Himachal Pradesh has lured travelers for centuries—first for its cool mountain air and cedar forests, later for its mix of British-era hill stations and living Himalayan traditions. Today it’s equal parts heritage and high-adrenaline: ridge-top churches and viceregal mansions in Shimla, alpine meadows and river valleys in Manali.

Expect sweeping views of snow peaks, apple orchards brushing the roadside, and evening bazaars where shawl weavers share space with momo stalls. Food is a highlight: from the celebratory Himachali “dham” feast (think yogurt-based madra, khatta, sepu badi, and fluffy siddu) to river-fresh trout and excellent locally roasted coffee.

Best seasons are March–June and September–November. July–August brings monsoon rains and occasional landslides; winters mean snow, icy roads, and magical landscapes. Carry layers year-round. Road travel dominates, though you can spice things up with the Kalka–Shimla toy train. Always check mountain road and tunnel advisories the day before you move.

Shimla

Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla sits like a balcony over the Himalaya. Its Mall Road, half promenade and half time-machine, winds to Christ Church and the sunlit Ridge, while deodar forests hide cascades and quiet temples just below the bustle.

Top experiences span a heritage walk past the mock-Tudor Gaiety Theatre, a fun ropeway ride to monkey-haunted Jakhu Temple, and a short stint on the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla railway. By night, cafés glow with cinnamon rolls and local honey, and the mountain sky turns impossibly clear.

• Don’t miss: The Indian Institute of Advanced Study (Viceregal Lodge), The Ridge and Christ Church, Jakhu Temple ropeway, a toy-train hop to Taradevi, and nearby Mashobra/Naldehra cedar trails.
• Eats & coffee to try: Indian Coffee House (filter coffee, dosas, people-watching), Himachali Rasoi (authentic dham thali), Wake & Bake (crepes, great views), Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar (tandoor + Himalayan plates), Baljee’s & Fascination (old-school bakery).

Where to stay

• Iconic splurge: Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla (cedar-perfumed grandeur and mountain-view pools).
• Family favorite near town: Club Mahindra Mashobra (space, greenery, and easy trails).
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Shimla | VRBO: Shimla

How to get here

• Fly to Chandigarh (fastest), then road to Shimla (3.5–4.5 hours; ~$40–70 by cab). Search flights on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• For a scenic arrival, train Chandigarh–Kalka (40–60 min by road to Kalka), then the Kalka–Shimla toy train (5–6 hours; ~$2–10). Check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla, golden-hour Ridge walk

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Stretch your legs along The Ridge and Mall Road—pause at Christ Church for stained glass and history. Coffee at Indian Coffee House or honey lemon tea at Honey Hut.

Evening: Heritage stroll past Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point. Dinner at Himachali Rasoi: order a dham-style thali with chana madra, khatta, and siddu (yeasted walnut-stuffed bread). Post-dinner, grab caramel custard at Baljee’s.

Day 2: Viceregal history, cedars, and sunset from Jakhu

Morning: Tour the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (Viceregal Lodge) for wood-panelled imperial history and valley views. Continue to the Glen or Annandale for a gentle forest walk.

Afternoon: Mall Road lunch at Wake & Bake (spinach-ricotta crepe; cinnamon roll to share). Ride the Jakhu ropeway to Jakhu Temple; keep sunglasses and small items secure from playful macaques.

Evening: Drinks and grills at Eighteen71 Cookhouse & Bar (tandoori trout if available) or contemporary Indian at Cafe Sol. Night stroll as the lights ripple across the hills.

Day 3: Toy train taster and Mashobra/Naldehra meadows

Morning: Board a short toy-train hop from Shimla to Taradevi (or back), for tight curves, stone bridges, and pine-scented cuttings. Return by taxi.

Afternoon: Drive to Mashobra and Naldehra (30–45 minutes). Walk the Naldehra meadow edge near the historic 9-hole course, and wander cedar trails. Coffee at a roadside dhaba; try hot rajma-chawal.

Evening: Back in Shimla, browse Lower Bazaar for woolens and spices. Dinner at The Brew Estate for craft pints and Himalayan platters, or go classic with curry and naan at Baljee’s.

Manali

Manali is where the Beas River unspools through poplars and apple orchards before rushing toward Kullu. In the old village lanes, wooden katkhuni homes sit beneath slate roofs; in Solang, meadows turn into winter playgrounds and summer paragliding fields.

Between Hadimba’s 16th-century cedar temple, Vashisht hot springs, and the modern marvel of the Atal Tunnel (gateway to the starkly beautiful Lahaul), you can pick your pace: café-lingering mornings or full-throttle alpine days.

• Don’t miss: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali cafés, Solang Valley ropeway, Atal Tunnel to Sissu, Vashisht hot springs, and a detour to artsy Naggar.
• Eats & coffee to try: Johnson’s Café (river trout, bonfire nights), Cafe 1947 (Italian by the river), Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted (legendary espresso + cookies), Fat Plate Café (farm-to-table brunch), Chopsticks (Tibetan-Chinese comfort).

