Day 1: Arrival in Shimla — First Glimpse of the Hills
Landed in Chandigarh from Mumbai and hopped into a cab for the scenic drive up to Shimla. The winding roads, pine forests, and cool mountain air felt like a breath of fresh life.
Checked into a heritage hotel on Mall Road — wood paneling, creaking floors, and views of distant snow peaks.
In the evening, I strolled down the Ridge. Ate piping hot momos at Lakkar Bazaar and watched kids ice skating at the rink nearby.
Small thing: Bought a hand-carved wooden keychain from a roadside stall — my first souvenir.
Day 2: Shimla — Temples, Cafes & Toy Train
After a warm breakfast, trekked up to Jakhoo Temple — the giant Hanuman statue peeking through the mist was a sight to behold.
On the way back, I treated myself to a hot chocolate at an old-world café overlooking the valley.
In the afternoon, hopped on the historic Kalka–Shimla Toy Train for a short scenic ride — tunnels, bridges, and endless views of cedar trees.
Small thing: Chatted with a local auntie who shared her family pickle recipe — simple local kindness.
Day 3: Manali — From Apple Orchards to Hidimba Devi Temple
Checked out of Shimla early morning and drove to Manali — the changing scenery kept me hooked: rivers, terraced fields, and sleepy villages.
Checked into a homestay in Old Manali — wooden balconies, apple trees, and the smell of pine.
Spent the afternoon visiting the ancient Hidimba Devi Temple surrounded by towering deodars.
Dinner was trout fish curry at a riverside café. The sound of the Beas River is so calming.
Small thing: Sipped hot chai at a roadside stall with the owner’s fluffy Himalayan dog sleeping at my feet.
Day 4: Solang Valley — Adventure & Snow Play
Today was pure fun — took a local cab to Solang Valley. Rented snow boots and joined kids making snowmen.
Tried paragliding for the first time — flying over the snow-capped peaks felt unreal.
On the way back, stopped at a roadside dhaba for rajma chawal — simple but heavenly.
Small thing: Bought a pair of colourful woollen socks knitted by a local granny.
Day 5: Kasol & Manikaran — Hippie Vibes & Hot Springs
Left Manali early and drove to Kasol — the ‘Mini Israel of India’. The Parvati Valley views, pine forests, and graffiti-filled cafés gave it such a laid-back vibe.
Walked to Manikaran Gurudwara and dipped my feet in the hot springs — so warm in the chilly air.
Lunch was falafel and hummus at a tiny café — surprisingly authentic!
Small thing: Bought handmade hemp bracelets from a local shop.
Day 6: Dharamshala & McLeodganj — Monasteries & Momos
Drove to Dharamshala. Checked into a guesthouse with views of the Dhauladhar Range.
Visited the Namgyal Monastery, watched monks debating philosophy under ancient trees.
Walked through McLeodganj streets filled with Tibetan prayer flags, bookshops, and momo stalls.
Dinner was Tibetan thukpa and tingmo at a tiny café.
Small thing: Bought prayer flags and a singing bowl as souvenirs.
Day 7: Goodbye Himachal — Last Cup of Chai
Woke up early to catch the sunrise over the snow peaks. Packed my bags, took a final walk through the pine trails, and said goodbye to this Himalayan haven.
Boarded a bus to Pathankot and then a train back to Delhi.
Small thing: Scribbled my travel memories in a local handmade notebook I found at a tiny shop.
What to Pack for Himachal
Warm jackets, thermals, and gloves (even in summer, nights can get cold)
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for mountain trails
Raincoat or poncho during monsoon
Sunscreen and sunglasses — the mountain sun can burn!
Basic medicines for cold, fever, and motion sickness
Reusable water bottle and snacks for road trips
Health & Altitude Tips
Stay hydrated to avoid headaches at higher altitudes
Give yourself time to acclimatise if visiting Spiti or high passes
Avoid alcohol on your first day at altitude
Carry a small medical kit with basic medicines
Unique Experiences in Himachal
Ride the Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
Stay in a riverside homestay in Tirthan Valley
Meditate with monks in Dharamshala
Try snow activities in Solang or Rohtang Pass
Stargaze from a village in Spiti Valley
Best Ways to Travel to Himachal from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi
From Delhi: Overnight Volvo buses, private taxis, or trains to Chandigarh then cab up
From Mumbai, Bangalore, Kerala: Fly to Chandigarh or Delhi, then road trip
Book trusted local cabs for safe hill driving
Hire a local guide for offbeat treks
Famous Local Cuisine
Chana Madra — chickpeas cooked in yoghurt gravy
Siddu — steamed bread with walnut stuffing
Trout fish curry (Kullu style)
Babru — Himachali version of kachori
Tibetan momos, thukpa, and butter tea in McLeodganj
Currency & Budget Tips
Indian Rupee (INR) — ATMs available in big towns, less so in remote villages
Carry some cash for local stalls and taxis
Homestays and dhabas are very budget-friendly
Bargain politely at markets for handicrafts
Connectivity & SIM Cards
BSNL and Jio work best in remote areas
Wi-Fi is decent in towns but patchy in remote valleys
Buy a local SIM card in major towns for better coverage
Shopping & Souvenirs
Handmade woollen shawls and stoles
Kullu caps and Himachali socks
Chamba rumals (embroidered handkerchiefs)
Tibetan singing bowls, prayer flags, and thangkas
Locally made jams and pickles
Instagram Spots
Ridge and Mall Road in Shimla
Solang Valley snowfields
River bends of Tirthan and Parvati Valley
Monasteries in McLeodganj and Spiti
Sunrise over Triund Trek near Dharamshala