The Himalayas are calling, and nothing beats the classic charm of a combined Shimla Manali Trip. It is the “Golden Route” of Himachal Pradesh where the colonial nostalgia of Shimla meets the raw, adventurous spirit of Manali. For travelers starting from Delhi, this dual-destination journey is the ultimate rite of passage.
In 2026, the road connectivity has improved significantly, making the drive smoother and faster. Whether you are planning a romantic honeymoon, a fun family vacation, or a road trip with friends, this guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect Shimla Manali Trip.
Why Plan a Combined Shimla Manali Trip?
While both hill stations are beautiful individually, combining them gives you the best of both worlds. Shimla offers British-era architecture, walkable Mall Roads, and a relaxed vibe. Manali offers adrenaline, snow-capped peaks, and river valleys.
A Shimla Manali Trip is essentially a journey through the changing landscapes of Himachal—from the lush green pine forests of the lower Himalayas to the rugged, snow-laden terrains of the upper Himalayas.
Distance & Best Route: Delhi to Shimla to Manali
For the smoothest experience, we recommend doing the circuit in this order: Delhi → Shimla → Manali → Delhi. This allows you to acclimatize gradually to the altitude.
The Route Breakdown:
- Leg 1: Delhi to Shimla
- Distance: ~340 km
- Time: 7–8 Hours
- Route: Delhi → Panipat → Ambala → Zirakpur → Solan → Shimla.
- Road Condition: The drive on the Himalayan Expressway (Parwanoo to Solan) is scenic and smooth.
- Leg 2: Shimla to Manali (The Scenic Connector)
- Distance: ~250 km
- Time: 8–9 Hours
- Route: Shimla → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali.
- Tip: This is a long drive. Start early (by 7 AM) to reach Manali by evening. The views of the Satluj River accompanying you are breathtaking.
- Leg 3: Manali to Delhi (The Return)
- Distance: ~530 km
- Time: 11–12 Hours (via new Kiratpur-Nerchowk Expressway).
Perfect 6-Day Itinerary for Your Shimla Manali Trip
To do justice to a Shimla Manali Trip, you need at least 6 days. Rushing it will leave you exhausted from the driving.
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla – The Colonial Welcome
- Depart Delhi early (5:00 AM) to beat the traffic.
- Stop for breakfast at Murthal.
- Arrive in Shimla by afternoon. Check into your hotel.
- Evening: Walk to the Ridge and Mall Road. Visit the Christ Church at sunset. No vehicles are allowed here, so enjoy the clean air.
Day 2: Shimla Sightseeing – Kufri & Jakhu
- Post breakfast, drive to Kufri (15 km away). Enjoy the panoramic views and the Himalayan Nature Park.
- Visit the Jakhu Temple (dedicated to Lord Hanuman). You can take the ropeway (Jakhu Ropeway) for a fun ride.
- Evening: Explore the Lakkar Bazaar for wooden souvenirs.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali – The Great Himalayan Drive
- This is the travel day of your Shimla Manali Trip.
- Depart Shimla by 7:30 AM.
- Stop for lunch at Sundernagar or Mandi.
- Pass through the scenic Aut Tunnel and drive along the Beas River.
- Reach Manali by evening. Relax and acclimatize.
Day 4: Manali Local – Culture & Vibes
- Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple in the morning (less crowded).
- Walk through the Van Vihar forest park.
- Afternoon: Head to Old Manali. Visit the Manu Temple and enjoy lunch at a riverside cafe. The vibe here is completely different from Shimla—more bohemian and relaxed.
Day 5: Snow Day – Solang Valley & Atal Tunnel
- The highlight of any Shimla Manali Trip!
- Drive to Solang Valley for adventure sports (Paragliding, ATV rides).
- Cross the Atal Tunnel to visit Sissu in Lahaul Valley. The landscape shifts instantly to massive, barren mountains.
- Return to Manali for a farewell dinner on Mall Road.
Day 6: Manali to Delhi – Homeward Bound
- Start your return journey early.
- Stop at Kullu for River Rafting if you missed it earlier.
- Take the Kiratpur-Nerchowk expressway for a speedy drive back to Delhi.
Shimla Manali Trip Budget (2026 Estimates)
Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a couple (6 Days/5 Nights) traveling by a private car.
| Category | Budget Option | Premium/Luxury Option |
| Transport (Fuel/Taxi) | ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹18,000 – ₹22,000 (Innova) |
| Accommodation | ₹10,000 (Homestays) | ₹35,000+ (4-Star Hotels) |
| Food | ₹6,000 | ₹15,000 |
| Activities (Rafting/Permits) | ₹3,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Total (Per Couple) | ~₹31,000 | ~₹75,000+ |
Note: If you book a Shimla Manali tour package by Volvo bus, the cost can come down to approx ₹12,000 – ₹15,000 per person.
Best Time for a Shimla Manali Trip
- For Snow (The White Winter): January to February. Both towns are covered in snow. Be prepared for road blocks between Shimla and Manali.
- For Pleasant Weather (Summer): April to June. Perfect escape from Delhi’s heat.
- For Budget Travelers: September to November. Hotel prices drop, and the views are clear and crisp.
Final Travel Tips
- Motion Sickness: The drive from Shimla to Manali is very curvy (ghat roads). Carry medication if you get carsick.
- Clothing: Even in summer, nights in Manali can get chilly. Carry light woolens. For winter, heavy jackets are a must.
