Shimla Manali From Delhi

Route: Delhi – Ambala – Kalka – Solan – Shimla → Local Sightseeing (The Ridge & Mall Road)

Early morning pick-up from Delhi and begin a smooth drive through the northern plains of Haryana and Punjab. Pass Ambala and continue towards Kalka, where the landscape gradually transforms from flat plains into rolling hills. From Kalka onwards, enjoy a refreshing mountain drive via Solan, often called the “Mushroom City of India,” surrounded by pine forests and cool mountain air.

Reach Shimla by afternoon, check in to the hotel, freshen up, and head out for a relaxed family-friendly heritage walk in the heart of the former British summer capital. Start at The Ridge, an open promenade offering wide views of the surrounding mountains, and visit the iconic Christ Church, known for its Neo-Gothic architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Walk down to Scandal Point, famous for its colonial-era stories and photo opportunities, and continue to Mall Road, Shimla’s lively pedestrian street.

Explore Lakkar Bazaar, well known for its wooden handicrafts and walking sticks, before returning to the hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.

Accommodation: Family hotel/boutique hotel near Mall Road.

Highlights:-

• Scenic drive from the plains into the Himalayan foothills.

• Beautiful mountain stretch via Kalka & Solan.

• First glimpse of colonial charm on reaching Shimla.

• Heritage walk on The Ridge & Mall Road.

• Christ Church – an iconic Gothic architecture landmark.

• Scandal Point – historical stories & mountain views.

• Lakkar Bazaar – traditional wooden handicrafts.

• Pleasant, traffic-free evening walk ideal for families.

Food:-

On the way (Ambala / Solan): Highway restaurants – veg thali, butter paratha, tea & snacks.

Shimla Mall Road (Evening):

• Wake & Bake Café – wood-fired pizza, pancakes, cold coffee.

• Hide Out Café – loaded nachos, peri-peri fries, thick shakes.

• Ashiana / Goofa Restaurant – authentic Himachali Dham thali (madra, rajma, sweet rice).

• Indian Coffee House – crispy dosa, cutlets & filter coffee.

• Mall Road stalls – hot jalebi, roasted peanuts, momos

Activities:-

• Leisurely mountain drive with scenic photo stops.

• Family heritage walk on The Ridge & Mall Road.

• Church visit & sunset photography at The Ridge.

• Short horse ride near The Ridge (kids’ favourite – optional).

• Evening café hopping & people watching.

• Relaxed family dinner on Mall Road.

Shopping:-

Lakkar Bazaar:

Hand-carved wooden toys, walking sticks, keychains, souvenirs (₹100–800).

Himachal Emporium:

Kullu & Pashmina shawls, Himachali caps, woollen wear.

Lower Mall / Tibetan Market:

Tibetan jewellery, prayer flags, singing bowls.

Book Lovers’ Corners:

Vintage books, postcards & local literature.

Route: Hotel - Kufri (16 km) - Himalayan Nature Park - Fun World - Mahasu Peak - back to Shimla - Jakhu Temple (Ropeway) - Mall Road & Ridge -  Hotel

After a relaxed breakfast with valley view, depart for Kufri by 9:00 am. Reach Kufri in 45 minutes, then visit the Himalayan Nature Park to see rare Himalayan wildlife in natural enclosures. Then spend some fun time at Kufri Fun World with go-karting, a mirror maze, and small rides (perfect for kids). Take a short horse/pony ride up to Mahasu Peak – the highest point in Kufri – for panoramic snow-view (in winter) or green valley views. Return to Shimla by early afternoon, have lunch, and rest for an hour. Around 3:30–4:00 pm, head to Jakhu Ropeway, enjoy the 5-minute aerial ride, and visit the 108-ft-tall Hanuman statue at the temple. Return to town by 6:00 pm and spend the evening strolling on the iconic Mall Road & Ridge – window shopping, street food, and sunset views. Return to the hotel by 8:30–9:00 pm. Overnight stay in Shimla.

Highlights:-

• Close encounter with Himalayan wildlife at Himalayan Nature Park (snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan bear, barking deer).

• Thrilling rides and games at Kufri Fun World.

• Scenic horse/pony ride through pine forests to Mahasu Peak with 360° mountain views.

• Aerial ropeway ride to Jakhu Temple and darshan of the giant Hanuman statue.

• Classic colonial evening walk on Mall Road & Ridge with live music and lights.

Food:-

• Kufri Fun World food court – cheese Maggi, veg momos, hot chocolate, and French fries.

