Find the best way to explore Himachal Pradesh in 6 days. Book your trip from Chandigarh to Himachal Pradesh in just a few clicks. Explore Himachal’s scenic beauty, serene feels, adventure activities, and must-visit locations! Know the best time to visit, the route to travel, the complete itinerary, and souvenirs to take home.
Himachal Pradesh is the epitome of scenic beauty, with a blend of aesthetic hillside views and perfect weather for calming getaways. If you’re from Chandigarh or a traveller wrapping up your trip, it’s time to take a week off! Dive into the world of snow-laden mountains, luscious greenery, vibrant crowds, and pristine waters in Himachal Pradesh.
STEP 1: Decide When To Visit Himachal Pradesh
With varying seasons, Himachal offers a platter of experiences. From coldest winters to warm days, the place is a fusion of different weather conditions. It is important to consider the best season to visit while deciding based on weather extremes, accessibility to activities, road conditions, and festival season. The summer season (March to June) is considered the best time to visit the state, considering how a trip to hill stations during peak summer is the best way to escape the simmering heat.
STEP 2: Chandigarh to Himachal—What’s the best route?
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is just 112 km away from Chandigarh. Usually, travellers like to plan a trip to the state as part of their North India tour. The best way to cover the distance is via road, a mere 3.5-hour drive. If not a private vehicle, you can either take a private or a Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) bus to Shimla. The ticket costs can range anywhere from ₹300 to ₹1500, according to your preference. A well-known highway among bikers, NH5 opens a world of visual delight while also posing certain challenges, such as extreme weather conditions and traffic congestion. Despite these, it is one of the many routes a biker must ride across to experience the pathway to Himachal. If you love biking, taking a ride across Shimla, Manali, and Spiti is mandatory!
STEP 3: Budget, Itinerary, and Bookings
Decide on your budget for the travel before going ahead with any bookings. It is important to consider the affordability by weighing different options against each other. With various options such as Shimla, Manali, Spiti Valley, Dharamshala, and more, it may get confusing—what to explore and where to find the best deals! Look no further than this guide for a simple 6-day itinerary to explore Himachal Pradesh:
Day 01: Road to Shimla
- Begin your journey early in the morning. Take a bus, a car, or a private vehicle to Shimla from Chandigarh.
- If you are a biker, make sure to carry necessary documents such as your driver’s license, vehicle RC, insurance, etc., while also wearing the required safety gear without fail!
- Enjoy the scenic drive through winding mountain roads with optional stops at Timber Trail or Pinjore Gardens for a short break.
- Check into your stay and have a relaxing evening.
- Later, visit the markets of Shimla, such as the famous Mall Road, Tibetan Market,
Day 02: Sightseeing at Shimla
- Start your day with Kufri, a small hill town known for its snow activities, yak rides, and views.
- If you are a nature lover or a photographer, you can visit the Green Valley and the Himalayan Nature Park.
- After lunch at any of these parks or locations, return to Shimla. You can take the Jakhoo Ropeway up to Jakhoo Temple, the highest point in Shimla, and get a chance to view the giant Hanuman statue, a signature of the location.
- Later, explore Lakkar Bazaar for local wooden handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Finish off with dinner at the Bazaar or any restaurant of your choice!
Day 03: Towards Manali
- Check out of your stay and drive to Manali. You’ll reach there in about 7 to 8 hours.
- Halt at Pandoh Dam, an ideal spot for clicking pictures, and also at Hanogi Mata Temple for a quick spiritual detour.
- Visit Kullu, the Valley of Gods, famous for its shawl factory, temples, festivals, and picturesque visuals. A river rafting session is not to be missed!
- Reach Manali by evening and settle into your hotel or homestay.
Day 04: A Day at Manali
- Start your morning by visiting the famous Hidimba Devi Temple, surrounded by tall cedar trees.
- Walk to Manu Temple, believed to be the only temple dedicated to Sage Manu in India.
- Head to Solang Valley for adventure sports like paragliding or zip-lining, based on your preference and the season.
- If you’re travelling between May and October, consider visiting Rohtang Pass (pre-booked permit required) to witness snow-capped peaks and glacier landscapes.
- On your way back, make a stop at the hot springs, a wonderful sneak peek of nature, where heated water flows, soothing the cool lands of Himachal Pradesh.
- Spend the evening in Old Manali, known for its chill cafés, live music, and artistic vibe.
Day 05: Manali to Kasol
- Leave early and begin your journey to Kasol, a serene village located about 3 hours from Manali.
- Enjoy the drive through the scenic Parvati Valley, with lush pine forests and river views.
- Stop at Naggar Castle or Bijli Mahadev Temple if you’re interested in cultural landmarks along the way.
- Upon reaching Kasol, check into a riverside guesthouse or mountain homestay.
- Kasol’s cafe scene is surreal. Try some Tibetan momos while exploring the aesthetic cafes in the town.
- If time and energy permit, take a short walk or mini-trek to Chalal Village, just across the hanging bridge.
Day 06: Chandigarh
- Wake up to a peaceful morning in Kasol.
- Travel back to Chandigarh, which takes around 8–9 hours by road.
- En route, take short breaks at Mandi or Bilaspur for refreshments.
- Reach Chandigarh by late evening, marking the end of your refreshing Himachal getaway.
STEP 4: Where to Stay?
Stay options in Himachal can vary extremely. Ranging from luxurious stays to budget stays at hostels, the state is a haven for travellers, welcoming them with various options. Your pick depends on your budget, preferences, and how many people are travelling. If you are looking for a romantic getaway or honeymoon suite, make sure to plan your stay and itinerary with tailored activities for couples. In case of travelling as a group or biking/trekking as a group, it is necessary to stay connected, especially during activities such as river rafting, considering everyone’s safety. You can book hostel rooms and dorms for groups, making it an affordable option.
STEP 5: Pack and Prepare
Before you decide to go on, it is important to pack clothes and essentials based on the weather and terrain. Thick clothing and sweaters are a must, especially during winter, when the temperature can range from -5°C to 10°C. Don’t forget to carry your belongings such as chargers, ID proof, medicines, and travel documents. A weather forecast before heading to Himachal is mandatory, taking into account the extreme conditions that can either be positive or may disrupt any well-planned itinerary.
STEP 6: Enjoy your time in Himachal Pradesh!
If you are looking for options beyond these, explore offbeat locations in Himachal Pradesh that are beyond the regular tourism at Manali and Shimla. Breathtaking visuals and aesthetics await at places like Jibhi, Dharamshala, Spiti, and Landour, making them hard to miss when you plan a trip to offbeat locations in Himachal. To enjoy your journey to the fullest, make sure to include adventure activities such as trekking, paragliding, skiing, and river rafting! A mess-free planning is important for a perfect trip, so book your journey right now!