Kulu Manali and Shimla 7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary

Saturday October 21: Arrival in Kulu Manali

Start your trip by arriving in Kulu Manali. Check into a cozy hotel and take some time to relax and settle in. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Old Manali and visit the Hidimba Devi Temple, a beautiful wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant and soak in the serene atmosphere of this hill station.

• Old Manali and Hidimba Devi Temple: Cost Estimate - INR 1000, Time Spent - 3 hours

Restaurants

• Situated in the heart of Old Manali, Café 1947 is the perfect place to start your day with a delicious breakfast. From fluffy pancakes to freshly baked pastries, their menu offers a wide range of options to satisfy your morning cravings. The average cost for a meal at Café 1947 is about 200 INR per person.
• For a scrumptious lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, known for its cozy ambiance and mouth-watering food. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including Indian, Italian, and Tibetan cuisines. Enjoy a meal at Johnson's Cafe for an average cost of 400 INR per person.
• To end the day on a high note, visit Café Amigos for a delightful dinner experience. This rooftop restaurant offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and serves a delectable fusion of Mexican, Italian, and Indian cuisines. Indulge in a delicious meal at Café Amigos for an average cost of 600 INR per person.

Sunday October 22: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 3,978 meters. Marvel at the breathtaking snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, and stunning landscapes. Enjoy various adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding (if weather permits). Don't forget to capture memorable moments with your family amidst the picturesque surroundings. Return to your hotel in the evening.

• Rohtang Pass Excursion: Cost Estimate - INR 3000 (including transportation), Time Spent - 8 hours

Monday October 23: Manikaran and Kasol

Take a day trip to Manikaran, known for its hot springs and the famous Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. Explore the beautiful town and enjoy a refreshing dip in the hot springs. In the afternoon, visit Kasol, a popular destination among backpackers and nature lovers. Take a leisurely walk along the Parvati River and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. Return to Kulu Manali in the evening.

• Manikaran and Kasol Day Trip: Cost Estimate - INR 2000 (including transportation), Time Spent - 8 hours

Tuesday October 24: Travel to Shimla

Check out of your hotel in Kulu Manali and begin your journey to Shimla. Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque valleys and mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Upon reaching Shimla, check into your hotel and take some time to unwind. In the evening, explore the bustling Mall Road, lined with shops, restaurants, and colonial-era buildings.

• Travel from Kulu Manali to Shimla: Cost Estimate - INR 3000 (cab fare), Time Spent - 7 hours
• Mall Road: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours

Wednesday October 25: Shimla Sightseeing

Discover the charm of Shimla as you visit popular attractions such as the Viceregal Lodge, Jakhu Temple, and the Christ Church. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Ridge, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, take a ride on the historic Shimla-Kalka Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

• Viceregal Lodge, Jakhu Temple, and Christ Church: Cost Estimate - INR 500, Time Spent - 4 hours
• Shimla-Kalka Toy Train: Cost Estimate - INR 700, Time Spent - 2 hours

Thursday October 26: Naldehra and Mashobra

Embark on a day trip to Naldehra, known for its scenic beauty and the Naldehra Golf Course, nestled amidst lofty deodar trees. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the golf course and savor the tranquility of the surroundings. Later, visit Mashobra, a picturesque town with lovely apple orchards. Take a nature walk and capture the breathtaking views. Return to Shimla in the evening.

• Naldehra Golf Course and Nature Walk: Cost Estimate - INR 1000 (including transportation), Time Spent - 6 hours
• Mashobra: Cost Estimate - INR 500 (including transportation), Time Spent - 3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Sol in Shimla. They offer a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to the historic Chapslee Hotel, also in Shimla. Enjoy their delectable Indian and Continental cuisine in a charming heritage setting. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar in Shimla. This stylish restaurant offers a diverse menu with options like grilled seafood, pasta, and sushi. The average cost for a meal is about 1200 INR per person.

Friday October 27: Departure from Shimla

Check out of your hotel in Shimla and bid farewell to this charming hill station. Depart for your onward journey with beautiful memories of your family-friendly trip to Kulu Manali and Shimla.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the serene Solang Valley near Manali, which offers adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. Another local favorite is the Chail Cricket Ground, located in Chail near Shimla, which is the highest cricket ground in the world. Enjoy a picnic and soak in the panoramic views from this unique destination.

For more information on hotels and flight prices, you can check here.