About Grand Himachal Tour with Chandigarh
This itinerary covers major destinations, offering a mix of hill stations, valleys, cultural experiences, and some offbeat locations.
- Day 1: Arrival in Chandigarh & Transfer to Shimla (Approx. 3-4 Hours)
- Arrive at Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station.
- You will be met by a representative and transferred to Shimla, the "Queen of Hills."
- En route, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills.
- Check into your hotel in Shimla upon arrival.
- Evening: Leisurely stroll on Mall Road.
- Overnight stay: Shimla.
- Day 2: Shimla Local Sightseeing & Kufri Excursion
- Morning: After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing in Shimla, including:
- The Ridge: The heart of Shimla, offering panoramic views.
- Christ Church: A prominent landmark and the second oldest church in North India.
- Mall Road: The bustling main street with shops and restaurants.
- Jakhoo Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, offering stunning views.
- Afternoon: Excursion to Kufri, known for its scenic beauty and optional adventure activities (at extra cost) like horse riding and the Himalayan Nature Park.
- Evening: Return to Shimla. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay: Shimla.
- Morning: After breakfast, proceed for local sightseeing in Shimla, including:
- Day 3: Shimla to Sangla Valley (Kinnaur) (Approx. 8-9 Hours)
- Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive towards Sangla Valley in the Kinnaur region. This drive is long but incredibly scenic.
- En route, you'll pass through beautiful landscapes and can stop at places like Narkanda (known for apple orchards) and Rampur Bushahr.
- Check into your hotel or a traditional homestay in Sangla.
- Overnight stay: Sangla.
- Day 4: Sangla Valley Exploration & Chitkul
- Morning: Explore the beautiful Sangla Valley, known for its apple orchards, dense forests, and the Baspa River.
- Visit Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. Enjoy the stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore the local Sangla village and interact with the locals.
- Evening: Relax by the Baspa River.
- Overnight stay: Sangla.
- Day 5: Sangla to Kalpa (Approx. 3-4 Hours)
- Drive to Kalpa, known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash range, including the sacred Shivling rock.
- Check into your hotel in Kalpa.
- Afternoon: Visit the Suicide Point (offering dramatic views), the ancient Narayan Nagini Temple, and the Kalpa village.
- Evening: Witness the mesmerizing sunset over the Kinner Kailash peaks.
- Overnight stay: Kalpa.
- Day 6: Kalpa to Kaza (Spiti Valley) (Approx. 9-10 Hours)
- Begin your journey into Spiti Valley. The drive is long but offers dramatic landscapes.
- En route, stop at Nako Village, known for its lake and monastery, and possibly Tabo, home to the ancient Tabo Monastery (if time permits).
- Arrive in Kaza, the main town in Spiti.
- Check into your hotel or guesthouse.
- Overnight stay: Kaza.
- Day 7: Kaza Local Sightseeing
- Explore Kaza and its surrounding areas:
- Key Monastery: The largest monastery in Spiti, perched on a hilltop.
- Kibber Village: One of the highest inhabited villages in the world.
- Hikkim: Home to the world's highest post office.
- Langza: Known for its fossil finds and the giant Buddha statue.
- Evening: Explore the Kaza market.
- Overnight stay: Kaza.
- Explore Kaza and its surrounding areas:
- Day 8: Kaza to Chandratal Lake (if accessible) & Manali (Approx. 8-9 Hours)
- (If Chandratal Lake is accessible, usually opens around late May/June) Take a day trip to the stunning high-altitude Chandratal Lake.
- Continue towards Manali. This will be a long day of driving.
- Check into your hotel in Manali.
- Overnight stay: Manali.
- Day 9: Manali Local Sightseeing
- Morning: After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing tour of Manali, including:
- Hadimba Devi Temple: A unique pagoda-style temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.
- Vashisht Village: Famous for its hot springs and ancient temples.
- Club House: An amusement center with indoor games and boating facilities.
- Tibetan Monasteries: Explore the vibrant Buddhist culture.
- Afternoon: Free time for shopping or exploring on your own.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight stay: Manali.
- Morning: After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing tour of Manali, including:
- Day 10: Solang Valley & Atal Tunnel Excursion
- Morning: After breakfast, proceed for an excursion to Solang Valley, known for its adventure activities (optional, at extra cost) like paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway ride.
- Later, visit the Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest highway tunnels, connecting Manali to Lahaul Valley.
- Evening: Return to Manali.
- Overnight stay: Manali.
- Day 11: Departure from Manali to Chandigarh (Approx. 7-8 Hours)
- Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive back to Chandigarh for your onward journey.
Important Notes:
- This is a packed itinerary covering a large area. Be prepared for long drives, especially between Kinnaur, Spiti, and Manali.
- Altitude sickness is a concern in Spiti. Acclimatize properly, especially in Kalpa before heading to Kaza.
- Road conditions can be challenging, especially in Spiti and Kinnaur. Check road conditions before traveling.
- The Manali-Leh highway (if you choose to travel that way) is usually open from late May/June to October.
- Accommodation in Spiti and Kinnaur is mostly in guesthouses and homestays.
- This itinerary can be customized based on your preferences, budget, and the time of year. You can choose to spend more time in certain areas or skip others.
Enjoy your grand tour of Himachal!