Last Updated: March 2026
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 this trip on the blog. No wonder why. Shimla, known as the “Queen of Hills,” and Manali, popularly known as a honeymoon destination and adventure hub, are the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. In this guide, I will share a practical, day-by-day itinerary for a Shimla Manali trip that works well for families, couples, and even solo travelers.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
How Many Days Do You Need for a Shimla Manali Trip?
You need a minimum of 7 to 8 days for a comfortable Shimla Manali trip from Delhi. This gives you 2 days around Shimla, 3 to 4 days around Manali, and travel days in between. If you are short on time, a 5-day trip is possible but it will feel rushed. For a relaxed experience with side trips to Narkanda, Naggar, or Solang Valley, 8 days is the sweet spot.
I am going to suggest the plan in such a way that you spend more time in Manali than in Shimla. Manali has a lot more to offer than Shimla in terms of natural beauty, adventure activities, and side trips. The Beas River flowing through Manali adds a charm that Shimla’s increasingly crowded Mall Road simply cannot match.
Personally speaking, Shimla has been converted into a concrete jungle over the years. However, a few peaceful places around it still make the visit worthwhile. Manali, on the other hand, has much more natural offerings. So if you only have 5 days, I suggest spending just 1 day in Shimla and giving the remaining days to Manali and its surroundings.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Shimla and Manali?
The best time to visit Shimla and Manali depends on what you are looking for. March to June offers pleasant weather with temperatures between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. This is the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher hotel rates. September to November is actually a better window if you prefer fewer tourists, clear skies, and great views of the snow-capped peaks.
For snow lovers, December to February is the time to go. Shimla gets light snowfall, while Manali and Solang Valley receive heavier snow. Keep in mind that the Christmas and New Year week is the costliest week of the year in both Shimla and Manali. If you plan a winter trip to Manali, try to visit in the first or second week of January for better deals and equally good snow.
Avoid July and August if possible. This is peak monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh and landslides can block roads for hours or even days. The Shimla to Manali road via Mandi is particularly vulnerable to landslides during heavy rains.
How to Reach Shimla and Manali from Delhi?
Both Shimla and Manali are well connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by Volvo buses. I always prefer taking an HPTDC or HRTC Volvo, which can be booked through their official websites at hptdc.in and hrtchp.com. It is a fair warning that you should avoid private Volvos when both HRTC and HPTDC have an excellent fleet on offer.
As of 2026, the HRTC Volvo fare from Delhi to Shimla is approximately Rs 540 to Rs 1,200 depending on the bus type (ordinary to AC Volvo). Delhi to Manali Volvo buses cost between Rs 900 to Rs 1,800. The journey to Shimla takes about 7 to 8 hours, while Delhi to Manali takes approximately 12 to 13 hours by Volvo.
For reaching Shimla, you also have the option of the beautiful toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla. This UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway takes about 5 to 6 hours but the scenic views through 102 tunnels and 87 bridges make it a memorable experience. Kalka is well connected to Delhi and Chandigarh by train and road.
If you are driving from Delhi, the Himalayan Expressway now bypasses the messy traffic of Kalka, making the journey to Shimla and ahead to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley much smoother and faster. The expressway has reduced the Delhi to Shimla drive time by at least 1 to 1.5 hours.
What Are the Road Conditions Between Shimla and Manali?
The road conditions from Delhi to Shimla are excellent. The national highway is well maintained and the Himalayan Expressway is a smooth 4-lane road. From Shimla towards Manali, the roads are mostly good with one frustrating section between Swarghat and Bilaspur/Sunder Nagar that can test your patience. You need to get past this section patiently. Rest all is a breeze on the Delhi to Manali route 🙂
If you are self-driving, the Shimla to Manali distance via the regular route (Bilaspur, Mandi) is about 250 km and takes 7 to 8 hours. There is also an alternate route via Jalori Pass that adds adventure but is only recommended in good weather and for experienced drivers. I have covered a detailed travel guide to Manali which you can reference for more details on the driving route.
How Much Does a Shimla Manali Trip Cost in 2026?
The budget for a Shimla Manali trip varies widely depending on your travel style. Here is a realistic per-person breakdown for an 8-day trip from Delhi in 2026. These are estimates based on a couple or group of 2 to 4 people sharing rooms and transport costs.
