Shimla, Manali and Dharamsala: A Memorable Week in the Himalayas

Once you arrive at the Shimla Airport, our driver will pick you up

After resting for sometime you can visit The Ridge.

The Ridge –The most important point in the center of the city, right in the middle of the Mall Road, its the place from where you can observe the entire city and the mountains enclosing it. This Shimla tourist spot is actually a wide-open street that runs along the Mall Road from east to west and connects it to the famous Scandal Point. What makes it such a popular destination is that it offers gorgeous views of the snow-capped mountain ranges that rise against the blue sky to border this paradise of a destination. Lined with boutiques, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops, the Ridge serves as the social hub in the region. Remember, this place is among the most photographed parts of the city, thanks to its rich natural beauty and the Gothic structures that define its exquisiteness.

Overnight at Hotel.

Get Exclusive Shimla Manali Package as you visit Rohtang Pass and stay in Luxury Resorts in Shimla. Then drive from Manali to Dharamsala

Today we can see the following places:

Jhaku Temple –   This temple has the world’s largest Hanuman statue, which is visible from most parts of Shimla. Covered in a blanket of alpine trees, Jakhoo Hill is the highest point of Shimla and offers scenic views of the snow-covered Shivalik Ranges as well as the sister town of Sanjauli. If the local legends are to be believed, the temple stands at the very spot where Lord Hanuman had rested for a while during his journey to bring the Sanjeevani Booti for Lakshman’s revival during the war of Lanka.   

Himalayan Bird Park – Walk through this park, to browse through a modest, yet colorful and vibrant collection of the Himachal state bird, the Monal Pheasant. The place is lush green and great to relax in too.

Shimla Christ Church – On the Mall Road, this is the second oldest church of North India.  With stained glass windows, brass church bell, and arresting towers, it presents a picture of matchless beauty. While the church looks majestic during the day, it turns into an enchanting sight when illuminated at night. Moreover, it houses the largest pipe-organ in India. 

Visceral Lodge – Perfect place for history buffs, built in 1888 for the then British Viceroy of India. It is located on the Observatory hill, one of the seven hills of Shimla. There is a museum located inside the institution that houses the photographs and the texts from the era of the British colonial rule.

Annandale – Famous place in Shimla which hosts a playground, a golf course, a cactus museum and an Indian Army Museum.  Surrounded by oak and deodar trees, Annandale stands within a deep valley in the western part of Shimla. The place is also known for its splendid beauty and is one of the best places to visit in Shimla in November. 

Chadwick Falls – Located in the Glen Forests and not too far from the city centre, its the ideal place for picnikers. The name Chadwick is derived from ‘Chidku Jhaar’ where ‘Chidku’ means sparrow and ‘Jhaar’ means waterfall in the local language. It was named so because the locals thought only sparrows could reach the top of the waterfall and not humans. Some explorers recall a walk through the forest as an adventurous experience because of the damp and dark environment created by the thick canopying forest.

Lakkar Bazaar– Situated on the Mall Road the main street in Shimla. One can shop for local handicrafts, shawls, woolens, exquisite jewelry etc. here. Most of these products are made of deodar and walnut trees, which are easily available in and around Shimla. The bazaar area has an old cinema hall, a roller skating rink and various hotels.

Bantony Castle – It’s a heritage site built during the colonial era, it consists of a castle and a cottage. It has now come under the Heritage Zone of Shimla and is included in the heritage walk. The beautiful wooden architecture of the building amidst the sprawling lawns is a site worth exploring.

Shimla Reserve Forest Sanctuary – At a small distance from the city centre this place is a haven for wildlife lovers. Animals such as jackals, barking deer, monkeys and leopards are commonly sighted here. This place is ideal for photographers and tourists alike. From this very sanctuary, one can take the breathtaking view of Deo Tibba, Chota Shali, Bandar Poonch, Rakta Dhar etc which are most majestic Himalayan Mountains. This reserve is well connected to the chail Sanctuary. This sanctuary exhibits vivid flora and fauna of its own kind. With breathtaking views, one would love to stay here forever.

Jakhoo Ropeway – The vintage British-era architecture coupled with the scenic views of the Himalayan landscape is thoroughly enjoyed by the ropeway cable car from the bottom of the hill to the top. Tourists can have darshan of 108 feet long statue of Hanuman ji from Ropeway which considered as world’s tallest statue at the highest altitude of over 8100 feet. It makes your ropeway ride more valuable

Overnight at the hotel.

Today after breakfast checkout and proceed towards Manali.

The distance from Shimla to Manali is 240 Kms/ 150 Miles and it takes around  8-9 hours.

Once you reach check – in and Overnight at the hotel.

Get Exclusive Shimla Manali Package as you visit Rohtang Pass and stay in Luxury Resorts in Shimla. Then drive from Manali to Dharamsala

After breakfast you visit the Solang Valley and Rohtang today.

Solang Valley – The valley is famous among tourists for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains and magnificent glaciers that attract ski fanatics from all over the world. The views of the place from the open sky as you paraglide through the valley are truly indescribable and need to be witnessed to be believed. If you really want to get a full dose of the pristine beauty of this valley, try camping here amidst its lush green meadows. You can also try other adventure sports like quad biking and snowmobiling in Solang Valley. For the true thrill chasers, there is Solang Ropeway – a state of the art cabin to enjoy the sweeping views of the valley.

