Why Choose This India Hill Station Itinerary?
Beat the heat and soak in the beauty of India’s best hill stations with this 10-day itinerary. This plan covers Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Darjeeling for a complete mountain experience.
Our AI-optimized India hill station itinerary ensures smooth travel, iconic sights, and local flavors from momos to Himalayan teas. It’s the ideal framework for a refreshing and scenic journey.
Your Complete India Hill Station Itinerary
This guide outlines a seamless India hill station itinerary, blending colonial charm, adventure, and Himalayan beauty.
Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Mall Road
Begin your India hill station itinerary in the Queen of Hills.
Mall Road
Colonial Promenade
Shimla’s bustling main street, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy cool breezes, shop for souvenirs, and savor ice cream in the mountain air.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Walk from hotel
2 hours
How to Reach:
Arrive by toy train from Kalka or drive from Chandigarh, then walk to Mall Road.
Insider Tip:
Try the local fruit ice cream and visit in the evening for lively crowds.
Day 1 Dining: Shimla Flavors
Taste Himachali cuisine and mountain treats.
Café Simla Times
Rooftop café with mountain views.
Wake & Bake
Famous for pancakes and cool drinks.
Day 2: Shimla to Manali – Valley of the Gods
Travel to Manali for riverside walks and cool mountain air.
Hadimba Temple
Ancient Cedar Shrine
A wooden temple set among tall deodar trees.
Why You Should Visit:
Experience Manali’s spiritual side and cool shade.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Auto from Manali town
1 hour
How to Reach:
Auto or walk from Manali Mall Road.
Insider Tip:
Look for local women selling hand-knitted woolens.
Day 2 Dining: Manali Eats
Sample trout fish and Tibetan momos.
Johnson’s Café
Famous for trout dishes and garden seating.
The Lazy Dog
Riverside café with live music.
Day 3: Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass
Adventure and snow-capped peaks in your India hill station itinerary.
Solang Valley
Adventure Hub
A green valley famous for paragliding, zorbing, and cable car rides.
Why You Should Visit:
Try summer adventure sports and enjoy mountain views.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car from Manali
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive or take a cab from Manali to Solang Valley (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Book activities in advance during peak season.
Day 3 Dining: Mountain Meals
Enjoy Maggi noodles and fresh juices at hilltop stalls.
Snow View Café
Hot snacks with valley views.
Day 4: Manali to Dharamshala & McLeod Ganj
Experience Tibetan culture and pine forests.
Tsuglagkhang Complex
Dalai Lama’s Temple
The spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in India.
Why You Should Visit:
Attend a prayer session and explore the peaceful surroundings.
6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Auto from McLeod Ganj
1 hour
How to Reach:
Auto or walk from McLeod Ganj main square.
Insider Tip:
Check for public teachings by the Dalai Lama.
Day 4 Dining: Tibetan Treats
Enjoy thukpa, momos, and herbal teas.
Tibet Kitchen
Authentic Tibetan cuisine.
Moonpeak Espresso
Coffee and cakes with a view.
Day 5: Bhagsu Waterfall & Tea Gardens
Cool cascades and lush tea estates.
Bhagsu Waterfall
Cool Cascade
A refreshing waterfall surrounded by cafes and greenery.
Why You Should Visit:
Take a dip or relax at a nearby café.
All day
Walk from Bhagsu village
1 hour
How to Reach:
Walk from Bhagsu village to the falls (20 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Try lemon ginger tea at the waterfall café.
Palampur Tea Gardens
Green Slopes
Rolling tea estates with Himalayan backdrops.
Why You Should Visit:
Tour a tea factory and sample fresh brews.
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car from Dharamshala
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive from Dharamshala to Palampur (1.5 hours).
Insider Tip:
Buy fresh tea leaves as souvenirs.
Day 5 Dining: Tea & Snacks
Sip tea and enjoy local snacks at estate cafés.
Neugal Café
Tea with mountain views.
Day 6: Dharamshala to Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills
Travel to Mussoorie for colonial charm and mountain vistas.
Mall Road, Mussoorie
Hilltop Promenade
Mussoorie’s main street, perfect for a summer stroll.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop for souvenirs and enjoy the cool air.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Walk
2 hours
How to Reach:
Walk from your hotel to Mall Road.
Insider Tip:
Pick up hand-crafted souvenirs and local jams.
Day 6 Dining: Mussoorie Eats
Try bakery treats and local snacks.
Lovely Omelette Centre
Famous for cheese omelettes.
Chic Chocolate
Popular for shakes and fudge.
Day 7: Kempty Falls & Landour
Waterfalls and colonial heritage in your India hill station itinerary.
Kempty Falls
Popular Waterfall
A scenic waterfall ideal for a refreshing dip.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy the cool water and picnic spots.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Car from Mussoorie
1 hour
How to Reach:
Drive or take a cab from Mussoorie to Kempty Falls (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Visit early to avoid crowds.
Landour
Colonial Hamlet
A peaceful area with British-era cottages and bakeries.
Why You Should Visit:
Walk the Landour Loop and enjoy mountain views.
All day
Walk/Car from Mussoorie
2 hours
How to Reach:
Short drive or walk from Mussoorie.
Insider Tip:
Try cinnamon rolls at Landour Bakehouse.
Day 7 Dining: Landour Cafés
Enjoy coffee and pastries in the hills.
Landour Bakehouse
Famous for bakery treats.
Day 8: Mussoorie to Nainital – Lake District
Travel to Nainital for lakes and pine forests.
Naini Lake
Serene Waters
A beautiful lake surrounded by hills and bustling markets.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy boating and lakeside walks.
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Walk/Boat
2 hours
How to Reach:
Walk from your hotel to the lake.
Insider Tip:
Take a sunset boat ride.
Day 8 Dining: Nainital Flavors
Sample local sweets and snacks.
Sakley’s Restaurant
Popular for continental and Indian fare.
Day 9: Snow View Point & Bhimtal
Panoramic views and tranquil lakes.
Snow View Point
Himalayan Vistas
A viewpoint offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
Why You Should Visit:
Ride the cable car and enjoy the scenery.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cable car from Nainital
1 hour
How to Reach:
Take the cable car from Mallital to Snow View Point.
Insider Tip:
Carry binoculars for best views.
Bhimtal
Lakeside Escape
A peaceful lake town near Nainital.
Why You Should Visit:
Enjoy boating and lakeside cafés.
All day
Car from Nainital
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive from Nainital to Bhimtal (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Try fresh fish at lakeside restaurants.
Day 9 Dining: Bhimtal Cafés
Enjoy lakeside snacks and tea.
Machan Restaurant
Known for Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Day 10: Nainital to Darjeeling – Queen of the Hills
Fly to Darjeeling for tea gardens and Himalayan vistas.
Tiger Hill
Sunrise Point
Famous for sunrise views over Kanchenjunga.
Why You Should Visit:
Catch the early morning glow on the world’s third-highest peak.
4:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Car from Darjeeling
1 hour
How to Reach:
Drive from Darjeeling town to Tiger Hill (30 minutes).
Insider Tip:
Arrive before dawn for the best spot.
Darjeeling Tea Estates
Tea Country
Iconic tea gardens with guided tours and tastings.
Why You Should Visit:
Learn about tea making and enjoy cool breezes.
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Car or toy train
2 hours
How to Reach:
Visit Happy Valley or Glenburn Tea Estate.
Insider Tip:
Buy first-flush tea as a souvenir.
Day 10 Dining: Darjeeling Delights
Try Darjeeling tea and bakery treats.
Glenary’s
Historic bakery and restaurant.
Keventer’s
Famous for breakfast and terrace views.