Classic Himachal: Shimla, Manali and the Atal Tunnel

Day 1: Arrive in Shimla

Shimla

• Mall Road, the Ridge and Christ Church · 2.5 h. The pedestrian heart of Shimla; the lift from Cart Road saves the climb. Christ Church is lit up at night.
• Viceregal Lodge (Indian Institute of Advanced Study) · 1.5 h. Guided tours of the 1888 viceroy's residence where Partition talks took place; check the opening days.

Local tip: The pedestrian heart of Shimla; the lift from Cart Road saves the climb. Christ Church is lit up at night.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Explore Shimla

Shimla

• Jakhoo Temple and ropeway · 2 h. The giant Hanuman statue tops Shimla's highest hill. Monkeys snatch glasses, phones and food — keep everything zipped away.
• Kufri and the Himalayan Nature Park · 3.5 h. About 45 min from Shimla, with snow play in winter; agree pony rates up front if you ride to Mahasu Peak.
• Himachal State Museum and Gaiety Theatre · 1.5 h. Pahari miniature paintings and local crafts; the restored Victorian Gaiety Theatre is on the Mall. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Local tip: The giant Hanuman statue tops Shimla's highest hill. Monkeys snatch glasses, phones and food — keep everything zipped away.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Shimla → Manali

Manali · Shimla to Manali, Car ~7–8h via Mandi (HRTC Volvo ~9h)

• Hidimba Devi Temple and Dhungri forest · 1.5 h. A pagoda-roofed wooden temple from 1553 among giant deodars; go early to beat the queue.

Local tip: A pagoda-roofed wooden temple from 1553 among giant deodars; go early to beat the queue.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Manali

Manali

• Solang Valley: ropeway, paragliding and snow · 5 h. Short tandem paragliding flights and the ropeway run in fair weather; in winter it's the nearest place for skiing and snow play. Local taxi unions control trips up the valley, so book through your hotel.
• Mall Road and the Tibetan monastery · 2 h

Local tip: Short tandem paragliding flights and the ropeway run in fair weather; in winter it's the nearest place for skiing and snow play. Local taxi unions control trips up the valley, so book through your hotel.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Atal Tunnel and Sissu day trip

Manali

• Atal Tunnel and Sissu day trip · 6 h. The 9 km Atal Tunnel needs no permit; beyond it Sissu has a waterfall, the Chandra river and snow most of the year. Traffic queues build by mid-morning, so leave Manali early.

Local tip: The 9 km Atal Tunnel needs no permit; beyond it Sissu has a waterfall, the Chandra river and snow most of the year. Traffic queues build by mid-morning, so leave Manali early.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Manali

Manali

• Old Manali cafés and Manu Temple · 3 h
• Vashisht hot springs and Jogini Falls hike · 3.5 h. Temple hot baths in the village, then a 1.5h walk up through orchards to the falls.

Local tip: Temple hot baths in the village, then a 1.5h walk up through orchards to the falls.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Manali

Manali

• River rafting on the Beas · 2 h. Short grade II–III runs near Kullu and Pirdi; suspended in the monsoon, roughly mid-July to mid-September.

Local tip: Short grade II–III runs near Kullu and Pirdi; suspended in the monsoon, roughly mid-July to mid-September.

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps