Shimla & Manali trip overview
Shimla and Manali are Himachal Pradesh’s premier hill stations. Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” offers colonial charm and leisurely strolls. Manali is an adventure and honeymoon hub known for dramatic Himalayan peaks and outdoor thrills. Located about (250text{ km}) apart, they are typically combined for a complete mountain getaway.
Shimla and Manali Itinerary
Experience the best of Himachal Pradesh on a seamless 6-day journey from the bustling streets of Shimla to the adventurous valleys of Manali. Stroll down Shimla’s historic Mall Road, marvel at snow points in Solang Valley, and soak in natural hot springs in Vashisht.
Arrival at Delhi Airport/Railway Station
Start journey towards Shimla
Distance: Approx. 340 km
Travel Time: 7–8 hours
En Route Attractions
Pinjore Garden
Timber Trail
Beautiful Himalayan mountain views
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Shimla
Places to Visit
Kufri – Famous for snow activities and horse riding
Jakhoo Temple
The Ridge
Mall Road
Christ Church
Distance Covered
Shimla to Kufri: Approx. 16 km
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Shimla
Check out from hotel and proceed to Manali
Distance
Approx. 250 km
Travel Time
7–8 hours
En Route Sightseeing
Sundernagar Lake
Pandoh Dam
Kullu Valley
Beas River rafting point
Shawl factories
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Manali
Places to Visit
Hadimba Devi Temple
Vashisht Temple & Hot Water Springs
Tibetan Monastery
Club House
Old Manali
Mall Road Manali
Distance Covered
Approx. 25–30 km local sightseeing
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Manali
Places to Visit
Solang Valley
Rohtang Pass (subject to weather & permit)
Atal Tunnel
Distance
Manali to Solang Valley: Approx. 14 km
Manali to Rohtang Pass: Approx. 51 km
Activities
Snow scooter
Skiing
Paragliding
Zipline
ATV rides
Overnight Stay
Hotel in Manali
Check out from hotel
Return journey to Delhi
Distance
Approx. 540 km
Travel Time
11–12 hours
Tour Ends with Beautiful Memories
General Inclusions
- Transportation: AC Volvo buses from Delhi to Shimla and Manali back to Delhi, plus a private or shared cab for local sightseeing.
- Accommodation: Double or triple-sharing rooms in standard hotels as per tour package.
- Meals: MAP plan, which includes daily breakfast and dinner (usually vegetarian).
- Sightseeing: Scheduled stops in Shimla (Mall Road, Ridge, Kufri) and Manali (Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Kund, Solang Valley).
General Exclusions
- Adventure Sports: Paragliding, zorbing, river rafting, or skiing.Special Vehicles:
- Transfers to Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel/Sissu (these often require special local union vehicles/permits).
- Entry Fees: Tickets for museums, monuments, and amusement parks.
- Personal Costs: Laundry, telephone calls, tips, and mineral water.
- Additional Comforts: Room heaters (extra charge per night) and AC in hilly areas.
- Travel Insurance & Taxes: 5% GST and any travel/medical insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you love winter sports and magical snowfall, visit from December to February. For lush greenery and pleasant sightseeing, plan your trip between March and June. Avoid the monsoon season (July–September) due to landslide risks
Yes, live snowfall is highly possible between late December and February. For assured snow during off-peak times (like early summer), you can visit Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass near Manali.
If you want to visit Rohtang Pass, you must obtain a permit in advance, as the number of vehicles allowed per day is restricted by the National Green Tribunal. Local tour planners or the official tourism platforms can assist with your inquiry and permit bookings.
A minimum of 5 to 6 days is recommended to comfortably explore both destinations (2-3 days for Shimla and 3-4 days for Manali).
By Air: The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti, and for Manali, it's Bhuntar. However, flights can be irregular. Chandigarh or Delhi are the most common major flight hubs.
By Train/Road: The UNESCO-listed Kalka-Shimla toy train offers scenic mountain views. From Chandigarh or Delhi, travelers usually book HRTC or private Volvo buses/cabs for the remaining journey.