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi to Shimla (Volvo bus) | Rs 550 – 800 | Rs 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Shimla to Manali (bus/shared taxi) | Rs 500 – 700 | Rs 800 – 1,200 |
| Manali to Delhi (Volvo bus) | Rs 900 – 1,200 | Rs 1,500 – 1,800 |
| Hotels (7 nights) | Rs 3,500 – 5,000 | Rs 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Food (8 days) | Rs 3,000 – 4,000 | Rs 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Local sightseeing & activities | Rs 1,000 – 2,000 | Rs 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Total (per person) | Rs 9,500 – 13,700 | Rs 18,300 – 28,200 |
If you are driving your own car, replace the bus fares with fuel costs. Delhi to Shimla is about 350 km and Shimla to Manali is about 250 km. At current fuel prices, the total fuel cost for the round trip would be approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 6,000 depending on your car’s mileage. Toll charges on the Himalayan Expressway are additional.
In winter (December to February), most hotels offer 30 to 50% discounts except during the Christmas to New Year week. HPTDC hotels also run about 30% off-season discounts, which is valid for properties like Naggar Castle as well.
What Is the Best 8-Day Itinerary for Shimla and Manali?
Given below is an 8-day plan for a trip to Shimla and Manali that works well for families, couples, and groups. The trip is balanced and comfortable for people of all ages, including kids and elderly members. 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 in the comments section below.
Day 1: Arrive in Shimla
Reach Shimla from Delhi by overnight Volvo (departures from ISBT Kashmere Gate at 8 PM to 10 PM) or by the toy train from Kalka. Check in at your hotel and rest. In the second half, explore local Shimla including the Ridge, Mall Road, and Lakkar Bazaar. The Ridge offers great views of the surrounding hills and is the heart of Shimla. If you prefer a quieter base, you can also plan to stay at Mashobra, which is just 12 km from Shimla and far more peaceful.
Day 2: Shimla Local Sightseeing
Spend a relaxed day around Shimla. Visit Jakhoo Temple (the highest point in Shimla at 8,000 ft with a 108-ft Hanuman statue), the State Museum, Christ Church, and walk through the charming lanes around Mall Road. You can also visit Kufri in the first half of the day. Kufri is about 15 km from Shimla and offers horse riding, a small zoo, and good views. However, keep in mind that Kufri gets extremely crowded on weekends and holidays.
Day 3: Shimla to Narkanda and Hatu Peak
This is a slightly long day trip. Drive from Shimla to Narkanda (about 65 km, 2.5 hours) and then hike up to Hatu Peak, the highest point in the Narkanda region at 11,152 ft. The views from Hatu Peak are stunning on a clear day. You can also explore the apple orchards around Thanedar on the way back. Return to Shimla by evening. Alternatively, if you plan to travel to Manali via Jalori Pass the next day, it makes sense to stay overnight at Narkanda instead of returning to Shimla.
A less hectic option for this day is a Shimla to Kufri to Chail circuit. Chail is a quiet hill station about 45 km from Shimla, known for having the world’s highest cricket ground. This option is better if you have elderly members or young kids in the group.
Day 4: Shimla to Manali
This day will mostly be spent traveling from Shimla to Manali (approximately 250 km, 7 to 8 hours by road). You have three route options. The regular route goes via Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu. It is the most reliable and well-maintained. The Jalori Pass route is more scenic and adventurous but only recommended in good weather (avoid during monsoons). There is also a route via Tattapani, Chindi, and Rohanda that is less traveled. I suggest the regular route via Bilaspur unless you are an experienced mountain driver looking for an adventure.
Day 5: Manali Local Sightseeing
Explore Manali at a relaxed pace. Visit Hadimba Temple (a beautiful wooden temple surrounded by deodar forest), Manu Temple, the Tibetan Monastery at the end of Mall Road, and Vashisth Hot Water Springs (about 3 km from Manali town). I personally never found Vashisth very interesting, but many travelers enjoy the hot spring baths. Spend some time by the riverside in Old Manali. The cafes there are great for lunch. You can also take some easy trekking trails in the woods near Old Manali if you are feeling active.
Day 6: Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass
This is the adventure day. Head to Solang Valley (about 13 km from Manali) for snow activities, paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway rides. In summer (June to September), you can go further up to Rohtang Pass at 13,054 ft via the Atal Tunnel or the old Rohtang road. Keep in mind that a Rohtang Pass permit is required if you are going beyond Atal Tunnel via the old road. The permit costs Rs 800 for petrol vehicles and Rs 400 for diesel vehicles as of 2026.
