Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour – 9 Days Himachal Journey
Discover Himachal’s best hill stations with our 9-day Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala & Dalhousie tour. Scenic drives, temples, and mountain beauty await you!
Country
Manali/India
Duration
9 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Family Tour
Max Altitude
2300m
Best Season
Anytime
Accomodation
Hotel and Lodge twin sharing bed basis during the Tour.
Meals
All meals ( Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) during the tour
Start/End Point
Delhi
Highlights & Overview
Colonial architecture and ridge walk in Shimla & KufriHimalayan views and snow proximity at Rohtang LineTea gardens & Hindu temples in Palampur & ChamundaSpiritual and cultural ambience of Dharamshala / McLeod GanjScenic panoramas and forest walks around Dalhousie & KhajjiarForests, waterfalls, markets and local cultural interactions
This 9-day Himachal & Dharamshala scenic tour offers a rich blend of hill station charm, spiritual heritage, and mountain vistas. From the colonial elegance of Shimla to the lush valleys of Manali, the spiritual calm of Dharamshala, and the serene beauty of Dalhousie, the journey traverses a diverse palette of north Indian hill culture and landscapes. Road drives through pine-forests, tea estates, and mountain passes provide changing views while climate shifts create cool respite. Perfect for travelers seeking moderate adventure, culture, photography, pleasant climates, and Himalayan scenery without high altitude trekking.
Shimla Manali Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour – 9 Days Himachal Journey Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla Drive
Drive from Delhi to Shimla (365 km). Shimla, known as the “Queen of Hills,” lies at an altitude of 2206m / 7238ft above sea level. Once a summer capital during colonial times, it charms with Himalayan ridge views, colonial architecture, pine forests, and cool mountain air. Upon arrival check-in to your hotel and overnight stay.
Max Altitude
2206m / 7238ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 2: Explore Shimla & Kufri
After breakfast, travel to Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla at around 2720m / 8914ft with scenic views, nature parks, Himalayan Zoo and Mashu Peak hikes (optional). Return to Shimla in the afternoon to explore Scandal Point, Mall Road, the Victorian Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Shimla Church, and shops. Overnight in Shimla.
Max Altitude
2720m / 8914ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Shimla to Manali Drive (270 km)
Depart Shimla after breakfast and drive to Manali. The route crosses mountain passes, rivers and forests, offering dramatic landscape changes. On arrival in Manali (2050m / 6726ft), settle into the lodge/hotel, enjoy the cool climate and evening at leisure.
Max Altitude
2050m / 6726ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Manali Local Excursions and Rohtang-Line Tour
Full day exploring around Manali: Kothi Gorge, Gulaba, Marhi, possible up to snow-line near Rohtang (if open), visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Buddhist Monastery, and Vashisht hot springs. Experience natural scenic beauty, high Himalayan views, adventure options. Overnight in Manali.
Max Altitude
3200m / 10499ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Manali to Chamunda to Dharamshala
Leave Manali in the morning, visiting Baijnath Shiv Temple, then through Palampur tea estates, Chamunda Devi Temple. Continue to Dharamshala. Evening arrival, relax in cool hill town. Dharamshala elevation overall ~1457m / 4780ft for the lower town, higher parts (McLeod Ganj) reach ~1800m / 5905ft.
Max Altitude
1800m / 5905ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Dharamshala to Dalhousie via Scenic Stops
After breakfast explore local monasteries, Bhagsu Nag Temple, Dal Lake, tea gardens, kangra fort etc. Later drive to Dalhousie (1979m / 6493ft). Evening arrival and overnight stay.
Max Altitude
1979m / 6493ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Dalhousie Local Sightseeing
Explore Khajjiar (“mini Switzerland”), Kalatop, Satdhara and other panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, forest walks, traditional markets. Overnight in Dalhousie.
Max Altitude
1979m / 6493ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Dalhousie to Chandigarh
After breakfast drive to Chandigarh. Upon arrival visit Sukhna Lake, Nada Sahib Gurdwara, local markets. Overnight in Chandigarh.
Max Altitude
350m / 1148ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Chandigarh to Delhi & Departure
After breakfast drive back to Delhi. Depending on schedule, some last minute shopping or rest before transferring to international airport. Trip ends.
Max Altitude
216m / 709ft
Accomodation
Hotel / Lodge
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Price Includes
Accommodation in Hotel and Lodge twin sharing bed basis during the trek.All Transportation AC / Qulise, Innova / Xylo / Mini Tourist BusGuide/ leader (Experienced Tour and Trek Guide will lead the tour).All monument fees, Permit arrangement, All taxes and VAT in Darjling ,SkkimAll meals (lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) during the trek.Price Doesn't Include
Entry Visa fees India.Travel and medical insurance.Personal expenses (laundry, bar bills, snacks, phone calls, internet.)Tips for guide and driver (tipping is expected)Loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. (We strongly advise you to get personal travel insurance.)Packing Lists
Cloathing
Lightweight shirts and trousersWarm fleece/jacket for evenings and higher elevationsWaterproof outer layer (rain jacket)Comfortable walking shoes + sandalsHat/cap, gloves for chillGears
Daypack (20-30L)Sunglasses + sunscreenCamera + power bankWater bottlePersonal Items
Personal medicines and first aid kitToiletries, insect repellentCopies of passport/IDLight snacksOther Items You Can Bring
Rain cover for backpackLocal currencyTravel adaptor (if needed)Light fleece / shawl