Dev Bhoomi – Land of the Gods
Himachal Pradesh
Grand Tour · 7N/8D
Colonial Shimla mornings, Manali's snowfields, Rohtang's high-altitude drama, Dharamshala's Tibetan soul and Dalhousie's misty ridges — Himachal's finest in one sweeping journey.
Package Highlights
Five iconic destinations, one expertly crafted journey — Himachal Pradesh's hills, snow, monasteries and colonial heritage all in one trip.
Shimla Toy Train & Mall Road
Ride the UNESCO Heritage Kalka–Shimla Narrow Gauge Railway through 102 tunnels and 900 bridges. Stroll the colonial Mall Road, Scandal Point and the Ridge at sunset.
Manali Snow & Rohtang Pass
Wake up to snow-capped Rohtang Pass (3,978 m), play in Solang Valley snowfields, raft the Beas river and witness the Hadimba Devi temple nestled in ancient cedar forest.
Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
Home of the Dalai Lama and Tibet's government-in-exile. Explore Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Waterfall, Tibetan artisan markets and the Kangra Valley panorama.
Dalhousie & Khajjiar
The misty colonial hill station built by Lord Dalhousie. Day-trip to Khajjiar — India's mini Switzerland — with its emerald meadow ringed by cedar forests and a glacial lake.
Adventure: Paragliding & Skiing
Soar above the Kangra Valley from Bir Billing — Asia's premier paragliding site. Ski and snowboard at Solang Valley or Kufri. Optional: trekking and camping at Triund.
Apple Orchards & Local Culture
Pass through blooming apple, apricot and cherry orchards. Savour Himachali Dham, Siddu bread and Kangra chai. Visit ancient Kangra Fort and Masrur Rock-Cut Temples.
Detailed Itinerary
An expertly paced 8-day journey through Himachal's hill stations, snowfields, monasteries and colonial heritage.
Dharamshala / Chandigarh → Shimla
Depart early morning from Dharamshala (or Chandigarh railway station) for Shimla — the Queen of Hill Stations and summer capital of colonial India. The 4–5 hour scenic drive winds through Kangra Valley, across the Sutlej river and up into the pine-clad Shivalik hills. Check in to your hotel in Shimla. Evening stroll on the famous Mall Road — Victorian-era buildings, The Ridge, Christ Church and panoramic views of the Greater Himalayan ranges. Welcome dinner at a hilltop restaurant.
Shimla – Toy Train, Kufri & Jakhu Hill
Morning: iconic Kalka–Shimla Toy Train joyride through the scenic lower Himalayan foothills (UNESCO Heritage Railway, partially). Afternoon: drive to Kufri (2,600 m) for snow views and pony rides; visit the Himalayan Nature Park. Then ascend to Jakhu Hill (2,455 m) for panoramic Himalayan views from the giant Hanuman temple. Return to Shimla for a leisurely evening of café-hopping on Lakkar Bazaar. Explore the local craft market for Himachali shawls and wooden artefacts.
Shimla → Manali via Kullu Valley
Begin the spectacular 7–8 hour drive from Shimla to Manali — arguably Himachal's most scenic road, descending from Shivalik hills into the Beas river gorge, up through the Kullu Valley and into the Kulanthapitha (end of the habitable world). Stop at Rampur, the ancient trading town; enjoy fresh apple juice from roadside stalls in Kullu's renowned fruit belt; visit the famous Shawl Weaving Cooperative in Kullu. Arrive Manali by evening. Check in to your hotel near the Beas river with mountain views. Dinner and rest.
Manali – Rohtang Pass & Solang Valley
Early morning drive (permit arranged by us) to Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) — a high-altitude mountain pass blanketed in snow even in summer, straddling the boundary between Kullu Valley and Lahaul-Spiti. Snow play, photography with panoramic views of Bara-Shigri glacier. Descend to Solang Valley for a full afternoon of adventure: skiing, snowboarding, zorbing, river crossing, quad biking and snow tubing. Watch paragliders launching off the slopes. Return to Manali for a hot Himachali Dham dinner.
Old Manali – Hadimba Temple, Vashisht & Beas Rafting
Morning visit to the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple — a pagoda-style shrine inside an ancient deodar cedar forest, one of Himachal's most revered. Walk through Old Manali village's bohemian cafés and Tibetan handicraft shops. Visit the ancient Vashisht Hot Springs and Vashisht Temple (natural sulphur springs said to cure skin ailments). Afternoon white-water rafting on the Beas river (Grade 2–3 rapids — perfect for first-timers and families). Evening at leisure: Manu Market for dry fruits, Pashmina shawls and local honey. Optional: sunset walk to Manu Temple.
Manali → Dharamshala – McLeod Ganj & Tibetan Culture
Drive from Manali to Dharamshala (5–6 hours through Mandi and Kangra Valley). Check in and freshen up. Afternoon in McLeod Ganj — "Little Lhasa" — the seat of the Tibetan Government in Exile and home to the Dalai Lama. Visit Namgyal Monastery (the personal monastery of the Dalai Lama), the Tibet Museum and Tibetan Library. Stroll the prayer-flag-lined lanes lined with momos stalls, Thangka painting shops and Tibetan apothecaries. Optional: attend a prayer ceremony at the monastery at dusk. Dinner at a rooftop café with Kangra Valley views.
