Snow mountains above a green valley in Himachal

Shimla & Manali
our bestselling Himachal circuit

Our bestseller — Shimla, Kufri and Manali with the Solang Valley and Kullu on the scenic drive.

5 Days / 4 NightsShimla · Kufri · Manali · SolangBest for The all-rounder, first Himachal trip
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Updated · By Itinerary Diary Travel Team · Rated 5.0 on Google (270 reviews)
Quick answer

Shimla & Manali is a 5 Days / 4 Nights private journey covering Shimla, Kufri, Manali, Solang. Best time: Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov. Ideal for: the all-rounder, first Himachal trip. Every day, hotel and stop can be changed, and the trip runs with your own chauffeur-driven car and 24×7 support from Itinerary Diary.

Why book with Itinerary Diary: Itinerary Diary Tour & Travels · Registered with the Ministry of Tourism · GST-registered · offices in Shimla, New Delhi and Brampton (Canada) · rated 5.0 on Google (270 reviews) · every trip private, with your own car & driver and 24×7 support.
At a glance

Shimla & Manali — quick facts

Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Route
Shimla · Kufri · Manali · Solang
Best time
Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov
Ideal for
The all-rounder, first Himachal trip
Day by day

Your Shimla & Manali itinerary

A concise day-by-day plan to begin from — every detail is private and tailored to your dates, pace and hotel taste.

Arrive Shimla, Himachal PradeshDay 1☀️ 18°C · Clear
Chandigarh → Shimla

Arrive Shimla

The Ridge, Himachal Pradesh
The Ridge
Christ Church, Himachal Pradesh
Christ Church
Mall Road, Himachal Pradesh
Mall Road
Scandal Point, Himachal Pradesh
Scandal Point
Shivalik views, Himachal Pradesh
Shivalik views
+ Gallery
Chandigarh → Shimla ≈113 km ≈4 hrs 2,276 m Dinner Shimla · 4★

Your journey begins with a private transfer up to Shimla. As the pines close in, the old summer capital of British India reveals itself — the Ridge opens to a sweep of peaks, and the Mall Road glows for an unhurried first evening.

★★★★★

Today’s highlights

  • Colonial charm of the Ridge & Mall Road
  • Sunset over the Shivalik range
  • Christ Church & Scandal Point
  • Evening café on a pedestrian promenade
Tip: Carry a light jacket — evenings are crisp even in summer. The Mall is pedestrian-only, so wear comfortable shoes.

Best photo spots

📸 The Ridge📸 Christ Church📸 Scandal Point📸 Mall Road at dusk

Your day, hour by hour

10:00
Private pickup from Chandigarh
13:00
Lunch stop en route (Solan)
15:00
Check-in at your Shimla hotel
17:00
The Ridge, Christ Church & Mall Road
20:00
Dinner & rest
🗺️ View route on Google Maps
Full day details & inclusions
Optional: a heritage walk to the Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) and the Gaiety Theatre, or a ride on the UNESCO Kalka–Shimla toy train for the final leg. All stays, a private chauffeur-driven cab, and 24×7 on-trip support are included. Meals and hotel category are tailored to your preference.
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Shimla Kufri, Himachal PradeshDay 2☀️ 15°C · Crisp
Kufri · Jakhu · Green Valley

Shimla & Kufri

Kufri meadows, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri meadows
Green Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Green Valley
Jakhu Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Jakhu Temple
Nature Park, Himachal Pradesh
Nature Park
Himalaya view, Himachal Pradesh
Himalaya view
Hill trails, Himachal Pradesh
Hill trails
+ Gallery
Shimla + Kufri ≈16 km Full day Kufri 2,720 m Breakfast Shimla · 4★

A full day among Shimla’s finest viewpoints. Kufri’s meadows frame the high Himalaya, the Jakhu temple watches over the town from its cedar summit, and Green Valley rolls away in every shade of blue-green.

★★★★★

Today’s highlights

  • Panoramic Himalaya from Kufri
  • Hanuman temple & views at Jakhu
  • Green Valley & Himalayan Nature Park
  • Optional adventure activities
Tip: Warm layers for Kufri — it’s noticeably cooler up top. Watch your belongings near Jakhu; the resident monkeys are cheeky.

