Offers

Full Himachal with Golden Temple(10 Nights)

Chandigarh, Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Dalhousie, Amritsar, Chandigarh

for Family Traveller

Holiday Overview

Golden Temple
View of Dalhousie
Chamera Lake
Views from Dalhousie Bus Stand
Dalhousie Town Centre (Nivalink Trip Dated - 27 March 2006)
Mountain Views around Dharamsala (Nivalink Trip Dated - 27 March 2006)
Temple on Mall Road
River Beas
View from Manali
View from Solang
Christ Church Shimla (Nivalink Trip Dated - 3 August 2010)
View from Shimla
Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (Photo Courtesy: Aman Gupta)

Full Himachal with Golden Temple is a very popular summer itinerary for Himachal Pradesh where guests combine four popular destinations of Himachal Pradesh i.e. Shimla (6000+ ft asl), Manali (6500+ ft asl), Dharamsala (3500+ ft asl) and Dalhousie (7000+ ft asl) alongwith Golden Temple in Amritsar

Route

Shimla(2) - Manali(3) - Dharamsala(2) - Dalhousie(2) - Amritsar(1)

Summarised Itinerary
  • Day-1 Chandigarh - Shimla. Visit Mall area
  • Day-2 Excursion around Shimla
  • Day-3 Shimla - Manali
  • Day-4 Rohtang Excursion. Solang Valley Adventure.
  • Day-5 Manikaran or Jana Waterfalls Excursion
  • Day-6 Manali - Dharamshala. Visit Norbulingka Institute.
  • Day-7 Mcleodgunj Visit and options visits around Dharamsala
  • Day-8 Arrive Dalhousie
  • Day-9 Khajjiar, Chamba, Chamera Lake excursion
  • Day-10 Dalhousie - Amritsar
  • Day-11 Departure
Sightseeing Summary

Amritsar - Golden Temple (2.00 kms)

Dalhousie - Churches in Dalhousie (3.00 kms), Satdhara (3.00 kms), Khajjiar Meadows (25.00 kms), Chamera Lake (30.00 kms), Chamba Pilgrimage (50.00 kms)

Dharamsala - War Memorial (1.00 kms), Walk to Kunal Pathri - Rock Temple (3.00 kms), Norbulingka Institute (4.00 kms), Mcleodgunj Tibetan Market (9.00 kms), Chinmaya Tapovan (10.00 kms), Dalai Lama Monastery (10.00 kms), Bhagshunath Temple (11.00 kms)

Manali - Hadimba Temple (0.50 kms), Vashisht Hot Springs (2.00 kms), Manu Temple (3.00 kms), Arjun Gufa (5.00 kms), Solang Valley Ropeway ride (15.00 kms), Skiing in Solang Valley (15.00 kms), Jana Waterfall (30.00 kms), Rohtang Pass (40.00 kms), Manikaran Sahib (80.00 kms)

Shimla - Christ Church Shimla (0.50 kms), Mall Road Shimla (0.50 kms), Viceregal Lodge Shimla (3.00 kms), Indian Institute of Advanced Studies (6.00 kms), Himalayan Nature Park Kufri (18.00 kms), Naldehra Golf Course (22.00 kms)

Preferred Arrival /Departure Destination
Arrival - Chandigarh Departure - Chandigarh
Best Season to Travel
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Popular Extensions to the Itinerary

Guests arriving at Delhi may require to spend an additional day in and around Shimla to begin with

Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Dharamsala -240 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dharamsala to Dalhousie -120 kms (4 hrs)
  • Dalhousie to Amritsar -180 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Amritsar to Chandigarh -230 kms (4 hrs)
Route

Chandigarh - Shimla(2) - Manali(3) - Dharamsala(2) - Dalhousie(2) - Amritsar(1) - Chandigarh

Detailed Itinerary

Day-1 Chandigarh - Shimla. Visit Mall area Arrive at Chandigarh and proceed to Shimla (120 kms - 3 hours). Enroute visit Pinjore Gardens, time permitting. Afternoon / Evening visit to the Mall area. Sightseeing around Mall area comprise Christ Church, Vice Regal Lodge and Indian Institute of Advanced studies.

Day-2 Excursion around Shimla Day excursion to places around Shimla such as Golf Course at Naldehra (20 kms), High altitude Zoo at Kufri (20 kms) and Chail Palace at Chail (50 kms). Return by late evening.

Day-3 Shimla - Manali Proceed to Manali (6500+ ft asl, 260 kms - 7.5 hrs) via Mandi. Time permitting, visit to local sightseeing options such as Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot water springs, Manu Temple and Arjun Gufa.

