Trip Overview
The Shimla-Manali circuit is the most popular hill station itinerary in India and one of the finest road trips in the subcontinent. These two destinations — separated by 260 km of spectacular mountain highway through the Kullu Valley — offer entirely different but equally magnificent experiences, making their combination deeply satisfying. Shimla captivates with the grandeur of its colonial past — the Mall Road pedestrian promenade, Christ Church, the Viceregal Lodge (once home to the Viceroy of British India), the monkey-filled forests of Jakhu Hill and the snow slopes of Kufri. It is a city of leisurely walks, warm cafes, Himachali craft bazaars and views of the Himalayan horizon. The 260 km drive from Shimla to Manali along NH3 through the Kullu Valley is itself a journey — past orchards of apple, plum, pear and cherry, through Bilaspur and Mandi, along the Beas River gorge, past Pandoh Dam's shimmering reservoir and into the Kullu Valley floor. Kullu town, famous for its traditional shawls and the Dussehra festival, sits at the confluence of the Beas and Parbati rivers. Manali then unleashes its full energy — Solang Valley's year-round adventure sports, the dramatic Rohtang Pass crossing at 3,978 metres, the cedar-forest temple of Hadimba Devi, the sulphur hot springs at Vashisht, the Buddhist monasteries and the wonderfully bohemian cafes and guesthouses of Old Manali. This 7-day tour is ideal for families, couples, friend groups and first-time Himachal visitors.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Chandigarh to Shimla
Drive from Chandigarh to Shimla (90 km, 3 hrs). Check in. Evening Mall Road — Christ Church, Ridge, Scandal Point, Gaiety Theatre. Overnight Shimla.
Shimla Sightseeing — Jakhu and Kufri
Morning Jakhu Temple (ropeway or walk). Afternoon Kufri — snow sports in winter, Himalayan Wildlife Park in summer. Chail World's Highest Cricket Ground. Viceregal Lodge heritage tour. Overnight Shimla.
Shimla to Manali via Kullu
Drive to Manali (260 km, 7 hrs) via Mandi and Kullu Valley. En route Hanogi Mata Temple, Pandoh Dam, Kullu shawl factory visit. Optional Beas River rafting near Kullu (April to June, extra cost). Arrive Manali. Overnight Manali.
Manali Local Sightseeing
Morning Hadimba Devi Temple (1553 AD cedar forest pagoda). Ghatotkacha Temple. Old Manali village walk — cafes, river, craft shops. Afternoon Vashisht village — natural sulphur hot springs. Club House on the Beas. Buddhist Monastery. Evening Tibetan Market. Overnight Manali.
Rohtang Pass
Early start. Drive to Rohtang Pass (51 km, 2 hrs) — 3,978 m. Panoramic views of glaciers, Himalayan peaks and the Lahaul Valley beyond. Snow play, photography. Return via Nehru Kund. Afternoon rest. Overnight Manali.
Solang Valley Adventure
Drive to Solang Valley (14 km). Winter: skiing, snowtubing, snowmobile. Summer: zorbing, ATV, paragliding, ropeway. Afternoon Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul — engineering marvel, drive through 9 km mountain tunnel, emerge in a completely different landscape. Return Manali. Overnight Manali.
Departure from Manali
Leisurely breakfast. Mall Road souvenir shopping — Kullu shawls, apple products, local crafts. Transfer to Chandigarh (by private cab) or Delhi (Volvo bus, 14 hrs overnight). Departure.
What's Included
- 6 nights accommodation — As per preference (3N Shimla + 3N Manali)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- Chandigarh to Shimla to Manali private cab throughout
- Shimla local sightseeing — Jakhu, Kufri, Mall Road, Viceregal Lodge
- Manali local sightseeing — Hadimba, Old Manali, Vashisht
- Solang Valley excursion with 1 activity
- Rohtang Pass excursion (NGT permit, subject to weather)
- Kullu River Rafting stop en route (optional, extra cost)
- All toll, parking and driver allowance
What's Not Included
- Flights or trains to Chandigarh
- Lunch
- Additional adventure activities
- Rohtang snow gear rental
- Kufri activities
- Monument entry fees
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total distance of the Shimla-Manali circuit?
Can Kullu River rafting be added?
Is this tour suitable for senior citizens?
What is the Atal Tunnel?
Is the Shimla-Manali road scenic?
When is apple season in the Kullu-Shimla belt?
Can we do paragliding in Manali?
15+ years of trust
Serving devotees & explorers since 2010.
24/7 WhatsApp support
Talk to real people, not bots.
354+ 5-star reviews
On Google, Tripadvisor & direct.



