Route Overview & Driving Times
- Day 1–3: Delhi ➔ Shimla (341 km | ~7–8 hrs)
- Day 3–6: Shimla ➔ Manali (225 km | ~6–7 hrs)
- Day 6–8: Manali ➔ Dharamshala (232 km | ~7–8 hrs)
- Day 8–10: Dharamshala ➔ Dalhousie (118 km | ~4–5 hrs)
- Day 10–12: Dalhousie ➔ Katra/Vaishno Devi (204 km | ~6 hrs) ➔ Return to Delhi
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla & Ridge Walk
Morning Board your cab early from Delhi to beat the city traffic. Afternoon Wind through the Kalka-Shimla Highway and check into your Shimla hotel. Evening Stroll down the vehicle-free Mall Road and The Ridge.
Day 2: Kufri Exploration & Local Sightseeing
Morning Drive up to Kufri for panoramic mountain views and yak rides. Afternoon Visit the historic Jakhoo Temple (watch out for the local monkeys!). Evening Shop for local wooden handicrafts at the Lakkar Bazar.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali via Kullu Valley
Morning Check out early for the scenic drive to Manali via NH 3. Afternoon Stop over in Kullu for river rafting or to purchase authentic pashmina shawls. Evening Reach Manali, check into your hotel, and relax by the Beas River.
Day 4: Solang Valley Adventure / Atal Tunnel
Morning Head straight to Solang Valley for paragliding and zorbing. Afternoon Drive through the engineering marvel, the Atal Tunnel, into Lahaul Valley if weather permits. Evening Unwind at a cafe in Old Manali.
Day 5: Manali Local Treasures
Morning Visit the ancient, wooden Hadimba Devi Temple. Afternoon Walk through the peaceful Tibetan Monasteries and soak in the Vashisht Hot Springs. Evening Explore the bustling local Mall Road for souvenirs.
Day 6: Manali to Dharamshala
Morning Start a long but gorgeous drive toward Dharamshala. Afternoon Pause at the stunning Palampur Tea Gardens for pictures. Evening Arrive in Dharamshala/Mcleodganj and enjoy a dinner of hot momos.
Day 7: Mcleodganj & Tibetan Culture
Morning Visit the Dalai Lama Temple Complex (Tsuglagkhang). Afternoon Take a short hike to Bhagsunag Waterfall and cafe-hop in Mcleodganj. Evening Enjoy sunset views over the Dhauladhar range at Naddi Village.
Day 8: Dharamshala to Dalhousie
Morning Complete a short 4-hour drive to the colonial hill station of Dalhousie. Afternoon Check-in and visit the colonial-era St. John’s Church. Evening Walk along the scenic, pine-fringed Subhash Baoli path.
Day 9: Khajjiar Day Trip (The Mini Switzerland)
Morning Take a 1-hour excursion to Khajjiar, a vast saucer-shaped meadow surrounded by dense deodar forests. Afternoon Indulge in horse riding or floating ball adventures across the glade. Evening Stop at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary on your way back to Dalhousie.
Day10: Dalhousie to Katra (Base Camp)
Morning Say goodbye to Himachal and drive to Katra in Jammu. Afternoon Arrive in Katra, complete your Yatra Registration, and collect your RFID slips. Evening Sleep early to prepare for your midnight or early morning trek.
Day 11: The Sacred Vaishno Devi Yatra
All Day Undertake the 14 km holy trek to the Bhawan. You can hike, hire ponies, or book a helicopter service in advance. Afternoon Secure your Darshan at the holy cave shrines. Remember to visit the Bhairon Nath Temple via the ropeway to complete the pilgrimage. Night : Head back down to Katra to rest your tired legs.
Day 12: Katra to Delhi Return Drive
Morning Pack your bags and start the long drive back home to Delhi (~600 km | 11–12 hours via NH 44). Evening Your cab drops you off at your home, airport, or railway station in Delhi
