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Muktinath and Jomsom-Annapurna Circuit delight and a spiritual journey of Janakpur & Sitamarhi

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Muktinath is a part of the beautiful Annapurna Circuit-It’s religious importance and offers staggering views of the Annapurna Ranges. The journey from Jomsom to Muktinath is on another level-its, so beautiful that it can’t be put across in words. A trek of 5-6 days from Muktinath will take you to Manang, which is an equally enchanting-the journey after which can be covered by bus to Pokhara. Janakpur and Sitamarhi are linked to India Mythology The Ramayana, where Lord Ram’s wife was brought up and born respectively-It’s religious significance is enormous!

10 Reasons why you must visit Muktinath and Janakpur/Sitamarhi:

  • Janakpuri (Nepal) has the Janaki Temple and is the birthplace of Goddess Sita and the place of her marriage to the God Ram(at Ram Sita Vivah Mandap). It is regarded as the center of Mithila Culture and is spiritually an essential destination for Hindus.
Muktinath in afternoon
Muktinath in afternoon
  • The Ganga Sagar, Dhanush Sagar, and the Parshuram Kunda are a few essential ponds in the Janakpur city that are sacred to the locals; some are huge in the area.
  • Sitamarhi (India), the birthplace of Devi Sita, is in the state of Bihar in East India, with excellent tourist places like Janaki Temple, Haleshwar Sthan, Bagchi, Mathhukeshwar Sthan, Bodhayan-Sar, and Sabhagachhi Sasaula.
Entrance to Muktinath Temple
Entrance to Muktinath Temple
  • Annapurna Circuit, of which Jomsom and Muktinath are part, has peaks like Annapurna I-IV, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Paungda Danda of 6000-8000m in elevation. This circuit is voted the best long-distance trek in the world, as it covers a variety of vegetation and climate zones from the tropics to the upper Himalayas, with changes in culture happening rather rapidly.
  • Jomsom sits on the River Kali Gandaki bank, which is the world’s deepest gorge and a must-visit tourist spot.
  • Mount Nilgiri in Annapurna Circuit has a famous lake called Dhumba Lake, which is holy for Buddhists. The mighty Himalayas beautifully surrounds this lake in itself.
  • Muktinath temple is sacred for Hindus, and Muktinath is holy for Buddhists and the place where the great sage Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Tibet, came to meditate.

Location: Muktinath is 170 km from Pokhara-second biggest city of Nepal-takes around 8-9 hours with breaks by public transport with a break journey at Jomsom.

Jomsom Muktinath is one of the most scenic roads
Jomsom Muktinath is one of the most scenic roads

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Muktinath Temple and Bazaar and Annapurna Conservation Area./Janaki Temple; Sita Kund and Temple; Ganga Sagar, Shree Ram Janaki Biwaha Mandap, Haleshwar Sthaan

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Manang, Pokhara, Kathmandu, Tilcho Lake, and Thorong La from Muktinath.

Birth place of Sita Goddess
Birth place of Sita Goddess

Distance Charts:(Muktinath | Janakpur)

Muktinath views in afternoon from temple
Muktinath views in afternoon from temple

How to Reach Muktinath and Janakpur

Road Routes:

Kathmandu-Pokhara-Paudurkot-Khaniyaaghaat-Beni Bazaar-Tatopani Bazaar-Jomsom-Kagbeni-Muktinath

Kathmandu-Bhaktapur-Bhimeshwor-Mithila-Janakpur-Sitamarhi-Muzaffarpur-Patna(India)

Muktinath Bazaar(Market) on way to the Temple
Muktinath Bazaar(Market) on way to the Temple

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)The perfect time to be in Muktinath is just after winter, between April and June, and just after rains, that is, September to October. This is when the temperature is suitable, and the views are dazzling!

2)When you are at Muktinath, if you have ample time, get yourself trekking to Manang and from Manang, and get a bus to Pokhara. This will complete the beautiful Annapurna circuit in a week!

3)Roads are drastically pathetic, with dust and mud all over the place between Jomsom and Pokhara. At times, you’ll be on the river bed itself. Watch my video, and you’ll know what I mean. Be prepared for a tiresome journey.

4)Jomsom also offers beautiful scenes of the Himalayas. So use your camera at dawn and sunrise, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the beauty.

