8-Day Himachal Adventure and Exploration Itinerary for Nature and Thrill Lovers

Day 1: Arrival and City Walk

Shimla, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Start your day with fresh coffee and hearty breakfast at this popular cafe in Shimla, perfect to energize for the day ahead.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Shimla Mall Road Walk

Explore the lively Mall Road, lined with shops and eateries. Soak in colonial architecture and local culture with options for souvenir shopping.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit The Ridge and Christ Church

Visit The Ridge for panoramic views of Shimla, followed by a tour of Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India featuring gothic architecture.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Sol

Enjoy traditional Himachali and continental dishes with a great view of the mountains at this cozy cafe.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Jakhoo Temple

Visit this famous hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, enjoy a short trek and meet the playful monkeys around.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Experience an old-world charm dining atmosphere and simple yet delicious meals that reflect authentic local flavors.
INR400, 1h
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Day 2: Hills & Adventure

Kufri and Naldehra, India on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Shimla hotel

Fuel up early for a day full of adventure with a wholesome breakfast at your accommodation.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00am

Kufri Adventure Sports

Try activities like horse riding, zip-lining, and tobogganing in Kufri’s adventure park, open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR800, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Himalayan Cafe, Kufri

A quaint spot offering local dishes and beautiful views amidst the hills.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Naldehra Golf Course

Enjoy a stroll or golf session at one of India’s oldest and most scenic golf courses surrounded by deodar trees.
INR500 entry, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Shimla and relax

Head back to Shimla for some rest and prepare for the next day’s travel.
Transport INR300 approx., 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Baljees Restaurant

Relish traditional Himachali thali with authentic flavors in a warm ambiance.
INR700, 1h
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Day 3: Manali Arrival & Local Exploration

Manali, India on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Shimla

Grab some light breakfast before the road trip to Manali which takes approx 7 hours by car.
INR300, 0.5h

7:30am

Drive to Manali

Enjoy scenic views of the mountains and valleys on the way to Manali, breaking for tea or snacks as needed.
Transport INR2000 approx., 7h

2:30pm

Lunch at Café 1947 by River

Settle into Manali with riverside lunch offering Italian and continental dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
INR800, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore this serene ancient temple surrounded by cedar forests; open till sunset.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Mall Road Evening Walk

Enjoy local shopping, street food, and the lively atmosphere of Manali's main street.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

A popular spot for delicious North Indian and Tibetan cuisine to end the day.
INR800, 1h
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Day 4: Solang & Rohtang Pass Adventure

Manali, India on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Manali hotel

Early breakfast preparing for a day full of exciting outdoor activities.
Included in stay, 1h

8:00am

Solang Valley Activities

Paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway rides await in Solang Valley, open from 8 AM to 6 PM.
INR1000, 3h

11:30am

Leave for Rohtang Pass

Drive to Rohtang Pass, a majestic mountain pass at 13,050 ft. Visit early as it opens by 6 AM and closes at 5 PM (check seasonal accessibility).
Entry & permit approx. INR600, 1h

12:30pm

Explore Rohtang Pass

Enjoy snow activities, panoramic views and photography opportunities on the pass.
Free, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at a local dhaba near Rohtang

Taste simple Himachali fare and refresh with hot tea amid mountain scenery.
INR300, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Manali

Relax on the drive back and enjoy mountain vistas.
Transport included, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog

Casual dining with global cuisine options in a cozy atmosphere.
INR700, 1h
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Day 5: Naggar and Old Manali

Manali, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax over a nourishing breakfast before exploring Naggar and Old Manali.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Naggar Castle

Explore this historic castle known for its architecture, art gallery and views of the Kullu valley.
INR150 entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery Cafe

Enjoy light lunch and coffee at the cafe adjoining the art gallery showcasing Roerich’s Himalayan paintings.
INR500, 1h

1:30pm

Old Manali Local Exploration

Discover quaint cafes, local shops, and riverside scenery in Old Manali's boho charm.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Peace Cafe visit

Unwind with a tea or fresh juice at this famous cafe known for its ambience and views.
INR300, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Evergreen

Relish organic and locally sourced vegetarian cuisine in a serene garden setting.
INR700, 1h
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Day 6: Dharamshala Cultural

Dharamshala, India on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast and Depart for Dharamshala

A 7-hour scenic drive from Manali to Dharamshala through mountains and forests.
Transport INR2200, 7h

2:30pm

Lunch at Dharamshala Cafe

Enjoy authentic Tibetan and Himachali meals in a relaxing cafe after travel.
INR600, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Explore the spiritual center and its peaceful surroundings, open till 6 PM.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Walk in Dharamshala Market

Browse local Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Savor traditional Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa.
INR700, 1h
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Day 7: McLeod Ganj & Trek

McLeod Ganj, India on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Illiterati

Start the day with excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches at this literary themed cafe.
INR500, 1h

8:30am

Trek to Triund

Embark on a popular 9 km trek to Triund hilltop with spectacular views of the Dhauladhar range, around 4-5 hours up and down.
Free, 6h

3:00pm

Return to McLeod Ganj

Rest and refresh after the trek at your accommodation or local cafes.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Nick’s Italian Kitchen

Treat yourself to wood-fired pizzas and Italian specialties after a day of trekking.
INR900, 1h
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Day 8: Dalhousie & Departure

Dalhousie, India on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Drive to Dalhousie

After breakfast, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Dalhousie, a beautiful hill station with colonial charm.
Transport INR1200, 3h

10:30am

Explore Dalhousie Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road with its colonial-era buildings, shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Whistling Pines

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere and north Indian delicacies at this hill station gem.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Khajjiar Lake

Drive 20 min to Khajjiar, known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, for boating and walks around a scenic meadow and lake.
Entry INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Departure preparation

Head back to Dalhousie for final packing and transfers to your onward destination.
Transport varies, 1h
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