Himachal Travel Guide: My Magical Journey Through the Hills with a Friend

Ever since college, I’ve dreamed of exploring the Himalayan mountains — the kind that look straight out of postcards. Finally, last month, I packed my backpack and set off on an unforgettable adventure with my best friend. This Himachal Travel Guide isn’t just about places — it’s about the feeling of breathing fresh mountain air, sipping chai with a view, and realizing how peaceful life can be when you’re surrounded by nature.

Our Journey Begins – Delhi to Himachal

It all started early one Friday morning. My friend and I left Delhi in a rented car, armed with snacks, a playlist full of indie music, and endless excitement. The drive from the plains to the mountains felt magical — one moment it was dusty highways, and the next, pine trees appeared, and the air turned crisp.

We entered Himachal Pradesh by afternoon, and I still remember that first breath of mountain air — it smelled of pine, mist, and freedom. We planned to explore Shimla, Manali, and Kasol over 7 days, covering both the peaceful and the adventurous sides of Himachal.

Shimla – The Queen of Hills

Our first stop was Shimla, the capital of Himachal. As soon as we entered, it felt like we’d stepped into a colonial painting — old buildings, toy trains, and misty roads.

We stayed near Mall Road at a cozy heritage stay called Hotel Willow Banks, with wooden interiors and a view of the entire valley.

What We Did in Shimla

• Took a walk down Mall Road for coffee and street shopping.
  
• Visited Christ Church and The Ridge — both looked even more beautiful under the cloudy sky.
  
• Went on a toy train ride to Solan — the tunnels and pine forests were straight out of a movie scene.

In the evening, we grabbed hot chocolate and watched the sunset paint the hills in gold. That was our first night in Himachal — peaceful, cold, and full of stars.

Manali – The Land of Adventure

After two days in Shimla, we headed to Manali, around 250 km away. The drive along the Beas River was breathtaking — waterfalls on one side and apple orchards on the other.

We stayed in Old Manali, a small village full of cafés, music, and chill vibes. The place felt like a mix of adventure and peace.

Things We Did in Manali

• Trekking in Solang Valley — we even tried paragliding (and screamed like crazy
• 😄).Visited Hadimba Temple, surrounded by cedar trees.
• Spent a peaceful evening by the Beas River, watching locals fish and kids play.

Manali had a rhythm — mornings were calm, afternoons full of adventure, and nights alive with laughter and bonfires.

Adventure Activities in Himachal (Table)

Kasol – The Mini Israel of India      

From Manali, we drove to Kasol, a small village on the banks of the Parvati River. The journey was only a few hours, but the view changed completely — from crowded hills to untouched greenery and mountain silence.

We stayed at a riverside guesthouse, and I still remember the sound of water flowing all night. It was like nature’s own lullaby.

Our Time in Kasol

• Walked to Chalal Village, crossing wooden bridges and chatting with locals.
• Ate hummus and pita bread at The Evergreen Café, a must-visit spot.
• Trekked to Kheerganga, a 12 km trail that ends in hot water springs — the reward for sore legs!

Kasol was where I truly disconnected — no phone signal, no rush, just peace.

Best Places to Stay in Himachal

Every stay we chose had one thing in common — a view that could heal the soul.

Food We Loved Along the Way

The food in Himachal is simple but heartwarming. From hot siddu in Shimla to wood-fired pizzas in Manali, everything tasted better in the cold.

Some memorable bites from our trip:

• Café 1947 (Manali): Italian food with river view
• Wake & Bake (Shimla): Pancakes and coffee
• Evergreen Café (Kasol): Israeli platter
• Local Dhabas: Rajma-chawal, momos, and Maggi at every turn!

We made it a rule to have chai and Maggi wherever we stopped — somehow it became our travel ritual.

Our 7-Day Himachal Itinerary

Travel Tips from My Experience

1. Pack layers: Weather changes quickly in the hills.
2. Book early: Himachal gets crowded during holidays.
3. Carry cash: Some remote areas don’t have ATMs.
4. Respect nature: Don’t litter or play loud music in peaceful spots.
5. Start early: Mountain drives are best done before dark.

Moments That Stayed with Me

There was one morning in Kasol — I woke up early, walked down to the river, and just stood there as the sun rose behind the mountains. My friend joined me with two cups of chai, and we didn’t speak for ten minutes — we just watched the light spread over the valley.

That’s when I realized — traveling in Himachal isn’t just sightseeing. It’s about feeling alive.

Why I’ll Always Return to Himachal

Every hill, every chai stall, every stranger’s smile in Himachal has a story. It’s not just a destination — it’s an emotion. The peace I felt there is something I’ll always carry with me.

If you’re planning your first mountain escape, trust me — this Himachal travel guide will be your perfect start. Go with a friend, a camera, and an open heart. You’ll come back with memories that will stay forever.