Where to stay

• Social, central, and budget-smart: Zostel Manali.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Manali | VRBO: Manali

Getting from Shimla to Manali

• Private car via NH 205/NH 3: 7–8 hours, scenic stops at Pandoh Dam and Kullu; ~₹7,000–10,000 ($85–120) for an SUV.
• Comfort bus (HRTC or private): 9–10 hours; ~₹1,000–1,500 ($12–18). Depart mornings or overnight.

Day 4: Road-trip Shimla → Manali with riverside stops

Morning: Depart 8:00 a.m. for Manali. Pause at Pandoh Dam for Beas River views. Tea-stop at a roadside dhaba—ask for masala omelet pav.

Afternoon: Detour to Naggar Village for the Roerich Art Gallery and Naggar Castle’s stone-and-wood architecture. Late lunch at a local café (try siddu with ghee). Roll into Manali by early evening.

Evening: Check in, then dinner at Johnson’s Café—grilled trout with herbed butter and a firepit vibe. Early night to prep for alpine adventures.

Day 5: Old Manali lanes, Hadimba Temple, and riverside cafés

Morning: Visit Hadimba Devi Temple set among towering deodars; continue to Dhungri Van Vihar for a calm forest loop. Coffee at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted—order the cappuccino and a fresh-baked cookie.

Afternoon: Wander Old Manali’s boutique lanes (woolens, prayer flags, artisanal soaps). Lunch at Fat Plate Café in Shuru for farm salads and slow-cooked Himachali chicken.

Evening: Sunset by the Beas footbridge. Dinner at Cafe 1947—wood-fired pizzas and housemade gnocchi with the river murmuring beside you.

Day 6: Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu

Morning: Drive 30–45 minutes to Solang Valley; ride the ropeway for broad alpine views. In summer, consider tandem paragliding; in winter, snow activities (availability depends on conditions).

Afternoon: Continue through the 9.02-km Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul (roughly 1–1.5 hours from Manali). Stroll to Sissu waterfall viewpoint and the small lake; lunch at a local dhaba—try thukpa or aloo paratha with butter tea.

Evening: Return to Manali via tunnel. Soak at Vashisht hot springs if time allows. Dinner at Chopsticks on Mall Road for momos, thukpa, and chilli chicken. Note: Rohtang Pass often closes in winter; if attempting Rohtang (not the tunnel), permits are required and Tuesdays are typically closed.

Day 7: Slow morning, last tastes, and departure

Morning: Easy riverside walk or a quick hop to Goshal village for traditional wooden homes and apple orchards. Brunch at The Lazy Dog (if you fancy a hearty plate) or repeat a favorite café.

Afternoon: Souvenir run for Kullu shawls, organic apple jam, and chilgoza pine nuts. Depart via Kullu (Bhuntar) Airport when available (45–60 minutes’ drive; flights to Delhi vary ~$60–150)—search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Otherwise, comfortable overnight buses to Delhi run daily (12–14 hours).

Evening: If you have a late departure, early dinner at Johnson’s or a quick trout plate at local dhabas. Pack snacks for the road: walnut brownies, chikki, and Himalayan tea.

Optional add-on if you’re transiting via Delhi (pre/post-trip)

Have a spare day before or after Himachal? Slot in one of these popular India classics from Delhi. They’re convenient with hotel pickups and fast-train options.

• Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train — See the Taj at its most radiant and be back in Delhi by evening. Book on Viator

  

• Old & New Delhi City Tour — Jama Masjid’s old lanes to Lutyens’ boulevards in one day. Book on Viator

  

Practical notes

• Weather & roads: Check daily road status for the Atal Tunnel and high passes. Monsoon (Jul–Aug) can trigger delays; winters require warm layers and traction-aware footwear.
• Permits & fees: Green tax applies when entering Manali by private vehicle. Rohtang Pass (if open) needs a permit; Tuesdays are typically closed for maintenance.
• Cash & connectivity: ATMs are common in town centers; keep some cash for remote cafés and roadside dhabas. Mobile data is good in towns, patchy in valleys.

Getting out

• Return flights via Kullu (Bhuntar) to Delhi (weather-dependent). Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Comfort buses to Delhi/Chandigarh depart nightly; book a window and carry a light blanket.

In seven days, this Himachal itinerary pairs Shimla’s heritage and hilltop views with Manali’s meadows, tunnels, and river life. You’ll ride a mountain railway, sip coffee under cedars, and taste the region’s signature dishes—all at a traveler’s rhythm.

Whether you chase snow in winter or blossoms in spring, the Himalaya reward curiosity and unhurried time. Save this guide, and return to the hills whenever the mountains call.