Road trip - Himachal Circuit | RoadTripp Adventures

Day 1: Hopping over to the North India - Bengaluru to New Delhi

3 May 2024

We kicked off our adventure on a Friday, flying from Bengaluru to Delhi. The plan was simple: land in Delhi at night, stay overnight, pick up our rental car, and hit the road early the next morning. We left for the airport around 2:30 pm, carrying a fair bit of luggage, including a child seat to make the long road trip more comfortable for our younger one. Thankfully, IndiGo allowed it as an extra item without any hassle. The flight was smooth. We kept the kids fed and entertained, and landed in Delhi around 11:00 pm. Our hotel, however, was a disappointment. The listing had made it seem like it was in Aerocity, but it turned out to be in Mahipalpur, in a dingy part of town. Still, since it was just a night halt, we let it slide. We settled in, ordered some forgettable food, and got ready to call it a night. Meanwhile, I headed out to pick up our rental car from RBTS. We had originally booked a Hyundai Exter but were given a Suzuki Fronx instead, same segment and also automatic, so no complaints. Given the late hour, I appreciated that someone was available for the handover. The car was fairly new, with about 22,000 km on the odometer. Apart from a few minor quirks, everything looked good. The RBTS team was helpful when I had some questions. I got back to the hotel, and we all went to bed, ready to begin our road trip bright and early the next morning between 6–7 am

BTW, We would highly recommend RBTS self drive car rental service. They have new cars and a wide variety of range. The support and service is fantastic.

Highlights

✅ Rains and pleasant weather
✅ Seamless car pickup with RBTS
❌ The first hotel for the night
❌ Carrying the car seat to Delhi

Photos

High spirits at the Bangalore airport, before boarding the flight

Our ride for the rest of the roadtrip. One that fared Himachal very well and kept us comfortable

Accommodation

Hotel Almati Inn at Delhi Airport

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

📍 Hotel Almati Inn by R S Global

Misleading pictures and misrepresented location by saying that it is near airport. This is in Mahipalpur and not in Aerocity. Budget hotel and lack of hygiene in the bathrooms. Suspicious linen in the room. That being said the rooms themselves were decently large and we did not have to pay for the extra bed. Food, as expected, was bit underwhelming. Do not recommend

Additional Considerations

We would highly recommend RBTS self drive car rental service. They have new cars and a wide variety of range. The support and service is fantastic. Even if you are looking to stay, look for a hotel in Aerocity and verify location

Day 2: Winding into the Hills - A Golden Welcome in Kasauli

4 May 2025

We kicked off Day 2 bright and early, leaving the hotel around 7 am. After sorting out a few small car niggles, we hit the highway with empty stomachs and eager faces. A late breakfast stop at the iconic Amrik Sukhdev in Murthal was just what we needed—hot tandoor chai and their famous tandoori parathas were so good that we couldn’t stop at just one. Let’s just say the carb-load was real! 🍵🥘 From there, the drive was smooth and scenic, about seven hours in total with breaks. The route took us past Panipat, Ambala, and Zirakpur near Chandigarh before the landscape began to change. After crossing Parwanoo, the wide highways gave way to gentle curves and pine-scented air—the first signs that we were truly in the hills. We even spotted rivers along the way, making the drive all the more enjoyable. By around 3:45 pm, we rolled into Kasauli. After checking into our hotel and settling in, we took a leisurely stroll through the town and into the cantonment area. Due to a forest fire in the nearby jungles, the treks were closed, but that didn’t stop us from catching a gorgeous sunset over the hills. The day wrapped up with a comforting dinner and an early night, our tired bodies happy to finally be in the mountains.

Highlights

✅ A smooth drive to Kasauli with temperature dipping down consistently
✅ A fantastic food fare at Amrik Sukhdev
✅ A Beautiful sunset in the evening
❌ Wildfires in Kasauli introducing uncertainity in Gilbert trail trek

Photos

Our first stop on the way Amrik Sukhdev. And their fantastic butter rich tandoori parathas

Amrik Sukhdev, gulabi chai! Looks more beautiful than it tasted. Maybe we are more traditional when it comes to Chai

Entering Himachal after several hours on the road

Trekking to the market in Kasauli

Glimpse of ongoing wildfire in Kasauli on the day we reached

The Kasauli market is painted with these gems!

