5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary to Manali Shimla

Sunday, December 3: Arrive in Manali

Welcome to Manali, a beautiful hill station nestled in the Himalayas. Start your day with a visit to the Hadimba Devi Temple, a peaceful and historic religious site surrounded by lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the colorful markets of Manali, where you can find a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs. Finally, in the evening, take a stroll along the Mall Road and enjoy the lively atmosphere, street food, and shopping.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: Free entry, approximately 1 hour
• Manali Markets: Budget around ₹500 for shopping, approximately 2-3 hours
• Mall Road: Free, time spent depends on personal preference

Monday, December 4: Rohtang Pass

Embark on a day trip to Rohtang Pass, a stunning high mountain pass located approximately 51 kilometers from Manali. In the morning, enjoy the picturesque drive through the beautiful Kullu Valley. Spend the afternoon at Rohtang Pass, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and breathtaking views. You can engage in various snow activities like skiing and snowboarding (equipment rental available on-site). Return to Manali in the evening.

• Rohtang Pass: Entry fee ₹550 per person and additional charges for adventure activities, approximately 8-10 hours

Tuesday, December 5: Solang Valley

Experience the stunning beauty of Solang Valley, located 14 kilometers from Manali. In the morning, explore the valley and enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding. Afterward, visit the nearby Vashisht Village, renowned for its hot springs, and take a refreshing dip. In the evening, return to Manali and indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants.

• Solang Valley: Charges vary for different activities, budget around ₹1500 per person, approximately 4-6 hours
• Vashisht Village: Free entry, time spent depends on personal preference

Wednesday, December 6: Journey to Shimla

Leave Manali and begin your journey to Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy the scenic drive through the picturesque mountains, passing by Kullu, Mandi, and other enchanting towns. Upon reaching Shimla, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the Mall Road and basking in the charming colonial-era architecture.

• Travel to Shimla: Varies based on transportation choice, estimated time 8-10 hours

Thursday, December 7: Explore Shimla

Delve into the beauty and history of Shimla. Start your day with a visit to the famous Jakhu Temple, located atop Jakhu Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from this vantage point. In the afternoon, explore The Ridge, a popular spot dotted with historical buildings, cultural events, and street performances. Don't forget to indulge in some shopping for local handicrafts and woolens.

• Jakhu Temple: Free entry, approximately 2-3 hours
• The Ridge: Free, time spent depends on personal preference

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

When visiting Manali and Shimla with your family, consider adding these off-the-beaten-path attractions and places loved by locals:

• Manikaran Sahib: A sacred pilgrimage site famous for its hot springs and Gurudwara, located near Manali.
• Naldehra: A charming town near Shimla known for its scenic golf course and horse riding trails.
• Tattapani: A serene village near Shimla with natural hot water springs perfect for relaxation and picnics.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.