7 Days in Himachal Pradesh: Shimla to Manali
A week is just enough time to sample the best of Himachal Pradesh's most iconic circuit — the Shimla-to-Manali route. This itinerary balances sightseeing, culture, and nature without feeling rushed. It's ideal for first-time visitors travelling between March and June or September and October.
Day 1: Arrive in Shimla
Arrive in Shimla by morning (overnight bus from Delhi or early drive). Check in to your hotel and rest. In the afternoon, stroll along Mall Road and explore The Ridge. Visit Christ Church for sunset views. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant — try Himachali thali if available.
Stay: Shimla | Approx. travel: Overnight from Delhi
Day 2: Shimla Sightseeing
Start the morning with a visit to Jakhu Temple — either trek up (45 minutes) or take a ropeway. Head to the Viceregal Lodge for a guided historical tour. In the afternoon, visit Kali Bari Temple and explore the bustling Lower Bazaar for local shopping. End the day with a walk through Scandal Point at sunset.
Stay: Shimla
Day 3: Shimla to Kufri & Drive to Narkanda
After breakfast, drive to Kufri (16 km) for the Himalayan Nature Park and views of the snow-capped peaks. Continue to Narkanda (65 km from Shimla), a quiet hill town known for its apple orchards and the famous Hatu Peak. Stop at the Stokes Farm to learn about Himachal's famous apple cultivation.
Stay: Narkanda or continue to Rampur
Day 4: Drive Through Kullu Valley
This is a day of scenic driving. Pass through Rampur and follow the Sutlej and then Beas river valleys. Stop at Aut Tunnel (one of India's longer road tunnels). Arrive in Kullu in the afternoon — visit the Raghunath Temple and the local shawl weaving centres. Kullu is famous for its handloom work.
Stay: Kullu or Bhuntar
Day 5: Kullu River Rafting & Arrive Manali
Head to the Beas River for a morning river rafting session (between Pirdi and Jhiri — about 14 km, suitable for beginners). After the rafting, drive up to Manali (40 km, 1.5 hours). Check in and explore Old Manali in the evening — the cafés and craft shops here have a unique backpacker charm.
Stay: Manali
Day 6: Manali Sightseeing & Solang Valley
Morning: Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple — a 16th-century wooden temple set in a cedar forest (arrive early to avoid crowds). Walk to the Manu Temple nearby. Afternoon: Drive to Solang Valley (14 km) for paragliding, zorbing, or simply soaking in the mountain views. Return to Manali for dinner in the town market.
Stay: Manali
Day 7: Rohtang Pass / Vashisht & Depart
If the season permits (typically May–October), take an early morning excursion to Rohtang Pass (51 km from Manali, 3,978 metres) — a dramatic high-altitude mountain pass. Note: Permits are required; check requirements in advance. Alternatively, visit the Vashisht hot springs for a relaxing morning soak. Depart Manali in the afternoon for the overnight bus back to Delhi.
Depart: Overnight bus to Delhi
Itinerary Summary
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shimla | Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church |
| 2 | Shimla | Jakhu Temple, Viceregal Lodge, Lower Bazaar |
| 3 | Kufri → Narkanda | Nature Park, Hatu Peak, Apple Orchards |
| 4 | Kullu | Raghunath Temple, Shawl Centres, Beas Valley |
| 5 | Kullu → Manali | River Rafting, Old Manali |
| 6 | Manali | Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley |
| 7 | Manali → Delhi | Rohtang Pass or Vashisht, Depart |
Tips for This Route
- Book accommodation in Manali at least 2 weeks ahead in peak season (June–July).
- Rohtang Pass requires an online permit — check the official HP government portal before your trip.
- The Shimla–Manali highway (NH5/NH3) can be slow — allow buffer time on driving days.
- Carry a mix of warm and light clothing — temperatures vary significantly between valleys and passes.