Shimla and Manali are two of the most visited destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Internet is filled with packages for Himachal Pradesh and either Shimla or Manali are always common part of most of them. Ask any travel agent in Delhi and they’ll present hundreds of travel plans featuring these destinations. So choosing the best itinerary for Shimla and Manali is kind of difficult when there are so many itineraries.
Keeping this in mind, here are some of the best travel plans for Shimla and Manali that will show you the best of both locations.
Why you should visit Shimla and Manali
- Being the most popular tourist spots of Himachal, it is a nice idea to start your travel in this state from here and then moving further to off-beat destinations
- They are easily accessible from Delhi and Chandigarh
- Regular buses and trains are available for the facility of travellers
- Many resorts and luxury camps are present here that makes them perfect for honeymooners and families
- The road leading to Shimla and Manali from Delhi/Chandigarh is in a better condition than other locations
Best itineraries for Shimla and Manali
Assuming that you are travelling from Delhi or Chandigarh, your itinerary will follow a simple routing and will change as per the number of days you have in your hand. The more are the number of days, you’ll find it better to explore the best of both locations and add further locations in process.
How to reach the starting point of this trip
Shimla is 6 hours away from Delhi while it is easy to reach Manali from Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. I’ll suggest that you travel by a bus or a car to Shimla and then continue your trip.
Option 1 – 4 night 5 days
Day 0 – Start from Delhi in the night, reach Shimla in the morning
Day 1 – Explore Mall road, Hatu Temple, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Sandal Point
Day 2 – Visit Kufri and Mashobra
Day 3 – Head for Manali (6 hours) Check in, visit Mall Road, Hidimba Devi Temple, spend your evening in Old Manali
Day 4 – Visit Solang Valley followed by Rohtang if time allows
Day 5 – Leave for Delhi/Chandigarh by bus/car
Option 2 – 6 night 7 days
Day 0 – Start from Delhi in the night, reach Shimla in the morning
Day 1 – Explore Mall road, Hatu Temple, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Sandal Point
Day 2 – Visit Kufri and Mashobra
Day 3 – Check out, travel to Kasauli, Visit Renuka Lake, Monkey point and spend your evening in the market
Day 4 – Head for Manali (6 hours) Check in, visit Mall Road, Hidimba Devi Temple, spend your evening in Old Manali
Day 4 – Visit Solang Valley, enjoy paragliding and other adventure sports
Day 5 – Check out, go to Rohtang Pass, reach Kasol by evening
Day 6 – Spend a lazy day in Kasol, go shopping or café hopping
Day 7 – Check out, drive for Chandigarh/Delhi
Note: If you are travelling to Delhi or Chandigarh from Kasol then it is a better idea to come to Bhuntar to catch your bus as there is no public transport available from Kasol.
Option 3 – 9 nights – 10 days
This one is rare as not many have so many days in their hand but if you are planning for an elaborate trip then this is how you should plan your trip.
Day 0 – Start from Delhi in the night, reach Shimla in the morning
Day 1 – Explore Mall road, Hatu Temple, The Ridge, Jakhu Temple, Sandal Point
Day 2 – Visit Kufri and Mashobra
Day 3 – Visit Narkanda, go to Hatu Devi Temple, enjoy lovely panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks
Day 4 – Check out, travel to Kasauli, Visit Renuka Lake, Monkey point and spend your evening in the market
Day 5 – Head for Manali (6 hours) Check in, visit Mall Road, Hidimba Devi Temple, spend your evening in Old Manali
Day 6 – Visit Solang Valley, enjoy paragliding and other adventure sports
Day 7 – Visit Rohtang Pass, spend your day playing in snow, return to hotel by evening
Day 8 – Check out, go to Kasol, spend a lazy day in the market
Day 9 – Visit Tosh village and return by lunch
Day 10 – Check out, move to Delhi/Chandigarh
Hope this itinerary helps you plan your next trip to Himachal. Exploring Shimla and Manali is easy and you don’t need assistance from a travel agent to plan your trip. You can book hotels and resorts online and they provide similar discounts. The hotel management also provides taxi service so that you can explore these destinations on your own.
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I’m visiting shimla in upcoming weekend and I believe this info will be useful for me. So thank you!
Sure, there is a lot more to explore here.
Great itineraries. It’s nice that there are so many transportation options because the scenery here is so beautiful!
Sure, there is a lot more to explore here.
This looks like quite the adventure! I had no idea it even existed.
Thanks a lot for dropping by.
What a beautiful destination. I can see why Shimla and Manali are so popular. I think the train would be a great way to explore.
Yes. The train is simply beautiful and relaxing.
Great itinerary and ideas for Shimla and Manali! That sunset picture was breathtaking! Are there any hotel options in the area?
Yes. THere are a lot of hostels and hostels in both places.
Great itinerary. That’s really helpful you list the ways on how to get there. I’m sure it will be really worth an adventure to see this stunning places.
Thanks a lot for your views.
Very informative postvwith some great Itineraries! I wish I was travelling that way to take advantage of these tips.
Thanks a lot for dropping by :d
Wow I’ve never heard of this place, but the pictures sure look stunning!
Thanks a lot
Plan sometime for the future.
I really like the photos and how you packed in so many ideas to do on this trip! It looks like it would be an awesome adventure.
I am sure that it will be.
As someone that visited Shimla and Manali both, I must say this is a great article! You truly managed to cover some of the most important tips for traveling to these places.
Thanks a lot for dropping by. Glad you liked it.
Manali has been on my list for a while. Looks like the cutest little hippie town!
yes, it is. thanks for your comments.
Wonderful itinerary bro. You described everything in detail.
HT