Travelpack

Highlights: Chandigarh -  Shimla - Kufri - Manali - Dharamshala/Mcleodganj - Dalhousie -  Khajjair - Chamba 

Please Note: Departure transfer to Chandigarh train station and board your train to further destination

Itinerary :
Day 01) Chandigarh - Shimla / 120 Km / 04 Hrs Drive
Arrive in Chandigarh and drive to Shimla. The British discovered Shimla in the form of a little village in 1819 during the Anglo-Gorkha War. When war broke afresh in 1819, the British took the place with its cool and healthy climate. Here was installed a village of tents, where the heat-weary British military and civil officers came to rest and the first house built in 1822, is regarded to be “Kennedy House” which was the residence of Charles Pratt Kennedy, the newly appointed political officer to the hill states. In 1864 under the Viceroyalty of John Lawrence, Shimla was officially declared the Summer Capital of the British Empire in India (April to October). - a status that was retained up to Indian Independence in 1947. After the independence of India, Shimla became the capital of Punjab until 1966, when it came under Himachal Pradesh. In 1971 Himachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state and Shimla became the capital of this state. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02) Shimla. o/n hotel
Today enjoy full-day Shimla Local sightseeing, visit The Mall, Ridge, Viceregal Lodge, Jhaku Temple, and Kufri. o/n hotel
The Mall: The Mall is the main shopping center of Shimla. It also has many restaurants, clubs, banks, bars, etc. The Mall starts from Chhota Shimla to Viceregal Lodge, which is approximately five Km long stretch. This area has also been declared a Heritage Zone by the State Government. Vehicles are not allowed into Mall Road except ambulances and fire engines. There are many old beautiful buildings standing on Mall Road.
The Ridge: This large open space in the heart of town presents excellent views of the mountain ranges.
Christ Church: The most prominent building on the Mall is the yellow Christ Church built in 1857, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. It was designed by Colonel JT Boileau in 1844. Scandal Point: Scandal Point remains the hub of Shimla’s social life; it is the place where people gather for both conversation and gossip. Now it is also known as the meeting place of the local Shimla. Viceregal Lodge (Built in 1888)/ Indian Institute of Advanced Study: Built Between 1884 and 1888 by chief architect Henry Irwin. The building resembles a Scottish baronial castle. This was the first building with electric light in Shimla. This was the venue of the Simla Conference in 1945. In 1947, the decision to partition India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), was taken here. After independence in 1947, the building became the property of the President of India and was renamed Rashtrapati Niwas. Now it houses the Indian Institute of Advance Study and is open only in some parts to the public. (closed on Monday and Gazetted Holidays) Jhaku Temple/ Hill (2455 Mts.): Dedicated to the monkey god Hanuman ji, the attendant of Lord Rama. This is the town's highest peak at an altitude of 8048 feet above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the city and snow-capped mountains.

