Overview
Eight days, three very different sides of Himachal: Shimla's colonial ridge, Manali's snow peaks and the Tibetan culture of Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. One car and driver collect you in Delhi and bring you back there, with two nights in each main stop so the trip never feels rushed. The drive from Manali to Dharamshala passes Bir, India's best-known paragliding site, and the 13th-century Baijnath temple, both easy to stop at. The way back runs via Chandigarh to split the plains drive into two comfortable days.
Best for: Couples and families who want the three big Himachal destinations in one unhurried trip
- Delhistart
- Shimla2 nights
- Manali2 nights
- Dharamshala2 nights
- Chandigarh1 night
- Delhiend
- Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala with two nights in each
- Optional paragliding stop at Bir on the Manali–Dharamshala day
- McLeod Ganj, the Dalai Lama temple and Bhagsu with a local day
- The return is split at Chandigarh, so no 12-hour final day
Day by day
- Day1
Delhi to Shimla
Delhi → Shimla~350 km · 7–9 hoursOvernight: Shimla
A 6 am departure gets you past Delhi traffic and up the hills in daylight, with breakfast at Murthal and a break at Pinjore or Dharampur.
Road guide: Delhi to Shimla → - Day2
Around Shimla
Around Shimla~60 km · 2–4 hours with stopsOvernight: Shimla
Kufri (roughly 16–20 km) in the morning, then the Ridge, Christ Church and Mall Road on foot in the afternoon. The driver waits at the nearest permitted point, since the Mall is closed to vehicles.
- Day3
Shimla to Manali
Shimla → Manali~245 km · 7–9 hoursOvernight: Manali
Down through Sundernagar and Mandi and up the Beas gorge. Ask for the seasonal Jalori Pass route in dry summer weather if you'd rather take the slower, more spectacular way.
Road guide: Shimla to Manali → - Day4
Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel
Around Manali~60 km · 3–5 hours with stopsOvernight: Manali
Snow play at Solang and a run through the Atal Tunnel (south portal about 25 km from Manali) when the road is open. Hadimba temple and Old Manali make an easy evening.
- Day5
Manali to Dharamshala via Bir
Manali → Dharamshala~235 km · 6–7.5 hours (plus Bir stop)Overnight: Dharamshala
Via Mandi, Baijnath and Palampur. A Bir paragliding stop adds about 2–3 hours; the flight itself is booked with a licensed operator. Palampur's tea gardens make a good afternoon break.
Road guide: Manali to Dharamshala → - Day6
McLeod Ganj and Bhagsu
Around Dharamshala~30 km · 1–2 hours of drivingOvernight: Dharamshala
The Tsuglagkhang temple complex in McLeod Ganj, Bhagsu waterfall and the Dharamkot cafés. Many lanes are pedestrian, so the driver drops and collects at agreed points.
- Day7
Dharamshala to Chandigarh
Dharamshala → Chandigarh~240 km · 5–6.5 hoursOvernight: Chandigarh
A gentle drive down through Kangra and Una to the plains, with an optional stop at Anandpur Sahib. An evening at Sukhna Lake or the Rock Garden.
- Day8
Chandigarh to Delhi
Chandigarh → Delhi~250 km · 5–6 hours
A morning drive down NH44 to your Delhi hotel or the airport. If you have an evening flight, we time the drop around it.
Tour price by vehicle
Starting prices for the whole 8-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
₹48,800
starting · full tour
63
₹60,800
starting · full tour
₹66,800
starting · full tour
₹1,06,800
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
- ×Paragliding at Bir (booked with a licensed operator)
- ×Rohtang Pass permit (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 |
| Dharamshala | January: Fine, check weather | February: Fine, check weather | 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: Best time |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
- • Mar–Jun and Sep–Nov are ideal; October is especially clear for mountain views.
- • Jul–Aug: heavy monsoon rain in Dharamshala and slides on the Mandi–Kullu road; paragliding usually pauses.
- • Dec–Feb: cold but doable; snow can limit the Solang and Atal Tunnel day.
Frequently asked questions
Can we fly out of Amritsar instead of Delhi?+
Yes. Dharamshala to Amritsar is about 205 km; we can end the tour there and add a Golden Temple evening.
Is paragliding at Bir safe for beginners?+
Tandem flights with licensed pilots are the norm. We help you plan the stop, but the flight is booked separately with the operator.
Can the order be reversed?+
Yes. Dharamshala first, then Manali and Shimla, works just as well, especially if you're flying into Amritsar.
How many hours a day will we be driving?+
Three days are long transfers (6–9 hours); the other days are short local drives or sightseeing.