- Book in Advance: A Shimla Manali Trip is the most popular itinerary in North India. Hotels on Mall Road sell out weeks in advance during peak season.
Ready to pack your bags? The mountains are waiting to welcome you on your unforgettable Shimla Manali Trip!
Shimla Manali Trip Planner: Activity, Route & Price Guide
| Leg / Destination | Route & Distance | Travel Time | Top Activities & Sightseeing | Est. Price / Cost (Per Person) |
| Leg 1: Delhi to Shimla | Delhi → Panipat → Ambala → Solan → Shimla (340 km) | 7 – 8 Hours | Breakfast at Murthal (Amrik Sukhdev); Cable Car ride at Timber Trail (Parwanoo); Sunset at The Ridge. | Volvo Bus: ₹800 – ₹1,200 Private Cab: ₹4,000 (One way allocation) |
| Shimla Local & Kufri | Shimla Town & Outskirts | Full Day | Jakhu Ropeway: Aerial view of Shimla. Kufri: Horse riding to Mahasu Peak, Amusement Park. The Ridge: Christ Church & shopping. | Ropeway: ₹550 Horse Ride: ₹500 – ₹800 Kufri Entry: ₹20 – ₹500 |
| Leg 2: Shimla to Manali | Shimla → Bilaspur → Sundernagar → Mandi → Kullu → Manali (250 km) | 8 – 9 Hours | River Rafting (Kullu/Babeli): White water rafting. Pandoh Dam: Photo stop. Shawl Factory: Shopping in Kullu. | Rafting: ₹800 – ₹1,500 (Short/Long) Paragliding (Kullu): ₹2,500 – ₹3,000 |
| Manali Local | Old Manali & Town Center | Half Day | Hadimba Temple: Ancient wooden architecture. Vashisht Baths: Hot springs. Cafe Hopping: Live music in Old Manali. | Entry Fees: Mostly Free Avg Meal: ₹500 – ₹800 |
| Adventure Hub | Solang Valley & Atal Tunnel | Full Day | Paragliding (Solang): High fly ride. ATV Ride: Off-roading. Sissu (Lahaul): Waterfall & Snow (via Atal Tunnel). | Paragliding: ₹3,500 ATV/Quad Bike: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 Skiing: ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Leg 3: Manali to Delhi | Manali → Kiratpur → Chandigarh → Delhi (530 km) | 11 – 12 Hours | Scenic drive on new Expressway. Dinner stop at Chandigarh. | Volvo Bus: ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 Fuel (Car): ₹4,000 – ₹5,000 (Return) |
Frequently Asked Questions: Shimla Manali Trip from Delhi
1. How many days are sufficient for a combined Shimla Manali trip?
Answer: To comfortably cover both destinations without feeling exhausted, you need a minimum of 6 Days and 5 Nights.
- Breakdown: 2 days in Shimla, 1 day for travel between Shimla and Manali, and 3 days in Manali. If you rush it in 4 or 5 days, you will spend most of your time traveling on the road rather than sightseeing.
2. Which is the best route: Delhi to Shimla first or Delhi to Manali first?
Answer: We highly recommend the Delhi → Shimla → Manali → Delhi route.
- Why? The drive from Delhi to Shimla (7 hours) is shorter than Delhi to Manali (12 hours). Stopping in Shimla first breaks the journey nicely and helps your body acclimatize to the altitude gradually before heading to the higher altitudes of Manali and Rohtang Pass.
3. How is the road condition between Shimla and Manali?
Answer: The road connecting Shimla and Manali (via Bilaspur and Mandi) is scenic but very curvy and winding. It takes about 8 to 9 hours to cover the ~250 km distance.
- Tip: If you suffer from motion sickness, this stretch can be difficult. Carry medication (like Avomine) and try to sit in the front seat.
4. What is the estimated budget for a Shimla Manali trip for a couple?
Answer: For a 6-day trip in 2026:
- Budget (Bus + Standard Hotel): ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 per couple.
- Mid-Range (Private Car + 3-Star Hotel): ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 per couple.
- Luxury (Innova + 4/5-Star Hotel): ₹75,000+ per couple.
5. Can I see snow in Shimla and Manali in June?
Answer: In the main towns? No.
- Shimla: You will not find snow in summer.
- Manali: You might find snow at very high altitudes like Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) in June, but it will be melting slush, not fresh powder. For fresh snowfall, you must visit between January and February.
6. Is it safe to drive my own car from Delhi?
Answer: Yes, the roads are generally good. The drive from Delhi to Shimla is excellent (Himalayan Expressway). The return from Manali to Delhi via the new Kiratpur-Nerchowk expressway is also smooth.
- Caution: The stretch between Shimla and Manali has heavy truck traffic and narrow ghats. Only self-drive if you are experienced in hill driving.
7. Which is better for honeymooners: Shimla or Manali?
Answer: Both have their charm, which is why the Shimla Manali Trip is so popular!
- Shimla: Better for romantic walks, heritage stays, and a relaxed, “old-world” vibe.
- Manali: Better for adventure activities, cozy riverside cafes, and snow experiences. Combining them gives you the complete package.
8. What should I pack for this trip?
Answer: It depends on the season:
- Summer (Apr-Jun): Light cottons for the day, light jackets/sweaters for the evening.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): Heavy woolens, thermals, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- Essentials: Sunscreen (the sun is harsh in the hills), sunglasses, motion sickness medicine, and comfortable walking shoes.
