Himachal Pradesh is called the Land of Gods. It offers some of the most beautiful hill stations in India. Planning a trip to the hills of Himachal Pradesh is a dream for millions of Indians and tourists from across the world. Shimla and Manali are two jewels of this Himalayan state,and the most loved hill stations in India — and together, they make for one of the most scenic, refreshing, and memorable road trips you will ever take. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a family vacation, or a friends trip, this guide by Root Indians covers everything you need — a day-by-day 6-day itinerary, best 3-star hotels, 2026 estimated costs, food, culture, how to reach, and major attractions.
Introduction Of Shimla & Manali Trip Guide
Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the most popular hill stations in India. Sitting at an altitude of about 2,200 metres above sea level, Shimla is known for its colonial architecture, snow-covered peaks, lush green forests, and the famous Mall Road. It was once the summer capital of British India, and that old-world charm is still very much alive in its buildings, churches, and narrow lanes. Shimla is perfect for those who want a mix of sightseeing, shopping, and cool mountain air.
Manali – The Adventure Capital of the North
Manali sits at about 2,050 metres in the Kullu district and is one of India’s top adventure destinations. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the Beas river, and lush apple orchards, Manali offers trekking, paragliding, river rafting, snow activities, and breathtaking scenery. The town has a wonderful blend of Himachali culture and modern tourism. From the spiritual Hadimba Temple to the snow-covered Rohtang Pass, Manali has something for every kind of traveler.
Major Attractions of Shimla & Manali
Top Attractions in Shimla
- Mall Road – The heart of Shimla. Perfect for evening walks, shopping, local food, and enjoying the mountain views.
- Jakhu Temple – A famous Hanuman temple at the highest point of Shimla. Offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and surrounding hills.
- Christ Church – One of the oldest churches in North India, a beautiful colonial-era landmark on the Ridge.
- The Ridge – A large open space in the center of Shimla ideal for walks, events, and views of the Himalayas.
- Kufri – A small hill station just 16 km from Shimla, known for skiing in winter and horse riding in summer.
- Shimla State Museum – Showcases Himachali art, culture, and heritage. Great for history lovers.
- Chadwick Falls – A scenic waterfall located inside a dense forest, best visited during and after monsoon.
Top Attractions in Manali
- Rohtang Pass – One of the most famous mountain passes in India at 3,978 metres. Snow is available here for most of the year and the views are jaw-dropping.
- Solang Valley – Known as the adventure hub of Manali. Activities include paragliding, zorbing, skiing, and cable car rides.
- Hadimba Temple – A unique wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, surrounded by cedar forests. One of the most photographed spots in Manali.
- Old Manali – A charming, laid-back area with cafes, guesthouses, and a bohemian vibe loved by backpackers and solo travelers.
- Beas River – Perfect for river rafting and riverside picnics. The river flows through the entire valley.
- Manu Temple – Dedicated to the sage Manu, believed to be the only temple of its kind in the world.
- Naggar Castle – A historical castle about 22 km from Manali with stunning views of the Kullu Valley.
Route Map: Delhi to Shimla to Manali
The most popular route for this trip starts from Delhi. Here is the complete route breakdown:
Delhi → Shimla: 340 km (7-8 hours by cab)
Route: Delhi → Karnal → Chandigarh → Kalka → Shimla
Road condition: Excellent highways till Chandigarh, then mountain roads
Shimla → Manali: 250 km (7-8 hours by cab)
Route: Shimla → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
Road condition: Scenic mountain roads with some curves
Manali → Delhi: 540 km (12-13 hours by cab)
Route: Manali → Kullu → Mandi → Chandigarh → Delhi
Alternative: Break journey at Chandigarh for comfort
6-Day Shimla to Manali Itinerary with Root Indians
Day 1 – Arrive in Delhi & Travel to Shimla
Arrive in Delhi at your convenience — by flight, train, or road. Root Indians team will meet you at the airport, railway station, or your hotel for a smooth pickup. Board your comfortable cab or Volvo bus and begin the scenic journey to Shimla (approx. 350 km, 7–8 hours). Enjoy the changing landscape as the plains give way to pine-covered mountain roads. Arrive in Shimla by evening. Check in to your 3-star hotel, freshen up, and take a short walk on Mall Road. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 2 – Shimla Full Day Sightseeing
Start the morning with a visit to Jakhu Temple for panoramic views of the city and surrounding peaks. After breakfast, explore Christ Church, The Ridge, and Shimla State Museum. Afternoon visit to the peaceful Chadwick Falls. Evening free for shopping on Mall Road — pick up Himachali shawls, local pickles, jams, and wooden souvenirs. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 3 – Kufri Excursion & Drive to Manali
Morning excursion to Kufri (16 km from Shimla) for horse riding and stunning valley views. Return to Shimla for lunch. Post lunch, begin the scenic drive from Shimla to Manali through the beautiful Kullu Valley (approx. 280 km, 8–9 hours). The road runs alongside the Beas river through apple orchards, pine forests, and charming Himachali villages. Arrive in Manali by late evening. Check in to hotel and rest. Overnight in Manali.
Day 4 – Rohtang Pass & Solang Valley
Early morning departure for Rohtang Pass — all permits are arranged in advance by Root Indians. Enjoy snow activities, breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, and photography at the pass. On the return journey, stop at Solang Valley for paragliding, zorbing, or a cable car ride. Return to Manali hotel by evening. Dinner and overnight in Manali.
