5-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of Himachal Pradesh, India

Day 1: Hill Station Charm

Shimla, India on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe, known for its freshly brewed coffee and baked goods, located on Mall Road.
INR500, 1h

9:30am

Mall Road Walk

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Shimla’s famous Mall Road, exploring shops, street vendors, and colonial architecture.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Hike up to Jakhoo Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, for panoramic views of Shimla and occasional monkey sightings. Open from 8am-6pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine in a traditional setting, sampling local dishes like Chha Gosht and Siddu.
INR700, 1h

2:00pm

Christ Church Shimla

Visit the famous Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, noted for its stained glass windows and neo-Gothic architecture.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Viceregal Lodge Tour

Explore the historic Viceregal Lodge, once the summer residence of the British Viceroy, showcasing colonial heritage and museums. Open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tea at Cafe Simla Times

Relax with a cup of Himalayan tea while enjoying views of the old town.
INR250, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Oberoi Cecil

Dine at the elegant Oberoi Cecil Hotel’s restaurant offering multi-cuisine options and fine dining atmosphere.
INR1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Mountain Adventure

Kufri and Narkanda, India on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Himachali Rasoi, Shimla

Enjoy a traditional Himachali breakfast before heading out, such as Sidu and Chha Gosht, available from 7am.
INR400, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Kufri

Travel 16 km from Shimla to Kufri, a popular spot for adventure sports and panoramic Himalayan views.
INR600 (taxi), 40m

9:40am

Kufri Fun World

Engage in activities like tobogganing, horse riding, and hiking at this amusement park with mountain scenery; open 9am-6pm.
INR500, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Narkanda

Continue 31 km drive to Narkanda, known for apple orchards and skiing in winter.
INR800 (taxi), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Apple Pie Bakery Cafe, Narkanda

Savor fresh bakery items and light Himachali meals in a cozy cafe amidst the mountains.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Hatu Peak

Hike or drive to Hatu Peak for spectacular views and nature walks; open all day.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Shimla

Drive back to Shimla for an easy evening.
INR800, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House, Shimla

Enjoy simple, budget-friendly North Indian dishes in this iconic cafe that has been serving since the 1950s.
INR300, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Manali Exploration

Manali, India on May 26, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Johnson’s Cafe, Manali

Try hearty breakfast options including continental and Himachali dishes in a riverside setting, open from 7am.
INR500, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Manali from Shimla

Drive approximately 7 hours (about 250 km) through scenic mountain roads to Manali.
INR3000 (taxi), 7h

3:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into accommodation in Manali and rest after the long drive.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore this ancient cedar-wood temple amidst cedar forest, a serene spiritual place open till 6pm.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Walk on Mall Road Manali

Stroll through the lively Mall Road market with shops selling handicrafts and local souvenirs.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Dine at this charming riverside cafe with Italian and continental dishes; open until 10pm.
INR1200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: High Mountain Excursions

Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley, near Manali, India on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a good breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s excursions.
Included in stay, 30m

7:00am

Drive to Rohtang Pass

An early morning drive to Rohtang Pass (open 6am-6pm, subject to weather), a high mountain pass with snow views and adventure options.
INR500 (taxi) + INR 400 Rohtang Permit, 2h

9:00am

Explore Rohtang Pass

Enjoy snow activities, photography, and the stunning Himalayan scenery at 3,978 meters altitude.
Free entry beyond permit, 2h

11:30am

Travel to Solang Valley

Short 14km drive to Solang Valley, known for adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing.
INR300, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Solang Valley eateries

Have a casual lunch at local cafes offering North Indian and Himachali snacks.
INR600, 1h

1:00pm

Adventure activities in Solang Valley

Try paragliding or zorbing; activities available till late afternoon.
INR1500–2500 per activity, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Manali

Relax on your ride back to Manali after an energetic day.
INR300, 30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge

Enjoy a mix of Indian and continental cuisine with a cozy ambiance near Manali’s Mall Road.
INR1000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Spiritual Retreat

Dharamshala, India on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Manali

Have a hearty breakfast to fuel your travel day.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Dharamshala

Begin a scenic 7 to 8-hour drive from Manali to Dharamshala, a spiritual and cultural hub in Himachal Pradesh.
INR3500 (taxi), 7h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Rest at your hotel in Dharamshala and refresh for an evening outing.
Varies, 1h

5:30pm

Visit Dalai Lama Temple Complex

Explore the serene Tibetan Buddhist temple complex, a place of meditation, art, and culture; open till 6:30pm.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tibet Kitchen

Experience authentic Tibetan cuisine including momos and thukpa at this popular Dharamshala restaurant.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability