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Shimla & Manali Classic HimachalShimla & Manali Classic Himachal
Shimla → Manali

Shimla & Manali Classic Himachal

6 days / 5 nights Price on Request Signature

Overview

The classic Himachal Pradesh circuit — Shimla's colonial-era hill station followed by Manali's mountain scenery and the Kullu Valley — the most requested introduction to Himachal.

Why This Journey

Shimla and Manali together cover Himachal's two best-known registers, colonial hill-station heritage and high-mountain scenery, in a route that's manageable without specialist permits or extreme altitude.

Highlights

  • The Mall Road and Ridge in Shimla
  • Apple orchards and river gorges through the Kullu Valley
  • Solang Valley and, season permitting, Rohtang Pass
  • Old Manali's cafes and the Hadimba Temple

Day by Day

  • Day 1

    Arrive Shimla

    Drive or train up into Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, climbing through pine forest into the Himalayan foothills. Evening stroll along the Mall Road and Ridge, the town's colonial-era promenade.

  • Day 2

    Shimla Sightseeing

    A day covering Shimla's colonial architecture — the Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church — plus, if you have time, a short excursion to Kufri for wider mountain views.

  • Day 3

    Onward to Manali

    Drive from Shimla to Manali (approx. 7–8 hours through the Kullu Valley).

  • Day 4

    Manali Sightseeing

    A day toward Solang Valley and (season permitting) Rohtang Pass, for high-altitude mountain scenery and, in winter, snow activities; summer visitors often substitute a gentler walk around Old Manali and the Hadimba Temple instead.

  • Day 5

    Manali Sightseeing

    A further day around Old Manali's cafe-lined lanes and the Hadimba Temple, with time at leisure to enjoy the Kullu Valley scenery at your own pace.

  • Day 6

    Departure

    Morning at leisure in Manali before a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • 5 nights' hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver throughout
  • Local English-speaking guide at each destination
  • All monument entrance fees for the sights listed above
  • Airport and inter-city transfers

Exclusions

  • International and domestic flights (unless a flight is explicitly listed as included)
  • Lunches and dinners (unless requested)
  • Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
  • India visa fees
  • Camera/video fees at monuments where applicable

Accommodation

Well-located hotels in each city, twin-sharing with breakfast included; a 5-star or heritage-property upgrade is available on request.

Transportation

Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for the full itinerary, plus any internal flights specifically listed in the day-by-day plan; airport transfers included.

Meals

Daily breakfast included. Lunches and dinners are at your own choice so you can explore local restaurants, with recommendations from your guide — let us know if you'd prefer these pre-arranged instead.

Best Time to Travel

October to March for the most comfortable sightseeing temperatures.

Important Notes

Let us know of any festival dates, mobility considerations or dietary needs in advance so we can plan around them.

About starting prices: Starting prices shown are indicative and may vary according to travel dates, number of travellers, hotel category, transportation, itinerary changes, season and availability. Final pricing is always confirmed with you in writing before booking — there are no hidden fees.

Customization

Every element here — duration, hotel category, pace and stops — can be adjusted. Tell us your dates and interests via the enquiry form and we'll tailor this starting point to you.

FAQs

Is this route suitable outside winter?

Yes — Rohtang Pass access is seasonal, but Solang Valley, Old Manali and Shimla's sightseeing are enjoyable year-round.

Is this itinerary private or a group tour?

Fully private — your own vehicle, driver and guide, on your own schedule, not a fixed-departure group tour.

Can this be shortened or extended?

Yes. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point — tell us your available dates and we'll adjust the pace and stops accordingly.

Customize This Journey

Tell us your dates and group size and we'll tailor this itinerary to you.

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