• Green Chilli Restaurant (Kufri) – thukpa, ginger-honey-lemon tea, aloo paratha.

• Jakhu ropeway base – Café Simla Times for veg sandwich, cold coffee, pastries.

• Mall Road evening – Wake & Bake (wood-fired pizza), Indian Coffee House (filter coffee + dosa), street stalls for tawa corn, gulab jamun, bun-tikki.

Activities:-

• Go-karting, mirror maze, and 7D ride at Kufri Fun World.

• Pony/horse/Yak ride to Mahasu Peak (₹600–1200 per person round trip).

• Family Picnic on Mahasu Peak.

• Jakhu Ropeway (₹400–500 return per person).

• Photography with a giant Hanuman statue.

• Evening people-watching & live band performances on The Ridge.

Shopping:-

Kufri roadside & Fun World stalls:

• Woollen monkey caps, gloves, colourful Himachali socks.

• Fruit wines (apple, plum, kiwi, rhododendron).

• Homemade apricot jam, apple pickle, rhododendron squash.

Mall Road & Lower Bazaar (evening):

• Lakkar Bazaar – hand-carved wooden toys, walking sticks, décor items.

• Himachal Emporium – pure pashmina & Kullu shawls, embroidered caps.

• Tibetan Refugee Market – singing bowls, turquoise jewellery, prayer flags.

• Bookshops – old postcards, vintage Shimla prints, coffee-table books.

Optional Excursion’s:-

Mashobra: Mashobra is famous for its lush green forests, fruit orchards, and apple trees, as well as its scenic beauty, including waterfalls, mist-covered hills, and streams. 

Narkanda: It is famous for its scenic beauty, especially its apple orchards, and as a winter sports destination for skiing. It is also known for attractions like Hatu Peak,  the Hatu Mata Temple.

Route: Shimla - Sainj -  Sundar Nagar (Sundar Nagar Lake) -  Pandoh Dam -  Hanogi Mata Temple -  Aut Tunnel -  Kullu Local (Shawl Factories & Vaishno Devi Temple) -  Manali → Mall Road Manali (Shopping & Café hopping)

After breakfast & checkout from the Shimla hotel, start the scenic descent along the old Hindustan–Tibet Road. Pass through pine forests and apple orchards, and make relaxed family stops at Sundar Nagar Lake and Pandoh Dam for photos. Quick darshan at Hanogi Mata Temple (beautiful location on the Beas river). Drive through the 3-km-long Aut Tunnel, then reach Kullu town for a shawl factory visit and the Vaishno Devi Temple. Continue along the roaring Beas River to Manali. Reach by late afternoon, check in, freshen up, and spend the evening strolling on Manali Mall Road, café hopping, and light shopping. Overnight stay in Manali.

Accommodation: Family resort/boutique hotel in Manali.

Highlights:-

• Winding mountain drive with non-stop Beas river & valley views.

• Relaxing photo stop at the huge turquoise Sundar Nagar Lake.

• Pandoh Dam viewpoint – watch water gushing out of tunnels.

• Quick darshan & bell-ringing at scenic Hanogi Mata Temple.

• Drive through the impressive 3-km Aut–Bhuntar Tunnel.

• Kullu shawl weaving demonstration & Vaishno Devi Temple visit.

• First glimpse of snow-capped peaks near Manali.

• Vibrant evening atmosphere on Manali Mall Road.

Food:-

• Sundar Nagar Lake: Lake View Dhaba – aloo paratha, chole kulche, cold coffee.

• Hanogi Mata area: Highway stalls – hot maggi, sweet tea, pakoras.

• Kullu town: Vaishali Restaurant or Surya Dhaba – fresh river trout fry, siddu with ghee, thukpa.

Manali Mall Road evening:

Street stalls – momos, tandoori corn, ice-cream rolls.

Family Restaurant for Dinner – Mom’s Kitchen / The Pahadi.

Activities:-

• Photography & a short walk around Sundar Nagar Lake.

• Paragliding in Kullu.

• 15–20 min shawl weaving live demo at any Kullu factory (Bhuttico / Himbunkar).

• Quick darshan & prasad at Kullu Vaishno Devi Temple.

• Evening Mall Road stroll – people watching, live music at cafés.

• Optional short visit to Van Vihar (boating if kids want).

Shopping:-

Kullu Local (morning–afternoon):

• Bhuttico Co-operative & government shawl showrooms – pure wool Kullu shawls, stoles, Kullu topi (₹800–6000).

