This seven-day expedition offers a breathtaking loop through the heart of Himachal Pradesh, transitioning from the vibrant energy of Manali to the serene "slow travel" of the Tirthan Valley. The journey begins with a dramatic ascent from Chandigarh, leading into a high-altitude adventure across the snow-dusted Rohtang Pass and the stark, majestic landscapes of Lahaul.
The itinerary then shifts toward the tranquil, riverside charm of Tirthan, a haven for nature lovers. Highlights include trekking through the UNESCO-listed Great Himalayan National Park, discovering the sacred Serolsar Lake atop Jalori Pass, and marveling at the ancient architecture of Chehni Kothi. Whether navigating the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel or spotting rare pheasants in oak forests, this trip perfectly balances adrenaline-fueled mountain crossings with peaceful cultural immersion before returning to the plains.
Day 1: Drive via Kullu Valley and Beas River to reach Manali by late afternoon. Explore Old Manali’s vibrant cafes and artisan shops; overnight in Manali.
Day 2: Ascend Rohtang Pass, descend into Lahaul Valley to visit Sissu Lake and Waterfall. Return to Manali through the 9.02 km Atal Tunnel; overnight in Manali.
Day 3: Travel south to Tirthan Valley via Aut Tunnel and arrive at a riverside stay. Relax by the crystal-clear Tirthan River in Gushaini; overnight in Tirthan.
Day 4: Enjoy a moderate 5-8 km hike into the UNESCO-listed park’s ancient forests. Spot rare wildlife and rare birds like the Western Tragopan; overnight in Tirthan.
Day 5: Drive to Jalori Pass and trek through oak forests to the sacred Serolsar Lake. Visit Raghupur Fort ruins for panoramic views of the Inner Seraj; overnight in Tirthan.
Day 6: Hike to the 1,500-year-old Chehni Kothi tower or visit the village of Sarchi. Experience traditional mountain culture and a Himachali dham; overnight in Tirthan.
Day 7: Descend back to the plains via Larji Dam, arriving in Chandigarh by evening. Tour concludes after completing the majestic Himalayan mountain loop.
This trip is starting is Ex - Chandigarh. Arrive anytime before 08:00 AM on Day 1 and depart 08:00 PM on Day 7.
The journey begins with an early departure from Chandigarh, leaving the plains behind for the winding roads of the Himalayas. The drive follows the turquoise waters of the Beas River, passing through the bustling town of Mandi and the scenic Kullu Valley. As you reach Manali in the late afternoon, the air cools significantly, scented by the surrounding deodar forests.
The evening is best spent in Old Manali, where the cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant cafes and local artisan shops, offering a perfect introduction to the mountain culture.
Dinner and overnight Manali
Today is a spectacular circle of the mountains. You start early, climbing the winding serpentines to Rohtang Pass at 13,050 feet. Here, you experience the rugged, snowy heights of the Pir Panjal range. Instead of turning back, you descend the north face of the pass into the Lahaul Valley, where the landscape turns stark and majestic. You arrive in Sissu, marked by its shimmering lake and the massive Sissu Waterfall.
After exploring the Lahaul side, you complete the loop by driving through the 9.02 km Atal Tunnel, which brings you back to the lush Solang Valley.
Dinner and overnight Manali
Leaving the busier hubs behind, you drive south toward the Banjar Valley. The route takes you through the Aut Tunnel, after which you exit the main highway for the narrow, forest-lined roads leading into Tirthan Valley. You arrive at your riverside stay in Gushaini or Nagini by midday.
The afternoon is best spent simply finding your "spot" by the Tirthan River—a crystal-clear stream famous for its wild brown trout and the soothing sound of rushing water against smooth river stones.
Dinner and overnight Tirthan
This day is dedicated to the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), a UNESCO World Heritage site. A moderate 5-8 km hike from Gushaini takes you into the park’s "Ecozone" toward the Hipla or Rolla gates. The trail winds through ancient forests of oak and horse chestnut, offering a chance to spot rare birds like the Western Tragopan or the Monal pheasant.
For photographers, the shifting light through the dense canopy and the untouched mountain streams provide endless frames of "pure" wilderness.
Dinner and overnight Tirthan
You head further up the valley to Jalori Pass (10,800 feet), the highest motorable point in the region. From the pass, a nearly flat 5 km forest trail leads to the sacred Serolsar Lake. The lake is hidden amidst a thick forest of Kharsu oak and is steeped in local folklore.
The walk offers 360-degree views of the Inner Seraj range. On the way back, a short detour to the ruins of Raghupur Fort provides a stunning panoramic view of the Kullu and Mandi districts spread out below.
Dinner and overnight Tirthan
Spend your final full day experiencing the "slow travel" essence of Tirthan. You can visit the towering Chehni Kothi, a magnificent 1,500-year-old traditional fortified tower built without mortar, reachable by a scenic hike through terraced fields.
Alternatively, spend the afternoon in a riverside village like Sarchi, interacting with local weavers or simply enjoying a traditional Himachali dham (feast). It is a day to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with the mountain rhythm.
Dinner and overnight Tirthan
The return journey to Chandigarh is a gradual descent back to the plains. As you leave the emerald canopy of Tirthan, the road passes through the scenic Larji Dam and back onto the main highway.
You arrive in Chandigarh by evening, completing a loop that covered high-altitude glaciers, arid mountain deserts, and some of the oldest protected forests in the world.
Tour concludes
CANCELLATION
DISCLAIMER
This trip is starting is Ex - Chandigarh. Arrive anytime before 08:00 AM on Day 1 and depart 08:00 PM on Day 7.
We will be staying in moderate hotels / Camps during the trip.
We will arrange for authentic north Indian food, which will include non-vegetarian options. If you have any specific meal preferences / dietary requirements, please let us know beforehand.
July is characterized by pleasant weather, making it suitable for outdoor activities. It stays around 20 degrees Celsius in daytime and about 10 degrees Celsius in night.
*Please note that now a days, climate/ weather is dependent on many factors and unpredictable hence above information might be subject to change during your actual travel days