Himachal Hill Circuit
Colonial Shimla, the meadows of Kufri and Chail, then over to Manali for Solang Valley adventure sports and the high Rohtang Pass.
Trip Highlights
- Mall Road and the Ridge in Shimla
- Kufri and Chail day excursion
- Paragliding and zorbing at Solang Valley
- Snow point drive to Rohtang Pass (13,058 ft)
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrive in Shimla
Settle in and explore the Ridge, Mall Road and Christ Church on foot in the evening.
Famous stops: The Ridge · Mall Road · Christ Church · Jakhoo Temple
- 2
Day 2: Kufri and Chail excursion
Shimla → Kufri → Chail → Shimla · ~90 kmHighest point: Mahasu Peak, Kufri · ~2,720 mDay trip to Kufri for Himalayan views and Mahasu Peak, then on to quiet Chail with the world’s highest cricket ground.
Famous stops: Mahasu Peak · Chail Palace · World’s highest cricket ground
- 3
Day 3: Drive Shimla to Manali
Shimla → Manali · ~250 km · 7–8 hrsScenic 7–8 hour drive along the Sutlej and Beas rivers, stopping at Kullu Valley viewpoints en route.
Famous stops: Sutlej valley · Pandoh Dam · Kullu shawl weaving centres
- 4
Day 4: Manali local sightseeing
Manali local · ~20 kmHadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali cafés, Vashisht hot springs and the Manu Temple.
Famous stops: Hadimba Devi Temple · Old Manali · Vashisht hot springs · Manu Temple
- 5
Day 5: Solang Valley adventure
Manali → Solang → Manali · ~28 kmFull day at Solang Valley for paragliding, zorbing and the ropeway; snow activities in winter.
Famous stops: Solang ropeway · Anjani Mahadev Temple · Paragliding point
- 6
Day 6: Rohtang Pass
Manali → Rohtang → Manali · ~102 km · 5–6 hrsHighest point: Rohtang Pass · 3,980 mEarly start for the permit-controlled drive to Rohtang Pass — glaciers, snow walls and views into Lahaul (open roughly May–November).
Famous stops: Rahala Falls · Marhi · Rohtang snow point
- 7
Day 7: Departure from Manali
Leisurely breakfast by the Beas, then depart from Manali.
Permits & Entry Requirements
Rohtang Pass permit
Required for: All vehicles driving up to Rohtang Pass (Day 6)
Where to get it: Book online at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in (Tourism Development Council Manali / Kullu district administration). Daily quota is limited and the pass stays closed on Tuesdays.
Carry the vehicle RC and driving licence; Shimla, Kufri, Chail, Manali and Solang Valley need no permits.
Places Covered on This Trip
Frequently Asked Questions
March to June for pleasant weather across Shimla and Manali, and October to February if you want snow. Note that Rohtang Pass itself only opens roughly May to November.
Book online at rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in (Tourism Development Council Manali / Kullu district administration). The daily quota is limited — 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles released in two windows — and the pass stays closed on Tuesdays.
Yes. In winter Solang Valley itself is a snowfield, and year-round you can drive through the Atal Tunnel (no permit needed) to Sissu in Lahaul for snow views.
About 250 km and 7–8 hours via Bilaspur, Mandi and Kullu, following the Sutlej and then the Beas river. Start early so you can stop at the Pandoh Dam and Kullu Valley viewpoints.
Paragliding (roughly ₹1,500–3,500 depending on flight length), the Solang ropeway, zorbing and ATV rides in summer; skiing and snowboarding take over in winter.
Chandigarh airport is the most convenient entry, about 110 km away. Alternatively take the UNESCO-listed Kalka–Shimla toy train, or drive roughly 350 km from Delhi.
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