Make sure you leave early (by 7 AM) to avoid the traffic jams towards Solang and Rohtang. In winter, this day will be the most exciting as you visit snow points near Solang Valley. You can also plan to spend the night at Solang Valley, which is less touristy compared to the Manali crowd.
Day 7: Manali to Naggar Castle
On this day, travel from Manali to Jagatsukh (about 6 km south of Manali) and then further to Naggar Castle (about 21 km from Manali). Jagatsukh is one of the offbeat places in Himachal Pradesh, a former capital of the Kullu Kingdom, and well worth a brief stop. Naggar Castle itself is a beautiful 15th-century fort converted into an HPTDC hotel with stunning views of the Kullu Valley.
Stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. It is very romantic with great views and good food. Visit the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum (entry Rs 40 per person), the Urusvati Himalayan Folk Art Museum, and do not miss the hike to the ancient Krishna Temple at the top. The walk up to the temple through apple orchards and deodar trees is one of the highlights of this trip.
Day 8: Naggar to Delhi
Check out from Naggar by noon and travel back towards Manali. The Volvo buses to Delhi depart from Manali bus stand around 4 PM to 5:30 PM. You can either spend the morning at Naggar and head to Manali after lunch, or come back to Manali early and spend some time on Mall Road before taking the return bus.
You can also coordinate with HPTDC so that the bus picks you from the nearest pickup point near Naggar on the highway. Naggar Castle staff can arrange a taxi drop to the highway pickup point. If you have extra time before the bus, the Manali Sanctuary is just 2 to 3 km from town. There is a trail starting from Dhungri Temple (near Hadimba Temple) that leads you into beautiful woods.
Where to Stay in Shimla and Manali?
There are plenty of accommodation options in both Shimla and Manali across all budget ranges. In Shimla, budget hotels near Mall Road start at Rs 800 to 1,500 per night, while mid-range options on the main road cost Rs 2,000 to 4,000. In Manali, budget rooms in Old Manali are available from Rs 600 to 1,200 per night, and mid-range hotels near Mall Road cost Rs 1,500 to 3,500 per night.
For families, I suggest staying near Mall Road in Shimla (easier access to restaurants and markets) and in Old Manali or near the river in Manali (quieter, better views). HPTDC hotels are a reliable mid-range option in both cities. For something special, the HPTDC Naggar Castle is a great choice for one night. It will not trouble you to find a hotel even after reaching the place, but booking in advance is recommended during peak season (May, June, December, January).
Where to Eat in Manali?
Here are some of my personal recommendations for eating in Manali. These are places I have visited multiple times over the years.
- 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. Expect to spend Rs 800 to 1,200 for two.
- Chopsticks, located on Mall Road, has a great variety of Chinese dishes with great taste. Budget around Rs 600 to 1,000 for two.
- Grozy, located at the start of Mall Road shops, is also quite good in food quality. In fact, on one trip we just had our meals at this restaurant only.
- IL Forno is by far the best place for pizzas in Manali. If you love pizzas, do not forget to check this place out.
- Sher-e-Punjab (the original one) near Mall Road is a solid option for North Indian food at reasonable prices.
In Old Manali, you will find numerous cafes serving Israeli, Italian, and continental food at Rs 200 to 500 per person. For budget travelers, dhabas on the highway and around the bus stand serve decent meals for Rs 100 to 200 per plate.
What Should You Pack for a Winter Trip to Shimla and Manali?
If you are planning a winter trip (December to February), packing right is essential. Here are the key items you should carry.
- A heavy woolen jacket or down jacket. Temperatures can drop to -5 to -10 degrees Celsius in Manali and around 0 to 5 degrees in Shimla.
- 2 to 3 pairs of thermal innerwear (both upper and lower).
- Woolen long socks and waterproof, airtight shoes. This combination will keep your feet warm and dry in snow.
- Gloves, a woolen cap, and a muffler. These are not optional in winter.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses. The sun reflecting off snow can cause sunburn and snow blindness.
- Do not exert yourself too much on the day you visit snow points. Keep your body hydrated.
- Take at least one full day of rest in Manali before heading to higher elevations like Solang or Rohtang. Do not go to snow points on the very first day you reach Manali.