Kufri (2501 mts.): This is 16 km from Shimla and has long been famous for its wide views, picnic spots, ski slopes, and horse riding.
The scenic beauty and panoramic views offered by Kufri are incomparable. On a clear day, you can see the entire range of snow peaks. The Himalayan Nature Park/Zoo is also at Kufri where the Himalayan species of animals and birds can be seen such as Snow Leopard, Barking Dear, Wolves, Black bears, brown bears, Himalayan monal, Silver pheasant and red Jungle fowls, etc. (Zoo closed on Tuesday and Gazetted Holidays) Visit Kufri Fun Campus (Guest can enjoy various rides & activities at their own cost). Take a walk through thick Cedar woods to Mahasu Peak to get amazing views of the Himalayas. You can take up horse riding at your own cost. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03) Shimla – Manali / 260 Km / 08 Hrs drive
Drive to Manali En route pass by Pandoh Dam, Beas River, Sutlaj River, Beas Sutlaj Link Project, and Kullu Valley. Visit Shawl Factory at Kullu. Manali, one of India’s most famous hill stations, derives its name from Manu and Alaya, who came here for the renewal of their life after battling a deluge for forty days and nights. Manali (2050 mts.) is situated left bank of river Beas on the National Highway to Leh. This is the main town in the Kullu valley which is famous for its apples. Manali is also famous for adventure sports like trekking, mountaineering, paragliding skiing, hiking, mountain biking and rafting etc. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04) Full-day Excursion of Snow Point/Rohtang Pass and Solong Valley with Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Pass remains closed from Mid Nov to mid-April)
(Rohtang Pass will be on a Direct Payment basis as it is subject to a special permit from NGT)
Rohtang Pass (3979 mts.): Rohtang Pass is 51 km from Manali on the national highway to Lehand and offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. This is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley. The pass is officially open from June to October each year, although trekkers can cross it earlier. There are beautiful sights of glaciers, peaks, and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley.
Solong Valley (2480 mts.): Solong valley is 13 km from Manali. This is a splendid valley between Manali and Kothi and offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains. There are good skiing slopes equipped with an excellent lift. The winter skiing festival is held here every year. The adventure activities like paragliding, snowboarding & zorbing, camping, and the gondola or the Solang Ropeway can be done( on direct payment basis).
Atal Tunnel : Today we drive to the new tourist hotspot Atal Tunnel– world's longest tunnel at an altitude of 10,040 feet. and is located amidst snow-capped mountain peaks and a beautiful valley. As you pass by the 9.02 KM long tunnel which takes around 9 minutes. The North Portal of Atal tunnel opens in the town of Sissu, in Lahaul Valley — a completely different part of Himachal Pradesh than Manali, or Kullu Valley. you will see entirely different world with barren landscapes with almost no trees and greenery but even higher mountain peaks covered with snow and Chandra, a tributary of Chenab river, flowing next to the tunnel. Atal Tunnel is equipped with emergency escape tunnel that runs underneath the main highway, fire hydrants and emergency telephone facility at regular intervals. CCTV cameras and automatic incident detection system, pollution sensing device, automatic ventilation system and the tunnel is equipped by 4G BSNL broadband system. This is the only tunnel of the country where people will not lose mobile signals and can even enjoy high-speed internet. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05) Manali Local Sight seeing tour
Hadimba Temple/Doongri Temple: The temple is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba built in 1553 AD, and having four-tiered pagoda shaped roof and a front doorway carved with figures and symbols. Legend has it that the ruler who built this temple did not wish its carving to replicated, so he had the right hand of the artiest. It is believed that here Bhim, the great Pandava of the Mahabharata Epic killed the strong and cruel demon, Hadimb and married his sister Hadimba. Hadimba expurgated her all sins by performing a great Tapa, and consequently began to be worshipped as a goddess. A major festival is held here in the month of May. Vashisth Hot Water Sulphur Spring: This is 3 km away from Manali and known for its pyramidal temple dedicated to Vashishta Muni, and natural hot water sulphur springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies. Old Manali/Manu Temple: This is an original settlement with few old houses made of wood having slate roofs. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to Manu, who was the creator of human race on the earth.
Club House : Club House is an amazing amusement and adventure zone, it has various indoor and outdoor game facilities. The Club house is managed by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). Visitors can enjoy games like carom, skating, go-karting billiards, and table tennis. also zip-lining where one has to cross a river using ropeway. There is an in-house restaurant at the Club House complex where the guests can enjoy hot and cold beverages, along with some delightful snacks. Other additions are video games centre, an auditorium and a library. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 06) Manali – Dharamshala/Mcleodganj (1700 mts.). o/n hotel / 240 Km / 08 hrs drive.
Depart for Dharamshala/Mcleodganj. Upon arrival check into hotel. Overnight at hotel. Enroute visit famous tea gardens of Palampur. The Kangra valley is one of the most picturesque valleys of lower Himalayas. Dharamshala is a main town in Kangra valley and the headquarter of Kangra District, it lies on a spur of the Dhauladhar range and commands majestic views of the mighty Dhauladhar ranges above, and the Kangra Valley below. Dharamshala founded by British in 1855 and recognized as the headquarter of Kangra district. Dharamshala literally means ‘the Holy Refuge’ divided into upper and lower towns, lower Dharamshala is the main town at 1300 mts. and the upper Dharamshala or McLeod Ganj at 1770 mts. and is 10 Km away from the lower town. Mcleodganj gained new appeal with the arrival of His Holiness Dalai Lama in 1960. Today, it is known throughout the world as the Little Lhasa in India. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 07) Dharamshala Local sight seeing tour