Evening trek to watch sunset

The amazing sunset views

Accommodation

Kasauli Exotica

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

📍 Kasauli Exotica, Kasauli

A small budget hotel with a beautiful location. 15 minutes walk to to the Kasauli Market. A bit of a climb. The rooms were small, food was ok the view was great! The service and value for money made it worth the stay. If you are looking for a value for money stay

Places to Eat

Amrik Sukhdev

📍 Amrik Sukhdev, Grand Trunk Road

Famous for their Tandoori Butter Paratha with a much wider selection of fresh fantastic food

Dochi Pizza

📍 Dochi - Mall Road, Kasauli

Overcrowded Pizza joint. The reviews were great, we didn't have patience to wait and eat. Went next door and the restaurant was fantastic too! Especially dal tadka!

Zaika

📍 Dochi - Mall Road, Kasauli

Next to Dochi pizza. The Indian food was great! Especially dal tadka!

Additional Considerations

Be prepared for a walk across the Market which was on a tarred road uphill and downhill. Evenings in Kasauli can get chilly, so a light jacket is handy. Forest fires can sometimes close off treks—have a backup plan like a town walk or sunset spot

Day 3: Cantonment Tales, Korean Flavours & a Sunset Walk

5 May 2024

Our Day 3 began with a short drive from Kasauli to Subathu, a quiet little cantonment town just about an hour away. Subathu has quite a history—during the Anglo-Nepalese War in the early 1800s, it played a key role, and today it is home to the 1st and 4th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. We strolled around the cantonment, soaking in the calm streets and military vibe, before heading back to Kasauli. 
Back in town, we stopped by the Church of England near Mall Road, a reminder of the colonial past tucked into the hills. For lunch, we switched gears and tried something unexpected—a Korean restaurant! The bibimbap was colourful, authentic, and surprisingly comforting, a nice change from the usual hill food. By early evening, it was time for our much-awaited walk along the Gilbert Trail. This narrow 2 km stretch winds along the hillside and is known for its lovely views. True to its reputation, the trail rewarded us with a spectacular sunset over the valleys, the kind you pause to remember. As the light faded, we traced our steps back, reading the names of martyrs on the memorial boards along the cantonment road—a quiet, reflective end to the walk. Dinner was a simple affair that night, as our tired legs were eager for rest. We tucked ourselves in, ready to recharge for the adventures waiting on Day 4

Highlights

✅ Gilbert trail - A beautiful short trek with splendid sunset views
✅ The Korean lunch - Near the church

Photos

Snapshotting outsleves with an idle crane on the roadside

An old installation of the sundial at the Church of England

Church of England - Near Mall road Kasauli

The Korean menu for lunch

The authentic looking delicious Bibimbap

The wildfire in the mountains that were moving around

Gilbert trail trek

The beautiful sunset from the Gilbert trail

Accommodation

Kasauli Exotica

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

📍 Kasauli Exotica, Kasauli

A small budget hotel with a beautiful location. 15 minutes walk to to the Kasauli Market. A bit of a climb. The rooms were small, food was ok the view was great! The service and value for money made it worth the stay. If you are looking for a value for money stay

Places to Eat

Taste Of Tibet

📍 Taste Of Tibet, Near Christ Church, Kasauli

Great Korean and Tibetian food. Will recommend Bibimbap & Thupka

Additional Considerations

Subathu is best explored on foot, so keep it light and short if travelling with kids. Gilbert Trail isn’t stroller-friendly—it’s narrow and uneven, so younger kids will need a handholding walk. Carry a light jacket and a torch for the trail if you plan to stay till sunset—the path gets dark quickly once the sun dips.

