Family Home Stay & Camping Holiday
EXPLORING SHIMLA
Shimla (2205 m) borders the state of Uttarakhand and the districts of Sirmour, Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur. The state capital was once the summer capital of the British Raj and is notable for hosting the 1945 Simla Conference, which discussed self-rule for India.
Places of Interest
The Mall: All visitors to Shimla inevitably walk down the Mall, the main promenade that runs along the top of the Ridge. It's a busy shopping area with old colonial buildings, souvenir shops, and restaurants. At the top end of the Mall is Scandal Point, a large open square with a view of the town—a favourite rendezvous for visitors and the local people. The labyrinth of Shimla’s bazaars spills over the edge of the Mall.
The Indian Institute of Advanced Studies is located in the former British Viceroy’s Vice Regal Lodge. It stands as a Gothic architectural marvel and is renowned as India’s top institution for advanced research and higher studies.
Himachal State Museum: The museum is very close to the institute, in a colonial building set in spacious lawns. It has collections of Pahari miniatures, stone sculptures, local handicrafts, textiles, and embroidery.
EXPLORING MANALI
The Sylvan Hill Resort in Manali is located at the base of Rohtang Pass, which rises 3,978 meters. This pass opens access to the secluded regions of Lahaul, Spiti, Ladakh, and Zanskar. Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges, Manali offers stunning mountain scenery and affordability, making it a popular tourist destination.
Manali serves as a great starting point for treks, jeep safaris, skiing in winter, and mountaineering. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful alpine walks, river rafting, trout fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife tours in the nearby Himalayan National Park.
Places of Interest
Hadimba Temple: Resting on the stone platform in a dense stand of Old Deodar, Hadimba Temple is Manali’s oldest shrine. Dating back to 1553, it is a fine example of Pagoda architecture.
Old Manali and Vashisht: Though the area has undergone a very fast change in the last 10 years but still the authentic charm does remain in the nearby villages of Vashisht and Old Manali, the village from which the modern Town takes its name, unlike its offspring, the settlement retains an unhurried and traditional feel. The Village has a Temple of Sage Manu (Hindu Mythological Hero).
Rohtang Pass: Situated about 51km from Manali at an altitude of 13,400 ft. Here one sees the majesty of the mountain at its Height and splendour. There is beautiful Lake left to the pass. The pass is open from June to Sept every year.
EXPLORING NAGGAR
At Naggar, there is an old castle that once belonged to the ruling dynasty of Kullu, but has now been renovated and converted into a heritage hotel. One can also visit some ancient hallowed temples around the village that possess mystical qualities. There is also an art gallery that houses beautiful oil and vegetable colour paintings of the famous Russian painter, writer and philosopher Sir Nicholas Roerich. The area offers some of the most magnificent views in the region as here the upper Kullu valleys are at their widest, and one can see the whole mountain panorama from Rohthang to the southern edge of the valley, as well as the long serpentine Beas River making its way down. This area also offers some interesting walks and day picnics through old villages, coniferous forests, and vast paddy fields,.
Day 01: Arrival at Chandigarh Airport and transfer to Fagu via Shimla (4 hours). Overnight stay at Everest House in Fagu.
Fagu is a small village on the Hindustan Tibet road at an altitude of 2510m. After a 45-minute drive, you'll be in the plains of Punjab and Haryana. Then, you'll enter Himachal state. You'll be welcomed by the small hills around you as you journey until you reach your destination.
Alternatively, you can take the night train from Delhi to Kalka and then the toy train from Kalka to Shimla. The journey to Shimla is exciting as the train passes through 103 tunnels with a nice view of the hills. This railway line is a heritage site completed over 200 years ago.
Day 02: After morning tea, you will be taken for a forest walk nearby to help you acclimatize. In the afternoon, we will go to Shimla for sightseeing. Camping will be at Fagu Forest.
Day 03: After freshening up and breakfast, we will drive to Tatapani, known for its hot water spring, to raft on the Satluj, which comes all the way from Tibet.
Day 04: After breakfast, we will drive to Kothgarh, famous for its apple orchards. The apple, the main fruit of Himachal, was brought by Mr. Stokes from the USA in 1918, and the first sapling was planted in this area. Later, it was planted in different places in Himachal. Today, Himachal has a variety of apples, and the entire farming community depends on this crop. We will drive to Hattu Peak and explore the villages around the Kotgarh Valley. May is an excellent season to enjoy different varieties of fruits like cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, and pears, which you will find people selling on the roads. Overnight in a resort.
Day 05: Drive to Shoja via Jhorli pass (4 hours ). Today's drive is very scenic and extremely enjoyable. Journey through some of the finest landscapes in Himachal, with lush green forests filled with abundant flora and fauna. Overnight in the camp.
Day 06: In the morning, we will trek around the camp, which has some beautiful landscapes and interesting places in the village. After breakfast, we will drive to Manali.
Day 07: Drive Naggar—Manali (27 km) through a beautiful landscape comprising vast cultivation fields dotted with old Kulluvi-style wooden chalets to Nagger, the ancient capital of Kullu. En route, one comes across the quaint mountain village of Dashal. This village is famous for its ancient Shiva temple, which is a classic example of the old Shikhara-style stone temple architecture that has been prevalent in northern India since the days of yore.
Day 08: Drive to Rohtang.
Day 09: Trek to Solang and camp overnight or the option to come back to the hotel.
Day 10: Exploring Manali
Day 11: Return journey from Manali to Delhi via Flight.
Please note: As there are children in the group, the itinerary is flexible. Any change according to the situation will be given due consideration.
Transport from Chandigrah to Shimla in an Innova luxury cab. Accommodation in two-man tents, carry mattresses and sleeping bags, all meals, services of an experienced guide and cook, all camping equipment, ponies and horses if needed during the trekking, medicines kit, etc.