15 DAYS

DELHI- SHIMLA - MANALI- DHARMSHALA - DALHOUSIE-DELHI TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive Delhi; you will be welcomed by our representative personally at Delhi airport. Check in Hotel & relax. You may go for some sightseeing or shopping in Delhi if you wish to do.

DAY 2: DELHI- NAHAN (260 KM)

After breakfast you will leave Delhi by A/c vehicle for Nahan. Reach in Nahan, first time you will be introduced to our Royal Enfield Bike. Get important instructions for the tour to Himachal Pradesh. Take a warm up ride in Nahan & around Nahan.

Nahan is situated on an isolated ridge in the Shiwalik hills, overlooking greenfields. Nahan is a well laid-out picturesque town, known for its cleanliness and dust free streets. Saint and princes are linked with the origin of Nahan. Nahan situated at an altitude of 932 meters, is a good base for visits to the surrounding areas viz. Renuka, Paonta Sahib, Trilokpur temple and the Suketi Fossil Park. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is watered by man made lake and decorated with temples and gardens. There gently level walks; Villa Round, Military Round and Hospital Round are evocative of the city’s past. The hub of Nahan’s activities is Chaugan, Bikram Bagh and Khadar-Ka-Bagh. Gift shops, Rosin & Turpine factory and local temples are among the other major attractions. In the heart of Nahan town is Rani Tal, where a large temple and a tank from the days of ex-rulers of Sirmaur State can be seen. Ducks and Cranes are seen playing in the Ranital Tank, and Ranital Garden further adds to the charm. Over night stay in Nahan

DAY 3: NAHAN- SHIMLA (125 KM)

After breakfast ride Royal Enfield for Shimla from Nahan. We will ride through amazing senery & beautiful picturesque of Shimla.Shimla, was the Summer capital of India under British rule . Presently, it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, with its population around 1.6 lacs (Shimla town only). The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples . Shimla abounds in natural bounty and looks picture perfect. The small hill station amidst the lofty snow-clad Himalayan ranges, surrounded by lakes and lush green pastures look as though an artist has painted them. The unique thing about Shimla is that it still retains its colonial charm and this creates an ambience that is not found anywhere else in India. Over night stay in Shimla.

DAY 4: SHIMLA LOCAL

Full day sightseeing various view points around Shimla like Mashobra, naldehra, Kufri, Shilon Bagh & Chail Including Golf course at Naldehra. Nestled between the beautiful lofty ranges of the Himalayas, lies the Naldehra hill station. The Naldehra hill resort near Shimla is no less than a picture perfect destination. The blue skies, lush green forests and an occasional rainbow thrown in makes the place look like it has been painted on a canvas. The most famous attraction of Naldehra hill station is the 18 – hole golf course that is considered to be the most challenging golf course. This is because it is situated at an altitude of 2044 meters! The golf course is one of the most gorgeous stretches of land in Naldehra.

The Chail hill station is located at an altitude of 2250 meters and is one of the smallest hill stations of Shimla. The Chail hill station of Shimla has an interesting story behind it. It is said that when the Maharaja of Patiala, Bhupinder Singh was expelled from his kingdom, he was determined to create his own summer capital. He came to Chail and was mesmerized by the beauty of this place. That is when he decided to make the Chail hill station of Shimla his summer capital. To experience the bliss and divinity of this place, you must visit Chail hill resort near Shimla and have an experience of a lifetime. Over night stay in Shimla.

DAY 5: SHIMLA- MANALI (260 KM)

Just 40 kms away from Kullu to the north, Manali is situated near the end of the valley on the National Highway leading to Leh. The landscape here is breath taking. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. It is an excellent place for a holiday, a favorite resort for trekkers to Lahaul, Spiti, Bara Bhangal (Kangra), and Zanskar ranges. From temples to antiquity, to picturesque sight-seeing spots and adventure activities, Manali is a popular resort for all seasons and for all travellers. Over night stay in Manali.