Day 4: Yaks, Hidden Cafés & the Thrill of Hatu Peak

6 May 2025

We started Day 4 on a relaxed note, leaving Kasauli around 10 am. The plan was simple—an easy 4–5 hour drive with a stop at Hatu Peak before reaching Thanedar. About two hours into the journey, we pulled over at a tea point where locals had brought along yaks for photos and colourful costumes for kids. Naturally, our little ones were excited to try both, and we happily joined in. It turned into an impromptu roadside photoshoot with tea in hand, against the backdrop of the scenic drive. The road through Shimla (we have been to Shimla before and since we felt it was too commercial for us, it was not part of our itinerary) and Kufri kept us entertained with its sweeping views. Just before Kufri, we made a quick photo stop before continuing on. For lunch, we stumbled upon a gem—Khadu Café near Nanni village in Matiana. With its rustic charm, local flavours, and freshly cooked food, this was easily one of the best food finds of our entire trip. The highlights? Sweet and savoury sattu, pahadi aloo, kadhi chawal, rajma chawal, and a soul-warming lemon-ginger-honey tea. Everything was authentic and bursting with flavour—we’d go back just for this! Post-lunch, we drove towards Hatu Peak. At the base, locals advised us to hire a driver for the narrow, steep climb with its deep gorges on either side. But we decided to take it on ourselves. They weren’t wrong—the single-lane mountain road was tricky and thrilling, with only one tight spot where another vehicle had to help us pass. Still, with some prior mountain driving experience, we managed fine and reached the top in about 45 minutes. The peak welcomed us with chilly winds, stunning views, and the serene Hatu Mata Temple. Just as we soaked it all in, the clouds rolled over and light rain began, adding to the magic. The descent took around an hour, and with a sense of accomplishment, we continued our drive. By 5 pm, we reached Banjara Resort in Thanedar, set amidst beautiful apple and orange orchards. The weather was cool, so sweaters and sweatshirts came out. The rooms were cozy with electric blankets—a small luxury that felt just right for the evening chill. After exploring the property and watching the sunset right from our room, we enjoyed a simple but fresh dinner at the resort’s restaurant. Tired yet content, we ended the day snuggled up in our warm beds.

Highlights

✅ Drive to and from Hatu Peak
✅ Food at Kadhu Cafe - Rajma Chawal, Kadi Chawal and Sattu
✅ Sunset at Banjara Orchards, Thanedar
❌ Traffic as we passed through Shimla, since we started late

Photos

Kids posing with poor yaks who are often exploited for such touristy things

Excited to try local costumes. As you can see, the son wants what the sister gets. Nothing less, nothing more

Khadu Cafe - A fantastic setting and a view

The amazing sweet and savory sattu

Pahadi aalo with Rajma, Kadi and Chawal. Just yum!

A fantastic and authentic Honey, Lemon and Ginger tea. Super refreshing

The Hatu Peak at 11,000 ft

Posing with the beautiful views in the backdrop

The unique hatu mata temple made from local wood and uncommon structure

Sunset from the Stay at the Thanedar property

View from the property restaurant

Accommodation

Banjara Orchard Retreat, Thanedar

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

📍 Banjara Orchard Retreat, Thanedar

A quiet and peaceful stay with cottages and rooms on ground and first floors. Lot of open spaces, great service, and decent availability of the food. Worth for a stay for a day as a mid-stop for a longer journey. Alternatively, they may be able to arrange exploration and treks nearby if the goal is to stay longer and just relax in the lap of nature. They have an huge Orange Orchard to explore. Overall, value for money and great service. Highly recommended

Places to Eat

Khadu Cafe

📍 Khadu Cafe, Nanni village, Himachal Pradesh

Amazing local delicacies. Especially Sattu, Kadi and Rajama Chawal

Additional Considerations

The Hatu Peak drive is not for first-time mountain drivers. If you’re not confident, it’s better to hire a local driver for the climb. Carry warm clothes—the weather at the top and in Thanedar can get chilly, even in summer. The roads are good and drive is generally relaxing. You can plan a halt at Shimla if it makes sense for you

Day 5: Lakes, Cherries & the Road to Jibhi

7 May 2025

Day 5 turned out to be a feast for the eyes. We began with a slow morning stroll around our stay in Thanedar, exploring its step farming and fruit orchards before setting out at 9:30 am. Our first stop was the beautiful Tani Jubbar Lake, just a short drive away. Nestled among tall fir trees, the lake shimmered under the morning sun. A gentle walk around its shaded banks, with the crisp air and soft warmth of the sun, felt like the perfect start to the day.

