Homestays in the Himalayas
Experience mountain hospitality during Mystical India’s
Homestays in the Himalayas
in colonial heritage homestays, soak in the quaint Himachali countryside, trek through the majestic outdoors, and rejuvenate in the lap of the snow-clad Himalayas.
Duration of Homestays in the Himalayas: 11Nights/12Days
Itinerary for Homestays in the Himalayas:
Delhi – Shoghi (Shimla) -> Raison (Manali) -> Dharamsala -> Rupnagar (Chandigarh) -> Delhi
Day 1 – Shoghi (near Shimla)
Ride the Toy Train from Kalka to Shoghi. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this toy train ride is akin to a fairy-tale set in the Himalayas, and takes you through stunning mountain landscapes and dense forests of pine, oak & rhododendron.
On the way from Shoghi to Raison
Located half-hour before Shimla, Shoghi is a small alpine valley nestled in the mighty Himalayas. Dotted with colourful hillside villages, it offers a perfect introduction to the gorgeous countryside of Himachal. Activities include trekking along Shoghi’s mountain trails, visit to the hilltop Tara Devi temple, bird watching, village walks, and folk performances & lunch with a village family.
Overnight in a majestic mansion homestay run by an army wife, perched on the hillside of Shoghi, with stunning views of the Himalayas.
Day 2 & 3 – Day trips around Shoghi & Shimla
Hillside Homestay in Shoghi
Options of day trips from Shoghi to:
- The popular hill station of Shimla, known for its Victorian architecture
- The sulfuric springs of Tattapani & river rafting in the River Sutlej
- The ski slopes of Kufri
- The hill station of Chail, home to the Palace of the Maharaja of Patiala
- Fagu on the Hindustan-Tibet road, with enchanting views of the Himalayas.
Day 4 – Raison (near Manali)
Midway between Kullu & Manali, Raison is a scenic village cluster located on the banks of the River Beas, surrounded on all sides by the spectacular Dhauladhar Range. Reminiscent of the British era, Raison offers a royal Himalayan retreat, where activities include countryside treks, river rafting, folk performances, and hikes to the village temple.
Overnight at a quaint British bungalow homestay surrounded by apple orchards & kiwi plantations, overlooking the River Beas below and the Himalayas above. The bungalow retains its colonial charm with its mud walls, high ceilings & fireplaces.
Day 5 & 6 – Day trips around Raison & Manali
Options of day trips from Raison to:
- The quaint hill station of Naggar, famous for its grand castle
- The town of Manali, where attractions include Vashisht & Old Manali
- Ki Buddhist Monastery in the small town of Kullu
- The spectacular Rohtang Pass with snow Himalayan glaciers
- The ancient temples of Hidimba, Gauri Shankar & Maa Sharvari
- Solang Valley, also known as ‘snow point’, for skiing & paragliding
- The beautiful Zana village & waterfalls, with views of the valley below
- Day treks to Bijli Mahadev temple & the Shivling at Solang Valley
Day 7, 8 & 9 – Dharamsala
Nestled in the high Himalayas, Dharamsala is a major hotspot for Buddhism & Tibetan culture, home to His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and the seat of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile. The lush green Kangra valley, which surrounds Dharamsala, is littered with breath-taking landscapes & waterfalls amid the snow-clad Himalayas.
Top activities include a visit to the HH Dalai Lama temple, a performance at the Tibetan institute of performing arts, picnic at Dharamkot, trek to Triund, and attending a Buddhist philosophy class.
Overnight at the residence of the Raja of Lambagraon-Kangra, a glorious old-fashioned bungalow built during the British era, where descendants of the erstwhile royal family host travellers.
Day 10 & 11 – Rupnagar (near Chandigarh)
An hour away from Chandigarh, Rupnagar offers a glimpse into the charming Punjabi countryside lined with fields of yellow mustard, the experience of traditional Punjabi hospitality, and what some feel is the best food in India. Activities include forest treks, fishing, bird watching, picnic on an island in the Sutlej, tractor rides, and a day trip to Chandigarh to see the famous rock garden.
Overnight at an imperial Fort homestay, a magnificent historic fort nestled in the Shivalik Range on a small hilltop, where travellers are hosted by the royal family.
Day 12 – Back to Delhi
After breakfast this morning we depart for Delhi where your Homestays in the Himalayas tour will end.
What’s Included in the Homestays in the Himalayas Tour:
- Meet & Greet upon arrival
- Private AC vehicle throughout the tour
- Accommodations as per the itinerary
- Porter-age throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- All taxes
Cost of the Homestays in the Himalayas Tour:
from $999.00USD per person based on twin sharing
