Experience Shimla, a stunning hill resort nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, once the summer capital of British India.
Overview & Highlights
Experience our 12 day Untamed Himachal Tour, where scenic beauty and mountain culture come together in a refreshing Himalayan journey. Walk through pine forests and open meadows in Khajjiar, enjoy colonial charm in Shimla, and take in the dramatic landscapes of Manali, Kullu, and Sissu. Discover the peaceful monasteries and spiritual atmosphere of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj, while soaking in stunning views at every turn. Stay in carefully selected hotels with private transfers and local assistance. This tour is fully customizable, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Manali, a perfect Himalayan retreat with snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
Experience Sissu scenic valley, waterfalls, and stunning Himalayan views.
Explore Dharamshala, a serene town where Tibetan culture meets the tranquillity of the Himalayas.
Experience the enchanting beauty of Khajjiar, the 'Mini Switzerland of India,' with its lush meadows and stunning landscapes.
Explore Chandigarh modern architecture, gardens, and well planned city design.
Itinerary
On arrival at the New Delhi airport, Alkof Holidays representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's bustling streets or wander its wide tree-lined boulevards to get your first taste of India. Overnight stay in New Delhi.
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Shimla. Arrive at Shimla by early afternoon, and check in to your hotel. Evening stroll along the Ridge. Overnight stay in Shimla.
After breakfast, head-out for a morning walk through the forest trail to Jakhu Temple, sitting above Shimla at 2,455 metres with panoramic views over the entire valley and surrounding snow ranges. After lunch, explore the colonial architecture along the Ridge and Mall Road, including Christ Church and the Gaiety Theatre, both well-preserved landmarks from the British era when Shimla served as the summer capital of India. Late afternoon visit to the Shimla State Museum for a quieter and more reflective end to the day. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Shimla.
After breakfast, drive to Chail, a former royal retreat built by the Maharaja of Patiala in the early 1900s after he was exiled from Shimla by the British. Chail sits in silence among thick deodar forest and is home to the highest cricket ground in the world at 2,444 metres. The drive back to Shimla in the evening passes through some of the quietest roads in the region. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Early departure for Manali along the Beas River valley. The route passes through Kullu and the broad open stretch of the Kullu Valley before narrowing as you approach Manali. Stop at Kasol for lunch along the Parvati River, one of the more peaceful lunch stops on this drive. Arrive Manali by evening and check in at the hotel. Overnight stay in Manali.
Morning visit to Hadimba Temple set inside a centuries-old deodar forest, best visited early before the day crowds arrive. After that, stop at Vashisht Temple, just 3 kilometres from Manali town, a small but significant hot spring temple dedicated to the sage Vashisht and believed to be several centuries old. The natural hot spring baths here are open to visitors and are a calm and grounding experience before heading out for the day.
Continue driving through the Atal Tunnel, the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, inaugurated in October 2020, connecting Manali to Lahaul Valley in under 10 minutes. Sissu opens up on the other side as a wide, silent valley with the Chandrabhaga River running through it. The Sissu Waterfall, locally known as Palden Lhamo Dhar, cascades from a high cliff directly across the valley and is visible from the road. In the cooler months of April and May it is partially frozen, in summer it flows at full force. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sissu village before driving back through the tunnel to Manali. Overnight stay in Manali.
The Sissu Waterfall changes character with every season. It freezes completely from December to February, partially thaws through March and April as temperatures begin to rise, flows at full force from May to September fed by glacier and snowmelt, and gradually reduces again from October to November as the valley cools heading into winter.
After breakfast, leave for McLeod Ganj via Mandi, following the Beas River for much of the route. Arrive McLeod Ganj by late afternoon. Check in at the hotel. Evening walk through McLeod Ganj. Overnight stay in McLeod Ganj.
Morning visit to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, the main Tibetan Buddhist temple and residence of the Dalai Lama, walkable from the main square and best visited early when it is calm and quiet. Continue to Bhagsu Nag Temple and then follow the trail up to Bhagsu Waterfall before the day visitors arrive. The path above the waterfall leads to a small cafe with unobstructed Dhauladhar views. After lunch, visit the Tibet Museum next to the Tsuglagkhang Complex, a well-curated space covering Tibetan history and culture that takes about 45 minutes and is consistently peaceful inside. Afternoon drive to Norbulingka Institute in lower Dharamshala, a Tibetan arts centre set in beautifully maintained gardens, calm and largely overlooked by most visitors. Return to McLeod Ganj in the evening for a relaxed browse through the Tibetan craft shops and cafes around the main square. Overnight stay in McLeod Ganj.
