Comprehensive 7-Day Himachal Road Trip from Jaipur: Manali, Shimla, Jibhi & Kasol Solo Travel Hostel Guide

Day 1: Travel to Manali

Manali, India on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Depart Jaipur

Start your journey from Jaipur early morning by Volvo bus to Manali; overnight buses operate frequently and offer a comfortable 12-14 hour journey.
INR1200, 14h

8:00pm

Arrive in Manali and settle in hostel

Upon arrival in Manali, take a shared taxi or auto-rickshaw to Zostel Manali, a popular budget-friendly hostel famous among solo travellers in Hadimba Road area.
INR100, 30m

9:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog Hostel Cafe

Within walking distance of Zostel, this café serves local Himachali food and continental options in a cosy atmosphere, open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h
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Day 2: Explore Manali

Manali, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe 1947

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and Italian breakfast on the riverfront; opens from 8am and perfect to fuel your day.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple

Take a local auto or walk to these historic temples surrounded by cedar forests offering peaceful ambience; temples open till 6pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Drifters' Cafe

A favourite for solo travellers, offering fresh Tibetan and Himachali dishes; just 10 mins from the hostel by foot.
INR400, 1h

1:30pm

Solang Valley day trip

Book a shared taxi from Manali bus stand (INR300-400) to Solang Valley for paragliding or ropeway rides; open 10am to 5pm.
INR400 for transport + activity, 4h

6:30pm

Return to Manali and dinner at Johnson's Cafe

A popular spot for wood-fired pizzas and Himachali dishes, located near Old Manali; easily reachable by short taxi ride or 15 min walk.
INR450, 1h
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Day 3: Manali to Shimla

Shimla, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Enjoy a simple hostel breakfast at Zostel before departure to Shimla.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel Manali to Shimla by Volvo bus

Board a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) Volvo bus from Manali Bus Stand to Shimla; journey takes about 8 hours over scenic mountain roads.
INR600, 8h

4:00pm

Arrival and hostel check-in

From Shimla Bus Stand, take an auto-rickshaw to Zostel Shimla located near Mall Road, ideal for solo travellers seeking vibrant social environment.
INR100, 20m

5:00pm

Explore Mall Road and dinner at Indian Coffee House

Walk along the famous Mall Road for street shopping, then enjoy dinner at Indian Coffee House, open till 9pm, offering economical South Indian dishes.
INR250, 1.5h
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Day 4: Shimla to Jibhi

Jibhi, India on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Try local tea and bakery items in this charming café on Mall Road, opens 8am.
INR200, 45m

9:00am

Travel Shimla to Jibhi by bus and taxi

Catch a local bus or shared taxi to Mandi (approx 3.5 hours), then hire a taxi or local jeep from Mandi to Jibhi (1 hour). The last stretch is scenic and narrow.
INR500 bus + INR600 taxi, 4.5h

2:00pm

Check-in at Jibhi Riverside Camp

A reputed backpackers' campsite and hostel by the river, offering dormitory and tents, ideal for solo travellers.
INR600, 30m

3:00pm

Explore Jibhi Waterfall and Old Jibhi Village

Walk or rent a bicycle from the camp to visit the serene waterfall and quaint village, perfect for relaxing and photography.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at camp kitchen

Enjoy freshly cooked Himachali thali at the campsite; friendly communal dining atmosphere supports solo travellers in mingling.
INR300, 1h
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Day 5: Jibhi local hike

Jibhi, India on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at campsite

Start with a hearty breakfast prepared at the campsite offering eggs, toast, and chai to energise your hiking day.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Trekking to Serolsar Lake

Set out on a 3-hour scenic trek to the tranquil Serolsar Lake through pine forests; ideal morning activity with spiritual vibes, starting right from Jibhi village.
Free, 5h (round trip and rest)

2:00pm

Lunch at Jibhi Riverside Camp cafe

Relish a well-deserved lunch of local and continental dishes after trekking.
INR350, 1h

4:00pm

Rest and leisure at campsite

Relax by the river or join fellow travellers at the camp bonfire (if scheduled), enhancing your solo travel experience.
Free, Evening

7:30pm

Dinner at local dhaba

Try some authentic Himachali cuisine like Madra or Chha Gosht at a nearby local eatery open till 9pm.
INR300, 1h
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Day 6: Jibhi to Kasol

Kasol, India on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at campsite

Fuel up early for the travel day with the campsite's breakfast offerings.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel Jibhi to Kasol by taxi and bus

Hire a private taxi or shared jeep back to Mandi (1 hour), then take a bus or shared taxi to Kasol via Bhuntar (about 4-5 hours total).
INR600 taxi + INR200 bus, 5h

1:30pm

Check into Zostel Kasol

Zostel Kasol is the top hostel choice for solo travellers, offering vibrant social spaces and a great location near the Parvati River.
INR800, 30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Evergreen Cafe

Famous for Israeli and local Himachali food, Evergreen Cafe is just minutes away by walking from Zostel and open till 6pm.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Kasol village and riverside walk

Spend a relaxing afternoon walking around Kasol village and along the scenic Parvati River path; great for solo travellers looking to connect with nature.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jim Morrison Cafe

Popular hangout offering a lively ambience with hookahs and fresh mountain food, open till 10pm.
INR500, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kasol local & departure

Kasol, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Nirvana

Known for their organic coffees and fresh baked goods, perfect to start your day early.
INR300, 45m

9:00am

Day trek to Kheerganga (optional)

Join a group trek from Kasol to Kheerganga (approx 6-7 hours); arrange guides via hostel. If trekking not preferred, relax in Kasol.
Free guide approx INR500, Full day

6:00pm

Dinner at Buddha Place

A popular riverside restaurant serving Israeli and local vegetarian dishes, open till 9pm.
INR400, 1h

8:00pm

Prepare for departure next day

Pack and rest at Zostel for early next day onward travel back to Jaipur or destination of choice.
Free, Rest
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