About a Himachal Pradesh trip
Himachal Pradesh is the most popular hill-station getaway from Delhi and North India — colonial Shimla, adventure-filled Manali, and snow in winter at Kufri, Solang Valley and beyond the Atal Tunnel.
A Shimla–Manali circuit takes 6 to 7 days by road. Dharamshala–McLeod Ganj and Dalhousie can be added for a longer trip.
Day-wise Himachal Pradesh itinerary (7 days)
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla
Drive about 350 km; evening on Mall Road and The Ridge.
Day 2: Shimla & Kufri
Kufri, Jakhoo Temple and Christ Church.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali
Drive about 250 km via Kullu, with stops at Pandoh Dam and Kullu shawl factories.
Day 4: Manali local
Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot springs, Old Manali and Mall Road.
Day 5: Solang Valley & Atal Tunnel
Adventure activities at Solang and a trip through Atal Tunnel to Sissu.
Day 6: Kullu & Manikaran (optional)
Rafting in Kullu and a visit to Manikaran Sahib.
Day 7: Manali to Delhi
Drive back or take an overnight Volvo bus.
Top places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
- The Ridge & Mall Road, ShimlaColonial architecture, Christ Church and evening walks.
- KufriSnow point near Shimla with horse rides and views.
- Solang ValleyParagliding, ropeway, zorbing in summer and snow activities in winter.
- Atal Tunnel & SissuThe world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft, opening into Lahaul valley.
- Old Manali & Hadimba TempleCedar-forest temple, cafés and the Manu Temple.
- Kullu & ManikaranRiver rafting at Kullu and hot springs at Manikaran Sahib.
Best time to visit & how to reach
Best time: March to June, September to November (December–February for snow).
How to reach: Shimla is about 350 km (7–8 hrs) from Delhi; Manali is about 540 km (11–12 hrs) and is commonly reached by overnight Volvo bus. Nearest airports are Shimla (Jubbarhatti) and Bhuntar (Kullu).
Himachal Pradesh travel tips
- Rohtang Pass needs an online permit and is closed in winter.
- For snow, plan for late December to February.
- Avoid long weekends — traffic on the Shimla and Manali roads can be heavy.
- Carry warm clothes even in summer evenings.
Himachal Pradesh trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Shimla and Manali?
6 to 7 days including travel from Delhi. With 4–5 days, choose either Shimla or Manali.
When will I see snow in Manali?
Usually from late December to February. In summer, snow is found at Rohtang Pass and beyond Atal Tunnel.
Is a Shimla Manali trip good for families?
Yes. Keep a rest day between long drives and carry motion-sickness medicine for hill roads.
Bus or car from Delhi to Manali?
Overnight Volvo buses save a hotel night; a private cab gives flexibility to stop at Kullu and Mandi.