• Local stalls near Vaishno Devi Temple – Himachali caps, dry fruits, fruit jams.

Manali Mall Road (evening):

• Tibetan Market – singing bowls, prayer flags, turquoise jewellery, yak wool mufflers.

• Old Manali lane shops – dreamcatchers, hippie bags, semi-precious stone rings.

• Mall Road branded stores – Woodland/Quechua jackets, wooden souvenirs.

Optional Excursion’s:-

Bijli Mahadev Temple from Kullu: During 'Shivaratri' every year, a great rush of devotees gathers here to pay homage to Lord-Shiva. It is located at an altitude of about 2,438 m in the Kullu Valley. Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India. Located 14 km from Kullu, it can be approached by a difficult but rewarding trek of 3 km.

Route: Hotel - Hadimba Devi Temple -  Club House / Tibetan Monastery -  Vashisht Hot Springs - Old Manali - Solang Valley (15 km from Manali town) -  back to hotel

After a relaxed breakfast, start a full-day family exploration of Manali and the stunning Solang Valley. Begin with the peaceful cedar-forested Hadimba Temple, then visit Vashisht for a quick dip in natural hot springs. Have lunch in Old Manali and head to Solang Valley – a wide open meadow with 360° mountain views, a ropeway to the top, and plenty of gentle adventure options perfect for families and kids. Return to the hotel by evening for dinner and a bonfire. Overnight stay in Manali.

Highlights:-

• Serene walk inside the ancient cedar forest at the Hadimba Devi Temple.

• Natural sulphur hot water springs at Vashisht (separate pools for men & women).

• Old Manali’s charming cafés and colourful streets.

• Breath-taking views of snow-capped peaks from Solang Valley.

• Ropeway ride to the top of Solang (1,500 m cable car, panoramic mountain & valley views).

• Wide green meadow perfect for family photos and a picnic vibe.

Food:-

• Breakfast at the hotel or Johnson’s Café – fresh trout omelette, aloo paratha, pancakes.

• Old Manali lunch: – Café 1947 (riverside) – wood-fired pizzas, riverside seating.

• Drifters / Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted – waffles, Nutella pancakes, cold coffee.

• Casa Bella Vista – thin-crust pizza & mocktails.

Solang Valley:

• Ropeway top café – hot maggi, veg sandwich, ginger-lemon-honey tea.

• Valley base stalls – sweet corn, momos, thukpa, hot chocolate · Evening back at the hotel.

• Himachali siddu with ghee or buffet dinner.

Activities:-

• 20-minute peaceful forest walk around Hadimba Temple.

• Hot spring dip at Vashisht (30–40 minutes, very relaxing).

• Solang Valley Ropeway ride (₹600–700/person return, 10–12 min each way).

• Short & safe zorbing for kids & adults (₹300–400/ride).

• Horse/pony ride in the meadow (₹200–500).

• ATV ride (family 4-seater option available, ₹800–1500).

• Ziplining – A perfect adventure for Kids & Adults.

• Paragliding – short 1–2 min tandem flights for kids above 10 yrs & adults (₹1500–2500).

• Photography with traditional Himachali/Kashmiri dress against snow peaks.

Shopping:-

Manali Mall Road & Old Manali (morning/evening):

• Woollen shops – Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, hand-knitted socks & gloves.

• Tibetan Market – singing bowls, prayer flags, turquoise jewellery, dreamcatchers.

• Dry fruit stores – almonds, walnuts, saffron, spiced apricot & kiwi jam.

Solang Valley stalls & shops:

• Local woollen jackets, colourful mufflers, monkey caps.

• Souvenir shops –  T-shirts, keychains, fridge magnets.

• Homemade fruit products – apple & plum pickle, seabuckthorn juice, rhododendron squash.

• Handicraft corner – wooden artefacts, small brass bells, mini yak figurines.

Route: Manali → Palchan → Gulaba → Marhi → Rohtang Pass (13,058 ft) → Return same way → Manali (Best May–June & Sept–Nov for guaranteed snow activities; permit required)

After early breakfast (6:00–6:30 am), depart from the hotel in a private cab. Drive along the beautiful left-bank road past apple orchards and Vashisht. Reach Gulaba check-post (first snow point in summer). Continue climbing to Marhi for tea and stunning views of the Beas valley. Final ascent to Rohtang Pass – enjoy snow walls, glaciers, and 360° mountain vistas. Spend 2–3 hrs in the snow with family activities. Return by 3–4 pm to avoid traffic. Evening free for Mall Road stroll or hotel bonfire. Overnight stay in Manali.

