Want an itinerary like this for your trip?
Tell us where you're going and get a personalized plan in seconds — completely free.
Plan My Trip

Shimla & Manali 5‑Day Adventure Itinerary

Viewed by 170 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla & Evening Stroll

Morning: Fly into Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport or take a scenic train to Kalka and a toy train ride up to Shimla. Check into your hotel, freshen up, and enjoy a light breakfast with mountain views.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk to The Ridge, the heart of the town, where colonial architecture meets panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. Continue to the bustling Mall Road for shopping and a snack at a local café.

Evening: Relax at the historic Christ Church lit up against the twilight sky, then dine on Himachali delicacies such as siddu and trout at a rooftop restaurant.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Shimla Highlights

Morning: Visit the sacred Jakhu Temple, perched atop Jakhu Hill, offering sweeping views and playful monkeys. Afterwards, explore the Viceregal Lodge, a grand heritage palace turned museum.

Afternoon: Head to Kufri, a hill station famous for its snow‑capped peaks and adventure sports; try horse riding or a short trek to the Mahasu Peak.

Evening: Return to Shimla and stroll along the illuminated Scandal Point area, enjoying street performances and local ice‑cream before a restful night.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Transfer to Manali & Local Exploration

Morning: Depart Shimla early by private van or bus (≈7 hours) while soaking in lush valleys and river gorges. Stop for a quick snack at a dhaba en route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Manali, check into your hotel, and unwind with a fresh lunch featuring Kullu‑style trout. Take a gentle walk to the iconic Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forests.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Manali Market**, browsing handmade woollen shawls and Himalayan handicrafts. End the day with a dinner at a riverside café overlooking the Beas River.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Manali Adventure & Nature

Morning: Drive to Solang Valley for adrenaline‑pumping activities such as paragliding, zorbing, or a rope‑way ride to the summit.

Afternoon: Head up to Rohtang Pass (subject to weather and permits) for snow‑filled landscapes, snow‑boarding, and breathtaking photo ops.

Evening: Return to Manali and soak in the natural hot springs at Vashisht Baths**, rejuvenating muscles after the day’s thrills.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Cultural Finale & Departure

Morning: Visit the serene Gadhan Thekchhokling Monastery for a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhism and panoramic views of the Kullu Valley.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll through the Old Manali area, admiring its rustic charm and boutique cafés.

Evening: Depart from Bhuntar Airport or board a night bus/train back to Delhi, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • The Ridge (Shimla) – 1.5 hrs – ₹150
  • Mall Road (Shimla) – 1 hr – ₹0 (shopping optional)
  • Christ Church (Shimla) – 30 min – ₹50
  • Jakhu Temple (Shimla) – 2 hrs – ₹100
  • Viceregal Lodge (Shimla) – 1.5 hrs – ₹200
  • Kufri (Shimla) – 3 hrs – ₹300 (activities & entry)
  • Hadimba Temple (Manali) – 1 hr – ₹50
  • Solang Valley (Manali) – 3 hrs – ₹600 (adventure sports)
  • Rohtang Pass (Manali) – 4 hrs – ₹1,200 (permit & taxi)
  • Vashisht Baths (Manali) – 1 hr – ₹100 (entry)
  • Gadhan Thekchhokling Monastery (Manali) – 1 hr – ₹50
  • Old Manali Walk – 1.5 hrs – ₹0
  • Transportation (Shimla‑Manali) – 7 hrs – ₹2,500
  • Accommodation (4 nights) – – ₹8,000
  • Meals (average) – – ₹3,500
  • Total Estimated Cost: ₹17,250

Tips

To extend your trip, add an extra day in Manali to explore the nearby Parvati Valley or take a day‑trip to Naggar Castle. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip Rohtang Pass and replace it with a scenic drive to Manikaran Sahib, saving both time and permit costs while still enjoying the mountain charm.

0