VinayakTours & Travels · Jaipur (Raj.)

Shimla–Manali Himalayan Escape

7 Nights / 8 Days Max Altitude 13,050 ft Rohtang Pass From ₹14,500/person
Best seasons: May–June (snow at Rohtang) & September–October (clear skies, autumn colours). Rohtang Pass is subject to government permit & weather conditions.

Detailed Itinerary

1DAY

Delhi → Chandigarh / Shimla

Depart early from Delhi for a scenic drive north to Chandigarh (250 km, ~4 hrs). Explore the well-planned city's highlights: the surreal Rock Garden (made entirely from industrial and urban waste), the sprawling Rose Garden, and the serene Sukhna Lake. After lunch and sightseeing, drive up into the Shivalik hills towards Shimla (90 km, ~2.5 hrs) — the former summer capital of British India. Overnight Chandigarh or Shimla depending on arrival time.

2DAY

Chandigarh → Shimla (120 km, ~4 hrs)

If overnight in Chandigarh, drive up to Shimla through the winding mountain roads — a beautiful ascent through pine and deodar forests. Arrive, check in, and take a leisurely evening walk on the famous Mall Road, Shimla's colonial promenade lined with Victorian buildings, cafes, and shops. Visit the historic Christ Church (1857) and the open Ridge for panoramic Himalayan views. Optional: take the charming Toy Train (Kalka–Shimla heritage railway) for a short joyride. Overnight Shimla.

3DAY

Shimla Sightseeing

A full day exploring the hill station's many facets. Begin with an early morning hike to Jakhu Temple — a Hanuman temple at 8,048 ft offering spectacular sunrise views over Shimla's rooftops and distant snow peaks (watch out for the resident monkeys!). Visit the imposing Viceregal Lodge (now Indian Institute of Advanced Studies), the former home of British Viceroys — one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in India. Afternoon: drive to Kufri (16 km) for snow activities in season and a fun funpark. Optional visit to Chail, home to the world's highest cricket ground. Overnight Shimla.

4DAY

Shimla → Manali (260 km, ~7–8 hrs)

One of the most scenic drives in India — through the breathtaking Kullu Valley, flanked by apple orchards, rivers, and terraced fields against a Himalayan backdrop. Stops include the striking Pandoh Dam over the Beas River, the bustling Kullu market (woollens, Kullu shawls), and the sacred Manikaran hot springs near Kasol — natural thermal springs considered holy by Hindus and Sikhs alike. Arrive Manali in the evening and check in to your riverside hotel. Overnight Manali.

5DAY

Manali Local Sightseeing

Explore the charming hill town of Manali at a relaxed pace. Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple — a unique 1553 CE pagoda-style shrine nestled in a dense deodar cedar forest, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. Walk through Old Manali village with its hippie cafes, wooden houses, and apple trees. Explore the serene Tibetan Monastery and the Van Vihar nature park along the Beas River. Afternoon: head to Solang Valley (14 km) — summer playground for the hills, offering cable car rides, paragliding (seasonal), and zorbing. Overnight Manali.

6DAY

Rohtang Pass Excursion (subject to permit & weather)

The highlight of the tour — a full day excursion to the legendary Rohtang Pass at 13,050 feet. Cross the tree line into a world of glaciers, snow fields, and vast mountain panoramas. The pass connects the Kullu Valley to the Lahaul-Spiti plateau and offers an otherworldly landscape of permanent snowfields, yaks grazing on alpine meadows, and meltwater streams. Activities available: skiing (in season), snow scooter rides, sledging, and photography of the dramatic Himalayan skyline. Permits must be booked in advance (arranged by us). Return to Manali by evening. Overnight Manali.

7DAY

Manali → Kullu → Chandigarh

Begin the return journey south through the Kullu Valley. Stop at a Kullu Shawl factory — watch traditional handloom weavers at work and shop for authentic Kullu shawls, Pashminas, and woollen handicrafts directly at source. Continue south through the valley, passing the Bijli Mahadev Temple (viewpoint) and the confluence of mountain rivers. Arrive Chandigarh by evening. Overnight Chandigarh or depart on overnight train/bus to Delhi.

8DAY

Chandigarh → Delhi / Departure

Drive back to Delhi (250 km, ~4–5 hrs via NH 44 / NH 152) — or take a Chandigarh–onwards flight if arranged. Delhi airport drop for onward international or domestic connections. Alternatively, extend your journey to Dalhousie, Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj), or Amritsar — all easily accessible from Chandigarh. The Himalayan Escape concludes, taking with you memories of snow, cedar forests, and the majestic mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

✅ Inclusions

  • 7 nights accommodation (twin sharing)
  • Daily breakfast
  • AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
  • Local guide at each destination
  • All toll & parking charges

❌ Exclusions

  • Airfare / train tickets
  • Rohtang Pass permit fee (government fee)
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Monument & attraction entry fees
  • Adventure activities cost (paragliding, skiing etc.)
📌 Please Note: Rohtang Pass is subject to government-issued day permits (limited slots) and weather/road conditions — alternative excursion to Solang Valley or Naggar Castle will be arranged if Rohtang is inaccessible. Best seasons: May–June & September–October. Tour is fully customisable for families, couples, and groups.

Starting from

₹14,500 / person

Twin sharing basis · GST extra

📅 Duration 7 Nights / 8 Days
⛰️ Max Altitude 13,050 ft
🎯 Highlights Rohtang Pass
🚗 Transport AC Vehicle
🏨 Hotels 3★ – 4★
🍳 Meals Daily Breakfast
🌸 Best Season May–Jun · Sep–Oct
Book / Enquire Now ⬇ Download PDF Itinerary

No booking fee · Free cancellation upto 15 days

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