Offbeat Route Plan
Chandigarh Narkanda (01N) Sangla (01N) Kalpa (01N) Jibhi (02N) Shangarh (01N) Chail (01N) Chandigarh
Tour Overview
Step away from commercialized tourist hubs and dive deep into the raw, untouched beauty of the Himalayas with our meticulously planned 8 Days Offbeat himachal Hills Tour Package. This journey traverses through the culturally rich Kinnaur District and the lush, ecologically diverse Great Himalayan National Park region.
Your adventure begins in the quiet apple orchards of Narkanda, followed by a dramatic drive into the Kinnaur Valley to visit Sangla and Chitkul—the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. Witness the majestic Kinner Kailash peaks from Kalpa before transitioning to the fairy-tale settings of Jibhi and the Tirthan Valley. You will also experience the heavenly meadows of Shangarh (Sainj Valley) and conclude your trip in the peaceful, royal heritage town of Chail.
Safe Travel on Thrilling Roads
Driving through Kinnaur and over the Jalori Pass requires immense skill. The Holiday Trips deploys only highly experienced, hill-certified local chauffeurs who navigate these challenging terrains daily. We partner exclusively with verified, hygiene-checked boutique homestays and hotels that offer warm hospitality and reliable basic amenities even in these remote offbeat locations.
Tour Highlights
- Breathe in the fresh air of Narkanda's vast apple orchards.
- Visit Chitkul, the breathtaking last village of India.
- Marvel at the changing colors of Kinner Kailash during sunset in Kalpa.
- Trek to the mystical Serolsar Lake or relax by the Jibhi Waterfall.
- Experience absolute peace in the lush, rolling meadows of Shangarh.
- Visit the world's highest cricket ground surrounded by tall pines in Chail.
Day-wise Itinerary
Your offbeat journey begins at Chandigarh Airport/Railway Station where our expert driver will welcome you. Bypass the crowded Shimla town and head straight towards the serene, apple-orchard-filled town of Narkanda (approx. 5-6 hours drive). Situated at an altitude of 2700m, it offers breathtaking views of the Shivalik ranges. Check into your boutique hotel/homestay. If time permits, visit the beautiful Hatu Temple located at the highest peak of the region. Dinner and overnight stay in Narkanda.
After breakfast, embark on a thrilling drive towards the majestic Kinnaur Valley (approx. 6 hours). The landscape dramatically shifts from gentle green hills to steep, rocky gorges carved by the Sutlej River. En route, you can take a brief stop at Sarahan to visit the revered Bhimakali Temple (subject to time). Arrive in Sangla, a beautiful town situated on the banks of the Baspa River, famous for its wood-and-stone architecture and lush walnut orchards. Check into your camp/hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla.
Post breakfast, drive to Chitkul—the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border. Walk through the rustic village, interact with the locals, and sit by the crystal-clear Baspa River. Later in the afternoon, we drive back through Sangla and head towards Kalpa (approx. 3-4 hours). Kalpa is renowned for its spectacular, up-close views of the Kinner Kailash mountain range. Check into your hotel and enjoy the mesmerizing sunset over the snowy peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalpa.
Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over Kinner Kailash. After breakfast, visit the Kalpa Suicide Point and the traditional Roghi Village to experience authentic Kinnauri culture. Later, begin your drive towards the serene Banjar Valley to reach Jibhi (approx. 7 hours). Jibhi is a mesmerizing, hidden hamlet characterized by dense pine forests and traditional wooden houses by the river. Arrive by evening, check into your riverside homestay or treehouse. Dinner and overnight stay in Jibhi.
After a hearty breakfast, drive up the steep, thrilling road to Jalori Pass (altitude 3120m). Enjoy 360-degree views of the Himalayas. You have the option to take a beautiful, moderately easy 5 km trek (one way) to the sacred Serolsar Lake, surrounded by thick alpine forests. Alternatively, return to Jibhi to visit the Jibhi Waterfall and Mini thailand. Spend a relaxed evening at a local, cozy cafe. Dinner and overnight stay in Jibhi.
Check out after breakfast and take a short, highly scenic drive (approx. 2-3 hours) to Shangarh, located in the Sainj Valley within the eco-zone of the Great Himalayan National Park. Shangarh is famous for its vast, lush green meadows and the intricately carved Sangchul Mahadev Temple. Spend the day walking barefoot on the soft grass, soaking in the absolute tranquility away from all city noise. Check into a local homestay for a genuine himachali experience. Dinner and overnight stay in Shangarh.
After a peaceful morning in the meadows, begin your drive back towards the lower Himalayas. We will head to Chail (approx. 6-7 hours), an erstwhile summer retreat of the Maharaja of Patiala, known for its dense Deodar forests and peaceful vibe—a much quieter alternative to Shimla. Check into your hotel. If time allows, visit the Chail Palace or the world's highest cricket ground. Enjoy your last evening in the mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in Chail.
Enjoy a fulfilling final breakfast amid the whispering pines. Check out from the hotel and commence your smooth drive down to Chandigarh (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours). Our driver will securely drop you off at the Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station, bringing an end to an unforgettable and deeply refreshing offbeat Himalayan adventure.
Package Inclusions
- 07 Nights accommodation in verified boutique hotels/homestays
- Daily Hot Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
- Private hill-certified AC/Heater Vehicle (Sedan/SUV)
- Pick-up and Drop-off from Chandigarh
- Excursions to Chitkul, Jalori Pass, and Shangarh
- Experienced local driver well-versed with offbeat terrains
- Tolls, state permits, and driver allowance
Package Exclusions
- Flight or Train tickets to Chandigarh
- Entry tickets to monuments, parks, and monasteries
- Trekking guides (for Serolsar Lake, if hired locally)
- Afternoon Lunches and personal snacks/beverages
- Room heater charges (often extra in remote homestays)
Frequently Asked Questions
The roads to Kinnaur (especially the stretch towards Kalpa and Sangla) are adventurous and carved into steep mountains. While thrilling, they are perfectly safe when driven by locals. We strictly assign drivers who have years of experience navigating these exact routes in all weather conditions.
In commercial areas like Chail or Narkanda, we provide premium 3-star and 4-star hotels. However, in remote areas like Sangla, Jibhi, and Shangarh, the best accommodations are often boutique wooden homestays, cottages, or Swiss camps. We ensure these properties are highly rated for hygiene, have attached modern washrooms, and provide hot water and delicious local food.
Jio and Airtel work decently well in most parts of the itinerary including Kalpa, Jibhi, and Shangarh. However, in areas like Chitkul or during the drive through certain mountain passes, you will experience network blackouts. It is a true digital detox!
The best time is from April to June for pleasant weather, and September to November for clear skies and autumn colors. During monsoons (July-August), we do not recommend this route due to the high risk of landslides in Kinnaur.
Most attractions are accessible by car. The only notable trek is the Serolsar Lake trek from Jalori Pass (approx. 5 km one way), which is entirely optional. The rest of the itinerary involves light walking through villages and meadows.