Best and easy to reach place is Dharmashala from Amritsar. if you are planning from Delhi or Chandigarh then it is Simla, Manali. But road to Manali is long and hectic.
Depends on what you're looking for. Hiking or any other adventures or just travelling & sight seeing. Spiti Valley Circuit (10 days) else road trip to chitkul Leh-Ladakh (flight to leh for cutting the travelling time via road) Barot Valley-Bir Billing (paragliding spot)-Mcleodganj/Dharamshala Kasol-Tosh-Malana Tirthan Valley-Jibhi-Jalori Pass