Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages

About Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is the easiest Himalayan holiday from Gujarat. Most trips begin at Chandigarh or Delhi and run up through Shimla, Manali and the Kullu valley, or west through Dharamshala, Dalhousie and Khajjiar. The classic seven night loop takes in two hill stations with a snow point, a river and a monastery or two.

Shimla has the Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church and the toy train up from Kalka, a World Heritage line. Manali is the base for Solang valley, Hadimba temple, Vashisht hot springs and the Atal tunnel to Sissu and Lahaul. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj hold the Dalai Lama's monastery, Bhagsu waterfall and the cricket stadium below the Dhauladhar range, and Bir Billing is the paragliding centre.

Adventure is easy to add. Rafting on the Beas at Kullu, paragliding at Solang or Bir, and short treks around Triund and Jalori pass all fit into a normal family trip. We plan the driving so days are not spent entirely in the car, and book snow point vehicles and activity slots ahead.

Best places to see

• Shimla Ridge and Mall RoadThe old colonial hill station centre with Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and a long walking street. Best in the evening when the Ridge fills up and the lights come on.
• Kufri and Jakhoo templeA short drive above Shimla for views of the ranges and the Hanuman temple at the highest point in town. Go in the morning before the road crowds.
• Solang Valley and Atal TunnelThe snow and activity slope above Manali, with skiing in winter, zorbing and paragliding in summer, and the tunnel through to Sissu in Lahaul. Start early, the road builds up by ten.
• Hadimba Temple and Old ManaliA four hundred year old wooden temple in a deodar grove, with Old Manali's cafes and Manu temple a short walk away. Late afternoon is the quiet hour.
• Rohtang and Lahaul sideThe high pass above Manali, open roughly June to October and needing a permit, with the Chandra valley beyond. Weather turns fast, so plan a morning run.
• Dharamshala and McLeod GanjThe Tsuglagkhang complex of the Dalai Lama, Namgyal monastery, Bhagsunag temple and waterfall, and the tea gardens below. Mornings are best for the monastery.
• Dalhousie and KhajjiarA quiet colonial town with Panchpula and St John's Church, and the wide meadow of Khajjiar an hour away. Afternoon suits Khajjiar, when the mist usually lifts.
• Bir BillingThe best known paragliding site in the country, with flights from Billing landing at Bir. Morning to early afternoon is the flying window, weather permitting.
• Kullu and the BeasRafting stretches on the Beas between Pirdi and Jhiri, and the shawl workshops in Kullu town. Rafting runs best from March to June.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive Chandigarh, drive to Shimla, check in, evening walk on the Ridge and Mall Road.
• Day 2 Shimla local, Jakhoo temple, Kufri and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, evening free.
• Day 3 Drive to Manali via Kullu with a stop for rafting on the Beas and the shawl workshops, overnight Manali.
• Day 4 Solang valley and Atal Tunnel to Sissu, snow activities as per season, evening at Mall Road.
• Day 5 Manali local, Hadimba temple, Vashisht hot springs, Van Vihar and Old Manali cafes, afternoon free.
• Day 6 Long drive to Dharamshala, check in, evening at McLeod Ganj market.
• Day 7 Tsuglagkhang monastery, Bhagsu waterfall and the cricket stadium, drive down to Amritsar or Chandigarh for departure.

What is included

Best season

March to June is the main season, green, pleasant and good for rafting and paragliding, with snow still lying at Solang and Rohtang in March and April. July to mid September is the monsoon, when landslides can close hill roads. October and November are clear and cold with fine views, and December to February bring snow to Shimla, Manali and Dalhousie, which is the reason many families travel then.

Good to know

• Rohtang pass needs an online permit with limited daily slots and stays shut from about November to May. The Atal Tunnel route to Lahaul is open through most of the year.
• In winter the snow point is reached by local union vehicles from Manali, not by your own car, and snow boots and jackets are hired locally.
• Carry warm layers, a windcheater, gloves, a cap and shoes with grip even in summer, as evenings at altitude drop quickly.
• Hill roads are winding and children prone to motion sickness should take medicine before the drive. Keep driving days to five or six hours.
• Plastic is banned in many towns, and Himachal is strict about it, so carry a refillable bottle and a cloth bag.
• Try siddu, trout, madra and a Himachali dham thali, and the local apple and plum produce in season.

Planning and cost

Flights or trains, hotels, transfers and sightseeing are arranged together by our team. Every plan is made for your dates and your group, so the cost is quoted after we know what you want. Price on request.