Shimla

Former summer capital of British India. Walk the Ridge and Mall Road, see Christ Church and ride the Kalka toy train. About 345 km from Delhi.

Manali

Kullu Valley town on the Beas. Hadimba Temple, Old Manali cafés, Solang Valley and the gateway to Atal Tunnel, Lahaul and Spiti. Plan 3+ nights.

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

Home of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Tsuglagkhang complex, momos, Bhagsu waterfall and the Triund trek.

Dalhousie and Khajjiar

Old churches and pine forests, plus Khajjiar meadow 25 km away, the Mini Switzerland of India.

Kasol and Parvati Valley

Base for Manikaran hot springs, Malana and Kheerganga. Book early in summer.

Kullu

Temples, shawl weaving and the autumn Dussehra festival. Short drive from Manali.

Kaza and Spiti Valley

Cold desert above 3,500 m with Key and Tabo monasteries and Chandratal lake. Kunzum Pass is usually open only in summer.

Kalpa and Kinnaur

Kinnaur Kailash views, Sangla and Chitkul. Foreign visitors should check current permit rules.

Bir Billing

Tibetan settlement and one of Asia’s best paragliding sites, with monasteries and tea gardens.

Palampur

Tea gardens and Dhauladhar views, close to Kangra Fort and Baijnath Temple.

Chail

Deodar forests and one of the world’s highest cricket grounds. Good for slow family stays.

Tirthan Valley

Riverside homestays, trout fishing and the Great Himalayan National Park (UNESCO).

Chamba

Lakshmi Narayan temples and crafts on the Ravi, away from the main tourist circuit.

Mandi

80+ old temples on the Beas and a handy stop between Chandigarh and Manali.

The Ridge and Mall Road, Shimla

Open promenade with snow-peak views and the car-free Mall Road. Christ Church and Scandal Point are the landmarks.

Kalka–Shimla Toy Train

96 km narrow-gauge climb through 100+ tunnels. Book early in peak season.

Hadimba Temple and Old Manali

Wooden temple in a deodar forest; Old Manali has cafés and orchards.

Atal Tunnel and Solang Valley

9 km tunnel to Lahaul above 3,000 m; paragliding in summer, snow fun in winter.

Rohtang Pass

High pass above Manali. Entry needs a permit and it is closed in winter.

Tsuglagkhang and Triund

The Dalai Lama’s temple complex and a half-day trek with Dhauladhar views.

Key Monastery and Tabo, Spiti

Key sits above the Spiti river; Tabo is 1,000+ years old. Dress modestly.

Kangra Fort

One of India’s oldest forts, with an audio guide. Great stop near Dharamshala.

Siddu and Himachali dham

Steamed stuffed wheat bread with ghee, and the festival dham meal of rice, dal, rajma and madra.

Trout fish

Kullu and Tirthan speciality, grilled or fried with local spices. Best fresh by the river.

Tibetan food in McLeod Ganj

Small cafés serve momos, thukpa and butter tea. Tibet Kitchen and Moonpeak Espresso are popular.

Baljees and Ashiana, Shimla

Long-running family restaurant on Mall Road and a North Indian place with a Ridge view.

Johnson’s Cafe, Manali

Well-known garden cafe for trout and baked dishes.

Apples and local cider

Autumn harvest; roadside stalls sell fresh apples, juice and jam.

Wildflower Hall, Shimla

Himalayan resort in the cedars, once the British commander-in-chief’s residence.

Chapslee, Shimla

Small heritage house with antique interiors and gardens.

Span Resort and Spa, Manali

Gardens and mountain views on the Beas.

Taragarh Palace, Palampur

Former royal summer palace with Dhauladhar views.

HPTDC hotels and homestays

Simple state-run hotels, plus homestays in Tirthan, Kasol and Spiti.

Airports: Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

• Shimla (Jubbarhatti), limited flights
• Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar)
• Kangra (Gaggal) for Dharamshala
• Chandigarh and Delhi, main gateways

Railway Stations: Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

• Kalka for the toy train
• Chandigarh Junction for Shimla and Manali
• Pathankot and Una for Dharamshala
• Joginder Nagar on the Kangra Valley line

Bus Stands and Highways: Himachal Pradesh Travel Guide

• Shimla ISBT and Manali stand link to Delhi and Chandigarh
• NH5 Chandigarh–Shimla, NH3 Kiratpur–Manali
• Atal Tunnel shortens Manali to Lahaul