Hidden Gems Around Shimla Tour Package - India's Best Secluded Holidays

2019 2020

Shimla Tour Package with Kotgarh Shoja Karsog Valley

Shimla Tour Package with Kotgarh Shoja Karsog Valley: Overview

A trip Himachal Pradesh is truly enjoyable and unforgettable as it is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. It is a must see place for those who love mountains and adventure. Himachal is proud of its magnificent history and rich heritage culture. There are various temples, forts and monasteries, whose architecture is admirable. The views of the breath-taking mountains, valleys, passes, lakes, waterfalls, springs and wildlife are sights to visit. 

In this Shimla Tour Package with Kotgarh, Shoja, Karsog Valley will provide you best experience of the popular tourist destinations in Shimla. The tour is incorporated with the major attraction like Shimla, Kufri, Kotgarh, Jalori Pass, Karsog and Shojha.

Suitable For: Adventure enthusiasts, Family, Kids, and Couples

Package Highlights:

• Visit to the oldest Church in India

• Trekking for adventure lovers

• A chance to indulge in skiing

• Trekking to the Raghupur Fort

• Visit to some oldest temples

• Enjoy yak and horse ride

What is Unique in Shimla Tour Package with Kotgarh Shoja Karsog Valley and why?

Uniqueness of these package contain chance to cover various destination through one tour itinerary. In this package you will cover shimla, Kotgarh Shoja Karsog and Nature lovers can enjoy thick wooded hill slopes starting from bottom as far down. Stretching your tour under natural beauty and provide trek to jalori pass which is main reason to visit.  In this tour package we suggested some good eateries /dhabas where you can enjoy some delicious cuisines.

Hidden Gems of Shimla Tour - Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla

The fastest way to reach Shimla is via flight and Jubbarhatti is the only airport. Take a cab from here for the main city. Complete check-in formalities upon reaching. Once you are settled in your room, proceed for sightseeing without wasting time. Head out for a day's excursion to Kufri, located about 13km away. The quaint town of Kufri is an ultimate holiday retreat where you can enjoy the thrills of a horse and yak ride.  

After visiting Kufri, it is time to visit Sankat Mochan Temple. Located amidst the lush green and tranquil location, it is a popular site to visit in Shimla. People visit this place to pay obeisance to Lord Rama and other notable god goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. Later in the day visit Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Formally known as Viceregal Lodge, the Advanced Study is the prominent building in Shimla.  Built in the Scottish architecture, it is the most beautiful site to visit in Himachal Pradesh. 

Now it is time to visit Chadwick Fall. Situated in the dense Glenn Forest, it is one of the gorgeous waterfalls in Shimla. You can trek through the lush green forest to reach this destination. The place is very beautiful and serene due to the surrounding of thick and dense forests of pine trees. Have a relaxed dinner at the hotel and retire to your room for overnight sleep. 

Hidden Gems of Shimla - Suggested Hotels: 

Budget: Hotel Auckland, Hotel Paradise Regency, Hotel Apple Rose, Hotel Mayur, Club Mahindra 
Luxury: Wildflower Hall, Radisson Hotel Shimla, Radisson Hotel Shimla, Hotel Pineview, Hotel Combermere, Woodville Palace Hotel Shimla, Hotel Willow Banks
Suggested Restaurants: Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar, Sher E Punjab, Wake & Bake Café, Devicos Restaurant & Bar City Point Cafe, Combermere Café, Baljees

Day 2: Shimla to Kotgarh

Have a good breakfast in the morning. Pack your bags and check out as it is time to start your journey towards the apple bowl of India, Kotgarh. Located 82 km from Shimla, Kotgarh is famous for apples and large apple orchards. On your way, you will get a chance to experience the scenic beauty of Theog, Narkanda and Fagu. Adventure enthusiasts can get their dose of excitement by trekking to the Mahasu Peak. It will take around 3-4 hours to reach Kotgarh. Once you reach, transfer to your hotel for night stay.

