Manali Kasol Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour

About this tour

About Manali Kasol Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour

Manali, Kasol, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie are four captivating destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Each offers unique experiences that blend natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness.

Manali: Nestled in the Kullu district, Manali sits at an altitude of 2,050 meters and is renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant tourism. The town is cradled in the Beas River Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush pine forests. It is famed for its adventure activities, which include skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, and trekking. Manali’s historical and mythological significance is notable; it is believed to be named after Manu, the legendary lawgiver who found refuge here during a great flood. Key attractions include the Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass, offering panoramic views and thrilling activities. The town is also a hub for apple orchards and gardens, adding to its scenic charm.

Kasol: Known as the ‘Amsterdam of India,’ Kasol is a scenic village in the Parvati Valley, about 40 kilometres from Kullu. It is celebrated for its trekking trails, including the Kheerganga, Sar Pass, and Pin Parbati Pass routes. Kasol offers a serene escape with its snow-clad mountains and dense pine forests. The village is heavily influenced by Israeli culture, which is evident in the numerous cafes serving Israeli cuisine and the Hebrew signage. Kasol’s proximity to Manikaran, a town known for its hot springs and religious significance, makes it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.

Dharamshala: Located in the Kangra district, Dharamshala is divided into Lower Dharamshala, the commercial hub, and Upper Dharamshala, which includes Mcleodganj, a Tibetan cultural centre. Upper Dharamshala is perched at 2,082 meters and is home to the Dalai Lama’s residence and various Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The area is known for its vibrant Tibetan culture, picturesque monasteries like the Gyuto Monastery, and landmarks like St. John’s Church in the Wilderness. Dharamshala’s scenic beauty is complemented by its historic temples, including Chamunda Devi Temple and Indru Nag Temple, offering spiritual solace and panoramic views.

Dalhousie: Dalhousie is another charming station in Himachal Pradesh, known for its colonial architecture and tranquil environment. Located in the Chamba district, it offers a picturesque escape with its lush green landscapes, colonial buildings, and pleasant climate. Popular spots include Khajjiar, often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India,’ and the historic churches and temples scattered throughout the region.

A tour encompassing Manali, Kasol, Dharamshala, and Dalhousie offers various experiences. In Manali, you can enjoy adventure sports and explore apple orchards, while Kasol is captivated by its serene landscapes and Israeli cultural influences. Dharamshala provides a deep dive into Tibetan culture and spirituality, highlighted by its monasteries and temples. Meanwhile, Dalhousie charms visitors with its colonial architecture and picturesque settings. Together, these destinations showcase the diverse natural beauty and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

Best time for the Manali Kasol Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour

Things to do in Manali, Kasol, Dharamshala and Dalhousie

Paragliding at Manali: Solang Valley, 14 km from Manali, is a top spot for paragliding. It offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks and lush green valleys. The take-off point is 8500 feet, and flights last 10 to 15 minutes. Depending on the operator and package, prices typically range from INR 900 to INR 3500.

River Rafting in Manali: Experience thrilling water rafting on the Beas River at Babeli, just a short distance from Kullu. Choose between 7- or 14-km trips, navigating crystal-clear waters with views of towering mountains and lush forests. Accompanied by a professional instructor, you’ll enjoy an adventurous and scenic journey that will create lasting memories.

Zipline in Manali: In Solang Valley, Manali, enjoy a thrilling 1 km zipline adventure across the Beas River with Broza Adventures. The zipline, equipped with safety harnesses and measures, offers stunning views of lakes, mountains, and the river. Those with heart conditions should consult a doctor before participating. Couples can also share this exciting experience, taking in the beautiful landscapes.

Skiing in Manali: Manali, located over 2000 meters above sea level in Himachal Pradesh, is a top destination for skiing. The area’s snowy peaks and lush surroundings create an ideal environment for winter sports. Popular skiing spots like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass cater to beginners and experienced skiers. The town attracts adventure enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in winter, and offers various activity packages, including skiing and a Ski Himalayas Himalayas Ropeway and Ski Top Centre at 3200 meters. Manali’s adventure camps and resorts support the influx of tourists seeking thrilling experiences in this picturesque Himalayan setting.

Yak Riding in Manali: Yak riding in Manali, especially in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, offers a unique way to experience the Himalayas. Enjoy a scenic 15 to 30-minute ride on sturdy yaks, taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Ideal for all ages, this activity provides a memorable adventure and a chance to immerse in local culture. Ensure safety by following guide instructions for a pleasant experience.

