Which airport to fly into
Choose your arrival airport by where you want to start. Each changes your first day a lot.
| Airport | Best for | Drive to the hills |
|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh (IXC) | Shimla, Kasauli, Manali | Shimla about 3.5–4.5 hours; Manali 7–9 hours |
| Delhi (DEL) | Most international flights | Shimla 8–9 hours; Manali 12–14 hours. Consider a night near the airport first |
| Amritsar (ATQ) | Golden Temple, Dharamshala, Dalhousie | Dharamshala 5–6 hours; Dalhousie 4.5–5.5 hours |
| Kullu (KUU) | Manali, Kasol | Manali 1.5–2 hours, but flights are few and weather-sensitive |
7 days: Shimla and Manali
This is our 5-day Shimla & Manali tour with two buffer days, the right choice for a first visit in spring or autumn.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla (about 115 km, 3–4 hours). Evening on the Ridge.
- Day 2: Kufri and, if you like, Narkanda's orchards.
- Day 3: Shimla to Manali (about 245 km, 7–9 hours) via Mandi.
- Day 4: Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel.
- Day 5: Old Manali, Hadimba temple and Vashisht's hot springs.
- Day 6: Manali to Chandigarh (about 305 km, 7–9 hours).
- Day 7: Spare day for weather, or fly out.
10 days: Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Amritsar
Flying into Chandigarh and out of Amritsar avoids doubling back. It's the trip we recommend most to visitors with ten days.
- Days 1–2: Chandigarh to Shimla, with a day around Shimla.
- Days 3–5: Shimla to Manali, then Solang and a day at leisure.
- Day 6: Manali to Dharamshala (about 235 km) via Mandi, Baijnath and Palampur, with an optional paragliding stop at Bir.
- Days 7–8: McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu and the Tibetan temple complex.
- Day 9: Dharamshala to Amritsar (about 205 km).
- Day 10: Golden Temple at dawn, then fly out of Amritsar.
14 days: the grand Himachal loop
See our 10-day Grand Himachal tour for a detailed day-by-day plan; add two nights in Amritsar and a rest day to make it fourteen.
- Kasauli and Shimla (3 nights), Manali (3 nights), Kasol in the Parvati valley (1 night), Dharamshala (2 nights), Dalhousie and Khajjiar (2 nights), ending in Amritsar (2 nights).
- Spare days are built in for weather or for slowing down where you like it best.
Pacing rules that make the trip enjoyable
- Keep most driving days under about 250 km, and follow a long drive with a short or rest day.
- Do hill sections in daylight: start long days early.
- Stay at least two nights in each main stop, so you aren't packing every morning.
- Going higher, for example to Spiti, needs gradual ascent: see our safety guide for altitude advice.
- Keep a buffer day in the monsoon and in winter.
Before you book
Check your visa early. Most visitors use India's e-Visa, applied for on the official portal; eligibility and conditions depend on your nationality. Foreign nationals also need a Protected Area Permit for upper Kinnaur and Spiti, though not for the places on these itineraries. Then send us your dates and arrival airport, and we'll send a day-by-day plan with an all-inclusive driving price.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Himachal?+
Seven days covers Shimla and Manali comfortably; ten adds Dharamshala and Amritsar; fourteen lets you add Kasol, Dalhousie and spare days.
Is it better to hire a car with driver or take buses?+
Buses are cheap but slow and fixed. A car with driver lets you stop when you like, keeps your luggage secure, and is easier on long hill days, especially for families.
Can I combine Himachal with Delhi, Agra and Jaipur?+
Yes. See our guide to adding the Himalayas to a Golden Triangle trip.