5)Janakpur and Sitamarhi are on plains; hence, the best time to visit is between September and March. However, even in April, you can’t stand barefoot in the afternoon in temples and always need an umbrella.

Ram Mandir(Temple),Janakpur
Ram Mandir(Temple),Janakpur

RAIL: Railway is available upto Janakpur.A single dusty road from Pokhara covers Muktinath.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it…

 AIR: Kathamandu and Pokhara are the nearest airports.

ROAD: There’s a single dusty road from Pokhara via Tatopani and Jomsom to Muktinath. So bear the pain to reach Muktinath! For Janakpur, you can get from Kathmandu and Bihar state of India.

Map:

Patna Sitamarhi Janakpur Kathmandu Pokhara Jomsom Muktinath Map
Patna Sitamarhi Janakpur Kathmandu Pokhara Jomsom Muktinath Map

Time to Visit:

March End to Early June; September-October are the best times to visit Muktinath; for Janakpur, September-Early April is the best months.

Janaki Mandir,Janakpur
Janaki Mandir,Janakpur

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple

Food and Lodging:

Hotels are there in Jomsom mainly and are pretty in numbers, are cheap and good to stay with beautiful views. Janakpur has hardly any remaining places, so it’s better to visit in the daytime and return by night. Cheap and good food all over Kathmandu. Refer to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and TripAdvisor if you want a booking.

Expense:

For a two-day trip to Muktinath and transit trip to Janakpur/Sitamarhi:

The river beds are raods on way to Jomsom
The river beds are raods on way to Jomsom

Food: NPR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: 2000 NPR by bus Pokhara-Muktinath-Pokhara;1000 NPR-Kathmandu to Janakpur and INR 400-Patna to Janakpur

Lodging: NPR 700/day X1 at Jomsom

Entry Fees: No entry fees.

Jomsom in late evening
Jomsom in late evening

Total: 4600 NPR(INR is 1.6x NPR)

Nearby Attractions(Muktinath | Janakpur)

  • Rajgir(715 | 280 km)
  • Sitamarhi(530 | 55 km)
  • Jomsom(20 | 520 km)
  • Bodhgaya(750 | 300 km)
  • Mansarovar(1020 km)
  • Darjeeling(845 | 780 km)
  • Manang(370 | 430 km)
  • Mathura(1030 | 1000 km)
Ram-Sita Vivah Mandap(Marriage hall),Janakpur,Nepal
Ram-Sita Vivah Mandap(Marriage hall),Janakpur,Nepal
Sita Kund, Sitamarhi
Sita Kund,Sitamarhi
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Lush green Tosh in June
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Manali-Tosh-Rohtang:The closest to Heaven experience you can have-Just jump in!

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I have been all over Indian Himalayas, and trust me; nothing beats Manali in terms of beauty. Easy to reach and stay and so much to see, Rafting and adventure coupled with trekking bonanza. Rohtang is stunning when the road opens up in June, and the snow is still thick and strong. Tosh is a gateway to a heavenly one-day trek to Kheerganga-itself, offering staggering views of green tops and gushing waters. There’s a lot on offer when you are at Manali-juts that you need to have time-you have plenty to trek, and even if you don’t, you have lots of nature to gaze at!

6 reasons why you must visit Manali-Tosh-Rohtang:

  • Manali is thought a paradise for trekking like Hampta Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Deo Tibba base camp, etc.
Manali in early morning in month of June
Manali in early morning in month of June
  • This beautiful place is known for paragliding, especially in the Solang valley from January-May and October-December. Solang Valley has lots of other adventurous activities on offer as well.
  • 14 km Rafting in the waters of Beas River that starts from Manali and terminates at Jhiri is an experience not to be missed. The best time to do Rafting here is from April to June.
  • Manali is also known for a waterfall named Jogini waterfall, which is about 7.5 km from Manali Town.
Lush green Tosh in June
Lush green Tosh in June
  • Manali is widely known for the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, in the middle of the Dhungri Park. Ghatotkach, the son of Bhima and Hidimba, is also worshipped as a sacred tree.
  • Kheerganga is a must trekking adventure of 3 hours that takes you through the wilderness, tiny paths, and dense forests and lands you up in a meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains-dream come true moment-Right!
  • Walking along the Parvati River is a must-to-do activity in Tosh (close to Manali), located at an elevation of 7,900 ft.

