Best of Himachal (9N)

Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh | Drive to Shimla (115 kms / approx. 3.5 hours)

Shimla – abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm.

• Meet our representative upon arrival in Chandigarh and proceed to Shimla.
• Check-in at the hotel and spend evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay in Shimla.

Day 2: Trip to Kufri

This is a popular picnic spot located 16km from Shimla. You may hike on foot to the Mahasu Peak or pay for a mule ride up the hill. Mahasu is the tallest peak in Kufri that gives tourists an amazing view of distant snow-capped peaks.  See fine specimens of colonial architecture, snack at the various eateries in the market or shop for souvenirs.

• Drive to Kufri after breakfast.
• Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
• In the evening, take a walk on Shimla’s famous boulevard, Mall Road.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Shimla – Kullu – Manali (280 kms / approx. 6.5 hours)

On the way enjoy Kullu sightseeing. It is the the valley of gods, or the ‘habitable end of the world’, as the Kullu valley has come to be known, spreads out its charm on either side of the upper reaches of the river Beas. This valley is famous for the beauty and its majestic hills covered with Pine and Deodar forest sand sprawling apple orchards. Kullu valley is sandwiched between the Pir Panjal, Lower Himalayan and Great Himalayan range. The valley is only 80 km long and 2 km at its broadest, yet a fairly wide area is open to the visitors to enjoy the spectacle of variegated mountain scenery. Later proceed to Manali & it offers super views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, and with mountain adventures beckoning from all directions, Manali is a year-round magnet for tourists. Apart from temples, Manali is popular among adventure tourists coming for trekking, paragliding, rafting and skiing.

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Manali.
• Kullu sightseeing
• Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel and spend evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay in Manali.

Day 4: Sightseeing in Manali

Solang valley – a major attraction, without which the trip remains incomplete. All above mentioned adventure activities can be availed here at Solang Valley. Apart from activities, there are splendid views to enjoy in and around the Solang Valley.

• In morning after breakfast, go on an adventurous drive to Solang valley
• Later, today visit popular Hadimba Temple, Naggar Castle and Art gallery.
• In the evening, go for a walk along Mall Road.
• Overnight stay at the hotel

Day 5: Day at leisure in Manali

• After breakfast, enjoy full day at leisure in Manali. Alternatively, you may explore the destination offering numerous adventure sports and other places of interest.
• Overnight stay at the Hotel.

Day 6: Drive from Manali – Dharamshala (215 kms / approx. 6 hours)

• After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Dharamshala.
• Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.
• Overnight stay in Dharamshala.

Day 7: Sightseeing in Dharamshala | Drive to Dalhousie (115 kms / approx. 3.5 hours)

Tsuglagkhang Complex – Centre of Tibetan culture, which includes a museum and the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama – the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Also, you may rejuvenate yourself with yoga and meditation retreats available in Dharamshala (optional).

• After breakfast, visit Tsuglagkhang Complex.
• Later, visit popular monasteries, Tibetan medical center.
• Later drive to Dalhousie.
• Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel.
• Overnight stay in Dalhousie.

Day 8: Sightseeing in Dalhousie with Khajjiar Excursion

Khajjiar which is 23 kms far from Dalhousie by road and 13 kms from Kalatop is the mini Switzerland of India. The lush green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer shaped meadow which has in it a floating island. A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to 12th C. AD. The sanctum of the temple has been beautifully carved from wood.  Also, see St. John’s Church. It was the first to be built after the town of Dalhousie was founded.

• After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Khajjiar.
• Later return back to Dalhousie & visit Bhulwani Mata Mandir at Bara Pathar and hike up the Bakrota Hills to see an impressive view of snow-clad peaks. Also, see St. John’s Church.
• Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 9: Drive from Dalhousie – Amritsar (200 kms / approx. 4.5 hours)

Amritsar – colloquially known as Ambarsar, is a spiritually significant city for the followers of Sikhism. The city derives its name from the sacred pool, which was founded in 1574 by Guru Ram Das – the 4th Sikh guru. This holy pond circumscribes Harmandir Sahib, which is popularly known as the Golden Temple amongst devotees. Watch the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony at Wagah India-Pakistan border where soldiers of both countries bring down their respective national flags in their unique styles.

• After early breakfast, drive to Amritsar.
• After check-in at the hotel, proceed to India-Pakistan border at Wagah.
• After returning, visit the iconic Golden Temple. If time permits you may visit Jalianwala Bagh and Ranjit museum.
• Overnight stay in Amritsar.

Day 10: Amritsar – Departure from Chandigarh (232 kms / approx. 5 hours)

• After breakfast, you will be transferred to Chandigarh airport for return journey back home.

END OF TRIP!