RARE Himachal Itinerary
There is a lot of development in the lower Himalayas, yet Himachal Pradesh continues to reign as a heritage hotspot for its culture, known for being power positive. Something I learned on my latest trip is that it does an excellent job protecting its forests. So, if Himachal Pradesh is on your travel agenda, you have much to explore, understand, and experience. Kullu and Kangra are two regions in Himachal with distinct cultural identities, architectural distinctions, and art forms such as miniature paintings, cuisine, textiles, and relics of the Raj, such as the Kalka-Shimla Rail and the Kangra Valley Railway.
Though May and June are possibly the most crowded months of the hill calendar, this is the prime tourist season. It is cooler than the plains, yet the views of the Dhauladhars are usually marred by dust from the plains. The best months for exploration and a planned itinerary would be the fall and winter months, from September to the end of April. These months also feature local festivals that light up small temples and hamlets with colorful processions. Here is a slow travel itinerary we recommend that covers the Kangra, Kullu, and Shimla regions, largely traversed by road.
This itinerary can also be combined with Amritsar as a starting point, traveling towards Dharamshala and ending with a drive from Shimla to Chandigarh—famous as a planned city where walks are organized to highlight Le Corbusier’s genius in town planning.
Each Day on A RARE Itinerary in Himachal Pradesh
DAY 01
Beginning at Palampur
Fly to Gaggal Airport and drive to The Lodge at Wah in Palampur. Palampur is the region where the famous Kangra tea is grown, and the lodge sits in a small estate overlooking the Wah Tea Estate. A tea factory and café across from the Lodge offer organized space for early morning yoga sessions overlooking the mountains, hikes, and cycle rides.
A day at the estate ends with sunset tea overlooking the hills and a forest patch, about a 30-minute walk from the lodge. Dinner at the Lodge is special as every meal is curated to showcase the region’s traditional cuisines, including Tibetan delicacies and some surprises from the kitchen.
DAY 02
Dharamshala's Sacred Spaces
In Palampur, upper Dharamshala is home to the Dalai Lama’s temples, a medical college, and art galleries. A half-day excursion here is often peppered with stops at various cafés. A glimpse into Pahadi miniature art at the Museum in lower Dharamshala is followed by a visit to the Norbulingka Institute, workshop, and Dolls Museum. Return to the Lodge for evening tea and dinner.
DAY 03
Pottery and Temples of Kangra
In Palampur, Kangra is well-known for its pottery village in Andretta and its museum. The Baijnath temple and monasteries and a famous nunnery are within a 30-minute driving radius and are some of the recommended places to visit. Back at the Lodge in time for tea and a hike along the river, if one is up for it. Depending on your interest, visits to Kangra Fort, Shakti Peeth temples of Jwalamukhi, and 8thcentury Masroor rock-cut temples are optional. Dinner at the lodge.
DAY 04
A Journey from Palampur to Manali
Drive from Palampur to Manali. This is a long but interesting drive with opportunities to stop at interesting places. Arrive in the Kullu area with options to stay at Raison in Neeralaya by the River or in Karjan village at Shivadya ahead of Naggar. An evening walk around the village of Karjan is the time to see cows being locked in, women chatting around in the temple squares, and a general bustle around the small bazaar. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 05
The Untouched Beauty of Manali
In Manali, there are many things to do without striking out to the usual tourist spots. Explore ancient temples and sleepy villages where the old architectural style of katkuni can still be seen in some traditional homes. It is amazing how some of them are being protected, and many boutique hotels use this architectural style, which is one of the best ways to preserve the art and its continuity. Spend almost half a day at Naggar Castle and Roerich's gallery and museum, where a lot of his work is on display. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
DAY 06
Celebrating Local Festivals in Manali
In Manali, if you are in luck, you may witness a local festival, which is a slow, colorful, and engaging example of local culture. Manali and surrounding areas like Raison and Naggar have many forest areas where one can hike, have picnics, and go for bird walks. This is also a day to spend some time on the property, taking advantage of learning about Kangra cuisine, their traditional wear, weddings, and festivals.
DAY 07
A Historical Drive to Shimla
Drive from Manali to Shimla. Start a long drive to what is today one of the best-known towns—Shimla—that continues to retell stories of the days of the Raj, through its buildings, Mall Road, and so many stories about the time when Shimla was the summer capital. Chapslee is like a museum and provides a fabulous backdrop to this history. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 08
Discovering Shimla’s Colonial Past
Heritage walks in Shimla along Mall Road are to understand history through buildings like the Gaiety Theatre, Church, and even some of the names of the buildings. The horticultural legacy the British left behind also becomes part of the story as you walk up and around the Viceregal Hall.
DAY 09
A Day at Historic Chapslee
A day to relax and enjoy walks around Chapslee, enjoy high tea and the books in the library. A final sit-down dinner can be a celebration of what is today one of the finest buildings preserved with all its collection of tapestries, furniture, silverware, and antiques.
DAY 10
Departure from Shimla to Chandigarh
Drive to the Chandigarh Airport for your flight to your respective destinations.