Location: Manali and Rohtang are about 540 km and 590 km respectively north of Delhi, and close to Kullu is about 540 km north of Delhi.

Lush green meadows are common after the snow melts over the Rohtang region.

Lush green meadows are common after snow melts over Rohtang region
Lush green meadows are common after snow melts over Rohtang region

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Manikaran Hot Spring, Manikaran Gurudwara,Kullu,Kheerganga,Malana,Chandratal lake,Rohtang La and Manali:Hadimba Devi Temple,Mall Road,The Great Himalayan National Park,Nehru Kund,Bhrigu Lake,Jogini Falls

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Tosh, Kangra, Kheerganga, Narkanda, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Bir-Billing, which range from 150 to 400 km.

Kullu in the late evening time

Kullu in late evening time
Kullu in late evening time

Distance Charts:(Manali)

Kullu-Manali section offers excellent rafting opportunity
Kullu-Manali section offers excellent rafting opportunity

How to Reach Shimla/Dharamshala:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Tosh-Kheerganga-Tosh-Malana-Manali-Rohtang La-Chandrataal

Rohtang in early june full of snow
Rohtang in early june full of snow

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Roads are smooth in most places except in Rohtang and Tosh regions.

2)Rains are to be avoided -strictly a no-no from June to September due to frequent landslides and floods.

3)Public transport is almost everywhere, so there’s not much to worry about.

4)November to May -you need a good winter jacket and cap with gloves and shoes-anti-slip/snow resistant. In June, before the monsoon arrives, light woolens will also do/have an umbrella.

5)Please book hotels in advance, especially for peak seasons, May-June and September end-November start as there’s a full rush.

6)Try covering treks to tosh, Malana, Kheerganga, Kasol, and Solang Valley by at least taking six days extra on your existing itinerary.

7)Food is available throughout the region; hence, no issue on that part, have water with you if you need it in an emergency.

8)Manali is the gateway to two regions-Kaza, and Keylong side (Lahaul-Spiti), and the Leh-Zanskar regions-do. So make a plan from late May onwards.

Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara.Kullu
Sri Guru Nanak Devji Gurudwara.Kullu

RAIL: The nearest railway station is Shimla, for which toy trains run from Kalka/Chandigarh.

AIR: Chandigarh is the nearest airport for both tourist spots.

ROAD: A bus from Delhi and Chandigarh ( HPSRTC BUS SERVICE ) will help you be here in about 8-11 hours, depending on whether it’s Kullu or Manali.

Map:

Kullu Tosh Kheerganga Malana Manali Rohtang Kunzum Pass
Kullu Manali Rohtang Kunzum Pass

Time to Visit:

May to June; September-October are best times to be here.

The road that goes to Rohtand La
The road that goes to Rohtand La

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Manali and Kullu are flooded with hotels, but when it’s peak season, Manali becomes a costly and damn difficult place to lodge in. Kullu will be cheaper and easy to stay. Manali will be better off if you book in advance (through Goibibo or Makemytrip or Yatra website) or get a package tour from local agents to help you see Shimla, Kullu, Manali and Rohtang Pass(Will be cheaper for families, followed by groups). Food is never a big deal all through-Aalu(Potato), Paratha(Bread), and Maggi! Hahaha…

Expense:

A 3-day trip to Kullu and Manali will cost as follows:

Manikaran Hot Springs

Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: INR 800 for bus charges from Kullu to Rohtang and back; Kullu to Tosh will cost 300 INR by bus up to a point after that which public transport is a question mark at least in my case. I May need to hire a car halfway down @INR 1000

Lodging: INR 900/day X2@ Manali and INR 600/day X1 @ Kullu

Entry Fees include various places (varies): INR 200 (max)-at Rohtang for parking and a few places in Manali

NOTE: You can add some days to the itinerary if you plan to do some treks to Kheerganga, Malana, Bhrigu Lake, etc., and that’ll be worth every penny more, so if you can, go to the Chandrataal side.

A tourist who came to visit Tosh along.

Total: 5600 INR(goes upto INR 6800 if the private car for Fagu/Chail is booked)

A tourist who came to visit Tosh along ...
A tourist who came to visit Tosh along …

Total: 5600 INR(goes upto INR 6800 if private car for Fagu/Chail booked)

Nearby Attractions(Manali)

The zoomed waterfall far fetched
The zoomed waterfall far fetched
Tosh is beauty blessed-one more fall captured in memories
Tosh is beauty blessed-one more fall captured in memories

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Live Hemis Festival at Hemis Monastery in June
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Leh-Land of Lamas and Monasteries you can’t miss out on!

