Overview
The “Grand Himachal Circuit” is the ultimate journey through the heart of the Himalayas. Over 10 unforgettable days, this tour takes you from the colonial elegance of Shimla to the pine-clad valleys of Kullu and Manali, the peaceful Tibetan monasteries of Dharmshala, and finally to the colonial charm of Dalhousie and the lush meadows of Khajjiar. Designed for travelers who want to see it all, this road trip offers a perfect blend of history, nature, spirituality and adventure.
Top Highlights
- Walk the historic Mall Road and enjoy panoramic views from Kufri.
- Drive alongside the Beas River and visit the famous Kullu shawl factories.
- Explore ancient temples and experience the high-altitude thrills of Solang Valley.
- Visit the Dalai Lama Temple and Soak in the vibrant Tibetan culture of McLeodganj.
- Marvel at the breathtaking queen meadows and cedar forest of Khajjiar in Dalhousie.
Himachal in a heartbeat
- Morning: Arrive at Chandigarh at Delhi (airport/railway station). Your private driver will welcome you and begin the scenic drive to Shimla.
- Evening: Arrive in Shimla, check in to your hotel and relax after the journey. You can take a short stroll around your hotel to enjoy the crisp mountain air.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.
- Morning: After breakfast, drive to Kufri to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and visit the Himalayan Nature Park.
- Afternoon: Return to Shimla. Visit the Viceregal Lodge (Institute of Advanced Study).
- Evening: Spend the evening exploring the pedestrian-only Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church and Scandal Point.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.
- Morning: Check out early breakfast for a scenic 7-8 hour drive to Manali.
- En Route: Pass through the beautiful Kullu Valley. Stop at Pandoh Dam, Hanogi Mata Temple and take a stroll by the Beas River. You can also visit local Kullu shawl emporiums.
- Evenings: Arrive in Manali, check in to you hotel and unwind.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
- Morning: After breakfast, visit the 450-years-old Hadimba Devi Temple surrounded by dense cedar forests.
- Afternoon: Visit the Vashisht village (famous for natural hot springs), the Tibetan Monastery and the Club house.
- Evening: Free time to explore Manali's bustling Mall Road and local cafes.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
- Morning: Head to the spectacular Solang Valley, known for its summer and winter adventure sports.
- Daytime: Enjoy activities like zorbing, paragliding or snow rides (depending on the season). Optional: If permits and weather allow, drive through the Atal Tunnel to see the majestic landscape of Lahaul Valley.
- Evening: Return to Manali for a relaxed evening.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
- Morning: After breakfast, check out and begin the drive to Dharmshala (6-7 hours).
- En Route: Enjoy the changing landscapes from rugged mountains to lush tea gardens as you enter the Kangra Valley. Stop at the famous Baijnath temple or a tea estate.
- Evening: Arrive in Dharamshala/McLeodganj, check in and rest.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Dharamshala.
- Morning: Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex (tsuglagkhang) and experience the peaceful chanting of monks.
- Afternoon: Explore the Bhagsu Nag Temple, hike up to the Bhagsunag Waterfall and visit the serene Dal Lake. Explore the local Tibetan markets for handicrafts and thangkas.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Dharmashala.
- Morning: Check out and drive to the colonial hill station of Dalhousie (approx. 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive, check in, and freshen up. Visit the historic St. John's Church, Subhash Baoli and Panchpula (a scenic spot with waterfalls).
- Evening: Walk along the Garam Sadak or explore Gandhi Chowk for local shopping.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Dalhousie.
- Morning: After breakfast, drive through the dense deodar forests to Khajjiar.
- Daytime: Spend a leisurely day in the expansive green meadows of Khajjiar, surrounded by pine trees with a picturesque lake in the center. Enjoy hourse riding or simply relax in nature.
- Evening: Return to Dalhousie for your final night in the mountains.
- Night: Dinner and overnight stay in Dalhousie.
- Moring: Enjoy a final mountain breakfast.
- Departure: Check out and drive your departure point (Pathankot Railway Station is closest or drive back to Chandigarh/Delhi/Amritsar) for your onward journey.
Includes/Excludes
The Trip Cost Includes
- Accommodation: 9 Nights stay in standard/premium hotels (2N Shimla, 3N Manali, 2N Dharmshala, 2N Dalhousie).
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels (MAP Plan).
- Transport: Private AC/Heater-equipped vehicle (Sedan/SUV or Tempo Traveler depending on group size) for the entire 10-day circuit.
- Taxes & Tolls: Driver allowances, state taxes, toll taxes and parking fees.
The Trip Cost Excludes
- Travel Fare: Flights or main train tickets to the starting point and from the ending point.
- Entry Fees: Monument, museum or park entry tickets.
- Permits & Special Vehicles: Rohtang Pass permit or 4x4 vehicles if required due to heavy snow.
- Activities: Adventure sports (paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, etc.)
- Personal Expenses: Lunches, room service, laundry, tips and travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Yes, this is a comprehensive road trip through the mountains. You will have 4 major travel days with 4 to 8 hours of hill driving. We ensure comfortable vehicles and experienced hill drivers to make the journey smooth.
March to June (for pleasant summer weather) and September to November (for clear skies and autumn colors) are ideal. Winter (Dec-Feb) is great for snow, but some roads may experience temporary closures.
Absolutely. While the tour starts in Chandigarh or Delhi, the drop-off can be arranged at Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh or Delhi based on your return travel tickets.
Solang Valley (Manali) and Kufri (Shimla) are your best chances to see snow. In peak winter, you may also find snow in Dalhousie and Khajjiar.
Yes. Even in summer, evening in Manali and Dalhousie can get quite chilly. A light jacket is recommended in summer and heavy woolens are mandatory in winter.
