Every year thousands of tourists plan a trip to Shimla and Manali with their families and loved ones. I too get loads of questions regarding planning the trip to Shimla and Manali on this blog. No wonder why as both Shimla being known as “Queen of Hills” and Manali popularly-known as a “Honeymoon Destination“, are the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
Personally speaking, Shimla now being converted to nothing but a concrete jungle still offer around a few peaceful places. Manali, on the other hand, has much more natural offerings.
Today, I am going to make the lives of tourists looking forward to making a plan for a trip to Shimla and Manali easier. In this article today, I will be sharing the most common itinerary for a trip to Shimla and Manali.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Should I spend more time in Shimla or Manali?
I am going to suggest the plan in such a way that you spend more time in Manali than in/around Shimla. Manali has a lot more to offer than Shimla, so it is better to spend more time in Manali. The river element in Manali adds more charm to the missing beauty of Shimla.
While Shimla may appeal more to people close to architecture, Manali is more to people who are close to nature. In the past, I did write a detailed travel guide to Manali which can be referenced for more details, in case required.
Both Shimla and Manali are well connected to Delhi / Chandigarh by Volvo buses. I always prefer taking an HPTDC or HRTC Volvo, which can be booked by their official websites. It is a fair warning that you should avoid private Volvos when both HRTC and HPTDC have an excellent fleet on offer. Otherwise, for reaching Shimla, you can also enjoy the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla.
Road Conditions in Shimla and Manali
Well, the road conditions to Shimla from Delhi are excellent in shape. Now, with operational Himalayan Expressway that bypasses the messed up traffic of Kalka, the journey to Shimla and ahead to Kinnaur & Spiti Valley is so much smoother and faster.
On the other hand, though the majority of road conditions between Delhi and Shimla are excellent, the section between Swarghat to Bilaspur/Sunder Nagar makes you feel frustrated. You need to get past this section patiently and rest all is a breeze on Delhi to Manali route 🙂
8 Day Plan for a trip to Shimla and Manali
Given below is an 8-day plan for a trip to Shimla and Manali, which you can follow and have a good time with your family. The trip is balanced and comfortable for people of all ages, including kids and adults.
Hence, your family will enjoy the balance of both Shimla and Manali while you collect those memories to be cherished forever. Feel free to shoot any questions or doubts you may have in the comments section of the article below.
Day 1 | Delhi to Shimla
Reach Shimla from by overnight Volvo from the previous night or by toy train. Check-in and rest at the hotel. In the second half, explore local Shimla, including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening. You can even plan to stay at Mashobra.
Day 2 | Shimla Local Sightseeing
Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge, etc. as you like or maybe you can visit Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
Day 3 | Shimla to Narkanda & Hatu Peak
Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla (a bit long day) or you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Little less hectic :)). You can of course club it with Kufri as well. However, spending time around Narkanda – Thanedar – Hatu Peak will be worth the time. Also, if you plan to go Manali over Jalori Pass, then it makes more sense to stay overnight at Narkanda.
Day 4 | Shimla to Manali
This day will be used by mostly traveling from Shimla to Manali. You can plan to either travel from the Jalori Pass route. There is also a route that goes via Tattapani – Chindi – Rohanda. Or, you can also plan the regular route via Bilaspur.
Day 5 | Manali Local Sightseeing
Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), etc. You can plan to spend some time by the riverside as well or take some trekking trails in the woods near Old Manali.
Day 6 | Manali to Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass
Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy the snow, and come back to Manali. In summers, you can go up to Rohtang Pass as well. You can also plan to spend the night at Solang Valley, which is less touristy in comparison to the Manali crowd.
I am sure in winter, this day will be most exciting as you are looking forward to visiting snow points near Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass. Make sure you leave early to avoid traffic jams toward Rohtang Pass.
Day 7 | Manali to Jagatsukh to Naggar Castle
On this day you can travel from Manali to Jagatsukh and then further to Naggar Castle. Jagatsukh is one of the offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh whereas Naggar Castle is one of the romantic places in Himachal.
You should stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. It is very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Museum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top.
Day 8 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi
Today you can checkout from Naggar Castle by noon and travel back home. Since the Volvo to Delhi will be around 5.30 PM types, so either you can spend a sometime hanging around Naggar only and after lunch leave for Manali or you have the option to come back to Manali and hang around on Mall road and finally take the return bus.
