7-Day Shimla Manali Itinerary - December 17-23, 2023

Sunday, December 17: Arrival in Shimla

Begin your journey by arriving in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. In the morning, take a leisurely walk through the charming Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and colonial buildings. In the afternoon, visit the Viceregal Lodge, an impressive architectural gem with beautiful gardens. As the evening sets in, enjoy a stunning sunset view from the Ridge, a popular open space in the heart of Shimla.

• Mall Road: Free, 2-3 hours
• Viceregal Lodge: INR 50 (approx. $0.70), 1-2 hours
• The Ridge: Free, 1-2 hours

Monday, December 18: Shimla Exploration

Start your day by visiting the Jakhu Temple, located atop Jakhu Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of Shimla and spot monkeys along the way. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Christ Church, an architectural masterpiece. In the evening, take a scenic walk along the Annandale, a picturesque ground with a golf course.

• Jakhu Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Christ Church: Free, 1-2 hours
• Annandale: Free, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 19: Shimla to Kufri

Embark on a day trip to Kufri, a small hill station near Shimla. In the morning, visit the Himalayan Nature Park, home to various Himalayan animal species. Enjoy horse riding or a yak ride in Kufri. In the afternoon, explore the Indira Tourist Park, which offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys. Return to Shimla for the evening.

• Himalayan Nature Park: INR 20 (approx. $0.30), 2-3 hours
• Kufri Yak Ride: INR 300-500 (approx. $4-7), 1-2 hours
• Indira Tourist Park: INR 10 (approx. $0.15), 1-2 hours

Wednesday, December 20: Shimla to Manali

Travel from Shimla to Manali by road, a journey of approximately 250 km. Enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Upon reaching Manali, relax and explore the local markets in the evening.

• Travel from Shimla to Manali: Private taxi - INR 4,000-5,000 (approx. $55-70), 7-8 hours
• Exploring Manali markets: Free, 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 21: Manali Adventure

Experience the thrill of adventure activities in Manali. In the morning, go paragliding at Solang Valley and enjoy breathtaking aerial views. Afterward, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a historical temple set amidst lush cedar forests. In the evening, take a walk along the Manali Mall Road and indulge in local delicacies.

• Paragliding in Solang Valley: INR 2,000-3,000 (approx. $28-42), 2-3 hours
• Hadimba Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Manali Mall Road: Free, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Café 1947 located near the Beas River. This charming café offers a variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• For lunch, try Johnson's Cafe, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious Italian and Indian dishes. Enjoy mouthwatering pizzas, pasta, and local specialties. The average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
• For dinner, visit The Corner House, a popular restaurant offering a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. Indulge in their flavorful curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and delectable desserts. The average cost for a meal is about INR 800 per person.

Friday, December 22: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 3,978 meters. Enjoy stunning snow-capped mountain views and indulge in snow activities like skiing and snowboarding (seasonal). Return to Manali in the evening and spend some time exploring the Old Manali area.

• Rohtang Pass: INR 550 (approx. $8), 6-7 hours (including travel time)
• Snow activities: INR 500-1,000 (approx. $7-14), 2-3 hours
• Exploring Old Manali: Free, 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 23: Departure from Manali

On the last day of your trip, bid farewell to Manali. Take a scenic drive back to Shimla or proceed to the nearest airport, Kullu-Manali Airport, to catch your return flight.

• Travel from Manali to Shimla: Private taxi - INR 4,000-5,000 (approx. $55-70), 7-8 hours
• Travel from Manali to Kullu-Manali Airport: Private taxi - INR 2,000-2,500 (approx. $28-35), 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Shimla and Manali, don't miss the opportunity to visit Mashobra, a serene hill station near Shimla known for its apple orchards and nature trails. Also, immerse yourself in the local culture by trying traditional Himachali cuisine, such as siddu, khoru, and chha meat. Visit the Naggar Castle near Manali, an ancient historical site with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

For more travel planning, check hotel and flight prices here.