Best photo spots

📸 Kufri ridge📸 Green Valley📸 Jakhu summit📸 Nature Park

Your day, hour by hour

08:30
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00
Drive to Kufri & viewpoints
12:00
Green Valley photo stop
14:00
Lunch
15:30
Jakhu Temple
18:00
Free evening on the Mall
🗺️ View route on Google Maps
Full day details & inclusions
Adventure add-ons at Kufri: horse rides to the top, go-karting, and seasonal snow activities in winter. Photographers should aim for the late-afternoon light over Green Valley. All stays, a private chauffeur-driven cab, and 24×7 on-trip support are included. Meals and hotel category are tailored to your preference.
Love Day 2?Make it yours — private, flexible, no advance for a quote.
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Shimla Manali, Himachal PradeshDay 3☀️ 20°C · Pleasant
via Kullu & the Beas

Shimla → Manali

Beas river, Himachal Pradesh
Beas river
Kullu valley, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu valley
Mountain road, Himachal Pradesh
Mountain road
Orchards, Himachal Pradesh
Orchards
River bends, Himachal Pradesh
River bends
+ Gallery
Shimla → Manali ≈250 km ≈7–8 hrs Manali 2,050 m Breakfast Manali · 4★

One of North India’s most beautiful drives. The road follows the Sutlej and then the emerald Beas, threading through Kullu’s apple orchards and shawl workshops before delivering you to Manali by evening.

★★★★☆

Today’s highlights

  • Scenic riverside drive along the Beas
  • Sundernagar lake & Pandoh Dam
  • Kullu valley & apple orchards
  • Arrive Manali by evening
Tip: It’s a long, winding drive — start early, keep light snacks and water handy, and take breaks. Motion-sickness travellers should sit up front.

Best photo spots

📸 Beas river bends📸 Sundernagar lake📸 Kullu valley📸 Apple orchards

Your day, hour by hour

08:00
Checkout & depart Shimla
11:00
Sundernagar lake stop
12:30
Pandoh Dam viewpoint
14:00
Lunch at Kullu
17:30
Check-in at Manali
19:30
Dinner & Mall Road
🗺️ View route on Google Maps
Full day details & inclusions
Optional detour: the hot springs and gurudwara at Manikaran, or a short stop in Naggar to see the castle and Roerich gallery. All stays, a private chauffeur-driven cab, and 24×7 on-trip support are included. Meals and hotel category are tailored to your preference.
Love Day 3?Make it yours — private, flexible, no advance for a quote.
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Solang Valley Manali, Himachal PradeshDay 4☀️ 16°C · Alpine
Solang · Hadimba · Old Manali

Solang Valley & Manali

Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Solang Valley
Ropeway, Himachal Pradesh
Ropeway
Hadimba Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Hadimba Temple
Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Old Manali
Snow peaks, Himachal Pradesh
Snow peaks
Adventure, Himachal Pradesh
Adventure
+ Gallery
Manali → Solang ≈14 km Full day Solang 2,560 m Breakfast Manali · 4★

The signature Manali day. Solang Valley is a playground of snow and adventure beneath the peaks; the ancient Hadimba temple hides in a deodar forest; and Old Manali’s cafés close the day in slow, golden light.

★★★★★

Today’s highlights

  • Snow & adventure at Solang Valley
  • Ropeway / paragliding / ATV
  • Cedar-forest Hadimba Temple
  • Cafés & lanes of Old Manali
Tip: Book the ropeway early to skip queues. Gumboots and jackets are on rent at Solang; carry some cash for activities.

Best photo spots

📸 Solang meadow📸 Solang ropeway📸 Hadimba forest📸 Old Manali lanes

Your day, hour by hour

08:30
Breakfast
10:00
Solang Valley — activities
13:30
Lunch
15:30
Hadimba Devi Temple
17:00
Old Manali cafés & lanes
19:30
Dinner
🗺️ View route on Google Maps
Full day details & inclusions
Winter (Dec–Feb) turns Solang into a snow-sports hub — skiing, snow-tubing and snowmobiles. Summer brings paragliding, zorbing and the Atal Tunnel drive toward Sissu. All stays, a private chauffeur-driven cab, and 24×7 on-trip support are included. Meals and hotel category are tailored to your preference.
Love Day 4?Make it yours — private, flexible, no advance for a quote.
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Departure, Himachal PradeshDay 5☀️ 22°C · Mild
Manali → Bhuntar Airport

