Overview
Manali to Shimla is about 245–250 km, normally 7 to 9 hours by taxi down the Kullu valley to Mandi, then south via Sundernagar and Ghaghas into Shimla. Many travellers do the classic circuit in this direction, ending in Shimla for its colonial Mall before heading home to Chandigarh or Delhi. Between roughly April and November, there's also a quieter, more scenic option over Jalori Pass through the Banjar valley, weather permitting. Leave Manali early: the Kullu–Mandi stretch is the slowest part.
Usual route: Kullu, Mandi and Sundernagar, then Ghaghas and Shalaghat (or Jalori Pass in season)
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Manali
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Manali to Shimla
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
2,050 m
Manali
Lowest point
~760 m
Mandi
Finish
2,376 m
Shimla
- Manali
- Kullu
- Sundernagar
- Tattapani (detour)
- Shimla
Illustrative profile. Start, finish and lowest-point altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Manali to Shimla taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~245 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹5,750
starting · one way
₹7,250
starting · one way
₹8,000
starting · one way
₹13,000
starting · one way
Your quote
Manali → Shimla
Sedan · one way · ~245 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ManaliIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹5,750
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1Hotels on Shimla's Mall are vehicle-restricted; the driver drops at the nearest permitted point.
- 2The Jalori Pass route is narrower and steep near the top; it suits sedans poorly and closes in winter.
- 3Prone to motion sickness? The Mandi–Shimla section has many bends; sit in front and take breaks.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Manali
Pickup
Kullu
Shawl showrooms and river views in the first hour.
Sundernagar
Lake town after Mandi; a lunch stop.
Tattapani (detour)
Hot springs on the Sutlej, off the route via Shalaghat.
Shimla
Drop at your hotel
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Shimla
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Best time | April: Best time | May: Best time | June: Best time | July: Monsoon, landslide risk | August: Monsoon, landslide risk | September: Best time | October: Best time | November: Best time | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Manali hotels (Mall Road, Old Manali, Vashisht, Solang)
- • Kullu and Bhuntar
Other ways to travel
HRTC and Volvo buses run Manali–Shimla in about 8–10 hours. A taxi lets you stop at Mandi, Sundernagar or Tattapani.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Manali to Shimla cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are Sedan ₹5,750, SUV ₹7,250, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹8,000, Tempo Traveller ₹13,000, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How long is the drive from Manali to Shimla?+
About 245–250 km, usually 7 to 9 hours by taxi (approximate; verification pending).
Can we go via Jalori Pass?+
Usually between about April and November, weather permitting. It's slower but quieter; ask when booking.
Can you drop us at a hotel on the Mall?+
The Mall is vehicle-restricted. The driver drops at the nearest permitted point, and porters are available.
Reviews
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