HIMALAYAS, VILLAGES & MONASTERIES HIMACHAL PRADESH

Best Season: March–June & September–November

Day 1 – ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi. Meet & assistance at the airport. (Check-in time 14:00 Hrs.)
Transfer to the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2 – DELHI → SHIMLA
350 km / 07–08 hours by road
Depart Delhi in the morning for Shimla, travelling via Chandigarh through the scenic Himalayan foothills. En route, enjoy breaks for refreshments and lunch.
On arrival in Shimla, check in at the hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, depending on arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk along The Ridge and Mall Road, exploring Shimla’s colonial-era architecture, Christ Church and lively pedestrian streets.
Overnight at the hotel in Shimla.

Day 3 – SHIMLA: FOREST WALK & COLONIAL HERITAGE
After breakfast, enjoy an easy-to-moderate nature walk through the wooded slopes around Jakhu Hill, surrounded by deodar trees and mountain scenery. Those who wish may visit Jakhu Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The uphill sections can be steep, so the walk can be shortened according to the group’s fitness.
Later, explore Shimla’s colonial heritage on foot, including The Ridge, Christ Church, Scandal Point and the historic Mall Road. Subject to opening hours, a visit to the Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) may also be arranged.
The afternoon is free to explore local cafés, handicraft shops or enjoy the mountain atmosphere at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Shimla.

Day 4 – SHIMLA → NARKANDA
65 km / 2–3 hours by road
After breakfast, drive towards Narkanda, passing through picturesque mountain landscapes, apple orchards and traditional Himachali settlements.
After checking in and having lunch, proceed towards Hatu Peak, weather and road conditions permitting. The forested route leads through beautiful stands of deodar and fir, opening up to panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. The final approach can be made by local vehicle when the road is accessible, followed by a walk around the summit and Hatu Temple.
Alternatively, undertake a forest hike from the accessible trailhead. Allow approximately 2–3 hours for the walking section, depending on the route and pace. A full uphill trek from Narkanda may take longer, so it should not be combined with the shorter afternoon programme.
Overnight at the hotel in Narkanda.

Day 5 – NARKANDA → TIRTHAN VALLEY 120–140 km / 5–7 hours by road
After breakfast, depart for Tirthan Valley, travelling through mountain villages, forested hillsides and scenic landscapes. The drive includes winding mountain roads, so several hours should be allowed, including stops for refreshments and photographs.
Arrive in the Tirthan Valley area in the afternoon and check in at your riverside lodge or mountain guesthouse.

If time and daylight permit, enjoy a gentle walk along the Tirthan River or through a nearby village, observing traditional wooden houses, terraced fields and everyday life in the Himalayan foothills.
Overnight at the hotel or guesthouse in Tirthan Valley.

Day 6 – TIRTHAN VALLEY: FOREST TRAILS & HIMALAYAN VILLAGES
After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk in the Tirthan Valley, an area known for its forests, river scenery and access to the Great Himalayan National Park region.
Walk along established village paths and forest trails, accompanied by a local guide who can introduce the group to regional plants, local traditions, architecture and rural life. The exact route will depend on weather, trail conditions and the group’s fitness.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or a traditional meal arranged locally, subject to availability. The afternoon can be spent exploring a nearby settlement, meeting local residents where appropriate, or relaxing beside the river.
This day is intended as a gentle outdoor experience rather than a strenuous trek. Entry into restricted national park areas, if desired, requires the relevant permissions and arrangements.
Overnight at the hotel or guesthouse in Tirthan Valley.

Day 7 – TIRTHAN VALLEY → JIBHI / SHOJA 45 km / 1.5–2.5 hours by road
Depending on accommodation and route
After breakfast, drive towards Jibhi and Shoja, peaceful mountain settlements surrounded by dense forests and traditional Himachali homes.
Continue towards Jalori Pass, subject to seasonal road access and weather conditions. Enjoy a short walk through the surrounding forest trails and take in the mountain scenery.
Travellers seeking a more substantial hike may consider the trail to Serolsar Lake, which generally requires around 4–5 hours for the return walk, depending on pace and conditions. This is an optional activity, not part of the standard easy walk, and should only be attempted with an early start and suitable weather.
Return to Jibhi or Shoja and enjoy a relaxed evening in the mountains.
Overnight at the hotel or mountain lodge in Jibhi/Shoja.

Day 8 – JIBHI / SHOJA → NAGGAR 100–125 km / 4–5.5 hours by road
After breakfast, depart for Naggar, travelling via Banjar, Aut and the Kullu Valley. Enjoy scenic views of river valleys, terraced hillsides and villages along the way.
On arrival, visit Naggar Castle, a historic traditional Himachali building overlooking the Kullu Valley. Explore its distinctive wooden-and-stone architecture and enjoy the mountain views.
If time permits, visit the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, subject to opening hours, or take a gentle walk along the village paths around Naggar. Overnight at the hotel in Naggar.

Day 9 – NAGGAR → MANALI: VILLAGES & MONASTERIES 20–25 km / 60 minutes by road
After breakfast, drive to Manali. Begin the day with a leisurely walk through Old Manali, known for its traditional houses, narrow lanes, apple orchards and relaxed mountain atmosphere.
Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, set amid a beautiful deodar forest, and enjoy a peaceful walk along the surrounding woodland paths.
Later, visit Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Manali, to experience its colourful prayer flags, traditional artwork and serene spiritual atmosphere.
The remainder of the afternoon is free for exploring local cafés, shopping for handicrafts or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Manali.

Day 10 – MANALI: NATURE WALK & MOUNTAIN SCENERY
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed nature excursion around Manali. Depending on weather and road conditions, visit Solang Valley for views of the surrounding mountains and open alpine landscape.
Enjoy an easy walk at a suitable accessible location, with time for photography and refreshments. Optional adventure activities, where available, can be arranged at an additional cost.
Alternatively, travellers who prefer a quieter experience can explore the forested paths around Old Manali or take a gentle walk towards nearby villages. A longer walk to Jogini Falls should be considered optional, as the uphill trail can be more demanding than a standard nature walk.

Return to Manali for a free evening.
Overnight at the hotel in Manali.

Day 11 – MANALI → CHANDIGARH 265 km / 6–7 hours.
CHANDIGARH → DELHI BY TRAIN 22448-1535/1825 hours.
LEAVE DELHI
After an early breakfast, depart Manali for your onward journey to Chandigarh travelling through the scenic Kullu Valley and the foothills of Himachal Pradesh.
Upon arrival transfer to the Chandigarh Railway Station to board the train for Delhi. After arrival Transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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