Family-Friendly 5-Day Itinerary for Shimla and Manali, Himachal Pradesh in May 2023

  1. Day 1: Shimla
    Not applicable - starting location

    The Ridge is a large open space located in the heart of Shimla with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The Mall Road is a bustling shopping center with souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes. Finish the day with a visit to The Christ Church, a historic landmark built in the 19th century.

  2. Day 2: Kufri
    1 hour 20 minutes (14.6 miles) from Shimla

    Enjoy a scenic drive to Kufri, a small town famous for its ski slopes and natural beauty. Visit the Kufri Fun World, an amusement park with several rides and activities for all ages. Take a horse ride or try your hand at skiing in the Himalayan snow.

  3. Day 3: Manali
    5 hours (138 miles) from Kufri

    Drive to Manali, a tranquil hill-station town with a picturesque landscape and serene atmosphere. Stroll through the lush green apple orchards and visit the Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery to experience the serenity of Tibetan culture.

  4. Day 4: Solang Valley
    26 minutes (7.4 miles) from Manali

    Solang Valley is a charming hamlet nestled in the Himalayas and famous for its natural beauty, adventure activities, and scenic beauty. Take a ropeway ride to the summit for panoramic views of the valley below and enjoy paragliding, zorbing or skiing.

  5. Day 5: Manali
    Not applicable

    Visit the Hadimba Temple a unique and ancient cave temple, dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima of Mahabharata fame. Explore the cultural exhibits at the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, then relax by the banks of the river Beas.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • The Ridge (1-2 hours, Free)
  • The Mall Road (2-3 hours, Free)
  • The Christ Church (1 hour, Free)
  • Kufri Fun World (2-3 hours, INR 1000 per adult, INR 500 per child)
  • Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Solang Valley (3-4 hours, INR 1500 per adult, INR 750 per child)
  • Hadimba Temple (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art (1-2 hours, INR 30 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 2980 per adult, INR 1530 per child

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, you can visit Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, a divine Sikh pilgrimage center in Manali or explore the hill station of Kasauli. For adventure seekers, river rafting in Solang Valley is highly recommended. If you have less time, you can skip Kufri and head straight to Manali. It is advisable to carry warm clothes as the temperature can drop rapidly in the evenings.

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