Overview
The classic first trip to the Himachal hills, paced for families: two nights in Shimla, two in Manali, and one car and driver for all five days. Starting from Chandigarh keeps the long plains drive out of the trip, so the first day is a relaxed 3–4 hours up to Shimla rather than a 9-hour haul from Delhi. You get a full day around Shimla for Kufri and, if you like, Narkanda's apple country, then the long but beautiful drive to Manali, a snow day at Solang and the Atal Tunnel, and an early start back to Chandigarh. Delhi pickups are easy to add at the start and end.
Best for: Families and first-time visitors who want both hill stations without long days in the car
- Chandigarhstart
- Shimla2 nights
- Manali2 nights
- Chandigarhend
- Two nights each in Shimla and Manali, so you're not packing every morning
- A full sightseeing day around Shimla: Kufri, and Narkanda if you want to go further
- Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel with the same driver
- Starts and ends in Chandigarh, avoiding the long Delhi plains drive
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Shimla
Chandigarh → Shimla~115 km · 3–4 hoursOvernight: Shimla
Leave after breakfast, stop at Pinjore Gardens or the Timber Trail cable car near Parwanoo, and reach Shimla for a late lunch and an evening walk on the Ridge and Mall Road.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Shimla → - Day2
Kufri and Narkanda day
Around Shimla~130 km · 4–6 hours with stopsOvernight: Shimla
Kufri is roughly 16–20 km from Shimla and Narkanda about 60–65 km. Do just Kufri for an easy day, or continue to Narkanda's forests and orchards; in winter the road beyond Kufri can close after heavy snow, and we decide on the morning.
- Day3
Shimla to Manali
Shimla → Manali~245 km · 7–9 hoursOvernight: Manali
The longest day: down to Sundernagar and Mandi, then up the Beas gorge through Kullu. We leave by 8 am, stop for lunch in Mandi, and aim to reach Manali before dark.
Road guide: Shimla to Manali → - Day4
Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel
Around Manali~60 km · 3–5 hours with stopsOvernight: Manali
Solang is on the road to the Atal Tunnel, whose south portal is about 25 km from Manali. Snow activities at Solang in season; through the tunnel to Sissu if the road is open. Rohtang Pass needs a separate vehicle permit with a limited daily quota, so ask us in advance.
- Day5
Manali to Chandigarh
Manali → Chandigarh~305 km · 7–9 hours
An early start for the drive back down the Kiratpur–Manali highway, with a lunch stop at Mandi or Bilaspur. Drop at your Chandigarh hotel, the airport or the railway station.
Tour price by vehicle
Starting prices for the whole 5-day tour (car, driver, fuel, tolls, state taxes and the driver's night allowance). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book.
42
₹30,400
starting · full tour
63
₹37,900
starting · full tour
₹41,600
starting · full tour
₹66,600
starting · full tour
Included
- Same car and driver for all days
- Fuel, tolls and state entry taxes
- Driver's food, stay and night allowance
- Local sightseeing on the days shown
Not included
- ×Hotels and meals (book your own, or ask us for suggestions)
- ×Entry tickets, activities and parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Rohtang Pass permit (issued per vehicle, limited daily quota)
When to go
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla | 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 |
| Manali | 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
- • Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov are the easiest months for this tour.
- • Dec–Feb: Shimla and Manali stay reachable, but snow can close Kufri–Narkanda and the road beyond Solang on some days.
- • Jul–Aug: monsoon slides on the Mandi–Kullu section can add hours; we keep a buffer in the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Can we start from Delhi instead of Chandigarh?+
Yes. Delhi to Shimla is about 350 km (7–9 hours), so we usually add a day at each end or make Day 1 a long drive.
Are hotels included?+
No. You choose your own hotels; we can suggest well-located ones with vehicle access.
Can we add Kasol or Dharamshala?+
Yes. Kasol is about 75 km from Manali and Dharamshala about 235 km; each adds a day or two.
Is the Shimla to Manali day too long for children?+
It's 7–9 hours with stops. We plan breaks every couple of hours and a proper lunch in Mandi.