Highlights:-

• Scenic drive through pine forests and apple orchards till Gulaba.

• First snow touch at Gulaba/Marhi (even in summer).

• Breathtaking high-altitude views of Pir Panjal and Bara Shigri glacier from Rohtang top.

• Snow-covered landscape perfect for family photos.

• Cool mountain breeze and pure silence at the pass.

• Snow Activities (Yak Ride, ATV, Paragliding, Skiing, etc.).

Food:-

• Gulaba roadside stalls – hot ginger-lemon-honey tea, sweet corn.

• Marhi Snowline Dhabas – aloo paratha with extra butter, cheese, Maggi, bread-omelette, Bournvita.

• Rohtang top stalls – instant noodles, thukpa, veg soup, roasted bhutta.

• Packed lunch from hotel (recommended): sandwiches, fruits, juice, dry snacks.

Activities:-

• Photography with snow walls and colourful Himachali/Kashmiri costumes.

• Sledging & snow tube rides (₹200–400 per person).

• ATV / snow scooter rides (₹1000–2000 per bike, 10–15 mins).

• Snowball fights & making snowmen (free & unlimited fun for kids).

• Short snow walk near the parking area. Yak ride (if available at Gulaba).

Shopping:-

Rohtang & Marhi roadside stalls:

• Woollen rental shops – returnable jackets, gumboots, gloves, caps (₹100–300 rental).

• Souvenir stalls – “Rohtang Pass Survivor” T-shirts, keychains, fridge magnets.

• Mini snow globes, colourful woollen balls, tiny yak figurines.

• Local dry fruits & saffron (bargain hard).

Optional Excursions (Additional Day):-

• Atal Tunnel : (Ideal Oct–April when Rohtang is closed; tunnel is open 365 days) -  The world’s longest high-altitude tunnel (9.02 km, 10,000 ft). Stop at Solang for quick photos or a short adventure. Enter the spectacular Atal Tunnel – an engineering marvel. Emerge at the dramatic Lahaul valley (North Portal).

• Sissu: It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including the Sissu lake, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views, making it a popular destination for those seeking tranquillity and adventure. It is also a hub for adventure activities like ziplining, ATV rides, and trekking, and has cultural attractions like the Raja Ghepan Temple.

Route: Manali – Kullu  – Bhuntar – Aut Tunnel – Pandoh Dam – Sundar Nagar – Bilaspur – Delhi

After an early breakfast and checkout from your hotel in Manali, begin the return journey towards Delhi. Drive along the Beas River towards Bhuntar, passing apple orchards, pine forests, and riverside villages.

Soon after Bhuntar, re-enter the mountains through the impressive Aut Tunnel, marking the transition from Kullu Valley to lower Himachal. Continue towards Pandoh Dam, where the Beas River dramatically flows through tunnels—an ideal short halt for refreshments and family photographs. The drive then takes you past the calm waters of Sundar Nagar Lake, offering a peaceful final mountain stop before descending further.

Post Sundar Nagar, the road opens up into broader valleys as you pass Bilaspur, gradually leaving the hills behind and entering the plains. Enjoy smooth highway stretches, dinner en route, and arrive in Delhi late night / early morning, concluding your memorable Himalayan family holiday.

Highlights:-

• Second crossing of the spectacular Aut Tunnel.

• Short photo stop at Pandoh Dam.

• Calm lakeside views at Sundar Nagar.

• Transition from the Himalayan mountains to the plains in one journey.

• Comfortable highway drive back to Delhi.

Food:-

Pandoh / Sundar Nagar (Lunch):

Highway dhabas – rajma chawal, dal fry, aloo paratha, sweet lassi.

Bilaspur – Chandigarh Highway (Dinner Stop):

Haveli / Amrik Sukhdev / Highway King – North Indian meals, kids-friendly options.

On-the-go snacks:

Tea stalls – ginger tea, bread pakora, biscuits.

Activities:-

• Early morning valley photography in Manali.

• Riverside views along the Beas River stretch.

• Refreshment & washroom break near Pandoh Dam.

• Stretching & tea break at Sundar Nagar Lake.

• Family music & movie time during highway drive.

Shopping:-

Sundar Nagar / Highway Stops:
Local shops – dry fruits, roasted peanuts, pickles, Himalayan herbs

Optional Breaks (Subject to Time):-

• Extra tea stop at Pandoh Dam viewpoint.

• Dinner halt near Chandigarh instead of the highway dhaba.

• Late-night snack stop near Murthal (if arriving early morning).