12-Day Scenic Himachal Pradesh Itinerary: Dalhousie, Chamba, Dharamsala, McLeodGanj, Bir, Kasol, Manikaran, Manali & Shimla

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Dalhousie

Dalhousie, India on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Woeser Bakery

Start your trip with some delicious Tibetan-inspired breakfast options in a cozy setting. Opens at 7:30am.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Panchpula Waterfalls

Explore this serene waterfall area known for its natural beauty and historic significance. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Explore St. John’s Church

Visit this charming colonial-era church showcasing Gothic architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Krishna Cafe

Try local Himachali dishes and popular Indian snacks in this cozy eatery. Opens 12:00pm onward.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Dalhousie Mall Road Walk

Spend the afternoon strolling down the lively Mall Road, soaking in markets and cafes.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Sunset at Kathlog Lake

Take an evening trip to this tranquil lake perfect for peaceful reflection and photography.
INR50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Dalhousie

Enjoy a variety of international and Indian dishes in a warm ambiance. Open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Day Trip to Chamba

Chamba, India on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel in Dalhousie

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast to start the day trip to Chamba.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Chamba

Drive approximately 2.5 hours through scenic Himalayan roads to reach Chamba.
Transport INR800, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple

Explore this beautiful 10th-century temple complex featuring exquisite stone carvings.
INR20, 45m

12:00pm

Visit Bhuri Singh Museum

Learn about Chamba’s rich history, culture, and art through curated exhibits. Open 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h0m

1:15pm

Lunch at Hot Millions Restaurant

Enjoy local Himachali cuisine with views of the town. Open for lunch from 12pm onward.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk along the Ravi River and Chamba Market

Relax with a riverside stroll and check out local handicrafts in the market.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Dalhousie

Head back to Dalhousie to rest and refresh for the next day.
Transport INR800, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Himgiri Restaurant, Dalhousie

Relax with comforting Indian and Himachali dishes before bedtime. Open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h0m
View Hotels

Day 3: Travel to Dharamsala/McLeodGanj

Dharamsala/McLeodGanj, India on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Dalhousie Hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for the travel day.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Dharamsala/McLeodGanj

Drive approximately 4 hours to reach the base of the Dhauladhar mountains.
Transport INR1200, 4h0m

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Tibet Kitchen, McLeodGanj

Enjoy authentic Tibetan food including momos and thukpa in the heart of McLeodGanj.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tsuglagkhang Complex

Tour the Dalai Lama’s temple complex including the Namgyal Monastery, open 9am-5pm.
Free (donations welcomed), 1h30m

3:45pm

Explore Bhagsunag Waterfall & Temple

Enjoy a gentle hike to this popular waterfall and ancient temple site. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Illiterati, McLeodGanj

Dine in a modern cafe with a diverse menu blending Western and Tibetan influences.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Explore Bir

Bir, India on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tibetan Kitchen, Dharamsala

Enjoy a filling breakfast with Tibetan specialties before heading out.
INR300, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Bir

Drive about 1.5 hours to Bir, the paragliding capital with Tibetan monasteries.
Transport INR500, 1h30m

10:00am

Bir Tibetan Colony Visit

Stroll through the Tibetan Colony and visit the Deer Park Institute, open 9am–6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Paragliding Experience

Experience a scenic tandem paragliding flight over the Kangra valley. Open 8am-5pm.
INR3000, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Om Cafe, Bir

Enjoy farm-to-table meals with vegetarian options in this quaint cafe.
INR350, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk Around Billing Area

Explore Billing, the takeoff spot for paragliders, offering stunning panoramas.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Travel back to Dharamsala/McLeodGanj

Return to McLeodGanj for the night after an active day.
Transport INR500, 1h30m

7:45pm

Dinner at Illiterati

Enjoy a relaxed evening meal with diverse flavorful dishes.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Travel to Kasol & Manikaran

Kasol, India on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in McLeodGanj

Have a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the journey ahead.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kasol

Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour drive to the charming Parvati Valley village of Kasol.
Transport INR1200, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Evergreen Cafe, Kasol

Relish fresh vegetarian and Israeli-inspired dishes in a relaxed setting. Open from 12pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around Kasol Village

Explore local shops and riverside paths in this hippie-favorite destination.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara

Visit this revered Sikh pilgrimage site known for its natural hot springs. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Return to Kasol and Dinner at Jim Morrison Cafe