Or, you can also coordinate with bus HPTDC guys so that the bus picks you from the nearest pickup point for Naggar on the way to Delhi. Naggar Castle guys will arrange the taxi for the drop there.
** if you have time then try, Manali Sanctuary can also be covered as it is just about 2-3 km from Manali town and there is a trail which starts from Manali Log Huts or Dhungri temple that leads you into the woods.
Where to stay in Shimla and Manali?
There are a lot of hotel options available in Shimla and Manali with a wide range of budgets. Hence, all type of accommodation options exists in both Shimla and Manali, ranging from high-end five-figure per night luxurious rooms to economic to cheap budget rooms as well in Old Manali. There are many hotels that also offer honeymoon packages for Shimla and Manali as well.
Hence, it will be no trouble for you to find a hotel in Shimla and Manali, which is suitable to your budget even after reaching the place. You may also browse our hotel’s section in DwD Community: Hotels, Guest Houses & Home Stays in the Himalayas.
Where to eat in Manali?
- Johnson’s, located near Circuit House is very famous for its cuisines. A meal here is a must for us whenever we go to Manali.
- Chopsticks, located at Mall road, has a great variety of Chinese dishes topped with great taste.
- Grozy, located just at the start of Mall road shops is also quite good in food quality. In fact, one of the trip we just had our meal in this restaurant only.
- IL Forno is by far the best place for Pizzas in Manali. If you love Pizzas then do not forget to check this awesome place.
- Sher-e-Punjab or Shan – e -Punjab (the original one) is also a good food joint.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
Are you planning a winter trip to Shimla and Manali?
- Do take heavy woolens with you especially a heavy woolen jacket.
- Do take 2-3 pairs of inner thermals cots.
- Do take woolen long socks. Airtight shoes would be perfect for helping you avoid freezing feet.
- Do not exert yourself too much and try to keep your body hydrated on the day when visiting snow points.
- Take at least one full day rest in Manali before venturing further heights. i.e., snow points in Solang or Gulaba. DO NOT go to snow points on the very first day you reach Manali region.
- In winter, you will find plenty of discounts in most stay options of Himachal. (except Christmas – new year week) HPTDC runs about 30% off-season discounts [also valid for Naggar Castle]if you like to stay in their hotels. All other private hotels can offer as much as 40-50%. Keep in mind that X-mas and New Year week is the costliest week of the year in Manali and Shimla.
- Do not forget to check this list of things to carry for the Shimla – Manali trip.
Conclusion
I am sure that the above article will help you plan a memorable trip to Shimla and Manali or at least act as a starting point for it. Please feel free to share any thoughts or questions or doubts you may have in the comment section of this article or the DwD Community | Itinerary Advice forum for Himachal Pradesh. We can discuss or help planning your upcoming trip to Shimla and Manali to be a memorable one 🙂
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25 Comments
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Hello Dheeraj
You mention using bus to travel to Shimla from Delhi. Are there no flights to Shimla? I remember reading that there is an airport at Jubbarhati or something.
Thanks.
Yes, there are flights to Jubbalhatti airport from Delhi. As it is not commonly used by folks, I did not recommend in the article plus it is costly than Volvo 🙂
Can you plan a trip for me from mumbai to Amritsar Golden temple + KulluManali + Shimla + Dharamshala + Dalhousie
Travelling Time 10 days
Ending of February
Skip, Shimla, for rest
Day 1: Delhi to Manali
Day 2: Rest in Manali and do local sightseeing in Manali
Day 3: Manali – Snow Point towards Rohtang Pass (Marhi / Gulaba)
Day 4: Manali – Naggar Castle
Day 5: Naggar Castle – Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj
Day 6: Mcleod Ganj and around
Day 7: Mcleod Ganj – Dalhousie – Chamba
Day 8: Chamba – Gete (17 Km) – Jot (12 KM) – Gete (12 KM) – Khajjiar (7 KM)
Day 9: Khajjiar – Dalhousie – Amritsar
Manali happens to be one of the most loved hill stations of the entire range of the Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Hi
I m planin to go shimla and manali from delhi in the ending week of december want to kno the best time to visit these places since i would like to see snow. And if i book this trip 4 month in advance can i get some discount.