After breakfast, depart for Khajjiar via Dalhousie through the lower Himalayan foothills. Khajjiar sits at 2,000 metres in a natural meadow ringed by dense deodar forest with a small lake at its centre. The surrounding peaks still carry snow through May, and the meadow is green from April onward. The place is genuinely quiet on weekday arrivals. Check in to a property overlooking the meadow. Afternoon at complete leisure. Overnight stay in Khajjiar.
After breakfast, drive down through Pathankot to Chandigarh. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, and Rock Garden. After sightseeing, depart for New Delhi. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay in New Delhi.
After breakfast at the hotel or earlier as per your flight timing, our driver will transfer you to IGI Airport New Delhi to board a flight to your home or onward destination.
Personalize Your Itinerary
Share your preferred dates, hotel level, and travel interests. Our experts will refine your itinerary and create the right plan for your trip.
What is Included in This Tour
- Stay for 11 nights at 4 Star hotels and resort on twin or double sharing basis.
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- 2 dinners at the hotel in Shimla.
- 2 dinners at the hotel in Manali.
- All airport transfers, sightseeing, and inter-city travel are provided in a private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced chauffeur (Non A/C during hill drive).
- For up-to three guests, travel in a spacious private vehicle such as a Toyota Innova Crysta or a similar vehicle.
- For four or more guests, travel in a spacious air-conditioned minivan such as a Tempo Traveller or a large private vehicle.
- Personal assistance during arrival and departure.
- 1 mineral water bottle per person per day.
- All applicable taxes.
- Any International or domestic flights are not included.
- It is advisable that you buy a comprehensive medical/travel insurance in advance from your country before traveling to India.
- Please Note: Tour guides for specific languages, Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Dutch, are also available on request basis at an additional cost.
- Any VISA fee (if applicable).
- Any monument entrance fee, camera fee, tour guide is not included.
- Any kind of tips, personal expenses, laundry, or telephone charges.
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
At Alkof Holidays, we ensure smooth travel planning. Our FAQ covers everything from booking procedures and payment methods to travel itineraries, best times to visit, hotel upgrades, and more. For more assistance, contact us anytime.
Yes. Alkof Holidays accepts all major international credit and debit cards. In India, cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Carrying some Indian Rupee cash is advisable for local markets, rickshaws, and smaller establishments.
Your dedicated tour manager is reachable by phone and WhatsApp throughout your trip. Your private driver and local guide are with you on the ground at each destination for immediate support, backed by our Delhi team for quick assistance.
Yes. All airport transfers are included at every destination on this tour. A driver will meet you at the arrival gate and transfer you directly to your hotel. Departure pickups follow the same arrangement.
Know Before Your Go
Important Information
- If rooms are not available at the mentioned hotels, we will provide alternate hotels of a similar category. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability.
- Every year, Rohtang Pass remains closed from September 15 to May 15. It is also closed every Tuesday.
- Sissu Waterfall: Sissu Waterfall freezes from December to February, starts melting in March and April, flows strongest from May to September, and slows down again from October to November.
- For easy communication on the go, consider downloading WhatsApp, as it is widely used in India.
- Transportation is provided according to the itinerary only and is not available on a disposal or point-to-point basis.
- Tipping in India is not compulsory, it is optional but appreciated. A small gratuity is expected in some cases; tip generously for exceptional service. The amount can range from $2, $5, $10 per day, or more, depending on satisfaction and the quality of service received.
- Any costs arising from natural calamities such as road blockages, political disturbances (e.g., strikes), etc., are to be borne by the client. We will not be held liable for any refunds or compensation claims resulting from these circumstances.
- India VISA: Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa to enter India. However, all other foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter India. For more information, please check https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html.
- Visa and Entry Rules: Most travelers now use the India e-Visa, which must be applied for at least 4 days before arrival. You must also complete a digital e-Arrival card up to 72 hours before landing. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity and two blank pages for immigration stamps.
Payment Terms
A deposit of 10% is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 30 days prior tour starting date. For any bookings within 30 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking. This can be paid through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or cash.
Cancellation
If you cancel the tour at least 31 days before the scheduled departure date, there will be no cancellation fee. Kindly read complete details at Cancellation Policy.
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Why book this tour with Alkof Holidays?
We create thoughtfully planned journeys with carefully selected hotels, trusted transport partners, experienced guides, and dedicated support so you can travel with confidence from arrival to departure.