Every year, thousands of tourist plan trips to Shimla Manali Travel Guide with their families and loved ones. Many people have some confusion about planning trips to these places. It is no surprise, as both Shimla, often called the “Queen of Hills,” and Manali, known as a “Honeymoon Destination,” are among the most beloved tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh. While Shimla has turned into quite a concrete city, it still has many peaceful spots that people love to visit again and again. On the other hand, Manali is known for its abundant natural beauty and attractions.
Plan Your Shimla Manali Trip Effortlessly with our Travel Guide
Everything will work out effortlessly if you are well-prepared. Therefore, read this blog till the end and make sure to plan accordingly.
Plan Your Trip Day Wise
Go through this 8-day travel plan for a trip to Shimla and Manali that’s suitable for families of all ages. This itinerary will help you have a balanced and comfortable experience in both Shimla and Manali. Thus, your family can create lasting memories.
Day 1st
On the first day of your 8-day trip to Shimla and Manali, you can arrive in Shimla by taking an overnight Volvo bus or a toy train from your previous location. After reaching Shimla, check in at your hotel and take some rest. In the afternoon, you can start exploring local attractions in Shimla, including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, and Lakkar Bazaar. These places are great spots to witness the city’s culture, do shopping, and enjoy scenic views. For a peaceful evening, you should consider staying in Mashobra, a nearby location.
Day 2nd
On the second day, you can have a relaxing day around Shimla. In the first half of the day, you can visit Kufri, a nearby hill station known for its natural beauty and adventure activities. In the second half of the day, you can return to Shimla and visit attractions like Jakhoo Temple, the State Museum, Mall Road, and the Ridge. If you prefer a more relaxed time, you can spend the entire day exploring Shimla.
Day 3rd
On the third day, you have two options for exploring the surrounding areas of Shimla. You can go on a day trip from Shimla to Narkanda and Hatu Peak. It will be a bit of a longer day, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. You can start early from Shimla, visit Narkanda, explore the charming town of Thanedar, and then make your way up to Hatu Peak. After enjoying the scenic beauty, you can return to Shimla in the evening. Alternatively, you can opt for a day trip from Shimla to Kufri and Chail. You can also include a visit to Kufri on this day. Explore Kufri in the morning, and then head to Chail, known for its calm beauty. If you plan to travel to Manali via the Jalori Pass, it’s a good idea to stay overnight in Narkanda.
Day 4th
On the fourth day, you will only travel from Shimla to Manali. You can plan to travel from Shimla to Manali via the Jalori Pass route. It’s a great choice if you want a scenic journey. Alternatively, you can choose the Tattapani – Chindi – Rohanda route. The regular route via Bilaspur is another option. It is typically more straightforward in terms of road conditions. If you prefer a smoother journey, this might be the way to go.
Day 5th
On the fifth day of your trip, you can explore the local attractions in Manali. Start your day by visiting the Hadimba Temple, a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. Next, visit the Manu Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Manu, the mythical creator of mankind. It’s located in a peaceful forest area.
Take some time to explore Manali’s Mall Road, where you can shop and enjoy local cuisine. Visit one of the local monasteries in Manali to experience the cultural aspects of the region. Head to Vashisth, where you can relax in the natural hot water springs. Spend some leisure time by the riverside, perhaps near Old Manali. You can enjoy the scenic views and maybe even have a picnic. Old Manali is a good starting point for various trekking adventures.
Day 6th
On the sixth day of your trip, you can plan an exciting day to visit the snow points near Manali. Head to Solang Valley as early as possible. Depending on the season, you can either enjoy snow activities or simply sightsee the natural beauty. Solang Valley offers opportunities for activities like snowboarding, skiing, and riding the ropeway. If you’re visiting Manali in the summer months when Rohtang Pass is open, consider going all the way to Rohtang Pass. It’s a high mountain pass known for its stunning views, and you can enjoy snow-related activities there as well.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, you should spend the night in Solang Valley. It is less crowded compared to Manali and offers a peaceful experience. Be sure to leave early to avoid traffic jams on the way to Rohtang Pass, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons.
Day 7th
On the seventh day of your trip, you can travel to Jagatsukh, an underrated tourist spot in Himachal Pradesh. Continue your journey to Naggar Castle, a place known for its romantic charm. Visit the Roerich Museum and Art Gallery in Naggar. It’s a museum dedicated to the works of the famous Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Explore the art and culture of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a hike to the ancient Krishna Temple located at the hilltop. Spend a romantic evening at Naggar Castle.
Day 8th
On the eighth and final day of your trip, you can check out from Naggar Castle by noon and begin your journey back home. After checking out, you can spend some time hanging around Naggar, perhaps exploring any spots you may have missed. Have lunch in Naggar and then proceed to the Volvo bus pickup point in Naggar for your journey back to Delhi. If you decide to return to Manali, you can do so after checking out from Naggar Castle. Spend some time on Mall Road in Manali, do some last-minute shopping, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. Finally, make your way to the Volvo bus pickup point in Manali for your return journey to Delhi.
Finding Hotels in Shimla and Manali
In both Shimla and Manali, you will find a wide range of accommodation options that suit various budgets. Here are some tips for finding the right place to stay in Shimla and Manali:
For Stay in Shimla
- Mall Road:This is a central and popular area to stay in Shimla. It offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and attractions. You will find a mix of luxury hotels, boutique properties, and mid-range options here.
- Chotta Shimla:This area is quieter than the bustling Mall Road but still offers some good accommodation choices.
- Near Viceregal Lodge:If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, you can look for hotels near the Viceregal Lodge, which is a bit away from the city centre.
- Budget Options in ShimlaIf you’re on a budget, you can find guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels in areas like Lakkar Bazaar and Chota Shimla.
For Stay in Manali
- Mall Road:Similar to Shimla, Manali’s Mall Road is a popular place to stay. It’s close to restaurants, shops, and the Beas River. Accommodation options range from budget to mid-range and some boutique hotels.
- Old Manali:Old Manali has a more laid-back and bohemian vibe. It’s a great place for budget travellers and backpackers, with numerous guesthouses and hostels.
- Vashisth:Vashisth is another area near Manali known for its hot springs. You will find a mix of budget and mid-range hotels here.
- Solang Valley:If you prefer a quieter and more scenic location, consider staying in Solang Valley. It’s a bit away from the main town but offers beautiful mountain views.
- Luxury Resorts:For those seeking luxury, Manali has several high-end resorts in a beautiful environment.
Road Conditions in Shimla and Manali
The road conditions from Delhi to Shimla are in great shape. With the Himalayan Expressway in operation, which avoids the busy traffic in Kalka, the journey to Shimla and further to Kinnaur & Spiti Valley is now much smoother and quicker. However, there is a frustrating section between Swarghat and Bilaspur/Sunder Nagar that you will need to navigate patiently. Apart from that, the road conditions on the route from Delhi to Manali are excellent and make for a pleasant journey.
Conclusion
Now, you have a good idea of how your journey will be. Considering this, you can plan well and create lots of memories.