Suggested Hotels: Seetalvan Orchard, Atul Regency, Banjara Orchard Retreat, Apple Tree Cottage

Suggested Restaurant: The New Himalaya Dhaba, Village Café, Verma Bhojnalaya, Amar bhojnalaya Murthal

Day 3: Full Day Sightseeing

After having breakfast, it is time to explore Kotgarh. Once a British territory, Kotgarh is filled with numerous places that will remind you of British Era. The first destination is St Mary’s Church and Gorton Mission School. Built in 1872, St Mary’s Church, the alluring wooden church with an old graveyard stands as a memory to colonial era. One of the oldest churches in India, it houses an array of cedar - sculpted pews and a splendid stained glass window. Near to the St Mary’s Church is the Gorton Mission School established in 1843.

The next destination is Mailan Devta Temple.  Around 2 Km from Kotgarh, it is entirely dedicated to the diety Deota. Manufactured in Shikhar style, it has magnificent architecture. Next in line is Tani Jubbar Lake. The lake is located 6 km from Kotgarh. The prominent Nag Devta temple built across the lake is the centre of attraction, but outsiders are not allowed. Every last week of June, a fair is held near the lake, where local craftsmen showcase their wares.  

After visiting Tani Jubbar, Hattu Peak is a must visit place in Himachal Pradesh. Situated near Narkanda it offers a wonderful trek. It takes around two-hour trek to reach Hattu peak from Narkanda. Enroute you can see many flora and fauna. You can also relish the mesmerizing beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges and the Pir Panjal of the Himalayas from the peak. During winter, the peak is covered with a thick sheet of snow. At the top, there is a temple dedicated to Hattu Mata. Every year a fair is conducted here in the month of May.

In the evening return to the hotel room for a cosy night stay. 

Day 4: Kotgarh to Sojha

Post breakfast check out and proceed towards Sojha. A little village that facilitates the best that nature can give you. A drive to this retreat in the densely covered valley is a pleasure in itself. The various walk and treks in the surrounding forests and meadows are the special features of Sojha Village. Shoja is a perfect weekend escape. Arrive in Sojha and check in at the hotel for overnight stay.

Distance of Sojha from Kotgarh: 135 km

Travel Time: 6 hours 20 minutes

Suggested Hotels: Dolli Guest House, Leena's Place Jibhi, Hotel Cedar View

Suggested Restaurant: Jungle Valley, Kshatra Homestay and Restaurant

Day 5: Sojha Valley, Jalori Pass Full Day Sightseeing
 

Proceed on Sojha Valley sightseeing post breakfast starting with an excursion to the Raghupur Fort. Omitting the Tirthan Valley in Kullu district in the West and Shimla district in the East, Raghupur Fort is approached via trek which is filled with lush green oaks and rhododendrons. The fort is believed to be built by the ruler of Mandi to protect them from invasion. But in present, nothing much is left except the pond inside the premises and the outer walls. 

The next destination to visit will be Jalori Pass, the only Indian pass which is open every year except in the peak winter months. With scenic views of the majestic Himalayan scenery and the fresh mountain air to surround you, the trek through Jalori Pass has a lot to offer with extremely beautiful flowers, birds and the environment for the best experience.

The trail leads to the adjacent Serolsar Lake and 'Budhi Naagin' temple, which offers an escapade for nature fanatics and religious devotees. While exploring new places you can try mouth-watering traditional food such as Siddu, Babru, Channa Madra, Auriya Kaddoo and many more.

In the evening return to the Hotel for night stay.

Day 6: Sojha to Karsog
Post breakfast check out and head toward Karsog Valley. It is famous for its green carpet of meadows, excellent weather, apple orchards, ancient temples, and the pollution-free environment. Noted attractions here include Mamleshwar Mahadev temple, Kamaksha Devi Temple and Mahunag Temple. Once you reach Karsog, check in to the hotel for overnight stay.

Distance of Karsog from Sojha: 42.3 km

Travel Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Suggested Hotels: Tejus hotel, OMS Hotel Karsog, Mamleshwer, Hotel Gopal Apple Resort

Suggested Restaurant: De Hleo's Den Hotel N Restaurant, Hotel city heart

Day 7: Chindi Full Day Sightseeing

Leave for sightseeing after having a good breakfast. Start your day’s tour with the blessings of Kamaksha Mata. Kamaksha Mata Temple is a Shaktipeeth entirely devoted to Goddess Kali. According to mythological stories, it is the place where the tongue of Goddess Durga fell. Thousands of Hindu devotees visit this place during Navratri. 