Departure

Manali Mall, Himachal Pradesh
Manali Mall
Beas riverside, Himachal Pradesh
Beas riverside
Van Vihar, Himachal Pradesh
Van Vihar
Mountain send-off, Himachal Pradesh
Mountain send-off
+ Gallery
Manali → Bhuntar ≈50 km ≈1.5 hrs Bhuntar 1,097 m Breakfast —

A relaxed final morning — a last stroll, a little shopping for Kullu shawls and pahari treats — before your private transfer down to Kullu–Bhuntar airport, carrying the mountains home with you.

★★★★☆

Today’s highlights

  • Unhurried mountain morning
  • Souvenir & shawl shopping
  • Private airport transfer
  • Assistance until you fly
Tip: Keep a comfortable buffer before your flight — hill roads are unpredictable. We plan the departure time around your exact flight.

Best photo spots

📸 Manali Mall📸 Beas riverside📸 Van Vihar

Your day, hour by hour

08:00
Breakfast
09:30
Last stroll / shopping
10:30
Checkout
11:00
Private transfer to Bhuntar
12:30
Airport drop with assistance
🗺️ View route on Google Maps
Full day details & inclusions
Extending your trip? We can add Kasol & Tosh, the Atal Tunnel to Sissu, or a night in Naggar before you fly out. All stays, a private chauffeur-driven cab, and 24×7 on-trip support are included. Meals and hotel category are tailored to your preference.
Love Day 5?Make it yours — private, flexible, no advance for a quote.
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What our guests say

★★★★★

“I recently booked a shimla manali trip with Itinerary travels and it was an absolutely flawless experience! From the moment I contacted them, the team was professional and responsive. All the hotel accommodations were exactly as promised, and the driver/guide provided was punctual and courteous.”

— Paresh Parmar · Shimla & Manali trip · Google review
Get a free day-by-day plan for your Shimla & Manali trip

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Transparent, always

What’s included

✓ Inclusions

  • Handpicked hotel & resort stays with breakfast
  • Private, chauffeur-driven air-conditioned car for the hills
  • All airport / railway transfers and inter-place drives
  • Local English-speaking guides at the main sights
  • A dedicated tour manager & 24×7 on-trip support
  • All applicable taxes and a GST invoice

✗ Exclusions

  • Flights / train to and from the start point (we can arrange these)
  • Lunches & dinners unless specified
  • Monument / activity entry fees (can be added on request)
  • Personal expenses, tips and shopping
  • Travel insurance (recommended)
  • Anything not listed under inclusions
Keep exploring

Other Himachal itineraries

Shimla: Explore Mall RoadShimla: Explore KufriManali by Luxury VolvoKullu & ManaliManali, Kasol & Manikaran by VolvoDalhousie & DharamshalaAll Himachal tour packages

Shimla & Manali — FAQs

What is the best time for this Shimla & Manali trip?

The best time is Mar–Jun & Sep–Nov. Snow is most likely from about December to February at higher points, and July–August is the monsoon, when we keep extra buffer time for mountain roads.

How many days do we need — is 5 Days / 4 Nights enough?

This plan is designed as a well-paced 5 Days / 4 Nights. We can shorten or extend it, add a rest day or combine it with another Himachal region.

Where does the trip start and how do we reach Shimla?

We pick you up from your arrival point — Delhi, Chandigarh, or the nearest airport or railway station — and drive you privately to Shimla. Tell us your flight or train and we plan around it.

What is included?

Included: Handpicked hotel & resort stays with breakfast; Private, chauffeur-driven air-conditioned car for the hills; All airport / railway transfers and inter-place drives; Local English-speaking guides at the main sights; A dedicated tour manager & 24×7 on-trip support. Everything is listed in your written quote.

How is the price worked out?

Every trip is private and customised, so we quote per person after learning your dates, group size and hotel tier — with no hidden charges and a GST invoice.

Let’s design your Himachal journey

Tell us your dates and how you love to travel. Your personal designer will send a tailored itinerary and quote within one working day — no obligation, no hidden charges.

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