Shimla – Kullu – Manali 6-Day Alpine Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Light Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Shimla Railway Station or the nearest airport (Kangra). Check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the historic Mall Road while soaking in the colonial ambience.

Afternoon: Take a short walk to the iconic Jakhu Temple perched on Jakhu Hill; the panoramic views of the valley are perfect for photo‑ops. Afterwards, descend to explore the nearby Christ Church and its neo‑Gothic architecture.

Evening: Stroll along Mall Road as the sun sets, sampling local street food like aloo tikki and warm tea. Return to your hotel for a relaxed night.

Day 2: Full Shimla Sightseeing

Morning: Ride the historic Shimla-Kalka Toy Train to Kalka and back, enjoying the lush pine forests and charming stations along the route.

Afternoon: Visit the grand Viceregal Lodge (Rashtrapati Niwas) and its beautiful gardens; a guided tour reveals its royal past. Follow with a short drive to Kufri for a fun snow‑play or yak ride, depending on the season.

Evening: Return to Shimla and unwind at the scenic Scandal Point, a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.

Day 3: Shimla → Kullu (Travel Day)

Morning: After breakfast, depart Shimla by private vehicle (≈5‑hour drive). Enjoy the winding roads of the Himalayan foothills, stopping at the picturesque Barog Tunnel for a quick photo.

Afternoon: Arrive in Kullu and check into your hotel. Explore the bustling Kullu Market, famous for handcrafted woollen shawls and traditional Kinnauri jewelry.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Beas River, trying the local trout curry and sattu drink.

Morning: Head to the sacred Raghunath Temple for a peaceful prayer session, then drive to the base of the Great Himalayan National Park for a guided nature trek.

Afternoon: Trek through alpine meadows spotting Himalayan fauna such as the Himalayan monal and musk deer; enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the scenery.

Evening: Return to Kullu, relax with a traditional Kinnauri folk dance performance at your hotel’s cultural evening.

Day 5: Kullu → Manali (Travel & First Impressions)

Morning: Depart Kullu early, crossing the iconic Rohtang Pass (seasonal) or the lower Beas Kund route for breathtaking glacier views.

Afternoon: Arrive in Manali, check into your accommodation, and wander through the vibrant Manali Mall Road for souvenir shopping.

Evening: Visit the serene Hadimba Temple set within a cedar forest; the evening lights create a magical atmosphere.

Day 6: Manali Highlights & Departure

Morning: Take a short drive to Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, or a gentle hike to the glacier lake.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs, where you can soak in natural geothermal pools believed to have therapeutic properties.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the snow‑capped peaks before heading to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Mall Road (Shimla) – 2 hrs – INR 200 (shopping & snacks)
• Jakhu Temple – 1.5 hrs – INR 150 (entry & donation)
• Shimla‑Kalka Toy Train – 3 hrs – INR 600 (round trip)
• Viceregal Lodge – 2 hrs – INR 250 (guide & entry)
• Kufri – 3 hrs – INR 400 (activities & cable car)
• Barog Tunnel – 0.5 hr – INR 0 (photo stop)
• Kullu Market – 2 hrs – INR 300 (shopping)
• Raghunath Temple – 1 hr – INR 100 (donation)
• Great Himalayan National Park Trek – 5 hrs – INR 1,200 (permit & guide)
• Rohtang Pass (seasonal) – 2 hrs – INR 500 (permit)
• Manali Mall Road – 2 hrs – INR 250 (shopping)
• Hadimba Temple – 1 hr – INR 100 (donation)
• Solang Valley – 4 hrs – INR 800 (activities)
• Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs – 2 hrs – INR 150 (entry)
• Meals & Miscellaneous – – – INR 3,500
• Transportation (private vehicle, 6 days) – – – INR 7,500
• Total Estimated Cost: INR 16,500

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in Shimla to explore the nearby pine‑forest village of Mashobra or adding a day trip to the serene Spiti Valley from Manali. Conversely, to shorten the trip, you can combine Shimla and Kullu into a single day of travel and focus solely on Manali’s attractions, cutting out the separate Kullu National Park trek.