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Leh-The capital of Ladakh Union territory resembles the CPU of a computer-like CPU that acts as a center of coordination among all other parts of a computer. Similarly, Leh is the node from where you plan tours in the Ladakh district one by one.Nubra Valley,Pangong Tso,Tso Moriri,Sham Valley,Zanskar Valley and so many treks can be planned from here .It has rich culture and heritage to be proud of. Stay tuned to know more…

Reasons why you must visit Leh:

  • Monasteries are life in Leh Ladakh. This reflects a part of the regional culture as well. The tranquillity offered by the location of these monasteries is unmatched.
  • Trekker’s paradise is what Leh is, and Chadar Trek in winters is one among them. There are all sorts of trekking of varying difficulty. Drang Drung is another beautiful one!
Hemis festival at hemis monastery in Leh in June
Hemis festival at Hemis monastery in Leh in June
Pangong Tso Lake in evening
Pangong Tso Lake is one of the most sought destination in Ladakh
  • Leh has a beautiful night view from Shanti Stupa, and Tsemo Castle has a fantastic view of the city. Not to forget Namgyal Tsemo and the Hall of Fame!
  • Leh gives you a winter rush in June or July without letting you drench in the rain! Perfect weather for Travel.Right!
The beautiful vistas on my way to Padum through Zanskar Valley
The beautiful vistas on my way to Padum through Zanskar Valley
  • Rafting is what the Himalayas is so known for.Jump to Leh to catch up some rafting in routes like Phey-Nimo, Saspol-Khaltsey, and Sangam-Alchi.
  • Thukpa, SKU, and Momos-yes, the indigenous food of the region, are a must-try, and why miss out when you are in Leh?
  • Some famous festivals in the vicinity are the Hemis Festival, the Dosmochey Festival, Spituk Gustor, and the Losar Celebration. Just check out dates on google, and off you set a plan and go…

Location  :  Leh is capital of Ladakh U.T. about 500 kms north of Manali and 500 kms east of Srinagar, placed in extreme north of India.

Leh city view from Tsemo Castle in evening
Leh city view from Tsemo Castle in evening

Tourist Attraction in Leh:

Leh has a lot to offer in and around it. Hemis, Thiksey, Shey, and Spituk monasteries are a few options, and the Hall of Fame museum, Shanti Stupa, Zorawar Fort, Leh Palace, and Namgyal Tsemo are in Leh. So the whole summation is that you won’t be bored touring in and around this beautiful city.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Hanle, Pangong lake, Sham valley (Magnetic hill, Nimoo, Alchi, Rizong, Likir monasteries, Basgo Palace), Tso Moriri, Khardung La, Turtuk, Panamik, and Diskit. Not to forget, Kargil and Zanskar Valley also add to the treat package!

Panamik in afternoon within Nubra Valley
Panamik in afternoon within Nubra Valley

Distance Charts:(Ex Leh)

Hanle Monastery at a visible still far off distance
Hanle Monastery at a visible still far off distance

How to Reach Leh:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Ludhiana-Jalandhar-Jammu-Anantnag-Srinagar-Sonamarg-Dras-Kargil-Lamayuru-Leh
OR
Delhi-Chandigarh-Shimla-Kullu-Manali-Keylong-Jsiap-Pang-Hemis-Leh

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Try hopping in Leh by road via Manali-Keylong instead of Jammu-Srinagar-Kargil, as the latter will be lengthy and a bit risky compared to the former. Scenery-wise, I feel the Manali route has more to offer.

2)Leh is around 3 K.M. height above sea level, so whether it’s June or September, have a jacket with you and some full sleeves as temperatures dip at night, even in summers.

3)Avoid taking flights and use road transport to avoid breathing/respiratory problems. Yes, if there is a time constraint, you can prefer flights with a two-day rest in Leh.

Samstanling Gompa on Panamik side
Samstanling Gompa on Panamik side

4)Don’t forget to keep a day aside for all the permits to tour around Leh. 14-day permits are usually given at maximum, after which renewal is necessary.

5)Have the timings noted in mind when visiting monasteries or monuments as for various tourist places, the timetable varies. Again, use the website or ask travel agents to help you out.