I m the family of 4 .
Rizwan, the majority of the times by end of December it snows around Manali and Shimla but for snow mid of January of the best time. I will suggest if possible keep the plan flexible and as soon as it snows or has predictions of snow, go for it.
Even I am planning for a holiday in manali in December end for 5 days. we are a family of 4. Due to children school restriants, it would not be possible to postpone it to January. We want to see snow. We are reaching manali on 20.12.2017 & leaving on 26.12.2017 then proceeding to Narkhanda on 26.12.2017 & leaving from there on 28.12.2017. Please advise the possibility of Snow and what kind of clothing would be required to be carried. Also suggest a Taxi owner who can be with us 8 days. Chandigarh to Chandigarh. Hope the travel would not be a nightmare during that time. Thanks.
Hey Alpesh,
You can check tips for carrying clothes on your Manali trip at the link: Delhi to Manali, Himachal Pradesh – Travel Guide. Also, this will give an idea as well in detail: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Himalayan Trip
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of the pickup as well. Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. These drivers can help you with finding local stay options too.
You should be able to see snow stock around the snow points of Gulaba/Marhi or Solang Valley whichever is open. So, if snow is the priority then there are no issues but for snowfall best bet is that you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The weather websites of Manali region can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc.
I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.
If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hie deeraj
Wat would be the good option shuld i book a trip with tour agent or directly go to manali bcz i m coming with famil my daughter is 5 and son is 3 . Can u give some tour agent detials who can provide some good plan
If you are looking for competitive and customized tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most. You can refer my name or DoW to Gaurav, the guy who runs it. He knows us very well and should be able to offer some special rates being a DoW Member. You can just refer him the DwD Community Member Username in such a case or screenshot of this reply here.
Hello Dheeraj
I really liked the way you wrote the articles and the responses. Great job.
I am keen for your guidance for a taxi trip of a family of 4 adults from 21st May till about 28/29 May. I plan to cover Delhi >> Chandigarh(1N) and then Manali and Shimla for about 4N. Most importantly I am keen to explore nature as much as the snow and little of concrete. I am also keen to go budget with tent stays where possible rather than hotels.
Any suggestions will greatly be appreciated.
Hi Anand,
A plan is mentioned in the article, but if you are not interested int the concrete building then it is better that you plan Manali and Tirthan Valley
Hi DHEERAJ,
I am planning for Manali and Shimla along with my wife. It is her first trip to Manali. I arrive Manali on 23rd April 2017 and leaving from Shimla on 29th April. Can you give me a plan. Is it possible for me to take a bike in manali and drop it in Shimla. Can I go Kalpa..? Please suggest me.
I will suggest that you follow the plan suggested in the article. Kalpa will be too far to travel in these days after covering Manali and Shimla. So, keep Kinnaur Valley for some other time of the year.
If I skip Manali, How can Is it possible for Shimla to Kaza to Shimla in 7 Days.
7 days will be less but still if you want you may give a shot to any of the below plans of various combinations:
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 5 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Chandratal
Day 6 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza and around (Ki, kibber, gette, hikkim, komik, langza – Choose whatever you possibly can)
Day 6 | Kaza- Kunzum Pass – Manali
Day 7 | Manali – Delhi
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Chandratal – Kaza. Leave early morning from Manali to see Chandratal too.
Day 3 : Kaza – Rest Day. Evening pay a visit to Ki, Kibber
Day 4 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza – Tabo
Day 5 : Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Nako – Kalpa
Day 6 : Kalpa – Sangla / Chitkul – Sarahan / Rampur
Day 7 : Sarahan / Rampur – Delhi, long drive back
Day 1: Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda
Day 2: Shimla / Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Tabo
Day 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5: Kaza – Ki, Kibber, Komik, Hikkim
Day 6: Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa – Rampur/Jeori (very long day)
Day 7: Rampur/Jeori – Delhi (again a long day)
Day 1: Delhi – Sarahan
Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Tabo
Day 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5: Kaza – Ki, Kibber, Komik, Langza – Kaza
Day 6: Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla / Chitkul
Day 7: Sangla / Chitkul – Narkanda / Shimla
Day 8: Narkanda / Shimla – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
Confirming I am going to visit Manali and Shimla as per you plan here. I am about to visit Kasol for a day and in Shimla planned to go for Chail and Hatu peak. I am looking for Bike rental in manali and shimla. Do you have any contacts ?
