Comprehensive 9-Day Solo Backpacking Itinerary from Jaipur Covering Manali, Shimla, Jibhi, and Kasol with Hostel and Party Scene Recommendations

Day 1: Travel to Shimla

Jaipur to Shimla, India on May 25, 2025

6:00am

Departure from Jaipur

Board an early morning Volvo bus from Jaipur ISBT to Shimla for a comfortable overnight journey covering approx 720 km in 12-14 hours. Make sure to book in advance.
INR 800, 12h0m

6:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Shimla and take a local taxi or shared auto rickshaw (INR 100-150) from the bus stand to Zostel Shimla, the popular backpackers' hostel centrally located near Mall Road.
INR 600 per night (dormitory bed), 0h30m

7:00pm

Evening Walk at Mall Road

Take a leisurely walk along the vibrant Mall Road for cafes, street food and shopping. The atmosphere is lively in the evening and a great spot to meet fellow travellers.
Free, 1h30m

9:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Simla Times

Dine at Cafe Simla Times near Mall Road, known for local Himachali cuisine as well as continental dishes. Open till 10:30pm, it's also a relaxed place to enjoy drinks.
INR 600 approx., 1h0m

10:30pm

Party at The Pub

Head to The Pub in Hotel Combermere, a happening hotspot for nightlife where locals and tourists mix, offering a good range of drinks and occasional DJ nights. Taxi fares approx INR 100-150 from Mall Road.
Cost depends on drinks, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Shimla Exploring

Shimla, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Enjoy organic coffee and hearty breakfast at Wake & Bake, a popular café with a social vibe near Mall Road. Opens at 8am.
INR 350, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit The Ridge and Christ Church

Explore The Ridge, the open space that is Shimla’s cultural hub with views of the surrounding mountains and Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Jakhoo Hill Trek

A short, moderately challenging trek (about 2-3 km) to Jakhoo Temple atop Jakhoo Hill. It offers panoramic views of Shimla and is home to many monkeys. Allow 2-3 hours.
Free, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Indian Coffee House

Step back in time with affordable traditional Indian food and coffee served in a vintage setting. Opens till 3pm.
INR 200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Sankat Mochan Temple and Shopping

Take a local auto-rickshaw (INR 50) to Sankat Mochan Temple, a beautiful Hindu temple, and shop for souvenirs at Lakkar Bazaar famous for wooden toys and crafts.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Drinks at Hawk & Hunter

Enjoy crafting cocktails and a lively atmosphere ideal for solo travellers at Hawk & Hunter near Mall Road. Opens till 12am.
INR 800 approx., 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Manali

Shimla to Manali, India on May 27, 2025

7:30am

Shimla to Manali Bus

Catch a Himachal Pradesh state bus or private Volvo bus from Shimla bus stand to Manali. Journey is scenic and takes about 7-8 hours.
INR 450-700, 8h0m

3:30pm

Arrival and Hostel Check-in

Arrive in Manali and take a short taxi ride (INR 100) to Zostel Manali in Old Manali, popular among backpackers and travellers seeking social vibe.
INR 600 per night (dormitory bed), 0h30m

4:30pm

Coffee and People-Watching at Drifter’s Cafe

Popular hangout with excellent coffee, board games and a chill social scene to meet other travellers. Open till 10pm.
INR 300 approx., 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe 1947

Enjoy riverside dining with Italian and continental cuisine at this atmospheric café in Old Manali. Opens till 11pm.
INR 700 approx., 1h30m

9:30pm

Night Out at The Johnson’s Bar

One of Manali’s best live music & party spots, with occasional DJ nights. Great for solo travellers looking to mingle over drinks. Taxi approx INR 100 from Old Manali.
Costs vary, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Manali Adventure

Manali, India on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Log

A cosy café with great breakfast options and a calm vibe near Old Manali. Opens at 8am.
INR 350, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Hadimba Temple and Van Vihar

Walk or take a short taxi to the famous wooden Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forests, then stroll Van Vihar Park's nature trails. Entry free. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Drifters’ Cafe

Return to Drifters for a hearty, relaxing lunch before afternoon activities.
INR 500 approx., 1h0m

2:00pm

Solang Valley Adventure Sports

Book paragliding, zorbing or ATV rides in scenic Solang Valley (about 14 km from Manali). Activities open till 6pm; taxis approx INR 500 one-way.
INR 1500-2500 per activity, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner and Drinks at The Corner House

Popular among backpackers with decent music, good food and drinks. Located in Old Manali, open till 11:30pm.
INR 700 approx., 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Leisure and Party Manali

Manali, India on May 29, 2025

9:00am

Late Breakfast at Cafe 1965

Enjoy a late breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and pancakes at this quaint café in Old Manali. Opens at 8am.
INR 400, 1h0m

