7-Day Himachal Pradesh Monsoon Itinerary – Green Misty Trails

Day 1 – Arrive in Shimla: The Queen in the Mist

Route: Chandigarh/Kalka → Shimla (3–4 hrs by road)

Start your monsoon escape with a scenic drive or train ride to Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital of British India. During the monsoon, Shimla is blanketed in mist and surrounded by lush green hills, giving it an old-world romantic charm.

Things to Do:

• Take a leisurely stroll along Mall Road and soak in the colonial architecture.
• Visit Jakhoo Temple for panoramic views — if the fog lifts!
• Drop by Christ Church and Ridge for iconic photo ops.
• Warm up with a cup of chai at Café Simla Times or Wake & Bake.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Dreamland | ₹1,200–1,800
• Mid-range: Snow Valley Resorts | ₹2,500–3,000
• Luxury: The Oberoi Cecil | ₹7,000+

Monsoon Tip: Start your sightseeing early in the day. Afternoons in Shimla during monsoon often bring heavier showers

Day 2 – Shimla to Narkanda: Forest Drives & Hidden Peaks

Route: Shimla → Narkanda (60 km / 2.5–3 hrs)

As you leave behind Shimla’s colonial buzz, the road to Narkanda weaves through thick pine forests and terraced apple orchards — all glistening fresh from the rains. Narkanda remains beautifully untouched and far quieter than Shimla, making it ideal for a monsoon stop.

Things to Do:

• Drive or trek to Hatu Peak (best in the morning) for sweeping views, foggy ridges, and dense cedar woods.
• Visit a local apple orchard — July marks the early apple season.
• Enjoy a misty walk through the village trails and old Himachali homes.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Hatu (HPTDC) | ₹1,200–1,800
• Mid-range: Tethys Himalayan DEN | ₹2,000–3,000
• Homestay: Echor Narkanda | ₹2,500+

   

Monsoon Tip: Carry waterproof shoes — trails around Hatu can get muddy but are well worth it for the views.

Day 3 – Narkanda to Sangla: Into the Rain-Washed Valleys of Kinnaur

Route: Narkanda → Sarahan → Sangla (160 km / 6–7 hrs)

This drive is long but breathtaking. Pass through Rampur and take a detour to Sarahan if time permits — home to the famous Bhimakali Temple. As you enter Kinnaur Valley, the terrain changes dramatically, becoming more rugged yet still draped in green during the monsoon.

Arriving in Sangla, you’ll find yourself surrounded by alpine scenery, slate-roofed houses, and the calming sound of the Baspa River. The air here smells of pine and wet earth — perfect for unwinding after a long day’s journey.

Things to Do:

• Enjoy the riverside walk along the Baspa River.
• Explore the peaceful Batseri village, known for its traditional Himachali architecture.
• Visit Kamru Fort, nestled above Sangla village.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Mount Kailash | ₹1,000–1,500
• Mid-range: The Monk Kalpa/Sangla | ₹2,000–3,000
• Riverside Stay: Banjara Camps & Retreats | ₹3,500+

   

Monsoon Tip: This route is fairly stable during rains, but start early in the day and avoid traveling post-sunset.

Day 4 – Sangla to Chitkul: The Last Village Before Tibet

Route: Sangla → Chitkul → Sangla (20 km / 1 hr one way)

Wake up to the sound of rain gently tapping your windows and set out for a day trip to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. The short drive from Sangla is like a dream — winding through cedar groves, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered ridges.

At 11,320 ft, Chitkul feels like another world. During the monsoon, the meadows are bright green, flowers bloom wildly, and clouds roll over the wooden rooftops — it’s peaceful, remote, and raw.

Things to Do:

• Walk to the Baspa River banks for serene photo spots.
• Eat rajma-chawal or maggi at Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba.
• Explore Chitkul village on foot — no itinerary needed here, just nature and silence.

Where to Stay:

Return to your stay in Sangla or opt for a cozy wooden guesthouse in Chitkul if you’d like to spend the night (subject to weather).

Monsoon Tip: Roads to Chitkul are mostly safe during early monsoon but check local updates — occasional fog and drizzle make the experience magical, but drive cautiously.

Day 5 – Sangla to Kalpa: Kinner Kailash in the Clouds

Route: Sangla → Kalpa (40 km / 2–3 hrs)

On Day 5, head to Kalpa, a quiet Himalayan town perched high above the Sutlej River. With Kinner Kailash peeking in and out of the clouds, Kalpa during monsoon feels straight out of a fairytale. The scent of apple blossoms and wet pine fills the air.

This is the day to relax, wander, and soak in mountain life without rushing.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Suicide Point & Roghi village for jaw-dropping cliff views.
• Explore the Kalpa Monastery and nearby temples.
• Try local Himachali cuisine – especially Siddu and Madra.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hotel Rolling Rang | ₹1,200–1,800
• Mid-range: Hotel Apple Pie | ₹2,000–2,500
• Scenic Stay: The Grand Shambala | ₹3,000+

   

Monsoon Tip: Kalpa is safe and peaceful in the rainy season. The road from Sangla is narrow but open — start in the morning and drive slowly.

Day 6 – Kalpa to Jibhi: A Scenic Cross-State Drive

Route: Kalpa → Rampur → Jalori Pass → Jibhi (230 km / 8–9 hrs)

Today’s journey is long but incredibly rewarding. You’ll drive through varying landscapes — from dry Kinnaur cliffs to the lush green slopes of Banjar Valley. If you’re an early riser, this cross-state transition will feel like watching the monsoon paint its way across Himachal.

The highlight is the ascent over Jalori Pass (if open), wrapped in mist and lined with wildflowers — it’s one of the most magical places during the rainy season. Once you descend into Jibhi, you’ll be welcomed by riverside cottages, dense forests, and peaceful vibes.

Things to Do (late afternoon/evening):

• Visit Jibhi Waterfall, tucked inside the forest.
• Enjoy a hot meal in a rustic café (try Hari Om Café or Mudhouse Hostels)
• Relax by the Tirthan River and listen to the rain.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Hosteller Jibhi | ₹800–1,200
• Mid-range: Gone Fishing Cottages | ₹2,500–3,000
• Luxury: The Forest Edge | ₹4,000+

   

Monsoon Tip: If Jalori Pass is closed (due to landslides), reroute via Mandi. It’s longer but still beautiful — ask locals or Google Maps for current road status.

Day 7 – Explore Jibhi & Departure

Use your final day to breathe in the serenity of this hidden Himalayan gem. Monsoon in Jibhi is peaceful and rejuvenating — perfect for short hikes or just journaling by the river.

Things to Do:

• Visit Mini Thailand, a secret pool carved in stone (careful in heavy rain)
• Trek to Serolsar Lake (if the trail is clear)
• Shop for handmade crafts at the local flea market

Depending on your onward plan, head towards Aut, Bhuntar, or Mandi for your departure — or simply extend your stay because trust us, you’ll want to.

Departure Tip: 

Plan your transport buffer. Rain may delay buses or shared cabs — especially in the Banjar region