In Manali you will get plenty of them. Best advise is to reach there, inspect the bike and then travel on it to ensure there are no issues.
Here what’s my plan for my trip.
Give me any change to be done, is Day5 do-able ? I am hiring a cab for the entire trip with a travel agency ?
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN MANALI + LOCAL CITY TOUR (3 – 4 HRS)
Day 2: MANALI – SOLANG VALLEY (14 KMS) & Rohtang Snowpoint – MANALI
Day 3: MANALI – NAGGAR CASTLE – JANA WATERFALL – Manali
Day 4: Kulllu – Manikaran – Kasol (Stay)
Day 5: Kasol – Tosh – Kasol – SHIMLA
Day 6: SHIMLA – KUFRI – LOCAL S/S – SHIMLA
Day 7: SHIMLA – HatuPeak/Chail
Day 8: Back to Delhi
.
Suggest me the Day 5 plan is do-able, if I start the day at 8 AM ?
Except Day 5, things look fine. It does not make any sense to visit Tosh on Day 5 rather you can tweak a bit like
Day 3: MANALI – NAGGAR CASTLE – JANA WATERFALL – Kasol
Day 4: Kasol – Tosh – Kasol or chill in Kasol only
Day 5: Kasol/Tosh – SHIMLA
Hi Dheeraj,
Very Nice & detailed info about Trip plan, really helpful for fellow travellers.
Inspiring by your helpful tips and mainly your detailed views, would personally like help on my upcoming trip – for which I give you full details below :
Me and My Family (total 3 adults) are planning Manali and Shimla in 1st week of April’17, starting 7th april. Following is tentative plan :
Day1 : Delhi to Manali volvo (Delhi dep eve 6pm, Manali arr. next day by abt 10am)
Day2 : Check in to hotel, rest for 2 hrs, freshen up, hv lunch. Then Manali Local site seeing covering places like-
Hadimba devi temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Temple & Hot water springs,
Tibetian Monastery (Buddha temple)
Club House, Van Vihar National Park, Nehru Kund
Manali bird sanctury (if not same as van vihar),
Night stay at Manali. [Night #1]
Question : 1) If all these places can be covered in 6-8 hrs (12pm to 6/8pm) which are places are nearby to each other / walking distance from mall road ?
2) Good Budget hotel for 3 ppl in the range of 1200 – 2000 max if u can suggest on mall road or even in distance of max 1 ~ 1.5 km of mall road – OR old manali (in that conveyance to/from old manali to mall road would be easily available at early mor / late night ?
Day3: Manali Rohtang Pass up to snow point, Solang Valley & Rahala falls (name to check)
eve. return and stay at hotel.[Night #2]
Question : 1) If I am not really doing adventures like skiing and likewise – is it really worhwhile going ON TOP of Rohtang Pass? I suppose for this, your vehicle should obtain NGT permission etc.
2) Do Snow Point and Solang Valley are the same places? Do I get to see & play in snow even at Solang Valley around 10th April ?
3) If you could let me know about different adventure sports at Solang Valley with rough estimate of cost?
4) Rohtang Pass (up to snow point only , Solang Valley (not with too many adventures) and on the return wait for about hf an hour at Rohalla Falls (I think it’s rohalla or jhana falls or some ??? falls) – Can these places be covered in 1 day (leaving from manali by 8am and return back by say 6/7 pm)
5) What will be cab/pvt.car for 3 ppl like indica/alto approx. charges for this day3 trip?
Day4: This i am keeping as “Rest” day [OR can be clubbed to Day-5 if required] – Here, I would like to cover remaining places of Manali [those which are not covered on day2], hv rest of 2-3 hrs at noon and spend eve. for shopping etc at Mall Road.
Night Stay at Manali [Night #3]
Day5: Manali – Kullu – Manikaran – Pandoh Dam – BSI Lake – Shawl Factory – Shimla
Night Stay at Shimla [Night#4]
Probably this will be totally 12-14 hrs journey – incl. places – upto reaching shimla, I believe
Planning to hire cab/car for this (Again – what can be approx. cost ?) – As bus travel may not be helpful to connect and cover all this places, besides timing adjustments.