Dharamshala – Kangra Fort, Bhagsu Falls & Triund Trek
Morning: explore Bhagsu Nag Waterfall (a pleasant 30-minute walk from McLeod Ganj), and the medieval Kangra Fort — one of India's oldest forts, dating to the 4th century BCE. Optional half-day Triund Trek (9 km) for stunning views of the Dhauladhar snow range — the most popular easy-moderate trek in Himachal. Afternoon: drive to Dalhousie (2.5 hours through Pathankot plain and back up into the Chamba hills). Arrive Dalhousie, check in. Evening walk on Gandhi Chowk and Subhash Chowk ridge for sunset views. Dinner at hotel.
Dalhousie – Khajjiar & Return to Dharamshala
After breakfast, visit the magical Khajjiar plateau — the "Mini Switzerland of India" — a stunning emerald meadow at 1,920 m, circled by cedar and deodar forests with a small glacial lake at its centre. Picnic lunch on the meadow. Afternoon drive back to Dharamshala (approx. 2 hours) or Pathankot railway station for onward connections. Your RJ Holidays representative sees you off with fond memories of Himachal's peaks, monasteries and hill-station charm. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Full transparency on what's included so you can plan without surprises.
Inclusions
- 7 nights in 3–4 star hotels (twin/double sharing)
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotel
- Private AC Toyota Innova Crysta / Tempo Traveller throughout
- All transfers: airport / railway pick-up and drop
- Rohtang Pass entry permit and Inner Line Permit (if applicable)
- Toy Train experience (Shimla sector, subject to availability)
- White-water rafting on the Beas river (1 session)
- Snow activity equipment at Solang Valley (basic)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary (excluding monument entry fees)
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
- 24×7 RJ Holidays trip coordinator on call
- All toll, parking and fuel charges
Exclusions
- Airfare or train tickets to/from Dharamshala / Chandigarh
- Lunches and personal beverages / alcoholic drinks
- Monument and museum entry fees
- Adventure upgrades: paragliding, skiing courses, quad biking
- Triund Trek guide / camping charges (if opted)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended; available on request)
- Personal expenses: shopping, laundry, telephone
- Tips and porter charges
- Any costs arising from road closures, natural calamities or government restrictions
- GST (5%) applicable on total package cost
Hotels & Transportation
Carefully selected properties and reliable vehicles to match every budget level.
Where You'll Stay
Hotel Silverline
Moustache Select Manali
Hotel Cloud Hills Dharamshala
Hotel White Orchid Dalhousie
How You'll Travel
Toyota Innova Crysta / Fortuner
2–5 passengers. Full AC, spacious boot for luggage. Ideal for couples and small families.
Tempo Traveller (9–16 Seater)
For groups of 6–16. Push-back seats, panoramic windows, AC and music system.
Kalka–Shimla Toy Train
UNESCO Heritage narrow-gauge railway. Included in Premium & Luxury packages.
Helicopter Transfers (Optional)
Shimla or Kullu helipads. Save travel time; spectacular aerial Himalayan views. On request.
Choose Your Package
Three tiers to suit every travel style and budget. All prices per person on twin sharing.
Standard
- 7 nights in 3-star hotels
- Breakfast & Dinner daily
- Shared Tempo Traveller (group tours)
- Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala circuit
- Basic snow activities at Solang Valley
- Driver-guide throughout
Premium
- 7 nights in 4-star properties
- Breakfast & Dinner + 1 special Dham lunch
- Private AC Innova Crysta
- All 4 destinations incl. Dalhousie & Khajjiar
- Toy Train experience (Shimla sector)
- Beas river rafting + Solang snow activities
- Rohtang Pass permit included
Luxury
- 7 nights in 5-star / boutique heritage hotels
- All meals included (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Exclusive private Fortuner or Innova HyCross
- Paragliding at Bir Billing (tandem flight)
- Skiing lesson at Solang Valley (1 hour, instructor)
- Private monastery tour with Tibetan cultural session
- Luxury spa evening at Manali resort
Prices valid for 2026. GST 5% extra. Custom family, corporate & honeymoon packages available — WhatsApp us for a tailored quote.
Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
Himachal is a year-round destination — each season offers a completely different, equally magical experience.
Spring
Apple blossom in Shimla & Kullu, snow at Rohtang, pleasant hill-station weather. Peak season — book early.
Summer
Best for Manali snow trips, Rohtang Pass (opens May), Spiti Valley and escape from plains heat. Ideal for families.
Monsoon
Lush green landscapes. Best for Dharamshala, Bir Billing. Rohtang closed. Some mountain roads at risk.
Autumn
Crystal-clear Himalayan views, apple harvest season, golden forests. Best for trekking and photography.
Winter
Heavy snowfall in Manali & Shimla, skiing at Kufri & Solang. Rohtang closed. Magical but cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your Himachal Pradesh tour.
