ROAD TRIPS

Explore the Best of Himachal by Road

Meena Nair

Last updated: Feb 2, 2023

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The lush mountains, gurgling rivers and quaint villages of Himachal are best explored through a well-planned road trip. Here’s some good news—we’ve got an itinerary sorted for you.

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Delhi to Shimla

shimla

Kilometre: 343 kms

Hours: 7 to 8

Route: Delhi - Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Chandigarh – Kalka – Parwanoo – Solan - Shimla

Going about it: It is advisable to begin the journey early in the morning, say at about 5 a.m. The drive from Panipat to Ambala will come with diversions, but you’ll hit the expressway from Ambala to Chandigarh. Take a break at Chandigarh and gorge on some delicious parathas and lassi. From here, the drive to Shimla is likely to take four hours. The roads are winding, but well-paved and the accompanying scenic beauty makes driving a breeze.

Hotels: Honeymoon Inn

A perfect hotel to relax after the long drive. Each room is blessed with enchanting views, especially of sunset point. And the food is something to die for.

Location: The Mall, Shimla (Near Chief Minister's House)

Rate: INR 2,668 per night

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Explore Shimla

Head for Mashobra, 10 km from Shimla—a breath-taking village covered with dense pine and oak trees, built in 1850 by Lord Dalhousie. From there, head for Naldehra (13 km.). The narrow, winding roads are beautiful and you will want to stop for pictures are every turn. Visit the famous Nag temple and eat Maggi at Maggi Point. Return to Shimla, and head out to the Mall road for shopping and dinner after a short break.

Shimla to Manali

manali

Route: Shimla – Bilaspur – Sundernagar – Kullu - Manali

Kilometre: 248 km

Hours: About 7 to 8

Going about it: Start early to reach Shalaghat before breakfast. Enjoy the beautiful drive till you hit the picturesque Sundernagar Lake. Photography is prohibited here, but soak in the beauty nonetheless. Once you reach Kullu, don’t forget to pick up some shawls and mufflers, if you have the time. Enroute Manali, you will cross a beautiful bridge, with a river on one side and hills on the other. Do stop on the way to take pictures of the pretty hamlets by the hillsides.

Hotel: Glacier Resort

Promising excellent view from every room, this resort is a great place to stay after a long drive. Friendly staff adds to the experience.

Location: Hadimba Road, Manali

Rate: INR 1,527 per night

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Explore Manali

The main market in Manali is known for funky clothes, jewellery, beads—a shopping spree is well in order. Visit the Hidimba Temple and then head for Solang Valley, about 13 km away, where you can try some adventure sports. During winter, the valley turns into a popular skiing spot. The views from Rohtang Pass (open from mid-April to November) will forever fill your heart.

Manali to Dharamshala

dharamshala

Route: Manali – Kullu – Mandi – Palampur – Dharamshala

Kilometre: 235 km

Hours: About 8 to 9

Going about it: The roads may not be that great, but people take up this Himachal road trip just to soak in the pristine beauty of Kullu and Kangra valleys. Along the way, pine and deodar trees stand tall to welcome you. Do pick up some locally made juices and pickles.

Hotel: M Hotel and Restaurant

This is an excellent place for a comfortable stay and great local food. Moreover, it is located in the heart of Mcleodganj town (about 5 km from Dharamshala).

Location: Main Market, Temple Road (20metres from Main Square), Mcleodganj

Rate: INR 2,240

Book Your Stay at M Hotel and Restaurant Book Your Stay at M Hotel and Restaurant

Explore Dharamshala

Drive around Dharmashala and Mcleodganj to explore the museums and Tibetan monasteries. Head for the Dal Lake and the enchanting Bhagsunag Falls. The drive to Kangra Fort (22 km.) is quite a treat to the eyes.

Dharamshala to Dalhousie

Dharamshala –Shahpur – Lahru –Dalhousie

Kilometre: 117 km

Hours: 4 to 5

Going about it: Begin early, at about 7 a.m., to revel in the misty morning. Stop at Shahpur for breakfast, and be prepared to be greeted by villagers and school children on the way. Driving along this lovely, single road, you will reach Lahru by 10 am. From there, it would be another 45 kilometres of drive to Dalhousie.

Hotel: Crags

A heritage property, just 10-mins walk from the main market, the view from each veranda is something that the guests keep coming back for. And the warm-hearted staff are trained to pamper you.

Location: The Mall, Dalhousie

Rate: INR 1,462 per night

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Explore Dalhousie

Head out for Khajjiar, also known as the Switzerland of India. The drive will take you through winding roads lined with pines and deodars—perfect for a picnic break. Then visit the Dainkund peak (10 km from Dalhousie.) Known for its natural beauty, you can witness the meeting of three rivers – Beas, Ravi and Chenab. If you a waterfall lover, you will love Panchpula. If you have the time, opt for a trek to Bakrota hills, which will be an hour from Dalhousie. The views from here are incredible.

Meena Nair

A simpleton - who loves to dream, who tries to be true to self in this mystical world of un-realities, who tries to find humor in every wake of life, one for whom words mean everything. Nothing can be more beautiful than words! Oh! And currently the passion is high on simplifying life 

Comments

Soumi Mandal | on 20 June 2018

Lovely!! Very well written blog.. enjoyed reading about your trip & the photos added to the fun. Next time you visit Gangtok, make sure you take the DRIL ropeway ride. The cable car journey gives amazing panoramic views of the hill station.