7-Day North India Winter Tour: Nainital, Amritsar, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Shimla, Manali & Dehradun

Day 1: Dehradun & Nainital

Dehradun, India to Nainital, India on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ellora’s Melting Moments, Dehradun

Enjoy fresh bakery items and classic Indian breakfast in a cozy setting before departing to Nainital.
INR 500, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Nainital

Drive approx 6 hours (approx 300 km) to the scenic hill station of Nainital, passing picturesque landscapes ideal for winter sightseeing.
INR 4000 by private taxi, 6h0m

4:00pm

Visit Naini Lake

Take a peaceful sunset boat ride on the beautiful Naini Lake to soak in the Tibetan-influenced hill station ambiance.
INR 300, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

Dine on warm North Indian and continental dishes in a historic bakery setting, perfect for the cold December evening.
INR 1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Nainital Exploration & Travel to Shimla

Nainital, India to Shimla, India on December 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Naini Retreat

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with lake views at this tranquil hotel restaurant, preparing for a day of sightseeing.
Included with stay or approx INR 700, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Snow View Point & Nainital Zoo

Take the cable car to Snow View Point offering panoramic Himalayan vistas, followed by a visit to the Himalayan Zoo featuring exotic animals.
INR 150 (cable car) + INR 30 (zoo), 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Machan Restaurant

Taste traditional Kumaoni cuisine, including dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, in a warm and cozy environment.
INR 1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Shimla

Drive approx 7 hours (approx 300 km) to Shimla, a charming hill station famed for colonial architecture and bustling mall road.
INR 4000 by private taxi, 7h0m

9:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel Combermere, Shimla

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring North Indian and continental fare at this heritage hotel.
INR 1600, 1h0m
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Day 3: Shimla to Manali

Shimla, India to Manali, India on December 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe, Shimla

Enjoy fresh coffee and continental breakfast items before setting off towards Manali.
INR 700, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel from Shimla to Manali

Scenic 7-hour drive (approx 250 km) through the Himalayan foothills to reach the winter wonderland of Manali.
INR 4500 private car, 7h0m

4:00pm

Visit Hadimba Temple

Visit this ancient cedar wood temple surrounded by pine forests, best in the late afternoon light.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson’s Cafe

Renowned for excellent trout and Tibetan dishes, the cafe provides a warm refuge from the December chill.
INR 1400, 1h30m
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Day 4: Manali Local Exploration & Travel to Dharamshala

Manali, India to Dharamshala, India on December 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947 Manali

Relax by the Beas River and enjoy Italian-style breakfast including fresh pastries and coffee.
INR 800, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Solang Valley

Morning snow activities and stunning winter landscape views at Solang Valley, open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Free; activities extra, 2h0m

12:00pm

Travel to Dharamshala

Drive approx 4.5 hours (150 km) to Dharamshala, home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan culture.
INR 3500 by private taxi, 4h30m

5:00pm

Evening Stroll in McLeod Ganj

Explore the vibrant market area with Tibetan handicrafts and cafes before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Norling Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine, especially momos and thukpa, in a cozy atmosphere.
INR 1200, 1h0m
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Day 5: Dharamshala to Dalhousie

Dharamshala, India to Dalhousie, India on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen

Breakfast with continental options in McLeod Ganj to fuel the morning journey ahead.
INR 700, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Dalhousie

Drive approx 3.5 hours (120 km) through Himalayan landscapes to the tranquil hill station of Dalhousie.
INR 3000 by private taxi, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Dalhousie

Offering a variety of North Indian and international dishes in a relaxed setting overlooking the valley.
INR 1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Subhash Baoli and St. John’s Church

Visit this historic area with pine forest walks and a colonial church, great for winter sightseeing.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Dining Hall, Hotel Devdar

Dine with views of snow-capped peaks, enjoying Himachali and North Indian cuisine.
INR 1500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Dalhousie to Amritsar

Dalhousie, India to Amritsar, India on December 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Snow View Restaurant

Enjoy freshly brewed tea and a warm breakfast before starting the day’s drive.
INR 600, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Amritsar

Drive approx 5.5 hours (210 km) to historic Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism.
INR 3500 by private taxi, 5h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Kesar Da Dhaba

Experience traditional Punjabi dhaba cuisine famous for dal makhani and buttery parathas.
INR 800, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Golden Temple

Spend the afternoon exploring the iconic Golden Temple complex, open until 7 PM, renowned for its beautiful architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bharawan Da Dhaba

Popular spot for authentic Punjabi meals, especially tandoori dishes, ideal after sunset.
INR 900, 1h0m
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Day 7: Amritsar Departure

Amritsar, India on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brother’s Dhaba

Taste a classic Punjabi breakfast with fragrant lassi and stuffed parathas.
INR 600, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Jallianwala Bagh

Explore the historic memorial site open from 7 AM to 7 PM, important for India’s independence history.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Depart Amritsar

Prepare for onward travel or flights with convenient transport options available from Amritsar airport or railway station.
Varies, Varies
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