Soon, we were back on the road towards Jibhi, our destination for the night. A road accident caused a long jam, but it turned into a happy accident for us—we spotted roadside cherry trees heavy with fruit, and the kind owner let us pluck a few. They were easily the freshest and sweetest cherries we’ve ever tasted 🍒. By the time traffic cleared 30–45 minutes later, we were back to winding through mountain roads.

Not long after, the Sutlej River appeared near Rhena and stayed with us for much of the journey. At one spot, we pulled over to dip our feet into its icy-cold waters ❄️—a small but blissful break. For lunch, we stopped at a cozy café called Rustic Shoja. The food was hearty and tasty, and though service was on the slower side, we didn’t mind—it had a relaxed vibe with board games to keep us entertained, and Jibhi was just half an hour away.

Before checking into our stay, we made a quick stop at the Jibhi Waterfall. Tucked inside a green pocket, the waterfall was small but charming, surrounded by peaceful forest. The kids were thrilled to buy quirky roadside caps—one shaped like a mushroom head! From there, we drove to our stay, Misty Wild Homes, located just outside Jibhi. Getting there was an adventure in itself—crossing a shallow river bed and a rocky path over a low bridge. The property had simple rooms and basic amenities, but the setting made up for it. Dinner was an easy Maggie night 🍜, followed by hot baths to fight the evening chill. We tucked in early, tired but happy after a day filled with lakes, rivers, cherries, and mountain views.

Highlights

✅ Feet dippig in Sutlej and the beautiful drive along the river
✅ Lunch at the Rustic Shoja
✅ The walk at the Tani Jubbar lake
❌ The traffic jam on the narrow hilly roads that were unpredictable and ate into our travel time

Photos

Exploring the Banjara Orchard in Thanedar before our departure

The view of Tani Jubbar lake and the trees around

Picking cherry with a friend from the roadside

Collected cherries in our palms freshly plucked from the tree

The first view of the beautiful and heary Sutlej

More close up views of Sutlej

Taking a impromptu break on the banks of Sutlej

The Rustic Shoja restaurant we picked for lunch

Love the fact that all mountains are covered in lush green trees

Posing in front of the Jibhi waterfall

The entry from the road for the Jibhi waterfall

Lush green insides of the waterfall area as you walk to the waterfall

The quaint nice room at Jibhi Misty Wild Woods

Havind maggie and soup for dinner! Bliss in a cold night

Accommodation

The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

📍 The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

The property is fairly small and if you are located on the first floor, you need to carry over your luggage. The kitchen and laundry is run by a local couple living there. The breakfast was in their kitchen, and the setting to eat it was fairly local and lovely. However the availabilty of hot water was limited and there were power cut issues. The access was a bit away from the city. While it is a beautiful location, due to lack of amanities and mediocre service, will give it 3 stars. More of a value stay, if you are looking for a shoestring budget

Places to Eat

The Rustic Shoja

📍 The Rustic Shoja, Shoja

Nice location right after a bend on a downhill road. Parking can be tricky. Boardgames and views to unwind. The food was fresh and chapati were really nice however the speed of service was quite slow for a quick lunch stop. The restrooms were ok and didn't have running water when we stopped

Additional Considerations

Tani Jubbar Lake is kid-friendly and easy to walk around—carry a picnic mat if you’d like to sit by the water. Roadside fruit stalls and orchards are common—if you’re lucky like us, you may get to taste cherries straight off the tree 🍒. The Sutlej River is icy cold and slippery—watch your step if kids dip their feet

Day 6: Serolsar Trek, Emerald Lakes & Tea by the River

8 May 2025

Day 6 was one we had circled on the calendar. Our big trek to Serolsar Lake via Jalori Pass. Since we’d heard it gets crowded during the day, we skipped the slow breakfast at our stay in Jibhi and left sharp at 7 am. A few minutes down the road, we spotted a tiny hole-in-the-wall eatery doubling as a grocery store. It turned out to be a jackpot—hot parathas (a bit oily, but just the calorie load we needed for a 10 km trek!), fresh tea, and the quirkiest details: a breathtaking valley view from one side, and on the other, a dead snake in a jar 🐍 (we’re guessing for “medicinal purposes”—we didn’t dare ask).

