From
Best time to visit
You will walk some of the most scenic treks the Himalayas have to offer. Start from the home of the Dalai Lama at Kora Circuit, a testament to the deep roots of Tibetan Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh. Soon after, you will explore the Triund Trek, renowned for its sun-kissed mountain peaks. And that’s only chapter one.
Duration
Best time to visit
Kora Circuit at the Dalai Lama Temple, Norbulingka Institute artisans, and Sherab Ling Monastery.
The alpine ascent to Triund Top, riverside walks in Barot Valley, and the Rajgundha village trek.
Paragliding from Billing's world-class takeoff, hidden forest waterfall hikes, and Kalatop nature trails.
Authentic Himachali Siddu tasting, Dharamkot pottery workshops, and shopping for Chamba Rumals.
After you land, our team will pick you up and bring you to your hotel. Here, you can leave your luggage behind and take some time to refresh before the journey begins. First stop is the Kora Circuit, a sacred walking path surrounding a monastery at its center. The area is closely associated with the Dalai Lama and remains an important site in Tibetan Buddhism. Soon after, you will visit two more famous sites, the C.N.I. Church of St. John in the Wilderness and the Namgyal Monastery. After lunch, you can visit the Nadi viewpoint and see the mountainous wonders of Himachal Pradesh, followed by the freshwater of Dal Lake. Along the way, keep an eye out for a few surprises and optional activities. As the evening settles in, explore the local market and see what the Tibetan singing bowls or Thangka art look like in action.
McLeod Ganj has quite a few waterfalls around, and you can choose which one to trek to on your second day. When you finally reach the top, you will not only see the waterfall, but also the ancient temple which this entire region is named after, Gallu Devi. Return to Dharamkot and choose your preferred activity, such as a pottery workshop or a curated meditation session. Afterwards, see what the markets of Dharamkot look like in the evening.
The big trek begins today. It is a 12 km round trip from McLeod Ganj to Triund along the southern aspect of the Dhauladhar range. You will travel back to the same Gallu Devi Temple you visited yesterday and resume the Triund trek from there. This is a high-elevation climb, so you can get many panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and probably a few waterfalls from before. Once you reach your campsite, you can see various peaks, such as Mon Peak and Slab Peak, along with Indrahar Pass and a few other points of interest. You can always trek back to McLeod Ganj if the higher elevation doesn’t suit you or if camping wasn’t on your bucket list. On the other hand, if camping was on your list, then you can enjoy the stunning sunset and sunrise right from your camp, which is said to be a haven for photographers.
Today, you will leave Dharamkot and head west towards the Joginder Nagar Valley, also known locally as the Bhangaal Valley. After about an hour of driving, you will arrive in Bir, a quiet mountain village best known as the paragliding capital of India. Throughout the day, you will likely spot colorful canopies drifting across the sky as pilots ride the valley’s thermal currents. Get used to the atmosphere and visit the Norbulingka Institute and the Palpung Sherabling Monastery, two important centers of Tibetan Buddhism that preserve traditional arts, culture, and a way of life deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Later, you can watch the sunset at the village Chaugan while other paragliders slowly start landing in front of you.
If you are up for the challenge, get ready to fly from the world’s second-highest paragliding takeoff point. Soar above forests, villages, and terraced hillsides before landing back in the valley below. For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, the wide meadows and mountain scenery around Billing provide plenty of opportunities for leisurely walks and quiet moments in nature. If you are feeling daring, take a dip in the ice-cold waters and feel the glaciers. The evening is completely yours; you can walk or drive around the village and see what catches your eye. We recommend hand-woven carpets and Himalayan herbal teas, which are the specialty of this place.
After a sunrise in Bir, continue deeper into the Mandi district toward Barot Valley. Originally developed to support workers involved in the Shanan Hydroelectric Project, Barot gradually evolved into a destination in its own right, celebrated for its riverside landscapes, forested surroundings, and tranquil atmosphere. Upon arrival, spend the afternoon exploring the valley at your own pace. Later, visit the local trout farm with your guide to gain insight into one of the region’s most important livelihoods. The cold mountain waters provide ideal conditions for trout cultivation, making it a longstanding part of daily life in the valley.
Begin the day with breakfast overlooking the valley before continuing toward Rajgundha. There are two ways to reach this remote settlement: by road or via a rewarding trek through the mountains. For those seeking a deeper connection with the landscape, we recommend the approximately 4-hour hike from Barot to Rajgundha. The trail winds through forests, streams, and open mountain terrain before revealing the broad meadows that define the Rajgundha Valley. At the end of the trail, you can see plains as far as the eye can see, along with goats, dogs, and the small settlement where you will be staying for the night. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Enjoy regional Himachali cuisine, including local specialties prepared with ingredients and herbs gathered from the surrounding mountains.
Today will be the last long ride of this trip, and it’ll take you to Dalhousie, which is located in the Chamba district. The ride is long, but not boring at all. You can see new types of scenery and, as always, new foods to enjoy. After arriving, we will transfer you to your lodging. Where you can either rest or explore the area as you please. And right before sunset, start walking over the slightly warm road of Garam Sadak and see what the street vendors have in place as the golden hour slowly comes to an end.
This morning, visit the historic Khajji Nag Temple, dedicated to the serpent deity Khajji Nag, whose legends are closely intertwined with the traditions and stories of the Mahabharata. Nearby lies Khajjiar Lake, framed by meadows and dense forests, creating one of the region’s most picturesque landscapes. Later, continue to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, or Kalatop Sanctuary for short. This trek cuts through the dense deodar and fir forests, which is home to quite a few wild beasts, like pheasants, serow, and black bears. After the round trip, visit Gandhi Chowk and maybe get your hands on some authentic Chamba Rumal embroidery.
On your final day, you will visit two of Dalhousie’s most notable landmarks. St. Francis Church and the Panchpula Waterfall. The 132-year-old church alone is a marvel to behold, but the waterfall takes it to the next level and leaves an everlasting impression. Following your visit, begin the journey to Pathankot for your onward departure. As your Himalayan adventure comes to a close, we hope the landscapes, traditions, and experiences encountered along the way remain with you long after the journey ends.
Handpicked stays
Daily meals as per itinerary
Private ground transfers
English-speaking local guides
Monument entry & activity fees
Not included:International flights unless notedLunches and personal snacksVisa fees, travel insurance, and medical costsPersonal purchases, gratuities, and optional add-ons
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