Himachal Pradesh 7-Day Itinerary: Shimla, Manali, and the Kullu Valley
Overview
| Days | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 | Shimla | Mall Road, Kufri, Green Valley |
| 3 | Drive to Manali (10h) via Mandi | Long day |
| 4 to 5 | Manali | Solang, Rohtang if open, cafes |
| 6 | Kasol | Parvati Valley, Malana |
| 7 | Kasol to Delhi (12h drive or bus) | Return |
When to go
March to June and September to November are best. May and June are peak (Indian summer holiday, everything crowded). December to February for snow and skiing (Solang, Kufri). Skip July to August (heavy rain, landslide risk).
Day by day
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla
Volvo bus (10h) or overnight train Delhi to Kalka + toy train Kalka-Shimla (6h). Or fly Delhi to Chandigarh + drive (3.5h). Evening on Mall Road.
Day 2: Shimla
Christ Church, Viceregal Lodge, Kufri day trip (30 min drive), Green Valley viewpoint. Sunset from Ridge.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
Long drive day (10h via Mandi, or 8h via new Kullu Manali highway). Overnight Manali. Do not attempt any activities same evening.
Day 4: Manali
Old Manali walk, Hidimba Temple, Van Vihar, Vashisht Hot Springs. Evening Mall Road.
Day 5: Solang or Rohtang (weather dependent)
Solang Valley (30 min): paragliding, zorbing. Rohtang Pass (2h, permits required): only if open May to October. Alternatively Naggar Castle + Roerich art gallery.
Day 6: Manali to Kasol
Drive 3.5h. Kasol village walk, Parvati river, cafes. Optional: Malana village day walk (steep, 3h).
Day 7: Kasol to Delhi
Overnight Volvo bus (12h) or drive to Chandigarh (7h) + fly. Reach Delhi morning of Day 8.
Alternative 7-day plans
- Dharamshala loop: 2 nights McLeodganj, 2 nights Bir (paragliding), 2 nights Dharamkot. Less driving.
- Spiti (advanced): 7 days from Manali to Kaza and back. Only June to October. High altitude, needs prep.
- Kasol + Kheerganga trek: 4 nights Kasol + 2 nights Kheerganga camping.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shimla or Manali better?
Shimla for heritage colonial charm, easier accessibility, lighter altitude. Manali for adventure, cafes, hipster vibe, snow. Different trips; combine if you have 7+ days.
How long is Delhi to Manali?
By road: 10 to 14 hours (varies with monsoon/landslides). By flight to Bhuntar + drive: 3h flight + 1h drive. Overnight Volvo buses are the local standard (12h).
When is Rohtang Pass open?
Mid-May to end of October depending on snowfall. Requires online permit (INR 550 per vehicle, book 24h ahead at rohtangpermits.nic.in).
Can I combine Himachal with Ladakh?
Yes: Manali to Leh road (June to October only) is 2 to 3 days of scenic overland travel. Add 5+ days for Ladakh acclimatization + sightseeing.
Best month for Himachal?
April to June or September to November. May to June is peak season (crowded, expensive). September and October are the value sweet spot.
AI planner for Himachal?
Winnie at trywinnie.com knows mountain driving times, altitude, and monsoon closures. Free to plan.
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