Day-4 Rohtang Excursion. Solang Valley Adventure. Half-day excursion to Rohtang Pass (42 kms - 12000+ ft asl). Rohtang pass is one area where one may get snow in Summer. Guests enjoy snow experience. On the way back visit Solang Valley, hub of adventure sports in Manali such as Paragliding, Zorbing etc. Solang Valley turns into a Ski resort in Winter.

Day-5 Manikaran or Jana Waterfalls Excursion  Day excursion to Kullu Valley and Manikaran hotwater springs / Manikaran Sahib Gurdwara (80+ kms one way from Manali) or visit Jana waterfalls, a perennial waterfall at 40 kms from Manali (Jana waterfall is perennial and it is recommended to also have lunch at one of the Dhabas around here).

Day-6 Manali - Dharamshala. Visit Norbulingka Institute. Proceed to Dharamshala (3500+ ft asl, 240 kms - 6.5 hrs). Visit Norbulingka Institute, a must visit for any visitor to Dharamshala for a Tibetan cultural heritage experience. Time permitting, visit war memorial at Dharamsala, that commemorates martyrs of the area.

Day-7 Mcleodgunj Visit and options visits around Dharamsala Morning visit to Mcleodgunj (6500+ ft asl, 10 kms), visit Dalai Lama Monastery and Bhagshunath Temple (3 kms from Mcleodgunj). Visit local street market for tibetan artefacts. Naddi Area near Cantonment (8 kms from Mcleodgunj) has one of the best Himalayan views of the area. In the evening time permitting, Pilgrimage oriented travellers may head for Chinmaya Tapovan, an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda (10 kms from Dharamsala). Guests who can do a bit of walking can head for Kunal Pathri Temple, a 3 km walk from Dharamsala is a rock temple dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari. Guests also have an option to head for Naam Art Gallery, a renowned art gallery.

Day-8 Arrive Dalhousie Proceed to Dalhousie (7000+ ft asl - 120 kms - 4 hours). Visit local markets and local places to visit such as Churches in Dalhousie, Panchpula / Sat Dhara (confluence of 7 streams said to have medicinal effect).

Day-9 Khajjiar, Chamba, Chamera Lake excursion Full Day excursion to Khajjiar Meadows (22 kms), Chamba (riverside pilgrim centre at 44 kms from Dalhousie can be visited with Khajjiar) and Chamera Lake (large lake with watersports centre). Enroute visit Barkota hills. Back by late evening.

Day-10 Dalhousie - Amritsar Proceed to Amritsar (180 kms-4.5 hrs). Evening visit to Waga border (36 kms from Amritsar) and late evening visit to Golden Temple.

Day-11 Departure Depart for onward journey.

Detailed Sightseeing

Amritsar :

  • Golden Temple - Golden Temple (also known as the Sri Harmandir Sahib) was designed by the fifth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjan Sahib and was built in 1601 AD. Akal takht here is one of the Five Takhts of Sikhism and therefore the most important from the Sikh pilgrimage perspective. Golden temple remains the prime reason why tourists make a visit to Amritsar. Golden temple is also perhaps the most visited Sikh Pilgrimage destination in the world and visited by devotees from all religions.

Dalhousie :

  • Churches in Dalhousie - Dalhousie is gome to four churches i.e. St. Andrews Church, St. Patricks Church, St. Francis Church and St. Johns Church.

  • Satdhara - Satdhara is a confluence of 7 springs which is said to have therapeutic value as they contain mica.

  • Khajjiar Meadows - Khajjiar is home to natural meadows and a popular excursion and summer hangout place for tourists to Dalhousie. Horse riding is available in summer for kids.

  • Chamera Lake - Chamera lake was formed after building of the Chamera dam and is one of the popular excursions for tourists from Dalhousie. Boating, Speedboating etc. are on offer here.

  • Chamba Pilgrimage - Chamba is a riverside ancient temple town with Laxmi Narayan Temple Complex (10th century) being the main attraction. Chamba is base point for the Manimahesh Yatra (undertaken during month of August/September). Pilgrimage significance of the lake is only next to Kailash Mansoravar yatra.