Day 5 – Manali Local Sightseeing
Morning visit to Hadimba Temple followed by Manu Temple and a relaxed walk through Old Manali. Afternoon drive to Naggar Castle for sweeping Kullu Valley views. Try river rafting on the Beas river if you are feeling adventurous. Evening in Manali local market — shop for Kullu shawls, dry fruits, local honey, and apple wine. Overnight in Manali.
Day 6 – Departure from Manali
Relaxed morning breakfast and hotel checkout. Root Indians arranges your comfortable cab transfer back to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Bhuntar Airport based on your onward travel plans. As the mountains slowly fade in the rear view mirror, carry home your memories, your shopping bags, and a promise to return.
Best 3-Star Hotels for a Comfortable Stay
In Shimla: Hotel Combermere, The Cedar Grand & Spa, Hotel Willow Banks.
In Manali: Hotel Rock Manali, The Manali Inn, Hotel Mountain Top.
2026 Estimated Trip Cost (Per Person)
| 3-Star Hotel (5 nights, twin sharing) | ₹5,500 – ₹6,000 |
| Transportation (cab/bus Delhi to Shimla to Manali and return) | ₹4,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Meals (6 days, budget to mid-range) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Rohtang Pass permit + activities | ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 |
| Sightseeing & entry fees | ₹499 – ₹999 |
| Total Estimated Cost Per Person | ₹15,999 Only |
How to Reach Shimla and Manali
- By Air: The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport, about 23 km from the city.
- By Train: The Kalka-Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage route
- By Road: The most popular and scenic way to reach Shimla and Manali is by road. From Delhi, Shimla is about 350 km (7–8 hours) and Manali is about 570 km (12–14 hours).
Food in Shimla & Manali
Local Specialties:
- Siddu – Steamed wheat bread with filling
- Dham – Traditional festive meal
- Madra – Chickpea curry with yogurt
- Tudkiya Bhath – Spiced rice dish
- Chana Madra – Himachali chickpea curry
- Popular Restaurants:
Wake and Bake Café (Manali)
- Café 1947 (Old Manali)
- Chopsticks (Shimla)
- Ashiana Restaurant (Shimla)
- Johnson’s Café (Manali)
Street Food:
- Momos (steamed dumplings)
- Thukpa (noodle soup)
- Maggi at mountain points
- Local fruit jams and pickles
Culture and Traditions
Himachal Pradesh has rich cultural heritage. Local people are warm and welcoming. Here are cultural highlights:
Festivals: Kullu Dussehra is world famous
Dance: Nati is traditional folk dance
Dress: Himachali caps and shawls are iconic
Handicrafts: Wooden items and woolen products
Religion: Mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions
Music: Folk songs during festivals
Best Time to Visit Shimla & Manali
Summer (March to June) – Most Popular Season
This is the best and most popular time to visit Shimla and Manali. The weather is pleasant and comfortable with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C. Rohtang Pass opens around May and all adventure activities at Solang Valley are in full swing. The valleys are green, the skies are clear, and the roads are safe and smooth. This season is ideal for families, couples, and first-time visitors. Expect higher hotel prices and more crowds during April and May so book early with Root Indians to get the best rates.
Why Choose Root Indians for Your Shimla & Manali Tour?
Root Indians is a trusted travel company that has helped thousands of travelers explore the best of India with ease, comfort, and great value. For your Shimla and Manali trip, Root Indians offers everything under one roof.
- Customized 6-day packages for couples, families, and groups at the best prices
- Handpicked 3-star hotels with verified reviews and comfortable amenities
- Experienced local drivers and guides who know every road and viewpoint
- Rohtang Pass permits, activity bookings, and all logistics handled in advance
- Flexible departure dates with pick-up from Delhi, Chandigarh, or your city
- 24/7 on-trip support so help is always just a call away
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges — what you see is what you pay
Root Indians makes every journey smooth, safe, and truly memorable. Thousands of happy travelers have trusted Root Indians — and you can too. For more information visit our website www.rootindians.com or contact on+91 78777 38437 For Customized itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Shimla & Manali
Q1. What is the best time to visit Shimla and Manali?
A: For snow lovers, December to February is ideal but roads can be blocked. March to June is the most popular time — weather is pleasant and Rohtang Pass is accessible. September to November offers clear skies and fewer crowds. Avoid July–August for road trips due to heavy monsoon landslides.
Q2. Is Rohtang Pass open throughout the year?
A: No. Rohtang Pass is generally open from May to November. It remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. Root Indians always checks the latest road conditions before your trip and suggests alternative snow points if Rohtang is closed.
Q3. How much does a 6-day Shimla–Manali trip cost in 2026?
A: On average, a 6-day trip with 3-star hotels, transportation, and meals costs approx. ₹15999 per person. Root Indians offers group packages that can reduce the per-person cost significantly.
Q4. Is Shimla–Manali trip suitable for families with kids?
A: Absolutely. Both cities are very family-friendly. Kids love the snow at Rohtang, horse riding in Kufri, and the toy train experience on the Kalka–Shimla route. Root Indians tailors itineraries to suit families with young children or elderly members.
Q5. Do I need any permits for Rohtang Pass?
A: Yes, a daily permit is required for Rohtang Pass and the number of vehicles allowed per day is limited. Root Indians arranges all permits in advance so you do not have to worry about availability or paperwork.
Q6. Can I book a customized Shimla–Manali package with Root Indians?
A: Yes! Root Indians specializes in customized itineraries. Whether you want to extend the trip, add Spiti Valley, or adjust activities, their team will build the perfect plan based on your budget, dates, and preferences.