By 8 am, we were on the trail. The cold wind stung, with temperatures in the low single digits, but the forest trail pulled us in. The 5 km walk from Jalori Pass to Serolsar Lake meandered through dense woods, with stretches of rocky climbs. Somewhere along the way, we picked up a dog companion, clearly an old hand at scavenging tourist snacks. Closer to the lake, we took a detour uphill for a panoramic Himalayan view—a tough climb with the kids, but absolutely worth it. The little snack shacks on the trail were shut, so we had the path mostly to ourselves.

In about 90 minutes, we reached the emerald-green Serolsar Lake, guarded by a small temple on its banks. The water is considered sacred, so no one dares to touch it, not that we’d have braved the cold anyway! We wandered around, took in the peace, clicked plenty of photos, and rewarded ourselves with steaming Maggi and snacks at the lake before starting back. On the return, we passed a wave of trekkers heading up and felt glad we had started early—we’d had the lake all to ourselves.

By late noon, we were back at the car, tired but surprisingly upbeat. Instead of calling it a day, we drove to the Tirthan Valley. Beside the river, a kind restaurant owner set up a table just for us with hot pakoras and fresh tea 🍵🍲. We sat there, feet dangling by the Tirthan River, watching the sun sink into the valley. By the time evening chill set in, our bodies were reminding us of the long trek. A quick bite on the way back, and we were in bed, proud and content. It was one of those days where the kids kept pace, spirits stayed high, and the mountains gave us memories we’ll never forget.

Highlights

✅ Serolskar lake Trek. Highlight of the trip & detour to the himalayan viewpoint
✅ The Tirthan Valley riverbank is perfect for an evening tea stop

Photos

The magnificant morning view from the small eatery

The delicious parathas

The surprise find in the restaurant

Us all pumped with energy to kick off the trek officially

The path for the trek

Breathtaking views along the way

Our canine friend who stayed with us during the detour

The photo on the himalayan viewpoint with the canine friend

Breathtaking views along the way

The beautiful views of the Serolskar lake

Returning back on our trek

We chanced upon the ice as we drove down from lake to valley

The lush river gushing alongside

The list of all local animals outside the office of the great Himalayan park

Accommodation

The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

📍 The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

The property is fairly small and if you are located on the first floor, you need to carry over your luggage. The kitchen and laundry is run by a local couple living there. The breakfast was in their kitchen, and the setting to eat it was fairly local and lovely. However the availabilty of hot water was limited and there were power cut issues. The access was a bit away from the city. While it is a beautiful location, due to lack of amanities and mediocre service, will give it 3 stars. More of a value stay, if you are looking for a shoestring budget

Places to Eat

Kiran Homestay

📍 Kiran Home Stay, Shoja Himachal Pradesh

A decent place for a quick early morning breakfast. Not recommended if you are concious of roadside food. But fresh parathas can be had

Trishla Resorts

📍 Trishla Resorts, Pekhri, Himachal Pradesh 175123

A lot of restaurants and resorts are lined up next to the Tirthan river however we stopped here. Nothing outstanding except the location and friendly staff. I am sure there are equally good or better options in this area. However you can pause and enjoy the beauty around

Additional Considerations

Start early for Serolsar Lake—you’ll avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace. Carry water and light snacks—the shacks along the trail are not always open. The detour to the Himalayan viewpoint is steep—worth it if kids have the energy. The Tirthan Valley riverbank is perfect for an evening tea stop—carry a shawl or jacket, the chill sets in quickly. Total trek is about 10 km round trip, so plan breaks for younger kids and wear good walking shoes

Day 7: Meadows, Rivers & Arrival in Manali

9 May 2025

We began Day 7 around 9 am with a homely breakfast at our Jibhi stay. The couple who ran the kitchen whipped up hot parathas, bread and butter, all cooked on a traditional coal heater that doubled as a stove. The food was simple but lip-smacking, and sitting on the kitchen floor while they served us felt like an authentic mountain experience.

