Shimla and Manali are about 250 km apart, a full day's drive through Mandi and the Kullu valley. Put together, they make one of India's most popular hill holidays: a colonial town on a ridge, then a river valley under snow peaks.
This route assumes you start from Delhi or Chandigarh. It works from March to June and October to February; avoid the peak monsoon weeks, when landslides often disrupt the Kullu valley road.
Quick answer
A six to eight day Shimla Manali itinerary: travel to Kalka and take the toy train or drive to Shimla (day 1), explore Shimla and Kufri (day 2), drive to Manali via Mandi and Kullu (day 3), see Old Manali, Hadimba and Vashisht (day 4), Solang and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu (day 5), Naggar or Kasol (day 6), then return by overnight bus or via Bhuntar or Chandigarh (days 7 to 8).
Key takeaways
- Allow a full day for the Shimla to Manali drive, about 250 km.
- The Kalka-Shimla toy train is slow but scenic; book on IRCTC.
- Solang and Sissu (via the Atal Tunnel) are the main snow spots near Manali in winter.
- Rohtang Pass needs an online permit and opens only in summer.
- Add Dharamshala or Kasol for a longer trip.
Route at a glance
| Day | Base | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shimla | Kalka to Shimla by toy train or road; evening on the Ridge |
| 2 | Shimla | Jakhoo temple, Christ Church, Mall Road; Kufri or Mashobra |
| 3 | Manali | Drive via Mandi and Kullu (about 8 to 9 hours) |
| 4 | Manali | Old Manali, Hadimba temple, Vashisht hot springs |
| 5 | Manali | Solang valley; Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul |
| 6 | Manali | Naggar castle and Roerich estate, or a day in Kasol |
| 7 to 8 | Return | Overnight bus to Delhi, or fly from Bhuntar or Chandigarh |
Days 1 and 2: Shimla
Shimla
The toy train from Kalka takes about five to six hours; the road is faster. Spend a day on the Ridge and Mall Road, climb to Jakhoo, and take a half-day trip to Kufri or Mashobra.
Shimla guide · Things to do in Shimla · Mountain railways of India
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
The drive follows the Sutlej and then the Beas through Mandi and Kullu. Start early; with stops it takes most of the day. Kullu has river rafting in season, and the Pandoh dam and the Aut tunnel are on the way.
Days 4 to 6: Manali and around
Manali
Old Manali's cafés, the Hadimba temple in its cedar grove, Vashisht's hot springs, Solang valley for snow or paragliding, and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. Naggar's castle and the Roerich estate, or a day in Kasol in the Parvati valley, make a quieter last day.
Manali guide · Things to do in Manali · Adventure activities in Manali · Kasol guide
Variations
- Winter (December to February): expect snow around Solang and Sissu; roads beyond may close after heavy snowfall. Keep a buffer day.
- Summer (May to June): Rohtang Pass can be added with an online permit (closed on Tuesdays).
- Add Dharamshala: from Manali, drive to McLeod Ganj (about seven to eight hours) for two nights, then return to Delhi.
- Shorter trip: five days, with one day less in each town.
Getting there and back
- Delhi to Kalka by the Kalka Shatabdi, then toy train or road to Shimla.
- Overnight Volvo buses run between Delhi and both Shimla and Manali.
- Bhuntar airport (for Manali) and Chandigarh airport have flights, though Bhuntar's are limited and weather-dependent.
- A car and driver for the whole trip is the most flexible option.
Where to stay
In Shimla, stay near the Ridge and Mall Road for walkability, or in Mashobra for quiet. In Manali, Old Manali and Vashisht suit younger travellers with cafés close by, while the Naggar and Hadimba sides are calmer for families and couples. Confirm heating in winter and parking if you are driving.
Safety
- Drive times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather, landslides and road works; allow extra time and avoid driving after dark.
- Permits, e-passes, ropeways and pass openings change; check official portals before you travel.
- In winter, use drivers experienced in snow, and carry warm layers in the car.
What to pack
- Warm layers; heavier in winter
- Walking shoes with grip
- Motion-sickness tablets
- Printed permits if visiting Rohtang
Want to combine several mountain destinations into one trip?
FAQs
How many days do I need for Shimla and Manali?
Six to eight days is comfortable; five is possible but rushed.
How far is Manali from Shimla?
About 250 km, a full day's drive via Mandi and Kullu.
Can I see snow on a Shimla Manali trip?
In winter, Solang, Sissu and Kufri are the likeliest places; snow is never guaranteed.
Do I need a permit for Rohtang?
Yes, an online permit, and the pass opens only in summer; the Atal Tunnel needs no permit.
Should I take the toy train to Shimla?
It is a lovely experience but slow; book early, or take it one way only.
