A Week in Himachal: The Ultimate Itinerary Featuring Shimla & Beyond

When the plains get too hot, the heart yearns for the hills—and there’s no place quite like Himachal Pradesh to cool your soul and ignite your wanderlust. This Himachal Pradesh travel schedule is designed to provide you with a week of life-changing experiences, whether your dreams involve historic elegance, pine woods, or expansive ropeway rides.

Let’s check out on our ultimate 7-day Himachal journey, where we discover both traditional and undiscovered treasures, beginning in the enchanting city of Shimla and continuing beyond.

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla – The Gateway to Himachal

The very first & the Most beautiful start- Welcome to the “Queen of Hills- Shimla” greets you with a whiff of fresh pine and a sense of timeless nostalgia.

Things to do on Day 1:

• Check in at your hotel near Mall Road
• Evening stroll at The Ridge
• Dinner at Café Simla Times or Wake & Bake Cafe

From the look & feel of colonial-era buildings to the vibrant shops, this charming town is one of the most loved Places to Visit in Shimla.

Day 2: Explore Jakhu Temple & the Scenic Jakhu Ropeway

Start your day early with something iconic.

Jakhu Temple, perched on the highest peak in Shimla, is more than just a temple—it’s a spiritual experience surrounded by endless views of cedar forests and the Himalayan skyline.

Instead of hiking, take the Jakhu Ropeway – a short, breathtaking ride that lifts you above the tree line and right into the clouds. The Jakhu Ropeway experience is one of the most amazing, beautiful, scenic and peaceful ropeway rides in India.

Highlights:

• Glide above Shimla via the ropeway
• Snap panoramic shots from the viewpoint
• Meet the friendly monkeys at the temple (hold onto your snacks!)

By afternoon, you can relax or take a heritage walk through Lakkar Bazaar.

Day 3: Day Trip to Kufri

Within a short drive from Shimla, Kufri is your chance to interact with snow (depending on the season) and open mountain views.

Things to do in Kufri:

• Horse ride to Mahasu Peak
• Kufri Fun World (perfect if you’re travelling with kids)
• Enjoy hot Maggi with a side of snow or sunshine

Head back to Shimla in the evening and rest up.

Day 4: Shimla to Manali (By Road – 7 to 8 hours)

Fuel up yourselves for a scenic road trip through the pine valleys and mountain tunnels as you make your way to Manali. This high-altitude town is a favourite among backpackers, honeymooners and adventure seekers.

Check in, rest and take a gentle walk by the Beas River in the evening.

Day 5: Manali Sightseeing

Begin your Manali exploration with:

• Hidimba Temple: Ancient and surrounded by cedar forests
• Manu Temple and Vashisht Hot Springs
• Old Manali cafés for food with a bohemian vibe

Optional: Rent a scooter or bicycle for some fun, offbeat exploration.

Day 6: Solang Valley & Adventure Day

It’s time to turn up the adrenaline! Solang Valley is your playground for:

• Paragliding
• ATV rides
• Snow sports (in winter)

In summer, lush green meadows welcome you instead. If the Rohtang Pass is open (May–October), take a detour—it’s pure magic with snow-covered landscapes.

Day 7: Back to Shimla or Chandigarh for Departure

Depending on your plans, you can either:

• Drive back to Shimla for a relaxed final day, or
• Head to Chandigarh or Delhi to catch your flight/train

If you return to Shimla, end your journey the way it began:

One last Jakhu Ropeway Ride, soaking in the views, and a slow walk down Mall Road.

Bonus Tips for the Ultimate Himachal Experience

• Pack layers: Even summers can get chilly, especially in the evenings.
• Book the Jakhu Ropeway online to avoid queues.
• Respect the mountains: Keep plastic use to a minimum, and avoid littering.
• Start your days early: Hill stations are best enjoyed in the morning light.
• Travel off-season (March–April or September) for fewer crowds and better prices.

Why This Itinerary Works

This 7-day itinerary gives you the perfect blend of:

• City charm (Shimla)
• Spiritual serenity (Jakhu Temple)
• Adventure (Manali & Solang Valley)
• Culture, food, and views at every turn

This 7-day itinerary is immaculate for families, couples and even solo travelers who want a Himachal Pradesh travel itinerary that balances action with peace.

Wrap-Up: Let the Hills Call You Home

There’s something timeless about the mountains. In Himachal, every bend in the Road brings a new view, a new story. From the high-altitude thrill of Solang Valley to the spiritual silence of Jakhu Temple, this week will leave your heart a little fuller.

And if you genuinely want to take in Shimla’s most spectacular view, don’t just walk—fly. The Jakhu Ropeway experience gives you more than a lift—it gives you a memory suspended between earth and sky.

Plan smart. Ride high. And let your Himachal journey begin.

Book your Jakhu Ropeway ride now on  jakhuropewayshimla.com and discover Shimla like never before.