Suraj Taal(Lake) near Jispa,Manali-Leh Highway

Suraj Taal(Lake) near Jispa,Manali-Leh Highway
Suraj Taal(Lake) near Jispa,Manali-Leh Highway

RAIL:Railways are restricted upto Shimla thereafter which you need to hop in a bus to get to Leh!

AIR: Leh has good connectivity by air all over India

ROAD:You need to be at Leh either through Rohtang Pass(June onwards) from Manali side or from Srinagar side via Zozila Pass.

In case you want to reach from Delhi or Chandigarh, the Shimla-Manali-Leh corridor shall be a better choice in terms of scenery and safety, which will take 3 days with a one-day halt at Keylong to acclimatize. Even from Jammu side, it will take 3 days but acclimatize option can be left out pretty easily.

Map:

Leh in and around-local sight seeing map -go to Hemis,Spituk,Shey,Thiksey
Leh local sight seeing map

Time to Visit:

June to Mid-October

Night view of Leh from Sanchi Stupa
Night view of Leh from Sanchi Stupa

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Hotels and flooding are not a problem, but in peak season, you’ll land in trouble for hotels. Hotels will be packed, and even if you find one, it will be rented at a fiery bumper price. Please get in touch with travel agents and plan a tour with them; they might help you get a room at a much cheaper rate-reasonable in peak season, to be precise. Food -north Indian, local dishes, and south Indian are available- no problems with food! Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip if you want a booking. Zomato and swiggy can be used for food breaks!

Expense:

Local sightseeing takes one day. But who can miss out on Hemis festival that happens once a year and hence,Leh trip slid on to a two day trip-a memorable one of course.

Live Hemis Festival at Hemis Monastery in June
Live Hemis Festival at Hemis Monastery in June


Food:INR 200/person/day(3 times a day)X5
Transport:INR 3500 for leh local sightseeing by private car;for Hemis festival-I took a shared bus to Hemis which costs around INR 50 one way-100 INR both ways. You can save a lot by using public transport for local sight seeing-just add an extra day of food and lodging as not all places have public transport connectivity and even if they have you need to come to Leh for many a time. (You can save INR 1500 by this method)
Lodging:INR 700/day X2 @ Leh
Entry Fees includes various places (varies):Entry fees is there for museums and monastery antiques at few places(INR 250 max)

Leh Palace at dusk time,Leh
Leh Palace at dusk time,Leh

Total: 6250 INR( Can be brought down to 4000 INR by public transport and cheap food/lodging)

Nearby Attractions(Leh)

Shanti Stupa in evening
Shanti Stupa in evening
Basgo Palace in Sham Valley
Basgo Palace in Sham Valley

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Kufri,Shimla
In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Shimla and Dharamshala-The gateway to mighty Himalayas of India

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Shimla is the capital of the Himachal State of India, whereas Dharamshala is known for being the home to Dalai Lama and the highest cricket stadium in India.

Shimla has some good places to see, like Chail, Fagu, or taking a ride to Kalka by toy train. In contrast, Dharamshala is the gateway to Triund and Indrahar Pass treks which, in my opinion, are must-visits due to the immense natural beauty through McLeod Ganj.

8 Golden Reasons why you must visit Shimla and Dharamshala:

  • Shimla and Dharamshala being at height, are all-time cool hill stations and hence can be visited any time of the year except for monsoons when landslides are often.
Mall Road Shimla
Mall Road Shimla
  • The 6-hour train ride between Kalka and Shimla, covering 107 tunnels and bridges along with beautiful Shivaliks, is a compulsory activity when entering Himachal. It looks more beautiful post winters when there’s snow all around.
  • Chail and Mashobra are 60 km and 14 km from Shimla and are must-visits when you are in Shimla for the simple fact that you can walk in dense forests and get a view of vast meadows with the provision of pony rides. Cloud covers make the place go romantic!
  • McLeod Ganj in Dharmshala is a must-visit place for it is the second home of His Holiness Dalai Lama and is known as “Little Lhasa” due to the considerable population of Tibetans.
Chail
Chail
  • Dharamshala Cricket Stadium is a scenic cricket stadium where international matches do happen. Lush green forests and snow-capped mountains surround it.
  • The Bhagsu Waterfall near Dharamshala in Mcleodganj is a great place, especially post-monsoon.
  • Dharamshala is also the gateway to Indrahar Pass, Hanuman ka Dibba, Triund, and Lahesh caves treks. These treks require time, but the hikes are worth it-the views being tempting under clear skies.
  • This city is also home to several temples, with  Chamunda Devi Temple and Kunal Pathri Temple being the most revered ones.

