
Organised by BackToTrip
Scenic Himachal Explorer: Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala & Dalhousie
An 11-day balanced exploration of Himachal Pradesh's crown jewels, covering Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie.
- 10 nights / 11 days
- 2–6 travellers
- 22 places
About this trip
Experience the breathtaking diversity of Himachal Pradesh on an 11-day journey blending vibrant hill culture, serene nature walks, and gentle mountain adventures across Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie.





Highlights
- Stroll along the historic Mall Road and Ridge in Shimla
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel and explore the scenic Solang Valley
- Discover Tibetan culture and visit the Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamshala
- Witness stunning Himalayan sunsets from Dalhousie and Khajjiar
Trip map
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Arrival and Colonial Charm of Shimla
Arrive in the charming hill station of Shimla, once the summer capital of British India. Settle in and take an easy evening stroll to shake off travel fatigue while soaking in the cool mountain air.
Arrival in Shimla
12:00
The Mall
15:301 h 30 minThe Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
The historic hub of Shimla, lined with heritage buildings, cafes, and shops, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
See photo of The Mall · Photo: Navneet Sharma, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Ridge
17:301 hThe Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
A wide open space offering spectacular sunset views over the distant Himalayan peaks, crowned by the neo-Gothic Christ Church.
See photo of The Ridge · Photo: ShashankSharma2511, CC BY 3.0
Day 2: Day 2: Temples, Heritage, and Panoramic Views in Shimla
Immerse yourself in Shimla's heritage and natural beauty with a visit to its highest point and a historic temple nestled among lush deodar forests. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring nearby mountain viewpoints.

Kali Bari Temple
15:301 h4548+9PV, Mall Rd, Kali Bari, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001, India
A historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, offering serene surroundings and lovely views over the valley.
See photo of Kali Bari Temple · Photo: Debnath2003, CC BY 3.0
Day 3: Day 3: Journey to Manali via Mountain Highways
Journey from Shimla to the vibrant adventure capital of Manali, traveling along scenic mountain highways that wind alongside rushing rivers and terraced valleys.
Scenic Drive from Shimla to Manali
08:00
Hot Water Spring
14:001 hHot Water Spring, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175103, India
A sacred hot spring sulfur bath located by the Beas River, known for its therapeutic properties and lively local market.
See photo of Hot Water Spring · Photo: Accesscrawl, CC BY-SA 4.0
Manali Bazaar
16:001 h 30 minChandigarh-Mandi, 65VQ+HQW, Kullu - Naggar - Manali Rd, Dhungri Village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
A vibrant marketplace in Manali where you can browse local handicrafts, woolens, and Himachali souvenirs.
See photo of Manali Bazaar · Photo: Rajani Gairshail, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 4: Day 4: Ancient Woods and Alpine Valleys of Manali
Explore the spiritual roots and natural wonders of Manali, beginning with an ancient wooden pagoda temple surrounded by towering ancient cedar trees.

Hadimba Devi Temple
09:301 h 30 minRegency Road, Siyal Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
An ancient wooden pagoda-style temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, set amidst the tranquil Dhungri Van Vihar cedar forest.
See photo of Hadimba Devi Temple · Photo: Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY 3.0
Gompa Road
11:301 hGompa Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
A historic Tibetan monastery known for its serene ambiance, colorful prayer wheels, and displays of traditional Buddhist art.
See photo of Gompa Road · Photo: Deepank Ranka, CC BY-SA 4.0
Solang Valley
14:002 hSolang Valley, Solang, Burwa, Himachal Pradesh 175103
A picturesque valley known for outdoor adventures, scenic paragliding spots, and stunning alpine vistas.
See photo of Solang Valley · Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 5: Day 5: High Altitude Wonders: Atal Tunnel and Beyond
Embark on an unforgettable day trip through modern engineering marvels to high-altitude landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

