Chandigarh - Shimla - Manali - Dharamshala - Dalhousie - Amritsar
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
12 Nights – 13 Days Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie & Amritsar Tour
Day 01: Arrival in Chandigarh
Welcome to Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab and Haryana, designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh boasts modern architecture, wide boulevards, and lush parks. After transfer to your hotel, you can enjoy an evening visit to the Pinjore Gardens, a historical garden complex.
Overnight Stay: Chandigarh.
Day 02: Chandigarh City Tour
After breakfast, embark on a half-day tour of Chandigarh. Visit key landmarks like the Secretariat, Legislative Assembly, High Court, and State Library. Explore the famed Rose Garden, home to over 1500 varieties of roses, the Botanical Garden, and the serene Sukhna Lake. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Chandigarh.
Day 03: Chandigarh to Shimla (113 km / 3 hrs 43 mins)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. This charming hill station, surrounded by forests of pine, deodar, and oak, is a haven for nature lovers. In the evening, take a stroll along the famous Mall Road and stop for coffee at the iconic Madras Coffee House.
Overnight Stay: Shimla.
Day 04: Shimla Sightseeing
After breakfast, explore Shimla’s top attractions. Visit Jakhu Hill, home to an ancient Hanuman temple, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. Continue to Glen, Shimla’s popular picnic spot, then visit the Ridge, State Museum, and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.
Overnight Stay: Shimla.
Day 05: Shimla to Manali (251 km / 6 hrs 59 mins)
After an early breakfast, depart for Manali. En route, visit Kullu, known as the “Valley of the Gods” for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Arrive in Manali and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight Stay: Manali.
Day 06: Manali – Rohtang Pass & Solang Valley Excursion
After breakfast, set off for an exhilarating day trip to Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Rohtang, at an altitude of 3978 meters, is a paradise for adventure seekers and skiers. Enjoy snow activities and breathtaking mountain views. Return to Manali for a relaxed evening.
Overnight Stay: Manali.
Day 07: Manali to Dharamshala (240 km / 6 hrs 55 mins)
After breakfast, proceed to Dharamshala, a picturesque town nestled in the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley. Divided into Upper and Lower Dharamshala, the town is renowned as the home of the Dalai Lama. In the evening, explore McLeodganj, also known as “Little Lhasa.”
Overnight Stay: Dharamshala.
Day 08: Dharamshala Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the Norbulingka Institute, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture, and Chinmaya Tapovan, which features a towering 9-meter statue of Lord Hanuman and a Ram Temple. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the town at leisure.
Overnight Stay: Dharamshala.
Day 09: Dharamshala to Dalhousie (117 km / 3 hrs 29 mins)
After breakfast, head to the serene hill station of Dalhousie. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and explore local attractions such as Panjpulla, Subash Bowli, and Stature Falls.
Overnight Stay: Dalhousie.
Day 10: Dalhousie – Khajjiar & Chamba Excursion
After breakfast, embark on a day trip to Khajjiar, often referred to as “Mini Switzerland.” Enjoy the lush green meadows and serene landscapes. Continue to Chamba, a charming town known for its ancient temples and picturesque surroundings.
Overnight Stay: Dalhousie.
Day 11: Dalhousie to Amritsar (202 km / 4 hrs 11 mins)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Amritsar. In the evening, experience the patriotic “Beating the Retreat” ceremony at the Wagah Border, where Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform an impressive flag-lowering drill.
Overnight Stay: Amritsar.
Day 12: Amritsar City Tour
After breakfast, visit the iconic Golden Temple, the spiritual center of Sikhism. Explore its stunning architecture and the Langar, where thousands are fed daily. Then, visit Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial to the tragic 1919 massacre, and Ram Bagh Gardens.
Overnight Stay: Amritsar.
Day 13: Departure from Amritsar
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of this enriching tour.
End of Tour.
This meticulously designed 12 Nights – 13 Days itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and spirituality, covering the best of Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, and Amritsar.