Grand Himachal
Destination Covered: Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Chandigarh
Duration: 9 Nights & 10 Days
Day 01: Delhi - Shimla (370 km/08 hrs)
Assistance upon arrival at Delhi Rly stn or Airport and depart for Shimla by road. Shimla the state capital of Himachal Pradesh is surrounded by pine deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Shimla was also the summer capital of the British Raj. Arrive Shimla and check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Shimla sightseeing
Shimla is one of the most popular hill Resorts of North India and former summer capital of the British in India. The town is situated at an altitude of 6810 ft. Full day sightseeing tour of Shimla visiting Kufri, Himalayan Aviary, Jhaku Temple, Sankat Mochan View Point and The Mall Road for shopping. Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Shimla – Manali (290 km/6 hrs)
After breakfast, complete the check-out formalities at the hotel and then, drive from Shimla to Manali, a beautiful hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Located in the Beas River Valley, at an elevation of more than 2000 metres above sea level, Manali can be reached from the national highway that leads to the Leh region. Manali is about 40 km away from another scenic hill resort – Kullu. Home to snow-clad mountain peaks, lush greenery, and rich flora and fauna, the town of Manali is flocked by tourists from across the country, especially in the holiday season.
The name 'Manali' has been derived from the words 'Manu' and 'Alaya', which mean 'Abode of Manu'. According to a legend, Manu was a sage who is believed to have recreated human life after the world was devastated after a great flood. There is an ancient temple in the old Manali village that is devoted to this sage. Besides this, some other prominent attractions of this hill town are Hadimba Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Arjun Gufa and Jagatsukh.
Upon reaching, check-in at the hotel and take some rest. In the evening, you can either explore its numerous places of interest or take a stroll on the popular Mall Road. This street is dotted with numerous eateries, cafes, local handicraft shops and retail brand outlets where tourists can not only go on a shopping spree, but can also relish mouth-watering local dishes.
Later, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 04: Manali Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, visit Hadimba Temple, Vashisth Kund, Nehru Kund, Tibetan Monastery and Van Vihar. Hadimba temple, also known as the Doongri Temple, is a four-tiered pagoda-like wooden temple standing in deodar trees and has beautiful carvings on its ornamental door. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhim, this temple is the venue for an annual fair held during May. Nehru Kund, a natural spring of clean cold water named after the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to be coming from 'Bhrigu Lake'. Club House, 2kms from the town, has indoor games and some picnic spots around the club house. Vashishta Springs, are located across the Beas river, about 3 km away from Manali, at an altitude of 1,982 meters (6,200 feet) and are the natural sulphur hot springs. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Manali - Excursion to Snow Point and Solang Valley (51 Kms / approx 3.5 hours)
After early breakfast enjoy a breathtaking drive to Snow Point on the road to Rohthang Pass. Known for its scenic beauty, Rohtang Pass holds strategic importance for India. Manali-Leh Highway, a part of NH 21, transverses Rohtang Pass. The name Rohtang means ‘ground of corpses’ due to the number of people who lost their lives trying to cross it. Besides Lahaul and Spiti, Rohtang Pass also serves as the gateway to Pangi and the valley of Leh. The Pass offers beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul Valley and the Chandra River. The twin peaks of Geypan are also visible from Rohtang.
Later visit the famous Solang Valley. Solang Valley, locally known as Solang Nullah, is renowned as the preferred location for adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. For those who love the rush of adrenaline; there is no place better than Solang in Kullu Valley to indulge in parachuting, paragliding, skating and zorbing. It is 8500 feet above mean sea level. Solang is not just about adventure activities. Its lush greenery, apple orchards, snowcapped peaks and lakes attracts lacs of visitors. Return to hotel by the evening. Enjoy Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 06: Manali - Dharamshala (235kms/6 hrs)
After breakfast drive to Dharamshala. Arrive Dharamshala and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.
Day 07: Dharamsala - Dalhousie (120km/3.5 hrs)
After breakfast visit Baijnath - the oldest existing Shiva temple in the country, War Memorial, Kangra Art Museum, Dall Lake, McLeodgnj, St. Johns Church etc. Later depart to Dalhousie by Road. Arrive at Dalhousie and check into the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure or optional visit to Chamba Valley known for its 8th century Laxminarayan temple and Bhuri Singh Museum which houses a rare collection of Kangra Pintings. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08: Dalhousie sightseeing
Full day sightseeing to Khajjiar, 18 kms from Dalhousie. It’s one of the most scenic saucer shaped Plateau and is surrounded by dense pine and deodar forests. Its beauty has further been enhanced by a small lake in the center with a floating island and a 9 hole golf course here are the other interesting places to cover. Return to Dalhousie and overnight stay at the hotel in Dalhousie.
Day 09: Dalhousie to Chandigarh (350km/7 hrs)
Morning drive to Chandigarh. Arrive Chandigarh check in the hotel and proceed to sightseeing tour of Chandigarh including Rock Garden, Rose Garden, Museum and Art Gallery. Overnight at Chandigarh.
Day 10: Chandigarh – Delhi (300 km/6 hrs)
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Delhi. On arrival drop at Airport or Railway Station for onwards journey.