Enjoy a laid-back riverside dining experience with a global menu.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Kasol to Manali

Manali, India on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kasol hotel

Prepare for travel day with a quick breakfast.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Manali

Travel 2.5 hours through scenic mountain roads from Kasol to Manali.
Transport INR900, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel and relax before exploring Manali.
Varies, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy riverside dining offering multi-cuisine dishes including local favorites. Open 11am-10pm.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple

Explore this ancient wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests, open daily.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk in Old Manali

Discover charming streets, shops, and cafes in the older part of town.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Dine by the river in this popular cafe with Italian-inspired cuisine. Open till 11pm.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Manali Adventure

Manali, India on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast before adventure activities.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Solang Valley Visit & Adventure Sports

Spend the morning enjoying paragliding, zorbing or ropeway rides in Solang Valley. Open 9am to 6pm.
Adventure packages approx INR1500–3000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Solang Picnic Spots

Enjoy packed or local food options at picnic areas with mountain views.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Vashisht Baths

Relax in natural hot springs and visit the Vashisht temple nearby. Open all day.
INR100, 1h30m

3:30pm

Explore Manali Market

Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in bustling Manali Mall Road.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Drifter’s Cafe

Casual spot known for wood-fired pizzas and live music on select nights.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Manali to Shimla via Kufri

Shimla, India on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Manali Hotel

Get up early and enjoy breakfast before your drive to Shimla.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Shimla via Kufri

Drive approximately 7 hours with a stop in Kufri for sightseeing.
Transport INR1500, 7h0m

11:00am

Stop and Explore Kufri

Enjoy the scenic hill station around Shimla famous for pony rides and small hikes. Open all day.
INR100, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kufri Restaurant

Relax and have lunch with panoramic hill views available at local hotels or cafes.
INR350, 1h0m

1:00pm

Continue Travel to Shimla

Finish the drive to Shimla arriving in the afternoon.
Included in transport fare, 3h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Relax at your hotel after travel and prepare to explore Shimla the next day.
Varies, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Walk at Shimla Mall Road

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Shimla’s iconic Mall Road with shops and cafes open till 9pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wake & Bake Cafe

Famous Shimla cafe for wood-fired pizzas and casual dining. Open till 10pm.
INR400, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Explore Shimla

Shimla, India on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Enjoy breakfast in a colonial heritage setting with Indian and Western dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Ascend or take a short taxi to Shimla’s highest point to visit the Hanuman temple. Open 6am-8pm.
INR20, 1h0m

9:45am

Explore Viceregal Lodge

Tour this grand colonial estate and gardens open 10am-5pm with a small entrance fee.
INR100, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Christ Church

Admire Himachal’s oldest church with stained glass windows at the heart of Mall Road.
Free, 30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Ice Cream Cafe

Casual eatery perfect for light lunch and famous for their desserts.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Walk or Horse Ride to Annandale Ground

Relax outdoors at this open ground known for picnics and scenic mountain views.
Horse ride approx INR300, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Prepare for your journey back or next destinations.
Varies, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Tavern

Enjoy modern Indian cuisine in a cozy tavern-style setup with local ambiance.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 10: Shimla to Departure or Optional Day

Shimla or nearby, India on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you prepare for departure or an optional day of excursions.
Included in Hotel, 1h0m

9:30am

Optional Day Trip: Mashobra or Naldehra

Explore the nearby scenic valleys with forest walks and nature trails. Best visited by hired taxi. Open all day.
Transport INR700, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Picnic Spot near Naldehra

Enjoy simple local meals amidst nature.
INR200, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Shimla

Relax in your hotel or explore mall road one last time.
Included, 2h0m

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurant at Hotel

Celebrate your Himachal journey with a final Indian meal at your hotel restaurant.
INR450, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 11: Departure or Leisure Day

Shimla, India on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before packing or traveling to your next destination.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Organize your belongings and check out of the hotel.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Travel to Shimla Bus/Train Station or Airport

Begin your journey home or onward travel arrangements as per schedule.
Varies, Dependent on transport
View Hotels

Day 12: Travel Home or Additional Rest Day

Home or place of next accommodation on June 15, 2025

Varies

Travel Back Home or Continue Travel

Use this day for transit or additional relaxation as needed to conclude your trip.
Varies, Varies
View Hotels