Overview
Looking to explore the magical blend of Himachal’s hills and Punjab’s rich culture without breaking the bank? The Himachal Backpacking Trail is not just a trip—it’s a journey designed to ignite the explorer in you. Curated specially for college students, solo adventurers, and budget travel groups, this 9-day road trip takes you through scenic hill towns, adrenaline-pumping adventure spots, heritage cities, and soulful spiritual stops.
Traveling by road from the modern plains of Chandigarh to the snow-kissed charm of Manali, then descending into the spiritual and cultural depths of Amritsar, every single day is about new friendships, laughter-filled memories, and experiences that go beyond just ticking off tourist spots. Stay in lively backpacker hostels and budget homestays where like-minded travelers become your trail companions. Share stories over bonfires in the hills, explore local food scenes on foot, and soak in sunsets with a sense of freedom and discovery.
Expect adventure in Solang Valley with paragliding and optional ropeways, peaceful walks across Shimla Ridge and Old Manali’s riverside lanes, spiritual calm at the Golden Temple, patriotic vibes at the Wagah Border, and an emotional journey through history at Jallianwala Bagh. The drive itself is half the fun — window views of pine forests, hidden waterfalls, street chai stalls, and Instagram-worthy turns await you.
This package blends thrill, culture, food, and affordability. Whether you're a student group looking for an epic college trip, a solo traveler ready to make new friends, or a bunch of young professionals chasing mountain air — this trail is your calling. We handle the logistics, you create the stories.
Tour Info
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🗺️ Place Covered:
2N Shimla, 3N Manali, 1N Kasol, 2N Amritsar, 1N
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🕒 Duration:
08 Nights -
09 Days
Highlights
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🪂 Paragliding in the Himalayan valleys
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🚶♂️ Walking tours through Shimla and Manali
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🌉 Scenic road journey via Kullu and Parvati Valley
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🎶 Chill sessions and bonfires with youth groups
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🛏️ Stay in budget-friendly hostels and homestays
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🛍️ Local shopping at Mall Roads and Old Manali
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📸 Group photos at scenic stops and cultural landmarks
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🍲 Street food hunt in Amritsar
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🏛️ Visit to India Gate and Golden Temple
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🪖 Wagah Border flag ceremony experience
Detailed Itinerary
You begin your journey with a warm pickup from Chandigarh, where your fellow travelers join the group for a drive into the hills. The road curves into pine forests and hill tunnels as you climb toward Shimla. By late afternoon, check in to your backpacker hostel or budget stay. As evening falls, take a relaxed walk through the iconic Mall Road and Ridge area, soaking in the cool breeze and hill-town vibe. Later, the group meets for an introductory bonding session and optional dinner at a lively café. Overnight stay in Shimla.
After a light breakfast, the group heads to Kufri for some panoramic valley views and optional adventure activities like horse riding or skiing (in season). Spend time capturing photos and relaxing amidst nature. Return to Shimla for lunch and explore the Lakkar Bazaar and Scandal Point. The evening is yours to chill at a rooftop café, swap stories, or explore more on foot. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Today’s drive is long but thrilling as we journey through lush valleys and riverside roads toward Manali. En route, enjoy a scenic halt at Kullu for optional white-water rafting or just to stretch your legs by the Beas River. Arrive in Manali by evening, where the mountain air instantly energizes you. After check-in, gather for a casual group dinner or campfire session. Overnight stay in Manali.
Start early and gear up for the highlight of the trip — paragliding! Based on weather and location (Solang or Bir/Billing), experience the unforgettable thrill of flying over Himalayan terrain. After the flight, explore Solang Valley — you can try ropeways, zip lines, or just walk around and enjoy the snow (seasonal). Return to Manali by late afternoon for café-hopping in Old Manali and a relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Manali.
A laid-back morning lets you recover and explore at your own pace. Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a quiet pine-surrounded spot, and later bathe in the hot springs of Vashisht. Head to the colorful Tibetan Monastery or simply spend hours at the riverside with a cup of chai. The night can include live music or karaoke at a local café. Overnight stay in Manali.
Today the road leads deeper into Himachal’s backpacking circuit — the Parvati Valley. Drive toward Kasol or Tosh, known for their chill vibe, Israeli cafés, and riverfront trails. Reach by early afternoon and check in to a quaint hostel. Explore Chalal village or relax by the Parvati River. Sunset at the valley here is often surreal. Dinner is optional, and many choose to gather at a bonfire. Overnight stay in Kasol or Tosh.
After breakfast, begin the long road journey from the mountains into Punjab’s heartland. The contrast in landscapes is striking as we descend into plains. There will be rest stops along the way. Depending on energy levels and distance, this could be an overnight journey or broken up with a short rest in Chandigarh. Arrive in Amritsar and rest. Overnight stay in Amritsar.
Start your day early with a peaceful visit to the Golden Temple — the serenity of the morning hours is a spiritual experience. Visit the Jallianwala Bagh next for a historical and emotional walkthrough. In the afternoon, prepare for the Wagah Border Ceremony — an energetic, patriotic performance that stirs the soul. In the evening, walk through old Amritsar lanes and savor its unbeatable street food. Overnight stay in Amritsar.
On your final day, wake up to a calm morning in Amritsar. After breakfast, it's time to pack up and bid farewell to this incredible journey. The group begins the return journey directly from Amritsar—either heading back to Chandigarh or continuing onward to Delhi, depending on the chosen drop location. Enjoy the ride with music, memories, and maybe one last chai stop. By evening, reach your respective drop-off point with a heart full of stories, a phone full of pictures, and friendships that might just last a lifetime.
Hotels Used
Inclusions
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8 nights accommodation in backpacker hostels or budget hotels
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Daily breakfast at all stays
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All ground transfers between cities and locations by tempo traveller or SUV
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One paragliding session per traveler (weather permitting)
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Local guided experiences in Shimla, Manali, and Amritsar
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Pickup and drop-off from Chandigarh or Delhi (as per selection)
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Bonfire or group activity on minimum two evenings
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Toll taxes, parking, and driver allowance
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On-trip group coordinator (non-technical)
Exclusions
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Lunch, dinner, and other meals apart from breakfast
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Adventure activities other than the included paragliding
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Entry tickets to ropeways, museums, or temples
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Optional rafting, ziplining, or camping charges
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Travel insurance and medical expenses
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Shopping and personal expenses
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Any extra transport outside the planned itinerary
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Tips, porter charges, or gratitude expenses
Confirmation Policy:
Customers will receive a confirmation voucher via email within 24
hours of a successful booking.
If the selected travel slot is unavailable, we will
offer an alternate schedule based on your preferences, along with a
revised confirmation voucher.
If the alternate option does not suit your plans, you may cancel
before confirmation and a full refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before travel: 100%
Refund (excluding non-refundable components)
- 15 to 30 days: 70% Refund + Applicable
Non-Refundable Charges
- 10 to 15 days: 50% Refund + Applicable
Non-Refundable Charges
- Less than 10 days: No Refund
- Non-refundable Tickets/Hotel Rooms: 100%
Charge
- Cruise/Visa Fees: Non-refundable,
charged as per actuals
All prices are in INR and are subject to change
without prior notice.
For flight-inclusive packages, the full flight fare is payable at the
time of booking and is non-refundable unless specified.
Refund Policy:
All eligible refunds will be processed within 7–10 business
days from the date of cancellation.
Refunds will be credited to the original payment method
or your VistasVibes Wallet for future bookings.