OVERVIEW
The short Himachal break takes you from Shimla — the colonial queen of the hills — north to Manali, the gateway to the high Himalayas, through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Asia. The Beas River rushes below as the road climbs through orchards and pine forests toward Rohtang Pass and the snow fields. Whether you are here for the adventure sports, the mountain air, the apple orchards, or simply to escape the plains, four days in Himachal Pradesh deliver extraordinary rewards.
Tour Highlights
Mall Road
Mall Road and heritage buildings of Shimla
Solang Valley
Solang Valley — skiing, paragliding, and snowfields
Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi Temple — ancient wood and stone temple in cedar forest
Beas River
Beas River adventure activities in Manali
Rohtang Pass / Atal Tunnel
Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel access to Lahaul Valley
Old Manali
Old Manali cafes and Tibetan culture
Itinerary
DAY-WISE ITINERARY
Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
- Professional English-speaking guide
- 3 nights accommodation (Shimla 1N, Manali 2N)
- All toll, parking & driver allowances
- Bottled water throughout
Exclusions
- Meals and beverages
- Adventure activities at Solang (extra cost)
- Rohtang Pass permit fee (extra cost, arranged by us)
- Toy Train ticket (optional extra)
- Personal shopping and tips
BEST TIME TO VISIT
December to February (snow and winter sports). April to June (pleasant and accessible). September to November (clear skies and autumn colours). Avoid monsoon for roads.
THINGS TO CARRY
- Very warm layers — Manali and Rohtang can be freezing even in June
- Windproof jacket and gloves
- Sturdy waterproof shoes
- Sunscreen (high SPF — intense at altitude)
- Cash for adventure activities and Old Manali shopping
- Motion sickness medication (mountain roads)
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Rohtang Pass is closed during monsoon and requires a special permit; we arrange this.
- Altitude at Manali is ~2,050 m; take it easy on Day 2 evening.
- Old Manali is the backpacker hub with Tibetan cafes, great for evening exploration.
- Hadimba Devi Temple is set in a beautiful 4-century-old cedar forest.
- Return from Manali to Delhi is a very long drive; optional Volvo bus available.