Our plan for the day was to reach Manali, with a detour to Shangarh Meadow. The road up was under heavy construction, making the climb a bit bumpy and slow. But when we finally reached, the meadow was worth it—green, open, and paired with perfect weather. A small temple stood there, though it was closed when we arrived. With makeshift toilets available near the parking (keys obtained in exchange for a packet of biscuits from the shop outside!), and the peaceful surroundings, it felt like a good mid-way break. After about 90 minutes of soaking it all in, we continued our journey.

The drive onwards was every bit as scenic as the rest of Himachal. We traced the Tirthan and Beas rivers, stopping at Kullu to watch the rafting action on the gushing waters. A roadside meal followed—not extraordinary in taste, but served with stunning views that made it worthwhile. From Kullu, the climb to Manali began, and by 6 pm, we rolled into town.

As expected, a bit of traffic greeted us on entry, but the real surprise was the drop in temperature. The view from our hotel was a treat too—the first time we saw snow-capped peaks looming so close. We stayed at Montana Blues Resort by Snow City, a value stay with spacious, clean rooms, mountain views, and a cozy vibe, tucked slightly inside the city. That evening, the hotel hosted a bonfire, which felt perfect in the chilly air. Dinner was light, and the humble khichdi stood out in its comfort. With travel, detours, and meadows behind us, we happily called it a night in Manali

Highlights

✅ River views along the way. Water with changing colors that keeps you motivated on the roadtrip
✅ Shangarh meadow paired with the weather that wasn't too sunny
✅ Ice capped mountain views in Manali were beautiful
❌ The road to climb up to the Shangarh meadow

Photos

The pause at Kullu to admire the river and rafting views

The views at Shangarh meadow

The views of viewers at Shangarh meadow

Views of the mountain from the hotel

A waterfall that we chanced upon along the way, near a hyrdroelectic power plant

Accommodation

Montana Blues Resort by Snow City

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

📍 Montana Blues Resort by Snow City, Manali

The hotel was a budget hotel that was relatively new, nicely done, organized, clean and with big rooms. The views from the rooms were nice and overlooking mountains. The restaurant was small but had fresh and good food. We had tandoori chicken and khichdi and it was both nice and fresh. The service was uneventful. We fell sick in the hotel during our trip because of something we ate outside and they offered they have a doctor on call if we need. Overall will recommend

Additional Considerations

Sangharh Meadow is lovely but the road can be rough—keep extra time in hand. Carry snacks and water, as facilities around the meadow are limited.Temperatures in Manali dip suddenly—keep jackets handy even if the day starts warm

Day 8: Snow Dreams, Slushy Reality & Waterfalls in Manali

9 May 2025

The day began on a high note with breathtaking mountain views from our hotel’s restaurant. Excited for our first real encounter with snow, we planned a trip to Sissu. None of us had ever experienced snow up close, so spirits were high as we set out. Along the way, we realized snow isn’t all fun without the right gear—boots and snow clothes were a must to avoid getting drenched in slush.

On the drive, we stumbled upon a zipline setup. Safety standards looked questionable at best, but we decided to take a leap of faith. Suspended over the valley, the view was thrilling, and thankfully, we landed safely, hearts racing but smiling.

Soon, the road took us to the Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel stretching over 10 km. Just before the tunnel, the area was buzzing with touristy adventure sports—yak rides, quad bikes, and crowds everywhere. Overwhelmed, we didn’t stop and drove straight through. The tunnel itself was impressive—well built, well managed—and once out, the landscapes opened up into spectacular views. We stopped briefly near a water body for photos, but parking chaos after the tunnel made things tricky.

At Sissu, our snow experience was far from picture-perfect. The area was packed with tourists, the sun was blazing, and the snow was mostly muddy and slushy. Within minutes, we were wet, uncomfortable, and even a little sunburnt from the glare. Disappointed but wiser, we turned back and stopped at a riverside restaurant near the Beas River for lunch. The food was good, but long waits and high prices were reminders of peak-season crowds.

