8-Day Offbeat Himachal Pradesh Adventure: Snow-Clad Mountains & Scenic Motorable Roads

Day 1: Shimla Exploration

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Enjoy fresh bakery items and aromatic Himachali tea in this cozy cafe, perfect to start your mountain journey.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Explore Jakhoo Temple

Visit the ancient Hanuman temple perched on Jakhoo Hill offering panoramic views of Shimla and the surrounding snow-clad mountains.
INR0, 1h30m

11:30am

Walk the Mall Road

Stroll through Shimla’s vibrant Mall Road to experience local shops, handicrafts, and bustling cafes.
INR0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Himachali Rasoi

Try authentic Himachali cuisine focusing on local delicacies such as Chana Madra and Babru.
INR600, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to Narkanda

Travel 60 km north on the NH5 to Narkanda, a less-crowded hill station known for apple orchards and snow views.
INR1500 (taxi), 2h

6:00pm

Evening Walk at Hatu Peak

Short trek or drive to Hatu Peak for sunset views over the snow-capped Dhauladhar range.
INR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel The Cedar Grand

Dine on comforting Himachali and continental dishes while enjoying the serene environment.
INR800, 1h
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Day 2: Narkanda to Sangla

Sangla Valley, Himachal Pradesh on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Simple, wholesome breakfast with local bread and jams to fuel your day.
INR300, 45m

8:00am

Drive from Narkanda to Sangla

Cover 120 km on NH5 and mountain roads through Baspa Valley; enjoy motorable roads with snow-capped vistas and apple orchards.
INR2000 (taxi), 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sangla Valley Homestay

Taste fresh, local Himachali cuisine made with organic ingredients in warm homely surroundings.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Kamru Fort

Visit this small but historic fort for panoramic views and insight into local Baspa culture.
INR50, 1h

4:00pm

Leisure stroll along Baspa River

Relax by the serene riverbank surrounded by lush greenery and snowy peaks.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local dhaba

Enjoy freshly cooked rajma, dal, and steamed rice with local spices.
INR300, 1h
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Day 3: Chitkul Village Trek

Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Home Stay

Fresh eggs, local bread and herbal tea to start your day before trekking.
INR250, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Chitkul Village

Short 25 km drive on motorable roads leading to the last inhabited village on Indo-Tibetan border.
INR600 (taxi), 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Chitkul

Witness stunning snow-clad Himalayan views, traditional wooden houses and the pristine Baspa river.
INR0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chitkul Local Eatery

Sample trout fish and fresh mountain veggies at the village restaurant.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Optional short hike to Nagasthi

Quiet hamlet 6 km from Chitkul featuring untouched landscapes and snow views.
INR0, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Sangla for overnight stay

Scenic drive back to Sangla Valley homestay.
INR600 (taxi), 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at homestay

Warm home-cooked Himachali meal with seasonal ingredients.
INR400, 1h
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Day 4: Sangla to Kalpa

Kalpa, Himachal Pradesh on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at homestay

Fresh organic fruits, local bread and butter to energize before drive.
INR300, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Kalpa

Travel 85 km through motorable yet remote roads offering spectacular views of Kinner Kailash range.
INR1800 (taxi), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at The River Cafe, Kalpa

Taste local Himachali food along with Tibetan influences in a scenic cafe overlooking Sutlej River.
INR550, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kalpa Monastery & Apple Orchards

Explore the peaceful monastery and stroll through fragrant apple orchards with snow peaks in background.
INR50, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Suicide Point

A small viewpoint famous for breathtaking sunsets over the snow-capped mountains.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Try Thukpa and momos, reflecting Tibetan-descent cuisine of the region.
INR400, 1h
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Day 5: Kalpa to Tabo

Tabo, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh on May 27, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Grab a hearty breakfast to prepare for the long drive on rugged mountain roads.
INR300, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Tabo

Journey 120 km via Kaza to Tabo through raw and rugged mountain roads with snow-capped vistas; famous for being motorable but challenging.
INR3000 (taxi), 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba in Tabo

Eat simple yet delicious Tibetan-style meals like beef stew or thukpa.
INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Tabo Monastery

Explore the 1000-year-old monastery known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas with exquisite frescos and chanting rituals.
INR100, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Tabo Village

Walk through this quiet settlement with traditional houses and vast mountain backdrops.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at homestay

Experience authentic Spitian hospitality with home-made local food featuring local barley and cheese.
INR400, 1h
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Day 6: Tabo to Dhankar and Kaza

Dhankar, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at homestay

Light breakfast with tsampa and butter tea to prepare for trekking.
INR200, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Dhankar Village

Travel 20 km motorable road to base of Dhankar; panoramic views on the way.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Trek to Dhankar Gompa

A 2-hour moderate trek leads to the cliff-hanging 1000-year-old monastery with commanding views over confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers.
INR0, 2h

12:00pm

Return to Dhankar village & Lunch

Lunch of local preparations in village guest house.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Kaza

Short 15 km drive to market town Kaza for supplies and exploration.
INR300, 40m

3:00pm

Explore Kaza Market

Browse local handicrafts and enjoy the laidback vibe of Spiti's largest town.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Korean Kitchen, Kaza

Delicious Tibetan and Korean fusion dishes like momos, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles.
INR500, 1h
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Day 7: Kaza to Manali via Rohtang Pass

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on May 29, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Prepare for a long scenic drive with quick breakfast at hotel.
INR300, 30m

6:30am

Drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass

120 km drive descending through Rohtang Pass, one of the highest motorable passes, with breathtaking mountain and snow views.
INR3500 (taxi)*, 7h

1:30pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Cafe, Manali

Enjoy hearty mountain fare with trout and fresh vegetable soups.
INR700, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure Walk in Old Manali

Explore narrow lanes, shops and cafes in peaceful Old Manali with magnificent snow-capped views.
INR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Riverside dining with fresh Italian food and local brews.
INR800, 1h
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Day 8: Manali Relax & Departure

Manali, Himachal Pradesh on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tea Stall near Hidimba Temple

Savor local chai and freshly made parantha with views of Hidimba's forested surroundings.
INR150, 45m

9:00am

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple and Van Vihar

Explore the ancient cedar wooden temple amidst the peaceful Van Vihar forest park.
INR20, 1h30m

11:00am

Relax at Vashisht Hot Water Springs

Enjoy natural hot springs reputed for healing properties amidst picturesque mountain setting.
INR100, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Sol, Manali

Fabulous Indian and continental menu in sunny garden setting.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Departure or onward travel arrangements

Check out and continue your onward journey with memories of Himachal’s hidden snowy gems.
INR0, N/A
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