Dharamsala :

  • War Memorial - At there start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh

  • Walk to Kunal Pathri - Rock Temple - Kunal Pathri Temple 3 km walk from Dharamsala is a rock temple dedicated to Goddess Kapaleshwari

  • Norbulingka Institute - The Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 by the present 14th Dalai Lama at Sidhpur, near Dharamshala. The institute is dedicated to the preservation of the Tibetan language and cultural heritage. The institute is named after Norbulingka, the traditional summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, in Lhasa, Tibet. The main building is a replica of the Norbulingka palace in Lhasa. The Centre for Arts, offers training in Tibetan statue making, thangka painting, printing, applique and tailoring, wood carving, wood and metal craft. The Academy also offers long term courses in Tibetan Buddhism. The institute also has the two-storeyed Seat of Happiness Temple (Deden Tsuglakhang) built in 1985 and set amidst the Japanese inspired Norbulingka gardens. It is known for its 1,173 murals of Buddha, frescoes of all the Dalai Lamas and drawings chronicling the life of the 14th Dalai Lama. In the main hall stands the 4 mt high gilded copper Budddha, one of the largest outside Tibet. Around the temple are workshops of artisans and apprentices, which produce various handicrafts, also sold at the Norbulingka Gift Shop and Showroom, for the benefit of Tibetan refugees. A short distance from the institute lies the Dolma Ling Buddhist nunnery, and the Gyato Monastery, temporary residence of the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje. Norbulingka institute is a must visit for any visitor to Dharamsala for a Tibetan cultural heritage experience.

  • Mcleodgunj Tibetan Market - Nurpur is famous for old fort and a temple of Brijraj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan.

  • Chinmaya Tapovan - 10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. Courses for learning Gita are conducted here. The complex includes a 9 meter high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.

  • Dalai Lama Monastery - Most prominent site in Mcleodgunj is Dalai Lama Temple or Dalai Lama Monastery. It has a large statue of Padmasambhavna

  • Bhagshunath Temple - 3 kms from Mcleodgunj town centre is lands end, where road ends. This is where Bhagshu temple is situated. The temple is popular with North Indians and there are a number of hotels situated here. Guests can walk upto a perennial waterfall adjoining to the temple at a short walk away.

Manali :

  • Hadimba Temple -

    1533 Hadimba Temple, also known as Dhoongri Temple, is an ancient temple situated in Manali.

  • Vashisht Hot Springs - Vashisht is a small village on the banks of Beas River, the village is famous for its hot springs and temples.

  • Manu Temple - Manu temple at Manali is believed to be the only temple in India of Sage Manu (Manu Rishi).

  • Arjun Gufa - Arjun Gufa is situated near Prini village and is around 5 km from Manali. The cave lies on the left bank of Beas River. Legend has it that Arjuna (central character of the Mahabharata mythology) prayed here.

  • Solang Valley Ropeway ride - 15 kms from Manali town centre is Sollang nullah, a hub for a range of adventure activities all round the year (Skiing in Winter and Paragliding / Zorbing etc. in Summer). Ropeway here is popular for some stunning views of the area.

  • Skiing in Solang Valley - Solang Valley, 15 kms from Manali town is home to skiing in Winter. Ski lifts have been setup in 2011 for organised skiing.

  • Jana Waterfall - 40 kms from Manali, off Naggar road is village Jana. The waterfall is perennial and one also enjoys local cuisine served by Dhabas around here.

  • Rohtang Pass - 40 kms from Manali is Rohtang Pass, one that takes guests into Lahaul and Spiti valley. Rohtang Pass is open June - Sept. However tourists travel upto base of the Pass till Kothi (16 kms) and a bit beyond to enjoy snow experience that includes a bit of sliding and fun playing with snow. This area is extremely touristy in high season and often seas heavy traffic jams.

  • Manikaran Sahib - Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is commemorates the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this area. It is a major Pilgrim centre for Sikh pilgrims arriving from all over from North India.

Shimla :

  • Christ Church Shimla - Christ Church, Shimla, is one of the oldest church in North India. Built in the neo-Gothic style in 1857 to serve the largely Anglican British community in Shimla. Christ Church is situated on The Ridge and is one of the prominent landmarks of Shimla. The Pipe-Organ of Christ Church is one of the biggest in the Indian subcontinent and was erected in September 1899.

  • Mall Road Shimla - Mall Road is a city centre area with a walking street with shops around. Mall road is closed for vehicular traffic. About 1 km long street, at one end of the Mall is The Clarkes hotel and the other end is the ridge and Christ Church. Mall Road in Shimla is perhaps the most happening of Mall Roads in all Hill stations in India and therefore a popular hang out place for a large number of regular getaway seekers from neighboring plains and for tourists to Shimla. Mall Road is accessible from Circular road via a lift. Mall road is extremely touristy and often gets crowded in evenings and therefore must be avoided by those who seek peace and tranquility.

  • Viceregal Lodge Shimla - A Historic monument at 3 kms from Shimla Mall area where India-Pakistan Partition talks were held. A guided tour can be arranged that details architecture and history. There is also a manicured garden and a cafeterial attached.