In the afternoon, we trekked to Jogini Waterfall. The approach was narrow, and the trek itself was steeper than expected. Lined with small shops (some openly selling hash brownies and cannabis edibles), it had its quirks. The waterfall, though underwhelming, did offer a refreshing spray and nice valley views. Sadly, litter and crowds dulled the charm. On the way back, we stopped at a small temple and hot springs, but again, it was overly crowded.

Back at the hotel, I managed to sneak out and get the car washed for ₹500 while the family enjoyed a bonfire. We regrouped for dinner, warmed ourselves around the fire, and called it a night. Day 8 had been long, tiring, and a bit messy, but it left us with stories and lessons—sometimes snow looks better from afar!

Highlights

✅ The zipline and the breakfast
✅ The marvelous drive through Atal Tunnel and the pictureseque landscape right after. Pause and click pictures at a good spot
❌ The overall snow experience. It was quite a let down. Slush and poor quality gear made it sub-optimal
❌ Sunburnt with harsh sun and reflecting snow
❌ Overly crowded Manali. Made everything less enjoyable, especially with constant littering and hustle. Felt rushed everywhere

Photos

The view from the restaurant of the hotel during breakfast

Two of us trying the zipline

Getting ready for the snow in the right suit, taken on rent

Snocapped mountain views

Frolicking in the snow and more

Frolicking in the snow

Capturing sisu in the backdrop with my favorite humans

Lunch location next to a raging river in Manali

Waterfall after a long trek

The trek to the waterfall

Getting the much needed car wash for the car

The bonfire in the night at the hotel

Accommodation

Montana Blues Resort by Snow City

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

📍 Montana Blues Resort by Snow City, Manali

The hotel was a budget hotel that was relatively new, nicely done, organized, clean and with big rooms. The views from the rooms were nice and overlooking mountains. The restaurant was small but had fresh and good food. We had tandoori chicken and khichdi and it was both nice and fresh. The service was uneventful. We fell sick in the hotel during our trip because of something we ate outside and they offered they have a doctor on call if we need. Overall will recommend

Places to Eat

Cafe 1947

📍 Cafe 1947, Manali

Food was good. The view from the outside seating was fantastic, however the seating with the view had a minimum bill requirement. The place was overcrowded and the service was slow and a bit cold. Overall for nice views and food can be visited but be ready to wait longer

Additional Considerations

Snow trips in Sissu need proper gear—rent boots and snow clothes in Manali before heading out. Crowds and slushy snow can be disappointing—manage expectations, especially with kids. Jogini Waterfall trek is steep and not stroller/kid-friendly—plan accordingly. Carry and apply enough sunscreen and sunglasses—the sun on snow can be harsher than you think

Planning resources

Driving route

Note

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Hopping over to the North India - Bengaluru to New Delhi

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Hotel Almati Inn at Delhi Airport

Additional Considerations

Day 2: Winding into the Hills - A Golden Welcome in Kasauli

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Kasauli Exotica

Places to Eat

Amrik Sukhdev

Dochi Pizza

Zaika

Additional Considerations

Day 3: Cantonment Tales, Korean Flavours & a Sunset Walk

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Kasauli Exotica

Places to Eat

Taste Of Tibet

Additional Considerations

Day 4: Yaks, Hidden Cafés & the Thrill of Hatu Peak

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Banjara Orchard Retreat, Thanedar

Places to Eat

Khadu Cafe

Additional Considerations

Day 5: Lakes, Cherries & the Road to Jibhi

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

Places to Eat

The Rustic Shoja

Additional Considerations

Day 6: Serolsar Trek, Emerald Lakes & Tea by the River

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

The Misty Wilds Home, Jibhi

Places to Eat

Kiran Homestay

Trishla Resorts

Additional Considerations

Day 7: Meadows, Rivers & Arrival in Manali

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Montana Blues Resort by Snow City

Additional Considerations

Day 8: Snow Dreams, Slushy Reality & Waterfalls in Manali

Highlights

Photos

Accommodation

Montana Blues Resort by Snow City

Places to Eat

Cafe 1947

Additional Considerations