7 Day Shimla and Manali Himalaya Tour from Delhi

Drive Time: 8–9 hours (Approx. 340 km)

Your adventure begins early. To beat the notorious Delhi traffic, aim to hit the road by 5:00 AM. As you cruise along the NH44, make a traditional pitstop at Murthal to enjoy hot, butter-drenched parathas for breakfast.

The landscape begins to change dramatically as you cross Chandigarh and enter the Himalayan foothills via the Himalayan Expressway. The winding roads, flanked by dense forests of pine and oak, signal your arrival in Himachal Pradesh. You will reach Shimla by late afternoon. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and spend a relaxed evening taking a leisurely stroll along the Ridge. Breathe in the crisp mountain air and watch the sunset paint the distant peaks in hues of orange and pink.

After a hearty breakfast, head to Kufri, a charming hill station situated just a short drive from Shimla. Known for its panoramic views and nature parks, Kufri is a delight. Hike or take a pony ride to Mahasu Peak, the highest point in the area, offering spectacular views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges on a clear day.

In the afternoon, return to Shimla for a deep dive into its colonial heritage. Visit the magnificent Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas), an architectural marvel that once served as the residence of the British Viceroy. As evening falls, it is time for some Mall Road Shimla shopping. Explore the pedestrian-only street, pick up authentic Kullu shawls, and do not forget to grab a warm pastry from the legendary Trishool Bakery.

Today features one of the most beautiful drives of your trip. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and begin the journey toward Manali. The route runs parallel to the Beas River, offering mesmerizing views of deep valleys and terraced farming.

En route, engage in some Kullu Valley sightseeing. Stop at the Pandoh Dam for breathtaking photographs of the emerald-green water against the rocky landscape. Further along, visit a traditional Kullu shawl factory to see local artisans weaving intricate geometric patterns. You will arrive in Manali (6,726 feet) by early evening. Settle into your riverside or mountain-view resort and enjoy a quiet dinner.

Wake up to the sound of the Beas River and the sight of snow-capped mountains. After breakfast, head to the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple. Tucked away in the Dhungri Forest, this ancient wooden temple is surrounded by towering deodar trees and dedicated to Goddess Hadimba from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata.

Next, make your way to the Vashisht Village. Famous for its natural hot sulfur springs, it is the perfect place to dip your feet and relax. In the afternoon, explore the Tibetan Monastery, which offers a peaceful atmosphere and a chance to buy authentic Tibetan handicrafts. End your day by wandering through the narrow, vibrant streets of Old Manali. This area is famous for its bohemian vibe, live music, and excellent international cuisine.

Day 5 is dedicated to high-altitude thrills. Begin your morning with a Solang Valley adventure. Located just 14 km from Manali, Solang Valley is the adventure capital of Himachal. Depending on the season, you can enjoy paragliding, ATVs, zorbing, or skiing. The views of the glaciers and snow-capped peaks are unparalleled.

If conditions and permits allow, proceed for a Rohtang Pass excursion (subject to opening dates and NGT quotas). Standing at a dizzying 13,050 feet, Rohtang connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. It is a spectacular, stark landscape of ice and rock. Play in the snow, take sweeping panoramic photos, and feel on top of the world.

After an unforgettable time in the high mountains, it is time to begin your descent. Bidding farewell to Manali, you will drive back down through the Kullu Valley toward the plains. To break up the incredibly long journey back to Delhi, this itinerary thoughtfully includes an overnight stop in Chandigarh, India’s first planned city.

Upon arriving in Chandigarh in the late afternoon, experience a stark contrast to the rugged mountains. The city is clean, green, and highly organized. If time permits, take a relaxing evening walk at Sukhna Lake or visit the fascinating Rock Garden, created entirely from industrial and home waste.

On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. If you missed it the day before, take a quick tour of the beautiful Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, the largest of its kind in Asia.

Embark on the final leg of your journey via the NH44 highway. The smooth, fast-paced drive will have you back in Delhi by early afternoon. You will arrive with a camera full of breathtaking photos, souvenirs from the mountains, and memories of a spectacular Himalayan adventure that will last a lifetime.