The best first-time Himachal plan is 7 nights: Shimla for 2 nights, Manali for 3 and Kasol or Dharamshala for 2, starting from Delhi or Chandigarh. With 5 days, do Shimla and Manali only. With 8 nights or more, add Dharamshala and Dalhousie. Our packages with hotel, private cab and breakfast and dinner start at about ₹8,000 per person, and a 7 to 8 night trip usually costs ₹18,000 to ₹28,000 per person depending on the hotel category and season.
5 Days in Himachal: Shimla and Manali
Day 1: Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla. Evening on the Mall Road and the Ridge.
Day 2: Kufri and Shimla sightseeing, including Jakhu Temple and Christ Church.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali through the Kullu valley, about 7 to 8 hours.
Day 4: Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu, if the road is open.
Day 5: Hadimba Temple, Vashisht and Old Manali, then the return drive.
7 Days in Himachal: Shimla, Manali and Kasol
Days 1 and 2: Shimla and Kufri.
Day 3: Shimla to Manali.
Days 4 and 5: Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Sissu and Manali sightseeing.
Day 6: Manali to Kasol, about 3 hours, with a stop at Manikaran Gurudwara.
Day 7: Kasol back to Chandigarh or Delhi.
8 to 9 Days: The Grand Himachal Tour
Shimla for 2 nights, Manali for 3, Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj for 2, then Dalhousie and Khajjiar for 1 before the drive back. This is the plan in our Himachal Grand Tour 8N/9D package.
Driving Times Between Places
| Route | Approximate time by road |
|---|---|
| Delhi to Shimla | 7 to 8 hours |
| Chandigarh to Shimla | 3 to 4 hours |
| Shimla to Manali | 7 to 8 hours |
| Manali to Kasol | 3 hours |
| Manali to Dharamshala | 6 to 7 hours |
| Dharamshala to Dalhousie | 3 to 4 hours |
Times grow in snow and in peak traffic, so we plan one long drive at most between two relaxed days.
How Much Does It Cost
| Trip length | Typical cost per person |
|---|---|
| 4 to 5 nights | ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 |
| 6 to 7 nights | ₹18,000 to ₹26,000 |
| 8 to 9 nights | ₹22,000 to ₹32,000 |
Prices are per person on double sharing with hotel, private cab and breakfast and dinner. Snow season and May to June are the most expensive times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Himachal? It is enough for Shimla and Manali. For Kasol, Dharamshala or Spiti, plan 7 days or more.
Should I start from Delhi or Chandigarh? Chandigarh saves 3 to 4 hours each way, and non-stop flights reach it from most big cities.
Which is the best month? December to February for snow, March to June for pleasant weather, and October to November for clear views.
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