Mcleod Ganj: Mcleodganj is a beautiful town on the top of Dharamshala, blessed equally nature and religion. Mcleodganj often called the ‘Little Lhasa’. This is the residence of His Holiness Dalai Lama, The Buddha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness and it is the major centre for the studies of Tibetan culture. St. John’s Church: The church of St. John’s in the wilderness lies on a motorable road between McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. It is a dressed stone church in whose courtyard lies the grave of Lord Elgin, one of the Viceroys of India who died at Dharamshala in 1863. Bhagsunag Falls: At a distance of 2 km from upper town of Dharamshala, Bhagsunag can be approached by road; here an old temple, a fresh water spring, hotels and restaurants are located. Further about 2 km is beautiful Bhagsunag water fall which sooths one’s eyes. Dal Lake: The Lake is located next to the Tibetan Children's village 3 Km away from Mcleodganj. This is a small lake surrounded by Deodar trees. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 08) Dharamshala – Dalhousie(2036 mts.) / 130 Km / 04 hrs drive
Drive to Dalhousie and afternoon local sight seeing tour Dalhousie(2036 mts.) is a quiet and delightful summer destination in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is located around 5 hills(Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota & Balun, heights ranging between 1525 mts. to 2378 mts.) on the Dhauladhar mountains,covering an area of 14 sq.km, just east of the Ravi River. This colonial town was established in 1854 by the British Governor General Lord Dalhousie. The town presents magnificent view of Chamba valley and the Dhauladhar range.
Subhash Baoli (2085 mts.): 1.5 Km from GPO, commands a view of snow capped mountains. It served as the great Subhash Chandra Boss’s retreat. Neta ji Subhash Chander Bose during his 7 months sojourn in Dalhousie in 1937 is believed to have spent most of his days by the side of this water body. Panchpula (Five Bridges): Just 3 Km from the town, it is a pretty spot, whre the water of a natural tank flows under five bridges. There is an elegant monument erected at Panchpula dedicated to the great freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh's uncle, Sardar Ajit Singh, who breathed his last in Panchpula. Churches: Dalhousie has four of them. St. John’s church at Gandhi Chowk is the oldest built in 1863 situated at a distance of 2 Km from bus stand. St. Francis’ church is a very prominent monument on the Subhash Chowk built in 1894, St. Andrew’s commonly known as the Church of Scotland was built in 1903 at Baloon by Protestant Christians. It is one and half Km from bus stand. St. Patrick’s Church is situated in Baloon, approximately 2 Km from bus stand. This is largest church in Dalhousie built in 1909. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09) Dalhousie – Khajjair – Chamba-Dalhousie / 100 Km / 04 hrs drive
Full day Chamba and Khajjair excursion
Khajiar (1960 mts.): just 23 km from Dalhousie, the beautiful little plain of Khajiar is one of the favorite retreats for visitors. Once famous as a royal retreat for golfer and polo players, it was named the Switzerland of Himachal Pradesh by Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India in 1992 became the 160th tourist spot in the world to be christened mini-Switzerland. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer-shaped meadow which has it a floating island. A little away from the lake is the temple of Khajji Nag belonging to the 12th century. The snake god Khajji Nag is worshiped in a human form. Five life-size wooden statues signify the presence of Pandava from the epic age of Mahabharata. The town has many beautiful walks and the landscape is picturesque.
Chamba: Chamba Town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman in 920 AD when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs. Chamba offers a variety of Scenic beauty. It has preserved the ancient cultural heritage and civilization. There are several old temples and places, some dating back a thousand years. most prominent and revered among these are the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Champavati Temple, Vajeshwari Devi Temple, Hari Rai Temple, and Chamunda Devi Temple and other attractions are Chaughan and Bhuri Singh Museum.
Chaugan: This grassy lawn less than one Km in length and about seventy-five meters wide is the focus of Chamba’s cultural activities. In the 1890s the leveling of the Chaugan was done. It became a public promenade and Cricket ground for the British. A week-long Minjar Fair, held in July-August displays the region's traditional gala dresses, songs, dance,s and music. Minjar is the most popular fair of Chamba which is attended by a large number of people from every corner of the district. Laxmi Narayan Temple: Temple was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. There are six shikhra style temples within the complex, the main temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Bhuri Singh Musuem: Musuem was named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904 to 1919. He donated his family's collection of paintings to the museum. It houses a fine collection of miniature paintings from Kangra, Basholi, Chamba, and other Pahari schools.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 10) Dalhousie- Chandigarh train station transfer / 320 Km / 09 hrs drive

Exclusions:
Airfare/Train fare/Bus fare
Any other meals
Any expenditure of personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, mini bar or
drinks during meals, tips to driver, guide, helper, etc.
Any kind of Insurance and medical evacuation
Any Hotel before starts and after the tour ends
Guides and Monuments Fees

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