  • Indian Institute of Advanced Studies - Institute of Advanced studies, an impressive colonial era building, takes one back in time. Its one of the historic places where India - Pakistan Partition pact was sealed. A guided tour is available of the area. It can also be a short walk from the Mall or just a hop away from whats popularly considered city centre.

  • Himalayan Nature Park Kufri - Situated about 18 km from Shimla, at over 2,600 metres altitude, the Himalayan Nature Park is located amidst 90 hectares of temperate vegetation that forms natural habitat for many a wild animals of the Western Himalaya. Animals in the Nature Park include Leopard, Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Bharal, Black Bear, Tibetan Wolf, Leopard Cat, Sambhar, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Monal, White Crested Kaleej and Cheer pheasant.

  • Naldehra Golf Course - The Naldehra Golf Club, located in the hill state of Himachal Pradesh in North India, some 22 km from Shimla, constitutes a course perched at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It is a par 68, 18-hole course with 16 greens and 18 tees and has a design reminiscent of Scottish links courses. It is possible to play on the course by paying a daily green fee. Equipment and Caddies are available on hire as well. The area is surrounded by Thick forest and presents a very soothing backdrop for Golf. The course is closed from 15th December to end February.

Destination Overview

Chandigarh - Chandigarh is a major business centre and hub for Software, IT and ITES companies. Chandigarh is a tourist destination being a transit point for guests on Delhi - Manali route and an access point to visit neighboring hills of Himachal Pradesh and hill station of Shimla.

Shimla - Shimla being the famous holiday resort that used to enjoy the status of being the summer capital of the British Raj, is now the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Today, Shimla is crowded and overdeveloped over the years and has completely lost its heritage feel.

Manali - Manali (7000 ft) is a major hill station and a preferred Ex-Chandigarh weekend Getaway and a destination for Honeymooners, adventure lovers.

Dharamsala - Dharamsala (3500 ft asl or Lower Dharamsala), is a laidback town at the base of Dhauladhar, 12 kms Short of Mcleodgunj.

Dalhousie - Dalhousie (6700 ft) is a British-era hill Station and a weekend getaway destination. Dalhousie is known for its very good Himalayan views and still retains a quaint, idyllic, offbeat character.

Amritsar - Amritsar is a major destination in India where guests arrive to visit the "Golden Temple", a Sikh pilgrimage center and a major tourist attraction from visitors all over India and those arriving into India.

Access
Prefered Arrival : No ImageChandigarhNo ImageChandigarh
Prefered Departure : No ImageChandigarhNo ImageChandigarh
Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Dharamsala -240 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dharamsala to Dalhousie -120 kms (4 hrs)
  • Dalhousie to Amritsar -180 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Amritsar to Chandigarh -230 kms (4 hrs)

Ready Cost estimate for this itinerary is not available.

However Nivalink would be able to readily offer a cost estimate or customise the itinerary as per specific requirements.

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Call 022-6150 6363 to speak to our travel planner or email hp-06@nivalink.co.in to connect with our travel planner for details on the itinerary: Full Himachal with Golden Temple.

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Travel Ideas incorporated in the itinerary

Shimla in Summer

Shimla (6500+ ft asl) is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla, though a crowded city is more

Summer in Manali

Manali (6000+ ft asl) is the most visited getaway and premier holiday destination in Himachal more

Lines indicate the best available driving routes.
Arrows indicate connectivity other than Road (e.g. Waterways or Air).
Please click on the markers for more detailed Information.

Distances
  • Chandigarh to Shimla -120 kms (3 hrs)
  • Shimla to Manali -260 kms (7.5 hrs)
  • Manali to Dharamsala -240 kms (6.5 hrs)
  • Dharamsala to Dalhousie -120 kms (4 hrs)
  • Dalhousie to Amritsar -180 kms (4.5 hrs)
  • Amritsar to Chandigarh -230 kms (4 hrs)

Expert Speak

This is a very popular and time tested itinerary. However it does require a bit of travelling in the hills. Shimla over the years has become extremely crowded and space crunched. Areas around Shimla such as Mashobra, Shoghi, Kufri and Naldehra are recommended for a better stay and destination experience.

Expert Connect

Nivalink has taken over 300 trips across India and select destinations overseas over last 10 years to verify hotels, evaluate destinations and understand its suitability with different profiles of customers across different seasons.

At Nivalink you are able to connect directly with experts who have travelled to these destinations and are able to offer novel ideas, honest perspectives and help you narrow down choices.

Email to expert@nivalink.co.in to connect with sector expert for specific ideas and recommendations.

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