8-Day Shimla-Spiti-Manali Circuit with Gue and Hikkim: A Scenic Himalayan Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Shimla, India on April 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with continental and Indian options in this cozy cafe famous for its waffles and coffee.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

Walk on The Mall Road

Explore Shimla’s popular Mall Road, lined with shops, eateries, and beautiful colonial buildings, perfect to get a feel of the town.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Taste simple yet authentic North Indian dishes and famous coffee in this iconic budget-friendly spot on Mall Road.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Visit this hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering panoramic views of Shimla and a chance to see playful monkeys.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Sol

Dine at Cafe Sol for delightful Mediterranean dishes and a lovely ambiance perfect for a relaxed evening.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 2: Shimla to Sangla via Narkanda

Narkanda-Sangla, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have early breakfast at your hotel in Shimla before starting the drive to Sangla via Narkanda.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Narkanda

Travel approximately 60 km to Narkanda, enjoying scenic views of apple orchards and pine forests along the way.
Transport cost approx. INR1500, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Hatu Peak

Visit Hatu Peak near Narkanda for stunning Himalayan panoramas and a chance to see Hatu Mata Temple, open till sunset.
Free, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy simple Himachali cuisine at a roadside dhaba serving local trout and vegetable dishes.
INR250, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Sangla

Continue drive to Sangla, about 120 km from Narkanda, passing through beautiful valleys and villages.
Transport cost approx. INR1500, 4h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Sangla Heritage

Relax with Himachali dishes in a traditional style setting at your accommodation in Sangla.
INR500, 1h30m

Day 3: Gue and Hikkim Visit

Gue-Hikkim, Spiti Valley, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Sangla

Early breakfast before heading towards the Spiti Valley, essential for the long day ahead.
Included in stay, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Gue Village

Embark on a 120 km drive through rugged terrain to reach Gue, known for its well-preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk.
Transport approx. INR2000, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch picnic or local eatery

Carry a packed lunch or eat at a local home stay in Gue to experience authentic Spitian hospitality.
Approx. INR300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hikkim Village

Drive 6 km to Hikkim, famous for its post office at high altitude (over 4,400m), the highest in the world, open till 5pm.
Postcards INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Kaza

After village visits, drive another 30 minutes to Kaza, the main hub in Spiti, for overnight stay.
Transport approx. INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Losar Restaurant, Kaza

Enjoy traditional Spitian and Tibetan dishes such as thukpa and momos in a warm local setting.
INR400, 1h30m

Day 4: Kaza to Manali via Rohtang

Kaza-Manali, India on May 2, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast in Kaza

Have a quick early breakfast before the long descent and drive to Manali.
Included with stay, 1h0m

7:00am

Drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Begin a picturesque drive descending through Kunzum Pass towards Manali, crossing the challenging Rohtang Pass (open seasonally from May). Travel time around 7 hours.
Transport approx. INR3500, 7h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Atal Bakery, Manali

Stop for local bakery favorites including the famous Manali pastries and coffee.
INR300, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

Treat yourself to a range of Himalayan and continental dishes in a lively, popular spot in Manali.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 5: Manali Local Sightseeing

Manali, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Have a fresh Italian-style breakfast by the riverside, a popular and serene spot in Manali.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore this 16th-century wooden temple set in serene cedar forests, a cultural highlight of Manali.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore Old Manali Village

Stroll through Old Manali's quaint streets and café culture, perfect for shopping and experiencing local life.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Drifters’ Cafe

Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas and cozy ambiance in this popular backpacker haunt.
INR500, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot sulphur springs reputed for their medicinal properties, open till evening.
INR50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Sol, Manali

Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner with a Himalayan twist in this friendly and artistic café setting.
INR600, 1h30m

Day 6: Adventure at Solang Valley

Solang Valley, Manali, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel in Manali.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Solang Valley

Explore Solang Valley, known for paragliding, zorbing, and scenic Himalayan views; open from 8am to 6pm.
Activity prices vary INR400-2000, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Snow Valley Restaurant

Savor local Himachali cuisine with fresh ingredients and peaceful valley views.
INR450, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Manali and Leisure

Enjoy leisure time shopping or relaxing in Manali town.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Return to this riverside favorite for a special farewell dinner with continental dishes.
INR700, 1h30m

Day 7: Local Culture and Departure Preparation

Manali, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and pack for departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tibetan Monastery

Explore the Tibetan Monastery in Manali to learn about local culture and spiritual life.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Shopping at Manali Market

Pick up souvenirs such as woolens, handicrafts, and local delicacies from the bustling market.
Variable, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Amigos

Savor multi-cuisine dishes in a casual outdoor setting with great views of the surrounding hills.
INR600, 1h30m

3:00pm

Rest at Hotel

Rest and prepare for onward journey.
Free, 4h0m

7:00pm

Light Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a light and early dinner at your hotel preparing for next day's travel.
Included or INR300, 1h0m

Day 8: Departure

Manali, India on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Have breakfast at your hotel and complete checkout formalities.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Departure Point

Proceed to the bus station, airport or next destination from Manali, concluding your scenic Himalayan circuit trip.
Transport cost varies, Varies