Quad Biking in Manali: ATV riding in Solang Valley, Manali, is a popular adventure activity located 14 km on the way to the Atal Tunnel. ATV quad biking offers a thrilling way to explore the diverse terrain year-round, from lush summer landscapes to snow-covered winter trails. Suitable for both experienced riders and beginners, ATVs can handle various surfaces like snow, mud, and streams. The activity includes guided rides and opportunities to test your driving skills, providing a memorable and exhilarating experience amidst the stunning scenery of Solang Valley.

Ropeway in Manali: The Solang Ropeway in Manali offers a thrilling and scenic view of the Himalayan landscape. Featuring 19 cabins, each accommodating up to 8 passengers, the cable car travels 1.3 km at six m/s, providing stunning aerial views of Solang Valley. The latest state-of-the-art Gondola lift, built by Poma of France, includes 15 cabins and covers a 1.5 km distance with a vertical rise of 500 meters. It carries up to 1200 passengers per hour and is operated by trained professionals. The ropeway is a popular attraction for its panoramic vistas and easy access to nearby adventure activities.

Ride a Snowbike in Manali: Manali, often called a hill station, is renowned for its adventurous sports, including skiing, paragliding, and rafting. Snow scooter rides stand out for their unique experience on snow-covered roads. Available in Solang Valley, snow scooters offer a thrilling 2-kilometre ride that combines fun with breathtaking views. You can drive alone or ride with a guide, making it a top pick for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with friends and family.

Bathing in Natural Hot Water Springs of Manikaran: Located at 1760 meters in Kasol’s Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is renowned for its hot springs along the Parvati River. The springs, reaching temperatures up to 80°C, are believed to have healing properties and contain minerals like sulfur. Considered sacred by Hindus and Sikhs, the town also features temples and a gurudwara. Popular among trekkers, Manikaran offers stunning mountain views, a bustling market, and a vibrant celebration of local festivals such as Holi and Diwali.

Paragliding at Dharamshala (Indrunag): Paragliding in Dharamshala is an exhilarating adventure offering a unique bird’s-eye view of the valley. The experience starts at the Indrunag takeoff site, 1710 meters above sea level, and ends at the landing site in Badol, 6 km away. Adventurers are accompanied by a certified, experienced glider who provides instructions and ensures safety. With its hilly terrain and stunning landscapes, Dharamshala and Bir Billing are prime locations for this sport, allowing participants to soar above picturesque mountain ranges and tea gardens.

Zipline at Bhagsu Waterfall: Bhagsunag Adventure offers ziplining in Bhagsu Valley, a thrilling activity with lines ranging from 300 meters to 1 kilometre. Dharamshala is renowned for its adventure activities, including trekking, hiking, camping, and paragliding. Ziplining here, with lengths from 500 meters to 1 kilometre, combines adventure with spectacular scenery. At a height of 1,457 meters, it provides a unique experience of nature, allowing participants to glide over forests and wildlife areas and witness a memorable sunset over the jungle canopy.

Food to try during the Manali Kasol Dharamshala Dalhousie Tour

Himachali Dham: Himachal Pradesh is a state that encompasses a plethora offlora and fauna. One witnesses a distinct culture and dialect after crossing a few miles in the hilly state. This diversity in the culture and traditions is also reflected in the traditional Dham of each region, which gives them an exclusive place in the Himachali cuisine. The following are the famous dhams of Himachal Pradesh: Kangri dham, Mandyali dham, Chambyali dham, and Bilaspuri dham.

Mandyali Dham: The rigour of taste, the sizzle of spices, and the passion of cooking with abundant love lie at the heart of Mandyali dham. It is a meal specially prepared to grace festive occasions and weddings. Sage Sushruta, in the “Sushruta Samhita,” outlined the proper sequence of consuming meals and emphasised the inclusion of all six rasas in the diet. He suggested that meals should begin with something sweet, followed by sour and salty foods, with bitter and astringent dishes consumed last for a balanced body and mind. This sequence is reflected in Mandyali dham, which adheres to the Ayurvedic definition of a proper diet.

Unlike Kangri dham, the starters in Mandyali dham begin with a sweet dish, “Boondi ka meetha,” made from chickpea flour dipped in sweet syrup and garnished with dry fruits. The next dish is sepu badi, a vital component of the dham, made from fresh spinach leaves and badi. Badi is made from maash (black lentil) and chana dal (Bengal gram), then deep-fried and cooked in a gravy of coriander and spinach leaves, offering a sweet and sour flavour. Following this is kaddu ka khatta, a pumpkin-based dish with a sweet and sour taste, and then south ka khatta, made from horse gram and seasoned with mustard seed powder, giving it a tangy, spicy flavour.

The meal continues with maah ki daal, a black lentil dish with a slightly bitter taste, or dhule maah, split black lentils cooked in desi ghee, a Mandi speciality. The final dish is jhol, an astringent from curd and water in a mud pot. It is locally said that “the food isn’t complete until a glass of jhol is drunk,” aligning with Ayurvedic principles. Rich in Vitamin B12, calcium, riboflavin, and probiotics, jhol strengthens the digestive system and boosts the body’s immunity.

