Day 1 – Arrival at Rajpura and Transfer to Shimla
Arrive at Rajpura Junction at 2:15 AM and begin your journey towards Shimla by private cab in the early morning. The drive of approximately six hours gradually transitions from plains to scenic hill roads. Upon reaching Shimla by late morning, check into your hotel and take some rest after the early start. In the evening, step out to explore Mall Road and The Ridge, enjoying the colonial charm, local cafés, Christ Church views, and pleasant mountain weather. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 2 – Shimla and Kufri Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit Jakhoo Temple situated at the highest point in Shimla, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Later proceed to Kufri, known for its scenic viewpoints, Himalayan nature park, and light adventure activities depending on the season. Spend time enjoying the fresh mountain air before returning to Shimla in the evening. Explore Lakkar Bazaar for wooden handicrafts or relax at a café along Mall Road. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 3 – Shimla to Manali
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Manali, a picturesque journey of around seven to eight hours along winding mountain roads and the Beas River. Enjoy scenic stops along the way for tea and photographs. Reach Manali by evening and check into your hotel. Later take a relaxed walk on Mall Road, explore local shops, and enjoy dinner at a riverside or mountain-view restaurant. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 4 – Manali Local Sightseeing and Solang Valley
After breakfast, begin sightseeing with a visit to the Hadimba Devi Temple set amidst cedar forests, followed by Vashisht Temple and its natural hot water springs. Continue to the Tibetan Monastery and local handicraft centers. Later head to Solang Valley, famous for breathtaking mountain landscapes and adventure activities such as ropeway rides, paragliding, and ATV rides depending on availability. If weather and road conditions permit, you may also visit the Atal Tunnel side for stunning high-altitude views. Return to Manali in the evening and enjoy leisure time at Mall Road. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 5 – Manali to Rajpura with Enroute Sightseeing
Start early in the morning from Manali and drive towards Rajpura. Enroute, stop at Pandoh Dam near Mandi for scenic views of the turquoise Beas reservoir. Continue the journey with a relaxed lunch break around Mandi or Bilaspur. Further ahead, you may visit Anandpur Sahib for a peaceful stop and short visit to the historic Gurudwara complex before entering the plains of Punjab. Resume the drive in the evening and reach Rajpura around midnight. Rest near the railway station before boarding your early morning train at 5:40 AM.
1) What is the duration of this tour?
This is a 5-day tour covering Shimla (with Kufri) and Manali (local sightseeing + Solang Valley), with arrival and departure via Rajpura Junction.
2) What are the main places covered in the itinerary?
Shimla highlights like Mall Road, The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, Kufri, and Manali highlights like Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht hot springs, Tibetan Monastery/handicraft areas, Solang Valley, and (if possible) Atal Tunnel side depending on weather/road conditions.
3) What is included in the package?
- Breakfast
- 3 Tier AC train tickets (Pune ⇄ Rajpura Jn)
- Private AC / Non-AC vehicle for transfers and local sightseeing
- 3★ comfortable hotel stays in Shimla & Manali
4) What is not included (exclusions)?
- Personal expenses (shopping, tips, snacks, etc.)
- Meals during the railway journey
- Lunch and Dinner Through out the Package
- Entry fees / activity charges (boating, safari, etc. if applicable)
- Optional activities not mentioned in inclusions
5) Are Solang Valley activities included in the cost?
Adventure activities like paragliding, ATV rides, ropeway, etc. are optional and chargeable on the spot (subject to availability and season).
6) Will we definitely visit Atal Tunnel?
Atal Tunnel/nearby viewpoints are weather and road-condition dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable, the plan may be adjusted for safety.
7) What type of hotels are provided?
You’ll get 3-star comfortable stays in Shimla and Manali (standard amenities; exact hotel name depends on availability at the time of booking).
8) What is the starting/ending point for the tour?
The itinerary is designed around Rajpura Junction as the arrival/departure rail point, and onward travel is by private cab/vehicle to Shimla and Manali.
9) Which is the best time to visit?
- Mar–Jun: pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing
- Jul–Sep: lush greenery, possible monsoon delays
- Oct–Feb: winter vibes; snowfall chances (especially Dec–Jan) depend on weather
10) What should I pack for this trip?
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light woolens (even in summer evenings)
- Heavy woolens in winter (gloves, cap, moisturizer)
- Personal medicines and essentials
Best Time to Visit
March to June (Summer – Peak Season)
This is the most popular time to visit. The weather remains pleasant (10°C–25°C), ideal for sightseeing, Mall Road walks, and adventure activities in Solang Valley. Snow is usually visible in higher areas till early April.
July to September (Monsoon – Off Season)
Lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. However, occasional landslides and road delays may occur due to rainfall. Best for peaceful travelers who prefer budget stays.
October to February (Winter – Snow Season)
Perfect for snowfall lovers. Temperatures can drop below 0°C in Manali. December–January offers heavy snow (weather dependent), especially around Solang and Atal Tunnel. Ideal for honeymooners and snow experiences.
How to Reach
By Train
There is no direct railway station in Manali. The nearest major railheads are:
- Chandigarh
- Kalka
- Pathankot
- Rajpura Junction (convenient if coming from Punjab side)
By Road
Well-connected by highways from Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana.
