Shimla and Manali together make India's most popular hill holiday – colonial charm in one, snow and adventure in the other. This 7-day plan keeps drives comfortable and leaves time to enjoy each place.
Route at a Glance
Delhi → Shimla (350 km, 7–8 hrs) → Manali (250 km, 7–8 hrs) → Delhi (530 km, 12–13 hrs or overnight Volvo).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla
Leave early and break the drive at Murthal or Chandigarh. Check in and walk the Mall Road and Ridge in the evening, with Christ Church lit up at dusk.
Day 2: Kufri and Shimla Sightseeing
Morning at Kufri (16 km) for pony rides, the Himalayan Nature Park and views. Afternoon at Jakhu Temple and the Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study).
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
A long but scenic drive via Bilaspur, Sundernagar and the Pandoh Dam. Stop at the Kullu valley for river views. Reach Manali by evening.
Day 4: Manali Local
Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot springs, Tibetan monastery, Van Vihar and an evening in Old Manali's cafés.
Day 5: Solang Valley and Atal Tunnel
Paragliding, ropeway or ATV rides at Solang, then cross the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. In winter this is your snow day. Read our Atal Tunnel guide.
Day 6: Kullu and Manikaran (or Naggar)
River rafting at Kullu (seasonal), shawl factories, and either the hot springs and gurudwara at Manikaran or Naggar Castle and the Roerich art gallery.
Day 7: Return to Delhi
Drive back or take the overnight Volvo to save a day.
Best Time to Go
- March–June: pleasant, ideal for families; peak season.
- July–September: monsoon – landslide risk, but green and cheap.
- October–November: clear views, quiet.
- December–February: snow; see Manali in winter.
Approximate Cost (couple)
- Budget with Volvo + 3-star hotels: ₹25,000–₹35,000
- Private cab from Delhi + good hotels: ₹40,000–₹60,000
- Luxury resorts: ₹80,000+
Tips
- Shimla's Mall Road is pedestrian-only; walk or use the lift from Cart Road.
- Book Solang activities on the spot after checking weather.
- Motion sickness is common on hill roads – carry medicine.
- Carry ID; hotels require it at check-in.
Shimla Manali Packages
All itineraries on our Himachal Pradesh page can start from Delhi or Chandigarh:
- Himachal Grand Honeymoon – Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala & Dalhousie, 9 Nights / 10 Days
- Shimla & Manali from Chandigarh – 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Winter Shimla & Manali – 5 Nights / 6 Days from Delhi
- Shimla & Manali Christmas Special – 5 Nights / 6 Days
- Shimla & Manali Celebration Trip – 5 Nights / 6 Days
Related reading: Himachal honeymoon guide · Himachal mountain holiday route guide · Dharamshala and McLeodganj guide
Official tourism information: Himachal Tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Shimla and Manali?
Yes. Seven days covers both comfortably, including a day at Solang and the Atal Tunnel.
Should I go to Shimla or Manali first?
From Delhi, Shimla first is more natural, then continue north to Manali and return by Volvo.
Can I do Shimla Manali in 5 days?
Yes, by skipping Kufri and Manikaran and taking the overnight Volvo back.
Is it safe to drive in Himachal during monsoon?
Possible, but landslides cause delays. Keep flexible days and check road updates.
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