We’re all familiar with Dhauladhar and Dharamshala. I always envisioned this imposing Himalayan range naturally shielding India. There was a chapter in my Hindi textbook about Dhauladhar, part of the Himachal Board of School Education syllabus. I can’t recall which grade it was!
But that’s where it ended! I never got the chance to explore this formidable range.
It’s common to read about places and not get the opportunity to visit them. Indian children often accompany their parents to family functions, and birthdays, which are meant to be relaxing. My experience was no different!
In 2019, I was overjoyed to finally see Dhauladhar up close, standing tall and unwavering beside me.
Dharamshala is meticulously constructed at the foothills of this mighty range, followed by expansive, not-so-flat plains, freshwater streams, and flowers adorning this beautiful place, infusing it with freshness.
I’m sure you’d relish visiting such a place.
The tour package I am proposing has a perfect blend to enjoy the natural beauty in Dharmashala & Manali, adding eternal peace and sowing seeds of spiritualism for the rest of your life here at the home of the Dalai Lama and mixing a little adventure in Bir Billing.
Sounds interesting, right?
DAY 1 || Delhi to Dharamshala
Traveling from Delhi to Dharamshala offers two main options: Volvo buses for road travel or flights, as Dharamshala is also accessible by air. The closest airport is Kangra Airport. Needless to say, air travel tends to be costly. Those with ample earned leave should consider road travel, reserving air travel for those seeking quick trips.
Suggested Read: Best Airports in Himachal
Let me quote the words of appreciation written about Dhramashala which would validate your decision to choose this stunning place-
“Dharmashala is an amalgamation of Rajput valour, colonial glory, and the elusive Tibetan enigma that we see today. Dharamshala is a mysterious chapter of history in the hills of Himachal” – Indulgence by Syantani
Things to do in Dharamshala
Visit Kangra Fort | St John Church | Trek to Triund | Visit Bhagsu Falls | Dharmkot | Dal Lake | HPCA International Cricket Stadium | Popular Monasteries & Temples like Norbulingka Institute
Kangra Fort was built by Katoch Dynasty and has stood the test of time.
St. John’s Church, Dharamshala is dedicated to Lord Elgin, who happened to be one of the celebrated Viceroys of India. He was buried on Church grounds in 1863. Built in 1852, the church survived the great Kangra earthquake of 1905.
Since you could feel tired after the night journey, I would recommend visiting the nearby places in Dharamshala which you can reach by hiring a cab.
Hotels in Dharamshala
Hotel Dhualadhar is a Himachal Tourism Hotel |
Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort
DAY 2 || Dharmshala Triund Trek
Allocate Day 2 for the Triund Trek and embark on the journey as early as feasible. Renowned for its spiritual significance and accessibility, the Triund trek entails just a three-hour hike to reach the summit at an elevation of 2850m.
There are two routes to Triund, with the easier one being via Dharmakot-Gallu Mandir. This route offers a combination of gradual and steep ascents.
To make the trekking experience unforgettable the trekkers set up camps in tents on the hilltop overnight. The view from Triund is magnificent.
My recommendation is to hire a professional tour guide. The main season for the trek is April-May Months of the year. During the peak this season, 2000-2500 tourists on average venture out for Triund Trek. Pre-pack your food items because you may not find the stuff of your choice on the rocky path leading to Triund Trek.
The last 1 Km of the trek is tough; approximately twenty turns & has a steep climb.
Things to do in Triund Dharamshala
Those trekking can extend their journey to Lahesh Cave and Indrahar Pass. If you intend to do so, strategize your plan before departing from your hotel room. This requires extensive planning and preparation.
Triund offers accommodation at the Department of Forest Guest House, featuring three available rooms for rental. Reservations must be made in advance for your planned stay. Online bookings are accessible at www.himachalecotourism.org.
Be prepared to encounter challenges regarding water availability, so ensure you’re equipped to tackle such difficulties. In addition to the Guest House, private rooms are also offered at Rs 500/- per person per night. Basic food options will be provided.
Plan your return journey on time, as it typically takes a minimum of 2 hours to reach Gallu Temple.
DAY 3 || Dharmshala To Bir Billing
Assuming that you are ready for the day’s adventure, on Day 3 our next waypoint is Bir Billing. What’s that & how to reach Bir Billing?
Bir Billing is located in district Kangra about approximately 50 Km southeast of Dharamshala. It takes two to three hours by road to reach this destination.
Bir Billing is a paragliding site now Internationally recognized. Over the years, since the World Cup for Paragliding was organized in Bir Billing, the place has emerged as a favorite ecotourism and adventure travel destination.
Bir & Billing are two separate geographic locations, but from a paragliding point of view, both are named together as Bir is a landing site whereas Billing is the takeoff site.
Bir is located in the Jogindernagar valley of the Dhauladhar range. This place turns into boot camp for paragliders during the flying season from September- November. Billing is a little meadow,14 Km away from Bir at 8500 feet.
Things to do in Bir Billing
Paragliding | Trekking options- Bheem Pathar Trek, Rajgundha Village Trek, Hanuman Garh Trek | Thathi Village Trek | Enjoying Cafes |
Where to stay in Bir Billing
Bir Billing offers a range of hotels to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of visitors. To know more about hotels in Bir Billing click HERE
DAY 4 || Bir Billing To Manali
After enjoying your breakfast, you’ll embark on a journey towards Manali, passing through Mandi Town, Pandoh Dam, Hanogi Mata, and the stunning mountain gorges along the Beas River.
Manali stands as a prominent tourist destination in the Kullu Valley, boasting upscale hotels, restaurants, and cafes to cater to the preferences of tourists. It is more renowned among both domestic and international visitors who have a penchant for mountains and valleys compared to Kullu.
Situated at an elevation of 2050 meters in the Pir Panjal Range of the Western Himalayas, Manali benefits from the glacial flow of the Beas River, enhancing the town’s scenic charm.
Manali has Geodesic Domes, hanging restaurants, hot balloon rides, paragliding adventures, Vashishtha sulfur water bathing pools, and river rafting to name some of the things to do in Manali.
Hotels to stay in Manali
GOLDEN TULIP – BOOK HERE ON AGODA
MANU ALLYA SPA RESORT – BOOK HERE ON AGODA .This one is my favorite if you are a family or a sizeable group.
ZOSTEL MANALI – BOOK HERE ON AGODA – LOW BUDGET /FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS & FRIENDS
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel, and if you have some spare time, consider taking a leisurely stroll along Mall Road. I’m confident you’ll find it enjoyable!
DAY 5 || Manali Sight Seeing
Arrange for a full-day cab hire to explore Solang Valley, often dubbed as “Snow Valley,” renowned for its scenic beauty and a plethora of winter adventure sports.
Don’t miss the chance to experience thrilling adventure activities like snowboarding, paragliding, and zorbing in this enchanting snow-laden valley.
Additionally, make sure to visit Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel, two must-see attractions. Obtaining a permit to visit Rohtang Pass is typically managed by cab drivers, although the charges may exceed your expectations.
In the event of snowfall blocking access to Rohtang Pass, don’t fret. Simply request your driver to take you to Atal Tunnel, where you’ll be mesmerized by the natural splendor of Lahaul and Spiti Valley on the other side.
Upon returning to Manali, consider visiting local tourist attractions if time permits.
DAY 6 || Manali-Delhi
Prepare your belongings and get ready for early morning checkout.