DAY 6: MANALI LOCAL TOUR

Rohtang pass (3979 m) is 51kms. from Manali on highway to Keylong/Leh. It offers a panorama and spectacular mountain view. The pass is open from June to October each year although trekkers can cross it earlier. It is a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Pangi and Leh valley just as Zojila pass is a gatway to Ladakh. There are a beautiful sight of glaciers, peaks and Chandra river flows down in the Lahaul valley. Slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypan. During summer(mid June to October) regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh.

13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organised here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.

Manali has many attractions but the chief centre of interest, historically and archeologically, is undoubtedly the DHOONGRI TEMPLE dedicated to goddess Hidimba, the Bhim of Mahabharat fame. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols. This temple located amidst wooden forest of deodar is about 2.5 kms. from the tourist office. It is a pleasant experience to stroll in the temple complex which was built in 1533 A.D. A large festival is held here in May. Over night stay in Manali.

DAY 7: MANALI- MANIKARAN (80 KM ONE WAY)

Manikaran (1700 m), 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples besides a Gurudwara are there. According to an old legend, Manikaran is connected with Lord Shiva and his divine consort, Parvati, who lost her ear rings here, which gave birth to hot waters on the bank of Parvati river. Hearing this religious myth from the priests will be more rewarding and interesting. Ample accomodation in the temples and Gurudwara, is available for night stay besides the HPTDC hotel. Over night stay in Manikara.

DAY 8: MANALI- PALAMPUR (200 KM)

The town of Palampur (1219 m) is situated in a idyllic valley priding itself with tea gardens, and hills covered with pine trees. The place enjoys a year-round pleasant climate and the pine scented air is said to have curative properties. The scenery presents a sublime and beautiful contrast- the valleys presents a picture of rural innocence and repose, while the hills are majestic. Overlooking this town are the majestic Dhauladhars, whose tops remain covered with snow for most of the year. This place is thronged tourists and is now being developed as a large tourist centre. A ropeway and an amusement park is also on proposed to be constructed. An Agricultural University and a Cenral Scientific Research Institute’s IHBT are pride of the town. Some tea factories are also coming up here. While in town one could go for one of the several pleasant walks around the town. A short walk from here takes one to the awe inspiring Bundla Chasm which has a fall of over 100 meters to the Bundla stream. The stream is a thin streak running over stony ground far below the cliff. During the monsoon season, it swells and rages madly over the entire width of the chasm taking stones and boulders along with it making thunder like loud roaring noise. Over night stay in Palampur.

DAY 9: PALAMPUR TOUR

The famous temple of Jwalamukhi is 35 km. from Kangra and 56 kms from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the “GODDESS OF LIGHT”, the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India. There is no idol of any kind the flame is considered as a manifestation of the goddess. An eternally burning and shining blue flame emanates from the rock sanctum and is fed by the priests with the offerings of devotees. The golden tower (dome) of the temple was a gift from the Emperor Akbar. Two important fairs are held here during the Navratras in earlier April and mid October. Hotel accommodation, Dharamshala, rest houses and HPTDC hotels with modern facilities are available for visitors to the shrine. (Please also visit the exclusive web site for the temple namely.

This particularly beautiful ancient Shiv temple at Baijnath is 16 km from Palampur, on the Pathankot-Mandi national highway . Built of stone in the 9th century AD in the shikhara style, it is a fine blend of sculpture and architecture. The temple is easily accessible from both Palampur and Kangra. The linga enshrined in its sanctum is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Every year during the Shivratri fair, pilgrims decend on Baijnath for the colourful fair and festivities. Over night stay in Palampur.

DAY 10: PALAMPUR- MCLOEDUGUNJ (65 KM)
A number of residential buildings, restaurants, antique and curio shops, together with famous Tibetan institutions have lent importance to McLeod Ganj. The Budha temple is situated opposite to the present abode of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama and is worth a visit. The Tibetan Institute of performing Arts(TIPA) is 1km. walk from McLeod Ganj and preserves a number of musical dance and theatrical traditions of Tibet. It holds an annual 10-day folk opera commencing on the second Saturday of April. There is also a Tibetan handicraft centre situated at McLeod Ganj and a Sunday market is organized at about 10 minutes walk from here.