Atal Tunnel
09:001 h94PV+M8P, Atal Tunnel, Burwa, Himachal Pradesh 175103, India
An engineering marvel and the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, connecting Manali to the Lahaul Valley.
See photo of Atal Tunnel · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Rohtang Pass
11:002 hRohtang Tunnel, North Portal Approach Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175140, India
A high-altitude mountain pass offering dramatic landscapes, snow fields, and stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
See photo of Rohtang Pass · Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
Sissu waterfall
14:001 h 30 minSissu, Himachal Pradesh 175140, India
A pristine glacial valley situated beyond the Atal Tunnel, characterized by raw wilderness and striking mountain beauty.
See photo of Sissu waterfall · Photo: John Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 6: Day 6: Transfer from Manali to Dharamshala
Travel from the pine-scented valleys of Manali to the spiritual haven of Dharamshala, passing through scenic hill roads and rural landscapes.
Scenic Drive from Manali to Dharamshala
08:00
Pong Dam Lake
13:301 hMaharana Pratap Sagar, Himachal Pradesh
A peaceful reservoir surrounded by pine and oak forests, offering boating and picturesque reflection views of the Dhauladhar mountains.
See photo of Pong Dam Lake · Photo: Mike Prince from Bangalore, India, CC BY 2.0
McLeod Ganj
16:001 h 30 minMcLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, India
The vibrant upper neighborhood of Dharamshala, famous for its Tibetan culture, cafes, and mountain views.
See photo of McLeod Ganj · Photo: Rignam Wangkhang, CC BY 2.0
Day 7: Day 7: Tibetan Culture and Heritage in McLeod Ganj
Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, heritage, and spirituality in the Himalayan foothills, visiting prominent religious centers and museums.

Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
09:301 h 30 minTsuglakhang Complex, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India
The official residence of the Dalai Lama, featuring a serene temple complex, prayer wheels, and peaceful monastic courtyards.
See photo of Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple · Photo: Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Tibet Museum
11:301 h2nd Floor, T building, CTA, Gangchen Kyishong, Upmuhal, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India
A museum showcasing the history, art, and ongoing struggles of the Tibetan people through evocative exhibits and photography.
See photo of The Tibet Museum · Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
St. John Church
14:301 hRoad to Naddi Village from McLeod Ganj, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India
A unique neo-Gothic stone church nestled amidst dense deodar forests, commemorating Lord Elgin, a British Viceroy.
See photo of St. John Church · Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 8: Day 8: Waterfalls and Scenic Vistas of Dharamshala
Explore the natural beauty surrounding Dharamshala, from cascading waterfalls to revered cricket grounds set against dramatic mountain backdrops.

Bhagsu Nag waterfalls car parking
09:302 h68VJ+9WX, Bhagsunag Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216, India
A picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, reached via a pleasant walking trail through local villages and forests.
See photo of Bhagsu Nag waterfalls car parking · Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Bhagsu Nag Temple
12:001 h68VM+PQQ, Manisha Rd, Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216, India
An ancient hillside temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered for its sacred natural spring waters.
See photo of Bhagsu Nag Temple · Photo: GhumakkadiIndia, CC0
Near hpca stadium Dharamshala best fast food and juice corner
15:001 hHimachal Pradesh Cricket Association, cricket stadium, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215, India
One of the most picturesque cricket stadiums in the world, framed by the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range.
See photo of Near hpca stadium Dharamshala best fast food and juice corner · Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 9: Day 9: Journey to the Colonial Hill Station of Dalhousie
Journey from Dharamshala to the colonial-era hill station of Dalhousie, renowned for its old-world charm, Victorian architecture, and panoramic valley views.
Scenic Drive from Dharamshala to Dalhousie
09:00
Panjpula
15:301 hPanjpula, Chatryara, Himachal Pradesh, India
A popular vantage point offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and distant plains.
See photo of Panjpula · Photo: UnpetitproleX, CC BY-SA 4.0
Day 10: Day 10: Excursion to Khajjiar and Kalatop Sanctuary
Take a delightful day excursion to Khajjiar, often called the 'Mini Switzerland of India', featuring a lush saucer-shaped meadow surrounded by dense pine forests.

Khajjiar Lake
09:302 h 30 minKhajjiar Lake, Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh 176314
A stunning saucer-shaped meadow nestled among dense deodar forests, featuring a central lake and breathtaking mountain views.
See photo of Khajjiar Lake · Photo: 7018412375, CC BY-SA 4.0
Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
14:301 hH238+5X8, Kalatope R.F, Himachal Pradesh 176304, India
A serene sanctuary situated near Dalhousie, offering peaceful walking trails amidst rich flora and fauna.
See photo of Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary · Photo: Truewebsolution, CC BY-SA 3.0
Day 11: Day 11: Departure from Himachal Pradesh
Bid farewell to the majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh as you take your departure transfer with cherished memories of your Himalayan adventure.
Departure Transfer from Dalhousie
09:00
What's included
- 10 nights of accommodation as selected by your travel manager
- Guided sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- Private vehicle for all transfers and excursions
What's not included
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses and tips
- Travel insurance