Arrive at Shimla (or Chandigarh rail/road transfer to Shimla). Check-in at the hotel, relax and acclimatize. Evening orientation walk along the Mall Road and a gentle birding stroll in nearby forest patches to look for wintering thrushes, tits and woodpeckers. Briefing by the on-site naturalist about the week’s birding targets and wildlife etiquette. Light day to recover from travel; plan for an early night.

After breakfast, a short drive to Kufri and Jakhu Temple area for morning birding. Explore mixed Himalayan oak and conifer forests searching for Himalayan monal, grouse, and several passerines. Afternoon visit to local viewpoint and leisure time. In the evening, a guided talk on Himalayan ecosystems and species to watch for in GHNP. Carry warm layers for early mornings in Shimla.

Drive from Shimla to Tirthan Valley (Gushaini/Jibhi area) — scenic valley drive with stops for photography and roadside birding in pine and deodar forests. Check-in to a riverside lodge/homestay. Short evening walk along the Tirthan River to spot waterside birds and hear the night calls of forest species. Tirthan is a quieter, less-developed base ideal for families seeking nature immersion.

Early-morning guided birding session along low-elevation trails and farmland edges — excellent for spotting warblers, flycatchers, and Himalayan bulbuls depending on season. Mid-morning return for a relaxed brunch. Afternoon guided walk to nearby villages to observe traditional Himachali lifestyle and local birding hotspots near orchards and terraced fields. Evening debrief with the naturalist focused on identification tips and camera techniques. Family-friendly, short walks with picnic options.

Full-day guided excursion into the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter GHNP with permits (arranged in advance). Guided trails focus on high-value birding and wildlife habitats: rhododendron, oak, and alpine meadows depending on access. Look for Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, raptors, and signs of musk deer and Himalayan wild goat. Picnic lunch in the park; return to lodge by late afternoon. Moderate walking; comfortable trekking shoes recommended.

Another day dedicated to exploring a different belt of GHNP or nearby Sainj/Jibhi micro-habitats with a local guide, focusing on species you may have missed and on photography vantage points. Optional short nature workshop for families (bird ID session, using binoculars and field guides). Evening at leisure beside the river with opportunities for night-spotting (owl calls and nocturnal species).

Transfer from Tirthan to Manali with stops in Kullu for valley birding and local sightseeing (Raison nursery, river banks). Check-in at Manali resort. Short evening stroll to Hadimba Temple grove or Manali’s quieter forest edges for late afternoon birding and potential sightings of Himalayan thrushes and woodpeckers. Manali brings slightly higher elevations and new species to the list.

Early morning birding in the outskirts of Manali or Solang Valley (season and road conditions permitting) — look for accentors, rosefinches and raptors. Return to hotel for breakfast, pack and check-out. Transfer to your onward destination (Chandigarh/Delhi) with optional drop at key transit points. If extending, Rohtang/Beas valley birding can be arranged subject to permits and season.