Scenic Himachal - Ex Chandigarh Tour


Duration

08 Nights / 09 Days


Destinations

Chandigarh - Shimla - Kufri - Manali - Dharamshala - Dalhousie - Khajjiar - Pathankot

The program takes you through the important natural beauty places of Himachal Pradesh. Everywhere you would find nature in its full bloom. Visit Shimla – the summer capital of British when they ruled India. Dharmshala, the place where the great Dalia Lama made his home after coming from Tibet.

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Chandigarh - On to Shimla (110 Kms / Approx. 3 Hour Drive)

Welcome to Chandigarh. On arrival at airport / railway station in Chandigarh, begin your 'Scenic Himachal - Ex Chandigarh' tour. Proceed on a picturesque drive to the charming hill station of Shimla, which has derived its name from 'Goddess Shyamla', avatar of Goddess Kali. Shimla can be visited any time during the year. Summers being warm with cool and pleasant evenings while winters bone chilling. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.

The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Shimla (D)

Skiing in Kufri

Skiing in Kufri

Day 2 : Shimla * Excursion to Kufri (20 Kms / Approx. 1 Hour Drive)

Today morning, depart for a half-day excursion to Kufri, famous for its trekking and hiking trails. Adventure seekers, especially in winters, travel to Kufri to enjoy skiing and tobogganing on its snow-covered slopes. You can also visit the Indira Tourist Park from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the locations around.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the local markets as you stroll on Mall Road. Enjoy a pony or a yak ride around the park (on direct payment basis) or enjoy a walk through the thick cedar woods to Mahasu Peak for an amazing view of the mighty Himalayas.
Overnight in Shimla (B, D)

Day 3 : On to Manali (272 Kms / Approx. 8 Hour Drive)

This morning, you will proceed on a breathtaking drive to Manali, nestled on the banks of the River Beas amidst the Kullu Valley. The chunky afforests with cool gentle winds, vast expansion of meadows, small quaint settlements and lovely orchards, give a majestic look to the serene ambiance of Manali. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.

The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Manali (B, D)

Day 4 : Manali

Today, visit the four and a half century old Hadimba Devi Temple located amidst wooden forest of Deodar and has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. Also visit the Tibetan Monastery which houses several images of Lord Buddha and Tankha paintings.

The rest of the day is at leisure to stroll and shop on the Mall road. Why not spend few blissful moments walking through the undulating stretches and enjoying the cool mountain breeze, shop for local handicrafts (on your own) or just relax at the hotel. You may also enjoy after dinner walks on the Mall Road under a starlit sky and hearing the silence of nature.
Overnight in Manali (B)

Manali

Manali

Day 5 : Manali

The day is at leisure to explore this picturesque town. Or you can opt for Rohtang Pass (Closed on Tuesday's). Rohtang Pass was the medieval trading route to Lahaul and Spiti. If roads to Rohtang Pass are closed, then visit Snow Point where ponies / horses can be hired (On direct payment).

Note: Only local vehicles are allowed for Rohtang Pass / Snow point visit.
Overnight in Manali (B, D)

Day 6 : On to Dharamshala (235 Kms / Approx. 8 Hour Drive)

Today, your picturesque journey continues to Dharamshala, the principal township of Kangra district which overlooks the widespread plains with pine and deodar forests. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.

Later, visit St. John's Church and Tibetan market. St. John's Church is popularly known as the 'Church in Wilderness' as the area is uninhabited, completely surrounded by tall Deodar trees and left in its natural condition.
Overnight in Dharamshala (B, D)

Day 7 : On to Dalhousie (145 Kms / Approx. 4 1/2 Hour Drive)

In the morning, visit McLeod Ganj - the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj is also known for its Tibetan market and has several handicrafts which are made by the Tibetans themselves. Later, drive to Dalhousie - a little hill station that still retains its old British charm. Its marvelous forest trails overlook vistas of wooded hills, waterfalls, spring and rivulets. On arrival, check-in to your hotel.

Later in the afternoon, visit the Martyr's memorial at Panchpulla which commemorates Ajit Singh, a supporter of Subhash Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army during World War II.

En route visit Satdhara, acquiring its name from the seven gorgeous springs and said to contain mica and medicinal properties which are able to alleviate several ailments. Overnight in Dalhousie (B, D)

Khajjiar

Khajjiar

Day 8 : Dalhousie - Excursion to Khajjiar (23 Kms / Approx. 1 Hour Drive)

Today, drive to Khajjiar (also known as Mini Swiss), a scenic spot set amidst the backdrop of dense pines, deodars and lush green meadows. Khajjiar is exquisitely nestled in the foothills of the imposing Dhauladhar ranges of the western Himalayas providing a panoramic and breathtaking view.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this beautiful town (on your own).
Overnight in Dalhousie (B, D)

Day 9 : Depart On to Pathankot (80 Kms / Approx. 3 Hour Drive) Or Jammu (190 Kms / Approx. 5 Hour Drive)

Today, bid farewell to your 'Scenic Himachal - Ex Chandigarh' tour, as you are transferred to the Airport in Jammu / Railway station in Pathankot / Jammu for your onward journey.