NOTE: If this seems to be stretching too much, I can split this between day 4 and day 5
Day 4 can be Manali – Kullu – Manikaran – Manali (+ shopping at mall road at late eve/night)
Day 5 – Head from Manali to Shimla enrouting Pandoh dam, BSI lake, Shawl Factory – Shimla
Day6: Shimla – Kufri and Fagu visit
Kufri Fun World, Himalay Nature Park, Reserve Forest Sanctury (??? I dont know baout this place access), Fagu Valley
Eve. Return to Shimla by evening and spend some time in night at Mall Road / Ridge.
Night Stay at Shimla Hotel [Night#5]
Day7: Shimla Local site Seeing , covering places like :
Viceregal building, Botanical garden,
advance study
Christ Church
State/Army Museum
Scandal Point
Summer Hill
Glenn (picnic spot)
Jakhu Temple
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
Potter hill,Chadvick waterfall
Shimla railway station
The Gaiety Theatre
Annadel
I Believe above all places should be coverable in 6-8 hrs (say 9am to 8pm) , even if NOT, I can skip some places like The Gaiety Theatre, Annadel, potter hill etc
Night latest by 9 to 10pm, Return to Delhi by volvo bus (i suppose HRTC/HPRTC/Pvt. buses to delhi should be available till 10pm at least – reaching delhi by noon is OK for me) , reach by 12 noon latest at Delhi Next Day (i.e. Day 8)
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Alternatively, would it make any major difference if I make my route as DELHI –> SHIMLA (Day 1, 2,3) –> MANALI (Day 4,5,6,7) –> DELHI (day 8 reaching delhi)
According to me, This would make more sense if I can somehow reach Shimla on Day 1 itself at midnight (delhi to shimla 4pm to 1am/2am), spend that half night at Shimla to get rest so next 2 days full can be utilized for shimla and balance 3 days for manali.
HOWEVER, I DONT KNOW IF I CAN REACH DELHI (dep 4pm) TO SHIMLA (arrive 1am) IN 10 HRS IN ANY BUS, Unless Cab/Car can take us at that cost of about 3 ~ 3.5k and drop us upto hotel in shimla (being mid night)
*******************************************************************
Request if you could let me know budget hotels in MANALI & SHIMLA (rent less than 2k/day for 3 people for b/fast, dinner, taxes) – however clean, neat at having hot water at mor & night for freshen up….. I dont mind it to be at a distance of 1 to 2 km from main mall road area as long as i am able to approach hotel even at night 10pm.
Also, if you could suggest me day wise cab/car approx. rate as per above itinerary – that will be of great help as I can come to know about budget cost…. (which I have considered to be about 22-25k for 3 people delhi to delhi 8 days for hotel + travel site seeing)
Though, stretched in describing above a bit, Could you please take a while in going thro’ above and reply to my queries ASAP as now I am very short of dates ? As, like you, even I am planning to do this on my own rather than package deals – though going there for first time.
Many Many thanks in advance for your time and help dear,
Best Regards,
Bharat
Bharat, are you still looking for a reply? It is too much to reply in one comment, can you please split these a bit?
Hi !
Wonderful tips Dheeraj ! Thank you !
We are a family of 4 planning a holiday with another family of 4 to Manali in Mid April from Delhi. Dates 9-14( 5 nights,6 days ) . Planning to hire an Innova and drive first to Shimla . Stay there just that evening and night and proceed to spend most of the time in Manali. Return could be via Chandigarh.
Want to do a little hatke type of a holiday. Heritage hotels , non crowded destinations … The kids are aged 6-8-11-12. Would love your inputs.
Thanking you in advance !
Sita
Hello Sita,
I will personally advice to skip Shimla if you plan to spend only one night there because there will be nothing to explore and will add unnecessary travel. I will recommend you spend all nights in Manali and Naggar Castle. Naggar is a heritage hotel and property of HPDTC and is not visited by much tourists. You can read about it: Naggar Castle, Naggar | Hotel Review
Rest couple of nights you can plan to spend in Manali, going over to snow points and solang valley.