Location  : Shimla is about 350 kms north of Delhi and Dharamshala is about 450 kms north of Delhi.

Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala
Triund-a nearby trek spot in Dharamshala

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Dharamshala: Namgyal Monastery, Dharamkot-Bhagsunag Falls, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium; Shimla: Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Army Heritage Museum, Gorton Castle, Chail, Fagu

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Tosh, Kangra, Kheerganga, Narkanda, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Bir-Billing, which range from 150 to 400 km.

Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple
Tsuglagkhang Complex Dalai Lama Temple

Distance Charts:(Shimla | Dharamshala)

Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

How to Reach Shimla/Dharamshala:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Panipat-Kurukshetra-Chandigarh-Solan-Shimla-Hamirpur-Jwalamukhi-Kangra-Dharamshala-Mcleod Ganj

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)First and foremost, use the Kalka Shimla Toy train to be at Shimla; Book in advance from the first app, like 1-2 months in advance, and you’ll not regret this one bit-have a good phone or video camera to capture few highlights!

2)Shimla has little to offer regarding tourist places. Still, if you go to nearby places like Chail, Fagu, and Narkanda, you’ll surely love the places, especially in winters, due to the beautiful landscape and significantly fewer skyscraper madness!

3)Public transport will help you in most parts of either Dharamshala or Shimla. State buses run at regular intervals, so saving bucks is easy.

4)From Dharamshala, there is a beautiful trek to Triund and Indrahar pass taking you around 3-10 days depending on how far and how relaxed you want the trip to be.

This needs a different amount of time and stamina, though the trip isn’t that tough.

5) Research temples, monasteries, parks, and church times properly before getting in. In most cases, the morning and late afternoon slots are open, making for an ideal visit time to such places.

6)Bir-Billing, the paragliding paradise, is close to Dharamshala, so you can get some adrenaline rush!

7)Roads are pretty good, and eating options are healthy. Of course, having some snacks and water is good as always.

Kufri, Shimla

Kufri,Shimla
Kufri,Shimla

RAIL:Nearest railway station is Shimla for which toy trains run from Kalka/Chandigarh.

AIR:Chandigarh is nearest airport for both of the tourist spots.

ROAD:Simple answer is take a bus or car from Delhi (or Chandigarh) and in 6-8 hours you are at Shimla or Dharamshala. Dharamshala to Shimla will take around 7 hours. HRTC bus services are great and aplenty on offer.

Map:

Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map
Delhi Shimla Dharamshala Map

Time to Visit:

April to June; September-October is the best time to be here.

Kangra Valley
Kangra Valley

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Lodging isn’t trouble in Shimla and Dharamshala unless it’s peak season. For peak seasons, book in advance online on websites like Goibibo or Makemytrip, or Yatra at cheaper rates. Alternatively, do a night stay at Kangra /Kullu, where rooms are available for INR 700-800 in peak seasons. Food will never be a trouble, so be rest assured of it.

Expense:

A one-day trip to Dharamshala and Shimla, each without a trek, will cost:

Food: INR 150/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: INR 400 from Delhi to Shimla and Shimla-Dharamshala will cost another INR 300 by HRTC state bus service. For Chail and Fagu, you’ll get shared cars and buses towards Narkanda and then need to hitchhike or book a private car-assume INR 400 both ways if you hitchhike and use public transport(else INR 3000 booking from Shimla) 

Lodging: INR 1000/day X2@ Shimla and Dharamshala(costly and tourist-bound areas)

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Entry fees applicable in a few places in Shimla-INR 200 approx.

Note: In case you trek, add two days for ground and seven days for Indrahar pass -the extra cost being 1000 INR for Triund and 6000 INR for Indrahar Pass, which includes staying guide and food.

Mcleodganj St John Church

Total: 4200 INR(goes up to INR 6800 if the private car for Fagu/Chail is booked)

Mcleodganj St John Church
Mcleodganj St John Churc

Nearby Attractions(Shimla|Dharamshala)

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala
Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

Bhagsunag Waterfalls,Dharamshala

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