Next in the list is Mamleshwar Mahadev Temple. It is an ancient temple with many religious beliefs. This temple is believed that it is a 5000 years old temple. It is said that this temple has witnessed the Satyuga, Treta, Dwapar and now Kalyuga. There is an Akhand Dhuni in the temple campus, which is burning for thousands of years or you can say from the very Mahabharata period. There is also a wheat grain of 150 gram from that period. The Shivling placed by Pandavas and the Drum of Bhim are other attractions.

It is time to visit Chindi. Chindi is one of the prominent destinations to visit in Karsog. Widely a hilly area, it remains praised among nature lovers for its natural charm and grandeur. The Chindi rest house on the cliff offers a look of a country castle from a distance.

With the good memories of this trip, it time to leave Karsog Valley. Take a direct bus to Delhi from Karsog Bus stand.

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Package Inclusion:

• 06 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis

• Breakfast and Dinner

• Pick from Delhi and drop to Chandigarh

• Private vehicle for 7 days

• Parking, Toll tax and driver hault

• Inclusive of all taxes

Package Exclusion:

• Personal expenses

• Snacks 

• Charges for adventure activities

• GST as applicable

How to Reach Shimla

By Flight: The nearest airport to Shimla is situated at Jubbarhatti, 22 kms from Shimla has regular flights from Delhi but due to bad weather conditions, flights may be irregular. Alternatively better option is to reach Chandigarh Airport at a distance of 120 Kms away from Chandigarh, you can board Holiday Travel Taxi to reach Shimla in approx 2.5-3 hours.

By Toy Train from Kalka: From Kalka, the Narrow-Gauge Kalka-Shimla Unesco - Heritage Toy Train connects to Shimla. The total distance covered is 96 kms from Kalka to Shimla with 107 Tunnels & 864 Bridges. The Shimla toy train starts Journey at 656 meters (2,152 ft) above sea level in Kalka and reaches Shimla at an altitude of 2,076 meters.

The route offers a panoramic feast of the picturesque Himalayas from the Shivalik foot hills at Kalka to several important points such as Dharampur, Solan, Kandaghat, Taradevi, Barog, Salogra, summer hill and Shimla. The Railway has 919 curves, the sharpest being 48 degrees. The journey takes about five-and-a-half hours to reach Shimla.

By Train: Indian Railways connects up-to Kalka (about 100kms from Shimla) by broad-gauge line. The Kalka station is connected to most major cities in India, including Delhi and Calcutta.

Best time to visit Shimla

Best time to visit Shimla in March to June: This is a popular tourist season in Shimla as the weather is quite pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The temperature is comfortable and usually varies between 15 degree C and 30 degree C. If you are into adventure sports then this is the ideal time to try paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting.

Hotels included in this Package

Shimla

Standard Hotel: Hotel Shubham: TA Rank (3.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: V Resorts Mashobra Greens: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Wildflower Hall: TA rank (5.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Hatkoti

Standard Hotel: Hotel Giriganga: TA Rank (3.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: Mount View Hotel: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: The Chanshal: TA rank (5.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Kotgarh        

Standard Hotel: Seetalvan Orchard: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: Seetalvan Orchard: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Seetalvan Orchard: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

NOTE: There are no 3 star or 5 star hotels available

Karsog

Standard Hotel: Oms Hotel & Restaurant: TA Rank (3.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: Hotel Lake View: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Sandhya Hot Spring Health: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Jibhi

Standard Hotel: Whispering woods: TA Rank (3.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: Anjali Home Stay: TA Rank (4.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Apple Tree Cottages: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Shoja

Standard Hotel: Satyam Home Stay: TA Rank (3.5) - Certificate of Excellence

Deluxe Hotel: Tirthan View Homestay: TA Rank (4.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Luxury Hotel: Shunya Mistigri: TA Rank (5.0) - Certificate of Excellence

Food to eat in Himachal Pradesh

Tourists look around to find where to find Delicious Himachali Food, They can see only Punjabi Food Joints, Italian Jolints, Bakeries, Chinese Food Stalls, Not no-where Himachali Dishes. authetic and traditional Himachali food like khoru, patore, babroo, chaa ghosht, murgh anardana, Dham , Simply head towards any of Oberoi Group of Hotels ( Wild Flower Hall, Clarks, or cecil) and enjoy the long forgotten traditional Himachali recipes.

