5-Day Serene Trekking and Sightseeing in Himachal and Uttarakhand with Photos

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Café

Start your day with delicious breakfast and freshly brewed coffee at this cosy café known for its healthy options and scenic views.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Viceregal Lodge Visit

Explore the beautiful Viceregal Lodge, an architectural marvel nestled in the hills. Open from 9am to 5pm, this peaceful spot offers rich history and lovely gardens.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk on the Ridge

Take a leisurely walk on the Ridge to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Shimla town, away from the main crowds.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Sol

Enjoy a quiet lunch with traditional Himachali dishes and continental meals in this quaint café close to the Ridge.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Annandale Trek (Easy)

An easy 3 km trek to Annandale, offering serene meadows and nature views, perfect to avoid crowds and enjoy nature peacefully.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Cafe 1920

Dine on eclectic food with a mix of global and local flavours in this relaxed setting, ideal to unwind after your trek.
INR600, 1h
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Day 2: Mountain Trekking

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Narkanda

Start early and drive approximately 1.5 hours to Narkanda, a quiet hill station famous for apple orchards and mountain views.
INR1500 (taxi), 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Apple Blossom Café

Enjoy fresh apple-based treats and breakfast with views of the Himalayas.
INR350, 45m

9:30am

Hatu Peak Trek

A moderate, 5 km trek to Hatu Peak offers expansive views of the Himalayas and access to a small temple. Open all day and not very crowded.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pine Café

Relax with local Himachali cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in a cozy café in Narkanda town.
INR500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit to Jakhni Temple

Visit this quiet and scenic temple near Narkanda with beautiful views over the valley and apple orchards. Great for peaceful reflection and photography.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Drive to Ranikhet

A drive of about 3.5 hours to Ranikhet in Uttarakhand to rest for the next days of trekking and sightseeing.
INR2500 (taxi), 3h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at The Kumaon Café

Sample authentic Kumaoni dishes and enjoy the local ambience in this popular eatery.
INR600, 1h
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Day 3: Sightseeing and Short Trek

Ranikhet, Uttarakhand on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Balmoral

Start with a hearty breakfast in this garden café known for fresh local produce.
INR350, 45m

9:00am

Chaubatia Gardens

Explore these expansive apple and citrus orchards. Perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers. Entry is open from 9am to 6pm.
INR40, 1h30m

11:00am

Jhula Devi Temple Visit

A peaceful temple offering beautiful views and local spiritual experience, located close to the gardens.
Free, 30m

12:00pm

Short Trek to Bhalu Dam

A 2 km easy trek through forests leading to Bhalu Dam, a quiet spot ideal for picnics and photography.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Chamber’s Café

Enjoy continental and local dishes in a charming old-world ambience.
INR550, 1h

4:00pm

Relaxation and Village Walk

Stroll through nearby villages to experience local Kumaoni culture and handicrafts, avoiding crowded tourist markets.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mayur Restaurant

Try traditional Kumaoni thali and fresh local produce in this popular restaurant.
INR500, 1h
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Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Almora, Uttarakhand on May 8, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Almora

Travel approximately 2 hours from Ranikhet to Almora, a peaceful, less crowded hill town known for its history and crafts.
INR1500 (taxi), 2h

9:30am

Breakfast at Café Chica

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and light snacks in a quiet setting near the town centre.
INR300, 45m

10:30am

Bright End Corner & Katarmal Sun Temple

Visit Bright End Corner for panoramic views and then a quick drive to Katarmal Sun Temple, a remarkable 9th-century temple complex open from 9am to 5pm.
INR20, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Verandah

Enjoy a meal with an emphasis on local Kumaoni flavours paired with scenic views.
INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Easy Trek to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (Entry Gate to Zero Point)

A short 3 km trek ideal for nature lovers to enjoy Himalayan flora and fauna, from the entry gate to a serene viewpoint.
INR50, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Almora and Rest

Relax and stroll through Almora's quiet market streets in the evening.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Rainforest

Dine on organic and fresh Himalayan ingredients in a peaceful atmosphere adorned with plants.
INR550, 1h
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Day 5: Nature and Departure

Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Drive to Mukteshwar

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to Mukteshwar, a tranquil hilltop destination known for its views and easy treks.
INR1200 (taxi), 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at Himalayan Trout House

Enjoy a fresh trout breakfast or local specialities at this restaurant renowned for sustainable farming.
INR450, 1h

9:30am

Easy Trek to Mukteshwar Temple and Sunset Point

A gentle 2.5 km trek offering spectacular views of the Himalayas and the town, also visiting the ancient Mukteshwar Shiva temple. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Royal Moustache

A cosy eatery featuring local and fusion cuisine, perfect for a final meal before departure.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Base or Departure

Begin your onward journey, whether heading back to major transport hubs or next destination.
Varies, Varies
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