The lake lies amidst hills and stately fir trees 11kms. from Lower Dharamshala connected by motorable road. It is the starting point of excursions and trekking and is located next to the Tibetan Children’s village. Over night stay in Dharansala.

DAY 11: MCLOEDGUNJ- DALHOUSIE (140 KM)

Dalhousie (2036 m) is a hill station full of colonial charm that holds lingering echoes of the Raj. Spread out over the five hills (Kathlog, Potreys, Tehra, Bakrota and Balun) the town is named after the 19th century British Governer General Lord Dalhousie. It was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860’s. The town’s varying altitude shades it with a variety of vegetation that includes stately grooves of pines, deodars, oaks and flowering rhododendrowns. Rich in colonial architecture, the town preserves some beautiful churches. St. John church is the oldest one built in 1863, St. Francis was built in 1894, St. Andrew in 1903 and St. Patric in 1909.

Kalatop and Khajiar are best explored if you take a three days walk from Dalhousie to Kalatop, Khajjiar and back Dalhousie.The trek is more or less level and requires good health, a pair of sturdy walking shoes. Kalatop is 10 kms from G.P.O. at an altitude of 8000 feet. Over night stay in Dalhousie.

DAY 12: DELHOUSIE LOCAL TOUR

23 kms from Dalhousie by road and 13 kms from Kalatop is the mini Switzerland of India at a height of 6400 ft. Hutchison writes, “Khajjiar is a forest glade of great beauty, 6400 feet above sea level”. Khajjiar is often reffered to as “Gulmarg of Himachal Pradesh”. The lush green meadows are surrounded by thick pine and cedar forests. Grazing herds of sheep, goats and other milch cattle present a prefect pastoral scenery. There is a small lake in the center of the saucer shaped meadow which has in it a floating island. Much of the lake has degenerated into slush because of heavy silting during rains. Still the landscape of Khajjiar is picturesque and a photographer’s delight.

The town of Chamba, the district headquarter of Chamba district is situated in the western Himalayas between north latitudes 32°10′ and 33°13′ and east longitudes 75°45′ and 77°33′. The town stands on a plateau on the right bank of the Ravi river valley between Dhauladhar and Zanskar ranges south of the inner Himalayas. This town was founded by Raja Sahil Varman when he conquered the lower Rani valley from the petty chiefs called Ranas and Thakurs in the beginning of 10th Century. It seems the original name of the town was Champa as mentioned in Kalhan’s Rajtarangani. In the bansauli or genealogical rolls of the Chamba Rajas a reference occurs of place which was adorned with highly fragrant Champaka trees and guarded by Goddess Champavati or more popularly known as Chameshni. The temple was built by Sahil Varman in the honour of his daughter Champavati who is worshipped as a goddess in Chamba. Champavati temple became the family temple of the ruling family. Over night stay in Dalhousie.

DAY 13: DALHOUSIE- CHANDIGARH (360 KM)

Chandigarh is the best-planned city in India, with architecture which is world-renowned, and a quality of life, which is unparalleled. As the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh it is a prestigious city. The face of modern India, Chandigarh, is the manifestation of a dream that Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru envisaged and Le Corbusier executed. Serenity and a city are two diametrically opposite concepts, which however, get belied in the ‘City Beautiful’. Chandigarh is a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature’s preservation. It is here that the trees and plants are as much a part of the construction plans as the buildings and the roads. India’s first planned city, is a rich, prosperous, spic and span, green city rightly called “THE CITY BEAUTIFUL ”. over night stay in Chandigarh

DAY 14: CHANDGARH-DELHI (5 Hrs)

After breakfast leave Chandigarh for Delhi. Arrive in Delhi & you will be transferred to Delhi International airport for your onwqrd journey to your home town. Your Bike tour to Himachal Pradesh concludes with sweet memories.