10:30am

Day Relax at Vashisht Village Hot Springs

Visit natural hot springs at Vashisht village, a short taxi ride from Manali. Good for relaxing and meeting other travellers. Entry free.
Free, 3h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Manali

Health-conscious café offering local and organic dishes in a social atmosphere. Located in Old Manali.
INR 600 approx., 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Old Manali Local Markets

Stroll markets for handicrafts and souvenirs, popular with backpackers and locals. Great social spot.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Party Night at Drifter’s Bar & Lounge

Return to Drifters’ for its popular bar and lounge where travellers often gather for drinks, music and mingling till late.
Costs vary, 3h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Jibhi

Manali to Jibhi, India on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Bus or Taxi to Jibhi

Take a shared taxi (approx INR 400) or local bus from Manali to Jibhi, approx 2-hours journey through quaint Himachali countryside.
INR 400, 2h0m

10:30am

Check-in at Jibhi Hostel

Check-in at Rustic Jibhi Hostel or Pineapple Hostels (check availability), known for friendly solo traveler vibe and nature proximity.
INR 400-600 per night (dormitory), 0h30m

11:00am

Explore Jibhi Waterfall & Serolsar Lake

Spend the day sightseeing serene waterfalls and Serolsar Lake nestled in the hills, great for nature walks and photography. Free entry.
Free, 4h0m

3:30pm

Lunch at Local Dhabas

Sample authentic Himachali food at local roadside dhabas offering affordable and delicious meals.
INR 200 approx., 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening Bonfire at Hostel

Many hostels organize evening bonfires which are great social settings to meet other travellers and share stories.
Free or minimal charges, 3h0m

9:00pm

Light Dinner at Hostel

Enjoy the simple yet tasty hostel meals or order from nearby eateries for convenience.
INR 300 approx., 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Jibhi Relaxation and Trekking

Jibhi, India on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Enjoy a fresh and filling breakfast served at your hostel, ideal fuel for day activities.
Included with stay or INR 200, 1h0m

9:00am

Trek to Jalori Pass

Take a moderate trek or taxi to Jalori Pass (approx 13 km from Jibhi), known for stunning views, apple orchards and conifer forests. Start early to maximize daylight.
Free, 5h0m

3:00pm

Light Lunch at Jalori Pass Cafes

Relax at small cafes near the pass serving Himachali snacks and refreshment.
INR 250 approx., 1h0m

5:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax back at the hostel and freshen up after the trek.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner and Social at Hostel

Join other travellers for dinner and social time, often with music, good conversation and drinks at the hostel common area or garden.
INR 400 approx., 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Kasol

Jibhi to Kasol, India on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Taxi to Kasol

Hire a private taxi (approx INR 1500) for one-way trip to Kasol, known for its relaxed vibe and scenic Parvati Valley. Journey approx 3-4 hours.
INR 1500, 4h0m

12:00pm

Check-in at Hostels

Stay at Zostel Kasol or Parvati Kuteer, both popular with solo backpackers for social atmosphere and river views.
INR 600-800 per night (dorm beds), 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Moon Dance Cafe

Enjoy fresh organic food with scenic views at Moon Dance Cafe, a favourite among travellers in Kasol.
INR 600 approx., 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Kasol Market and Riverside

Visit vibrant local markets and relax at Parvati riverbanks where solo travellers and hippie cultures mingle freely.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Visit Evergreen Cafe for Drinks

Evergreen Cafe offers a rustic vibe with a good selection of beers and spirits, perfect to start your night out.
Costs vary, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Jim Morrison Cafe

Known for live music, parties and great food, a top spot to meet fellow travellers and enjoy the nightlife of Kasol.
INR 700 approx., 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Kasol Chill & Party

Kasol, India on June 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Buddha Place

Organic, healthy breakfast served in a laid-back setting by Parvati river. Open from 8am.
INR 400 approx., 1h0m

10:30am

Day Trek to Tosh Village

Take a moderate trek or jeep ride to Tosh, a popular village with beautiful views and cafes. Start early and carry snacks; trekking is about 1-2 hours one way.
Free, jeep approx INR 200-300 one way, 5h0m

4:00pm

Return and Rest

Relax and freshen up in Kasol on return from Tosh.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner and Drinks at IDream Cafe

A buzzing spot with lively music, good crowd and affordable drinks, great for socialising before the night's party.
INR 700 approx., 2h0m

9:30pm

Party at Evergreen Cafe

Return to Evergreen Cafe for late-night parties and DJ sessions. A central hub for travellers to drink, dance and meet people in Kasol. Open till late night.
Costs vary, 3h0m
View Hotel Availability