetan cuisine including momos and thukpa in welcoming surroundings.
INR600, 1h

1:30pm

Bhagsu Waterfall & Temple

Visit the peaceful temple and nearby waterfall, perfect for a gentle late afternoon outing.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Shopping at Local Markets

Explore Dharamshala’s handicraft markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Departure Preparation

Return to your lodging or proceed to your onward travel arrangements after a memorable week.
Varies, Varies
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