10-Day Travel Itinerary: Shimla, Kalpa, Kinnaur & Manali

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Local Sightseeing

Morning: Arrive in Shimla and check into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll on the Mall Road.

Afternoon: Visit the historic Christ Church and explore the Ridge, enjoying panoramic views of the hills.

Evening: Relax at the Scandal Point and enjoy local cuisine at a café nearby.

Day 2: Shimla - Temples and Nature

Morning: Head to Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, situated on Jakhoo Hill.

Afternoon: Visit the Viceregal Lodge to experience colonial history and beautiful gardens.

Evening: Walk along Annandale Ground and enjoy the sunset view.

Day 3: Shimla to Kalpa (via Reckong Peo)

Morning: Depart early for Kalpa with a stop at Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur.

Afternoon: Explore the village and get a glimpse of the spectacular views of the Kinner Kailash Range.

Evening: Relax in your guesthouse while watching the sunset over the mountains.

Day 4: Kalpa Exploration

Morning: Visit the Kalpa Monastery and learn about local Buddhist traditions.

Afternoon: Take a walk through the apple orchards and explore neighboring villages like Sangla.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening with a view of the Kinner Kailash Peak.

Day 5: Kalpa to Kinnaur (Chitkul Village)

Morning: Drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border.

Afternoon: Explore the traditional wooden houses and scenic trails around Chitkul Village.

Evening: Enjoy a peaceful sunset by the Baspa River.

Day 6: Kinnaur to Manali

Morning: Begin the drive from Kinnaur to Manali, passing through stunning mountain landscapes.

Afternoon: Check-in and relax at your hotel in Manali.

Evening: Visit the Mall Road in Manali for shopping and local food experiences.

Day 7: Manali Sightseeing - Temples & Waterfalls

Morning: Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple set amidst cedar forests.

Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Jogini Waterfall and nearby nature trails.

Evening: Relax by the banks of the Beas River.

Day 8: Adventure & Nature in Manali

Morning: Experience adventure activities such as paragliding or zorbing in Solang Valley.

Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic or short trek in the valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Evening: Head back to Manali town for a laid-back dinner.

Day 9: Day Trip to Rohtang Pass

Morning: Early morning drive to Rohtang Pass to witness snow and stunning mountain vistas.

Afternoon: Spend time playing in snow and sightseeing.

Evening: Return to Manali and enjoy street food at the local market.

Day 10: Departure from Manali

Morning: Relax and pack your belongings.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or visit Vashisht Hot Springs for a warm bath.

Evening: Depart for your onward journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mall Road (Shimla) - 2 hours, ₹0 (walking area)
• Christ Church - 1 hour, ₹20 entrance
• Jakhoo Temple - 1.5 hours, ₹10 donation
• Viceregal Lodge - 2 hours, ₹30 entry
• Kalpa Monastery - 1 hour, free
• Chitkul Village - Half-day visit, travel costs approx ₹500
• Hadimba Devi Temple - 1 hour, free
• Jogini Waterfall - 2 hours, free
• Solang Valley Adventure - 3 hours, ₹1000-1500 per activity
• Rohtang Pass - Full day, ₹500 for permit + ₹1500 transport
• Vashisht Hot Springs - 1 hour, ₹50 entry

Total Estimated Cost: ₹3,660 - ₹4,160 (excluding accommodation and major transport)

Tips

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to explore deeper into Kinnaur, consider extending your trip by 2-3 days to include nearby villages like Sangla and Nako. Conversely, for a shorter trip, you can consolidate Shimla and Kalpa into 3 days by focusing on the highlights and skipping longer day trips, reducing travel times to maximize sightseeing in Manali.