Kangri Dham: Each district in the region has its distinct dialect and culture, which is also reflected in its cuisine. Kangra district, known for its scenic landscapes and historic forts, boasts a cuisine as remarkable as its natural beauty. A key highlight is the traditional dham, a centuries-old feast that enhances the cultural richness of the district. Preparations for the dham usually begin the night before, with mustard oil, spices, and curd as the primary ingredients, while onions, garlic, and tomatoes are notably absent. It is believed that the curd-based gravy aids digestion. The feast typically starts around noon and continues until 4 pm.

The traditional dham begins with rice and its main dish—either moong dal (green gram), rajma (red kidney beans), or chhole (chickpeas) madra. The gravy for these dishes is made by cooking khoya and dahi in ghee until it reaches a thick consistency. Next is a dish called “maash dal,” made from three lentils—moong, urad, and masoor. According to legend, this blend of complementary nutrients can be traced back to 1,500-year-old Aryan literature, where the Aryans consumed it. The distinct smoky flavour of the dial is created using the “dhuni” technique, where mustard oil is poured over burning coal and placed in the dal, which is then covered for some time.

The maash dal is followed by khatta, a sweet-and-sour sauce made from tamarind and jaggery, traditionally prepared in an iron vessel. It is said that khatta helps reduce the richness of the media, which is cooked in pure ghee. The dham concludes with meetha bhaat (sweet rice) or mithdee, made from boondi or breadcrumbs. In a typical Kangri dham, dishes are free of artificial colours and offer a perfect balance of oils and spices essential for the body. The meal is served with great care in a Vedic manner, which is believed to enhance digestion.

Chambyali Dham: Chamba, an ancient Himalayan kingdom in Himachal Pradesh, is the second largest district in terms of area and boasts a well-preserved history compared to other ancient Himalayan kingdoms. Among its cultural highlights is Chambyali dham, renowned for its rajmah madra, a unique delicacy believed to have been gifted to the entire state by Chamba. According to local tradition, a Chamba bride introduced this dish to Kangra, and it is now prepared with various adaptations based on ingredient availability.

In a traditional Chambyali dham, the meal begins with rice and auriyali moong daal, followed by the main delicacy, rajmah madra, served by the head boti. This is followed by a sweet dish, typically meetha bhaat, then teliya maah ki dal and kadhi. The feast concludes with khatta.

Siddu: Siddu is a traditional Himachali dish that originated among Himalayan shepherds, who made this steamed bread using local ingredients like wheat flour, yeast, and water. Over time, Siddu evolved into a versatile dish with various fillings such as mashed potatoes, paneer, vegetables, or meat, and is sometimes made with buckwheat flour or baked instead of steamed. Typically enjoyed hot with ghee, butter, dal, or chutney, Siddu offers a soft, fluffy texture and flavorful filling, making it a beloved culinary gem in Himachal Pradesh.

Trout Fish: Barot Valley offers a glimpse into the local cultural heritage, traditional village life, and stunning views of snow-covered mountain ranges. It’s also well-known for trout fishing, and the Himachal Pradesh fishing department manages a trout breeding farm there.

Momo: In Himachal Pradesh, momos are a popular street food influenced by Tibetan cuisine. They feature steamed or fried dumplings filled with spiced minced meat or vegetables. Often served with a spicy chilli garlic chutney, momos are a favourite snack in regions like Dharamshala and McLeodganj, reflecting the state’s rich cultural ties with Tibet.

Thukpa: Thukpa, a famous noodle soup of Tibetan origin, is a staple in Himachali cuisine, which blends Punjabi and Tibetan influences. It can be prepared in vegetarian or non-vegetarian ways, featuring noodles with vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and cabbage and optionally meat or chicken. Spiced with ginger, garlic, and chilli, Thukpa is a heartwarming, nutrient-rich dish known for its health benefits. It’s one of the seven famous dishes in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the state’s multi-cultural heritage.

Chukh: Chamba Chukh is a traditional spicy chilli paste from Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba region. It is made from sun-dried red chillies, tamarind, lime juice, garlic, and spices. Known for its tangy and fiery flavour, it’s used as an accompaniment to meals, adding heat and richness to dishes like rice and parathas. This flavorful condiment reflects the local culture and has gained popularity beyond the region.

Patrode: Patrode is a traditional Himachali dish made from colocasia (taro) leaves layered with a spiced gram flour mixture, rolled, steamed, and sliced. It is often lightly fried before serving and has a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavour. Patrode is enjoyed as a snack or side dish, especially during the monsoon season when colocasia leaves are abundant.