For a complete checklist, you can refer to this list of things to carry for a Himachal trip.
Can You Extend This Trip Beyond 8 Days?
If you have more time, there are several excellent extensions you can add to this itinerary. From Manali, you can drive through the Atal Tunnel (9.2 km, opened October 2020) to visit the beautiful Lahaul Valley on the other side. Sissu, with its waterfall and monastery, is just 30 km from the tunnel exit and makes for a great day trip.
If you have 2 to 3 extra days, consider a trip to Kasol and the Parvati Valley from Manali. Kasol is about 80 km from Manali and offers a completely different vibe. Budget backpackers especially love this extension. You can also consider extending to alternative hill stations near Shimla like Chail, Fagu, or Kufri for a quieter experience.
Important Tips for Your Shimla Manali Trip
- Book Volvo buses early. HRTC and HPTDC Volvos sell out fast during peak season. Book at least 1 to 2 weeks in advance through hrtchp.com or hptdc.in.
- Carry cash. While ATMs are available in Shimla and Manali, they can run out of cash during peak tourist season. Carry enough cash for 2 to 3 days at a time.
- Avoid weekends in Shimla. If possible, plan your Shimla visit on weekdays. The Mall Road and surrounding areas get extremely crowded on weekends, especially from April to June.
- Fuel up before Manali. If you are driving, fill your tank in Mandi or Kullu. Petrol pumps in Manali town can have long queues during season.
- Mobile network. Jio and Airtel work well in both Shimla and Manali. However, network coverage gets patchy once you go beyond the main towns towards Solang, Rohtang, or Naggar.
- Travel insurance. For adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, or trekking, having basic travel insurance is a good idea.
- Respect the mountains. Carry a trash bag and bring back all your waste. Follow responsible travel practices in the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Shimla and Manali?
7 to 8 days is ideal for a comfortable trip covering both Shimla and Manali from Delhi. This gives you enough time for sightseeing, day trips, and travel without feeling rushed. A 5-day trip is possible but tight.
What is the total budget for a Shimla Manali trip from Delhi?
A budget trip costs approximately Rs 10,000 to 14,000 per person for 8 days, including bus fare, budget hotels, and food. A mid-range trip costs Rs 18,000 to 28,000 per person with better hotels and more activities.
Is Shimla or Manali better for families?
Both are good for families, but Manali offers more activities and natural beauty. Shimla is better for walking, shopping, and colonial architecture. I recommend spending more days in Manali (3 to 4) and fewer in Shimla (2) for a balanced family trip.
Can I visit Shimla and Manali in 5 days?
Yes, but it will be a rushed trip. You would need to limit Shimla to 1 day and Manali to 2 to 3 days. Skip the Narkanda and Naggar side trips. This works if you are driving your own car, as bus timings may not align with a tight schedule.
Is the Shimla to Manali road safe to drive?
Yes, the road is generally safe and well-maintained. The only challenging section is between Swarghat and Sunder Nagar, which has some narrow stretches and ongoing construction. Avoid driving this route during heavy monsoon rains (July to August) when landslides are common.
Do I need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
You need a permit only if you are going beyond Atal Tunnel via the old Rohtang road. The permit can be applied online at rohtangpermits.nic.in. The cost is Rs 800 for petrol vehicles and Rs 400 for diesel vehicles as of 2026. No permit is needed to cross through the Atal Tunnel itself.
Which is better for a honeymoon, Shimla or Manali?
Manali is generally the better choice for honeymoon couples, especially if you include a night at Naggar Castle or Solang Valley. However, the best plan is to combine both. Shimla offers pleasant walks and colonial charm while Manali offers adventure and natural beauty. Check our guide on honeymoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh for more options.
![How to prepare for long-distance motorcycle ride to Ladakh or Spiti? [6 Things to Know]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/85.png)
I am sure that the above article will help you plan a memorable trip to Shimla and Manali, or at least act as a solid starting point for your planning. Please feel free to share any thoughts, questions, or doubts in the comment section below or in the DwD Community forum for Himachal Pradesh. We can discuss and help plan your upcoming trip to Shimla and Manali to be a memorable one 🙂
If your family or friends are planning a trip to Shimla and Manali, please feel free to share this article with them.
25 Comments
Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)
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)
****************************************************************
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.