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7 Days / 6 Nights
Kochi → Himachal Pradesh (Manali, Shimla)
07 April 2026 | 6 Nights | 7 Days
Himachal Pradesh, known as the Land of the Gods, is a stunning Himalayan state where snow-clad mountains, pine forests, and icy rivers create a magical winter landscape—especially in February. From the colonial charm of Shimla and its snow-dusted Mall Road to the wide, temple-filled Kullu Valley along the Beas River, the region blends culture with natural beauty. The journey reaches its adventurous peak in Manali, surrounded by the Pir Panjal range, where forests, temples, and winter sports offer a thrilling taste of the Himalayan wilderness.
Day by Day Itinerary
- Assemble at Kochi Domestic Terminal.
- Meet your Santa Monica Tour Manager.
- Board your flight to Chandigarh Airport.
- Upon your arrival meet the local representative for a scenic uphill drive through the winding Shivalik Hills.
- Enjoy lunch en route as the air turns cooler and the pine-scented landscapes of the North unfold.
- After reaching the Queen of Hills, check into your hotel for a relaxing evening and an overnight stay in Shimla.
- Lunch | Dinner
- After a hearty breakfast, head out for a full-day excursion to Kufri, a high-altitude sanctuary famous for its sweeping Himalayan views and winter sports.
- Explore the Himalayan Nature Park, where you can spot rare high-altitude wildlife.
- In the afternoon, return to Shimla to explore its iconic landmarks on foot. Visit the majestic Christ Church, stroll across The Ridge, and experience the vibrant energy of Mall Road.
- End your day with a walk through Lakkar Bazaar, famous for its intricate wooden handicrafts, before heading back to your hotel for dinner.
- Overnight stay in Shimla.
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and embark on a picturesque long-distance drive to Manali.
- This journey is one of the most scenic in the region, taking you through the heart of the Kullu Valley. Along the way, you will drive parallel to the sparkling Beas River, passing through lush tunnels and mountain passes.
- Enjoy a scheduled stop for lunch and take in the changing landscapes as you transition from the colonial ridges of Shimla to the rugged peaks of Manali.
- Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay in Manali.
- Overnight stay in Shimla.
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- Start your morning with a drive to Solang Valley, Himachal’s premier winter playground. Known for its snow-capped slopes, you can spend the morning enjoying skiing, snowboarding, or a scenic Ropeway ride. For the adventurous, paragliding offers a bird’s-eye view of the frozen valley (activities at own cost).
- In the afternoon, experience a marvel of modern engineering as you drive through the Atal Tunnel. Stretching 9.02 km under the Rohtang Pass, it is the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet.
- Emerging on the other side, you will enter the Lahaul Valley to visit the stunning Sissu Lake, located at 10,235 ft. Take in the stark, magnificent views of the frozen lake and the surrounding peaks before returning to Manali for an overnight stay.
Note: A visit to Rohtang Pass is not included in this itinerary. Access requires a special permit issued only one day in advance, and its availability is strictly subject to government regulations and weather conditions.
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- After breakfast, immerse yourself in the local culture and spiritual heritage of Manali. Your morning begins with a visit to the Hadimba Devi Temple, an ancient four-story wooden structure nestled within a dense cedar forest.
- Next, visit the Vashisht Temple, famous for its ornate wood carvings and natural hot sulfur springs, believed to have medicinal properties.
- In the afternoon, head to the vibrant local markets and Mall Road. This is the perfect time to shop for traditional Himalayan souvenirs, woolens, and local handicrafts.
- The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you choose to relax at a riverside cafe in Old Manali or simply soak in the mountain views.
- Overnight stay in Manali.
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- Following an early breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin your southern descent from the high mountains. Take in the sprawling mountain vistas one last time, as you transition from the high-altitude terrain of Manali back toward the foothills.
- A lunch break will be scheduled at a comfortable midway point along the highway.
- As the winding roads straighten out into the plains, you will arrive in Chandigarh, the “City Beautiful.” After checking into your hotel, enjoy a final tour dinner and a restful overnight stay in Chandigarh.
- Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
- On your final morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring the unique urban landscape of Chandigarh.
- Your first stop is the world-renowned Rock Garden, a sprawling fantasy garden created entirely from recycled industrial and domestic waste.
- Next, visit Sukhna Lake, a serene man-made reservoir at the foothills of the Himalayas, perfect for a peaceful morning stroll along the waterfront.
- After a final farewell lunch, you will be transferred to the Chandigarh Airport for your onward journey, carrying home the memories of your Himalayan winter escape.
- Board your return flight to Kochi.
- Arrive in Kochi
- Breakfast | Lunch | In Flight Meals
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Air Tickets (INDIGO)
- Accomodation 3 star Hotels
- Local Tour Escort
- Malayali Tour Manager from Santa Monica
- Driver Allowance, Toll, Parking and Road Tax
- Entry Tickets as per the itinerary
- All Transfers in AC Vehicle
- Meals as per mentioned above
- Entry permit and heritage fee
- GST Included
- Anything not mentioned in the package inclusions.
- Any adventure activities or personal expenses
- Any Laundry expenses
- Any shopping expenses
- All other Transport and Sightseeing