- Chandigarh to Shimla: ~4 hours
- Chandigarh to Manali: ~8–9 hours
- Shimla to Manali: ~7–8 hours
Volvo buses operate regularly from Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Air
Nearest airports:
- Chandigarh Airport
- Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali) – Limited flights
- Most travelers prefer road travel due to scenic mountain views.
Kabir Reddy –
Our trip had some issues with road delays due to monsoon season. While the landscapes were beautiful and green, the travel disruptions were not ideal. I’d recommend going during a different time of the year.
Bhavna More –
The Shimla-Manali tour was a refreshing escape! We went in June and enjoyed the pleasant weather and scenic views. Solang Valley was a highlight for adventure activities.
Vikram Pandey –
This was the perfect escape from city life. The tour was well-organized, and both Shimla and Manali offered unique experiences. Seeing the Himalayan landscapes was breathtaking, and I’d recommend this trip!
Nikhil Iyer –
The Shimla-Manali tour exceeded our expectations. Kufri viewpoints and the snow experiences were incredible. Perfect for families looking for a refreshing break in the hills.
Nandini Chopra –
A good family trip overall. The kids loved Solang Valley and the snow experiences. The hotel in Manali could have been better maintained, though.
Henry Wright –
Great trip overall. We visited in March, and the weather was perfect for exploring. I would recommend this tour.
Suresh Agarwal –
Shimla and Manali were great! The mountain views were beautiful, and there were plenty of things to do. I especially enjoyed walking on Mall Road and visiting Solang Valley.
Evelyn Miller –
We had such a great time on our trip! The views were incredible, and we loved walking around Mall Road in Shimla. Solang Valley in Manali was also a highlight.
Pallavi Reddy –
Enjoyed the peaceful temple visits and the overall serene atmosphere of Himachal Pradesh. We traveled during the monsoon, and while the landscapes were lush green, the road delays were a bit inconvenient. Still worth it!
Vikram Patil –
Shimla and Manali were beautiful, but the trip felt a bit rushed. More time at each location would’ve made it better.
Rahul Shetty –
Excellent trip! Shimla’s colonial charm and Manali’s breathtaking landscapes were a great combination. The tour was well-organized, and we had a fantastic time exploring the Mall Road and riverside cafes.
Riya Shinde –
The Shimla-Manali tour was great, especially the views from Kufri and Solang Valley. We went in March, and the weather was perfect. The only downside was some crowding on the Mall Road.
Layla Ramirez –
This trip was amazing! Shimla and Manali are beautiful, and everything was well-organized. Seeing the Himalayas was a dream come true.
Anaya Reddy –
While Shimla’s colonial charm was nice, Manali’s Himalayan views felt underwhelming. It was too crowded for a peaceful temple visit. Overall, it was an okay escape, but I think there are better hill stations.
Riya Shinde –
I enjoyed the trip, especially the Mall Road in Shimla. Travel during peak season comes with larger crowds than I would’ve preferred.
Shreya Kulkarni –
The mountain views were great, but the monsoon season wasn’t ideal due to road closures. I suggest planning during a drier time.
Pranav Naidu –
Amazing experience! We went in winter for the snowfall and it was magical. The tour covered all the must-see places, and the Himalayan landscapes were simply stunning.
Aarav Jain –
Great trip with lots to see! From temples to viewpoints, Shimla Manali offered an incredible experience. I would consider visiting again during a different season.
Aniket Verma –
Some of the promised adventure activities weren’t available due to weather. It’s important to manage expectations depending on the time of year you visit.
Vikram Pandey –
Unfortunately, the landslides during our visit really impacted our itinerary and experience. I’d suggest checking weather conditions very carefully before booking.
Shreya Sawant –
Manali was the highlight. Solang Valley was unforgettable! My rating is reflective of the high prices we paid at peak season. Shop around before you commit.
Aniket Khan –
This tour was an amazing escape! The landscapes were picturesque and calming. Only feedback is that the local transport could’ve been more comfortable.
Vihaan Gore –
The views were indeed breathtaking. It would have been more enjoyable had it not been so crowded. Try going during the shoulder seasons for a balance.
Elijah Rodriguez –
The Shimla-Manali tour was amazing! We went in March, and the weather was perfect for exploring. Solang Valley was a highlight, and the views were breathtaking.
Grace Thompson –
This tour was a great experience! The mix of sightseeing and adventure activities kept everyone entertained. We especially loved the Mall Road in Shimla and the peaceful temples we visited.
Kunal Pandey –
Shimla and Manali were amazing! The views were incredible, especially in Solang Valley. I went in April and still saw some snow which was a great surprise.
Sakshi Sawant –
This tour was perfect for our family. Everyone enjoyed the mix of sightseeing and adventure activities. The hotels were comfortable and well-located.
Kavya Pandey –
I loved exploring Shimla and Manali! The trip was very well organized and covered all the key attractions. Definitely recommend going in the summer!
Aanya Shetty –
A wonderful trip. Manali’s riverside cafes were great and the Himalayan landscapes took my breath away. Worth it!
Nandini Shetty –
Great tour for snow lovers! We went in February and had a blast. Just be sure to pack warm clothes!
Isha Sawant –
The views were nice, but the landslides during the monsoon season were a major inconvenience. Road delays made it hard to stick to our itinerary. I wish we had chosen a different time to visit.
Dev Mishra –
The tour was okay, but the crowds were a real issue, especially in Manali. The Solang Valley was packed, and it was hard to enjoy the scenery. Expected better for the price.