The Himachal Capital, Shimla is located in the spectacular mountain ranges of the state interior spread out over a 12 km (7.4 miles) plateau, with steep forested hillsides dropping down into either direction. For certain months, the weather is good with visitors in the summer months, in particular. Many days with snow from mid-December to the end of February become chilly during winters. But in this article we are not just going to take you through Shimla alone, we have another cherry to the cake with Manali to it. Yes, it’s both Shimla Manali Itinerary.

Manali is a wonderful hill destination, and its tourists are rarely fooled. While it is a major tourist destination, unlike the other traditional hill resorts there are many special experiences. Old Manali is a beautiful place, with its twittering the sound of the birds and flowing waters of the river, sweeping eucalyptus trees, endearing little vegetables, little kitchen places on the local market, and cafes selling tasty local food at incredible prices.

Day-wise Itinerary

Arrival at Chandigarh to Shimla
Shimla to Kufri to Shimla
Shimla to Manali
Manali
Rohtang Pass from Manali
Manali to Chandigarh Airport

Also Read: Things to do in Mashobra – Unknown Gem in Himachal

Arrival at Chandigarh to Shimla

The closest airport to Shimla is the Chandigarh airport and it is the best way to reach Shimla without any hassle. Along our way, visit the Pinjore Gardens – a typical Mughal garden with seven rooftop terraces, wide pavilions and magnificent fountains. Shimla is one of the top sites to chill in Northern India and enjoy away from the city’s hustle.

Check-in and spent the remainder of the day on leisure during your arrival in the hotel. After all, a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel is more than sufficient for you to energize your self for the upcoming busy day with all the top sightseeings that Shimla has to offer.

Also Read: Top 10 treks in Himachal Pradesh you must visit

Shimla to Kufri to Shimla

This day offers the privilege of visiting Kufri for a tour. Get ready and head for the destination after having food in the morning. In Kufri, there are several places of interest such as Mahasu Peak, Indira tourist park and Chini Bungalows. In the evening you can walk on the famous Shimla Mall Road, Shimla Church and many buildings which were a result of British Colonialism in India.

Since the English preferred a colder place and to them, Shimla was by far the Ideal place with its own scenic beauty. Visit the Temple of Jakhoo and the Temple of Hanuman. The icons of Shimla-the neo-gothic tower of the Church of Christ (built in the 1850s) and the house in the recently constructed Tudor Library are worth seeing. After this get back to the hotel and have another great dinner to say goodbye to another great day.

Also Read: Top 10 treks in Himachal Pradesh you must visit

Shimla to Manali

After breakfast, kick-off another fun-filled day of sightseeing on the way to the second part of the Itinerary, Manali. Manali is surrounded by snow-covered hills. On the way to Manali, the whole journey from Shimla to Manali itself is an experience. It is a total of 250 km journey from Shimla to Manali, but you wouldn’t want this journey to end. You get to see the best of nature that India has to offer.

You would want to stop by every 5 mins to click a photo, that speaks for the scenic beauty of this place. After reaching Manali, check in to the hotel and take some to relax. Later in the evening, you can explore the local markets, try out authentic foods and overnight stay at the hotel.

Manali

As usual, after the breakfast, head to the Solang valley to witness its meadows. The place also has options for adventurous activities. The highlight of the activities being Paragliding and Skiing. If you are not a person who would want to test your adrenaline, then you can head to the Hadima temple or other famous temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Vishnu.

Post noon, visit the well known hot sulphur springs, stroll along the Mall road and the Tibetian Monastery for a peaceful end for the day. After spending some time in peace in the Monastery head back to the hotel, also for a change on your way back to the hotel, stop by and have dinner. Call it a day.

Rohtang Pass from Manali

Day 5 is to experience the scenery of the snow-capped mountain range all year long on an excursion to the Rohtang Pass, sometimes named “Snow Hill.” Snow Scooter, ski riding, mountain biking are on top of mind when it comes to adventurous activities in this place. Due to strong glaciers all over the state and to tourism activities in Solang Valley, popular tourist spots Rohtang Pass closed in Jan to April.

The pass of Rohtang is 51 kilometres away from Manali. This pass is nearly 8 months a year inaccessible because it is hidden by snow. People have to get approval for their entry to Rohtang road from the Border Security force. You can rent snow wear, coats and gumboots at shops on Rohtang Road and if necessary, you can reserve them for an extra fee.

Also Read: Rohtang Pass – A beauty captured in Himachal Pradesh which you can’t miss visiting

Manali to Chandigarh Airport

The final day in this Nature’s paradise starts off with breakfast in the hotel and pack everything and check out of the hotel. Starting off to Chandigarh – if you have enough time for your flight back to your hometown from Chandigarh. Then the best bet is to go on a shopping spree on the shops on your way back to Chandigarh. You could find pretty much the best souvenirs that can also be a memory of the trip.

By now, you would have understood completely about the vibrant nature of this part of India. Want to get the best out of your next North India Vacation? What are you waiting for? Get in touch with the destination experts from Pickyourtrail to plan your next Shimla Manali Itinerary according to your needs. Check out our guides page for more info on the destination or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.