Rohtang Pass –When planning a trip to Manali, a day off to the vista point of Rohtang Pass is the ultimate and almost essential attraction of the itinerary. An experience of the snow can never be complete without a sledge ride, which involves sliding through the snow in a wooden toboggan. Another thrilling activity that can be pursued at Rohtang Pass would be mountain biking where you ride your mountain bikes off the regular course and into the lesser taken routes.

Overnight at hotel.

Today after breakfast we will see the various places in Manali:

Hidimba Devi Temple – The temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava prince from the great Indian epic Mahabharata. The main attraction of the temple is the three day Hidimba Devi Festival, which attracts devotees from all over the world and features colourful folk dance performances.

Manu Temple – There are many interesting folktales associated with the establishment of this temple which you can learn about when you visit this place. All around the year, pilgrims and tourists in great numbers flock into this temple located in Old Manali. This is a must-visit place, not only because of its religious significance but also because of its ancient, beautiful architecture and wooden carving.

Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art – The museum houses a very interesting and impressive collection of antique articles and other items reflecting the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. From Himachali traditional dresses and Himachali kitchenware to traditional ornaments, there is so much to look at and absorb here.

Van Vihar National Park – You can enjoy long nature walks and see wild beetles and other species of plants. There is a small pond where you can boat amidst the chirping birds and rustling winds. 

Jogini Falls – These 160 feet tall waterfall is one of the landmark attractions in Manali. The beauty of the falls accentuates with the surrounding lush greenery and the tranquility of nature. Travelers love to spend time here listening to the sounds of water and sipping cups of tea and enjoying bowls of Maggi from the nearby restaurants.

Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple – The elements that make this temple so popular are the massive, two-storey-tall statue of Lord Buddha and eye-catching wall paintings it houses. Visit this temple for the serenity and positivity that fills this place.

A visit to this place is incomplete without a few minutes of meditation to take a peek into the life of Buddhist monks. Located amidst the bustling Mall road of Manali, the quietness of this Monastery is in sharp contrast with what lies outside its premises.

Overnight at hotel.

After breakfast today we checkout and drive from Manali to Palampur. The distance from Manali to Palampur is 190 kms/ 200Miles and it takes around 6 -7 hours.

Overnight at hotel.

Get Exclusive Shimla Manali Package as you visit Rohtang Pass and stay in Luxury Resorts in Shimla. Then drive from Manali to Dharamsala

Post breakfast checkout from the hotel and enjoy the tea garden in Palampur before heading to Mcleodganj.

Palampur Tea Gardens -The tea gardens of Palampur are a major draw for tourists. Vast areas of green foliage resulting out of a variety of tea plants are peppered throughout the town. They are a treat to the eyes of the visitors. Here, you can also go through the details of tea processing. Strolling through the gardens and enjoying the sight of tea plants and the piece of nature beyond the garden is a mood-uplifting experience for anybody. It is a heaven for photographers. For the curious, the gardens also provide a detailed view of the tea making process. 

 The distance from Palampur to Mcleodganj is about 40 km or 25 miles. It is usually covered in approx 2 hours.

Overnight at Hotel.

Get Exclusive Shimla Manali Package as you visit Rohtang Pass and stay in Luxury Resorts in Shimla. Then drive from Manali to Dharamsala

Naddi View Point and Village Walk – This walk through hamlets of the Himalayas is the best way to enjoy the serenity of the place. As you take the nature trail, you can also view the massive Dhauladhar Range at such a close distance. Naddi is a village which is situated away from the hustle and bustle of Mcleodganj and provides complete peace of mind. A walk through the village is a must as it takes you through fields, houses made of stone & mud. One can experience the lifestyle of local people with a view of mountains. Rejuvinate yourself through this guided tour.

War Memorial – The War Memorial in Dharamshala, seating ideally in the in forests of the hill town, is created to commemorate the memory of those who fought for saving India. The War Memorial is surrounded by poetic pine forests of Dharamshala, leading to the lush gardens through a quaint walkway.

Dharamsala Cricket Stadium – Abbreviated as the HPCA Stadium, it is one of the most picturesque cricket stadium of the world. The Himalayan mountains in the backdrop gives it a stunning look.

St John’s Church – This magnificent church is built amid the picturesque valley of Mcleodganj and is located about 8 kms away from Dharamshala. The church lies in a dense jungle between Mcleodganj and Forsythganj and is a monument dedicated to Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died at Chauntra (Mandi district) and was buried here in 1863 A.D. This classic church, which has a Christian cemetery surrounding it, has lovely glass windows and boost amazing architectural design. It is ideally situated in the majestic ‘Deodar’ forest in the wilderness.

Dalai Lama Temple Complex – This place is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama. The whole vicinity is decorated with colorful prayer flags and this makes it perfect for long serene walks. One gets to know a lot about the Tibetan people and their religion from this place.

Dal Lake – This beautiful, calm and serene lake is set amidst lush green Deodar forests and rugged mountains. It is filled with greenish water and offers peaceful surroundings. This is a perfect place where you can feel the magical spirit of the Himalayas.

Bhagsu Falls – Bhagsu Falls is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India which is about 20 meters in height. The effect of the cold water and the lush greenery around makes it a perfect site to rejuvenate and scenic beauty. Especially during and after the monsoon, this waterfall is a sight to behold.

Bhagsunag Temple – Surrounded by lovely pools and lush greenery, the Bhagsunag Temple is one of the oldest ancient temples located about 3 kilometers from Mcleodganj. The two pools around the temple are believed to be sacred.

After a memorable trip, our driver will drop you at the Dharamshala Airport

Get Exclusive Shimla Manali Package as you visit Rohtang Pass and stay in Luxury Resorts in Shimla. Then drive from Manali to Dharamsala