7-Day Himachal Pradesh Adventure: Chandigarh to Manali, Rohtang Pass, Kulu, Manikaran & Shimla

Day 1: Chandigarh to Kulu

Chandigarh to Kulu Valley, India on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Black Lotus, Taj Chandigarh

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Black Lotus, known for its variety of Indian and continental dishes in a fine ambiance.
INR1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Chandigarh to Kulu

Embark on a scenic 6-7 hour drive (approx. 250 km) northwards towards Kulu Valley, enjoying views of the Himalayan foothills and changing landscapes.
INR2500 (taxi fare approx.), 7h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and relax in Kulu

Check into your hotel such as Kulu Manali Resort; rest and soak in the peaceful valley surroundings.
INR3000, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Apple Shack, Kulu

Enjoy organic and locally inspired Himachali cuisine at The Apple Shack, a cozy restaurant popular with travelers.
INR800, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kulu exploring and Manikaran visit

Kulu and Manikaran, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of sightseeing.
Included in stay, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Manikaran Sahib

Take a 1.5-hour drive to Manikaran, famous for its hot springs and religious Sikh and Hindu temples, a serene pilgrimage site worth visiting.
INR300, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Manikaran Gurudwara and Hot Springs

Explore the beautiful Manikaran Gurudwara, take a dip in the natural hot springs, and enjoy the spiritual ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Taj Manikaran

Savor authentic Himachali and Punjabi dishes at Taj Manikaran, offering great views of the Parvati valley.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Kulu and visit Raghunath Temple

Visit the historic Raghunath Temple in Kulu town, a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Rama, famous for its intricate wood carvings.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll in Kulu market

Enjoy shopping local handicrafts including woollens, shawls, and Kullu caps at Kulu’s vibrant market.
Varies, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe1730, Kulu

Dine on delicious fusion dishes and relax with a warm ambiance inside this popular cafe.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 3: Travel to Manali

Kulu to Manali, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for the short drive to Manali.
Included in stay, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive Kulu to Manali

A picturesque 1-1.5 hour drive covering about 40 km, entering the beautiful town of Manali surrounded by alpine mountains.
INR600, 1h30m

11:00am

Check into hotel and freshen up

Check-in at a centrally located hotel like Snow Valley Resorts and prepare to explore Manali.
INR4000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Cafe

Famous for its trout dishes and international menu, Johnson’s Cafe in Old Manali is a great spot for lunch.
INR900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, nestled in cedar forests and known for its unique architecture and tranquil surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk around Old Manali

Stroll the quaint Old Manali area with its cafes, craft shops, and scenic views of the Beas River.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Enjoy delicious Italian cuisine by the riverside at this popular café open until 10pm.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rohtang Pass day trip

Manali and Rohtang Pass, India on May 7, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have an early meal to prepare for a full day trip to Rohtang Pass (subject to pass opening and permit availability).
Included in stay, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Rohtang Pass

Drive approx. 51 km (2-3 hours each way), offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Note: Rohtang Pass is usually open from May onward; check current status in advance.
INR500 (permit fee); taxi fare approx. INR2000, 5h0m

10:00am

Explore Rohtang Pass

Enjoy snow activities like playing in snow, photography, and local snacks available here.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic or nearby dhaba

Have lunch at a dhaba near Rohtang or carry a picnic to enjoy amidst the breathtaking scenery.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Return to Manali

Drive back to Manali and relax in the afternoon.
Included in taxi fare, 3h0m

6:00pm

Relax at hotel and spa

Enjoy a relaxing massage or spa treatment at your hotel or a local wellness center to soothe your muscles.
INR1500, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Drifters' Cafe

Casual dining in Old Manali, known for wood-fired pizzas and live music.
INR900, 1h0m
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Day 5: Manali to Shimla

Manali to Shimla, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast before starting your long journey to Shimla.
Included in stay, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive Manali to Shimla

A 7-8 hour scenic drive (approx. 250 km) taking you through lush hills and valleys en route to the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla.
INR3000 (taxi fare approx.), 8h0m

4:30pm

Check-in and rest

Check-in to a charming hotel like Clarkes Hotel on Mall Road in Shimla and freshen up.
INR4500, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening walk on Shimla Mall Road

Enjoy an evening stroll visiting shops, cafes, and colonial architecture with views of mountains and the town.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Simla Times

Sample some contemporary North Indian and Tibetan cuisine in a stylish setting on Mall Road.
INR900, 1h0m
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Day 6: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Enjoy a classic breakfast in the iconic Indian Coffee House on Mall Road, famous for its vintage charm and simple fare.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Visit Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on Jakhoo Hill—the highest point in Shimla offering panoramic views.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Christ Church and Viceregal Lodge

Tour the historic Christ Church and then visit the Viceregal Lodge, known for stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
INR50 entry for Viceregal Lodge, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Wake & Bake Café

Have a light lunch or snack offering bakery items and coffees, popular with young travelers.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Leisurely walk in the Glen and Annandale

Visit these nearby natural spots for peaceful walks surrounded by forest and meadow landscapes.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Mall Road for shopping

Purchase souvenirs like woollens, handicrafts, and local delicacies in the bustling Mall Road shops.
Varies, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil

Indulge in an elegant dining experience specializing in multi-cuisine fare at this heritage hotel.
INR1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Shimla to Chandigarh return

Shimla to Chandigarh, India on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last morning meal in Shimla, preparing for your return trip.
Included in stay, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive Shimla to Chandigarh

Drive approx. 113 km (4-5 hours) southeast back to Chandigarh, completing your Himachal Pradesh circuit.
INR1500 (taxi fare approx.), 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Black Lotus, Taj Chandigarh

Celebrate the end of your trip with a return visit to Black Lotus for delicious meals within the city.
INR1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Trip ends

Rest, shop, or explore Chandigarh further on your own or prepare for onward travel.
Varies, Flexible
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