A classic hill-country escape from Delhi — the colonial charm of Shimla's Mall and Ridge, snow-capped views from the mighty Rohtang Pass above Manali, and a stop in the planned city of Chandigarh on the way home. Easy drives, comfortable pacing, and a change of scene every couple of days.
Pickup from Delhi and drive to Shimla, then transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Shimla.
After breakfast, an excursion to Kufri — known for its Himalayan National Park, pony and yak rides, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas. After lunch, sightsee in and around Shimla: the Shimla mosque (built 1830), the Viceregal Lodge (1885), Christ Church (1844), the Gaiety Theatre (1887), the Grindlays Bank building (1912), Scandal Point, and the famous shopping stretch of The Mall. Overnight in Shimla.
Check out after breakfast and drive to Manali, stopping en route at the Sundernagar lake, the Hanogi Mata Shrine, Pandoh Dam and the Kullu Valley. Arrive in Manali after covering approximately 265 km in around 7 hours. Overnight in Manali.
After breakfast, sightsee in and around Manali — the Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, the Vashisht hot-water springs and temple, a Tibetan monastery, and Van Vihar — followed by evening shopping at the local market on The Mall. Overnight in Manali.
A full-day excursion to Rohtang Pass, 51 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,979 m — the gateway to the Lahaul-Spiti valley — for wide panoramic views over the Lahaul valley's snow-capped ridges. Enjoy snow skiing, snow-scooter riding, paragliding and other activities of your choice at the Rohtang snow fields (subject to season and weather). Evening at leisure. Overnight in Manali.
Check out and drive to Chandigarh (approx. 320 km), India's first planned modern city, designed by French architect Le Corbusier and named after the goddess Chandi, whose Chandimandir temple gives the city its name. Visit Sukhna Lake and the Rock Garden. Evening free for shopping and leisure at the famous Sector 17 shopping plaza. Overnight in Chandigarh.
After breakfast, drive from Chandigarh to Delhi and transfer to the railway station or airport for your onward journey.