Good Restaurants in Shimla

Shimla is so much more than the bustling, snow-capped capital of Himachal Pradesh. Along with scenic views of the beautiful mountain tiers, this picturesque city offers a melting pot of mouthwatering cuisines.  It is the most frequented place that has not only good restaurants but also small coffee joints like Café Coffee Day and Barista. Devicos is a multi-cuisine restaurant, serving north Indian, south Indian, Chinese and Continental.

People and lifestyle of Himachal Pradesh

The people of Shimla are among the warmest and friendliest people of India. They believe in simple living and are content with whatever they have got in life. The locals here are known as the Pahari Peoples. However in modern times, the people living in Shimla are known as Shimlaites. The Shimlaites make their living through agriculture and livestock. The women here wear Salwar, Kameez, Kurta or the long knee length gown known as Juan Chadiyan which reflects their culture.

Activities to do in Himachal Pradesh

Rafting at Tattapani

The perfect combination of adventure and beauty, Tattapani is an amazing spot for a fun-filled and memorable day. Tattapani is about 60 kilometers from Shimla, and is a popular spot for hot springs too. You can avail the 14 km long or the 36 km long rafting route. River rafting in the cold water of River Sutlej, one of the longest rivers of India can be a lot of fun and exciting.

Shop at local bazaars

Shimla also has a range of charming markets and places to visit in Shimla for shopaholics. One of the most popular places to go to for shopping is at the Mall road in Shimla. This place is the shopping hub and commercial center of Shimla. One can find small souvenirs and knick-knacks here along with handicrafts and other artifacts that Shimla is famous for.

Yak Rides

Horse riding and Yaj Riding in Kufri is popular tourist activity especially for kids to be taken around to different view points on a horseback. These Yaks are also known for their milk and cloth making wools. They are also eaten as meat. Also, these beasts are very special entertainer in Tibetan Festivals in Himachal Pradesh. Some Yaks are forest Yaks which are very dangerous and cannot be used fro Safaris.

Skiing On the Slopes of Mahasu Peak

Kufri, the winter sports capital of Shimla, leaves each and every visitor splendid with its beautiful white cover of snow. The slopes, the heights, and the snowy carpet it offers are the most adventurous platforms for skiing. The thick cover of snow is perfect for hosting the adventurous sport. Skiing, purchase one of the most popular winter sports has now become the signature sport of Himachal Pradesh during winters. Tourist from all over the country and ski loving international tourists converge on Himachal Pradesh during winters to enjoy the thrill and excitement of racing down the snow clad slope.

Trekking in Chail

The Chail Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful retreat for the wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The Chail Wildlife Sanctuary covered in Deodar and Oak Forests has a rich plethora of flora and fauna. Chail is the place where Trekking is one of the most pleasurable activities. The treks in the area provide many interesting sights and sounds of the picturesque nature.

Chandigarh to Jibhi

Chandigarh to jibhi is 268 km away from each other and it takes 7.5 Hours to reach by private vehicle. The small town of AUT can be reached after crossing a long tunnel on the highway. There is another route which is on the right just before the tunnel at AUT and one can take that road following the river and head further till Bajnar.

Jalori Pass Trek

Jalori pass has steepest drive which covers more than 2000 meters in 25 kms, it connects Shimla and Kullu valleys and offers fantastic views of the Dhauladhar and Kinnaur ranges. Spend half an hour at Jalori pass.

The Most famous attraction of this place is Chaini fort trek and Sharingi Bagi temple. Chaini village is located in this town and which is inspired from Chinese art. There is well outlined and beautiful trail to reach temple. Chaini fort is another famous attraction, the rocks used in this fort are not easily found in this region.

Chandigarh to Narkanda

Chandigarh to Narkanda is 174km away from each other and it takes 7.5 Hours to reach Narkanda

Manali to Kasol distance

 Manali to Kasol distance is approx 75 km away and it takes 3.5 Hours to reach by your private vehicle.