The Shimla and Manali tour packages by SOTC provide a well-balanced trip experience that combines all of the iconic charms and experiences that these two locations have to offer. Nestled in the beautiful Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla and Manali are two of the most famed hillside holiday destinations in the country. Travellers seeking a vacation amidst the lush greenery and the tranquillity of the Himalayas often go with these two destinations as their primary pick. The first stop of this travel route is generally Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most celebrated hill stations in India, snuggled at an elevation of 2200 metres. In addition to the natural beauty and availability of prominent tourist attractions, Shimla is known for its rich colonial history. The old-school appeal of such an era still exists to some extent through the still-standing vintage buildings boasting eye-catching colonial architecture. Besides, the soothing year-round weather and availability of quaint cafes, restaurants and comfy accommodations make it an excellent choice for fun getaways with family, friends or a loved one.

Shimla also acts as a great gateway to other prominent holiday destinations in Himachal Pradesh, one of which is Manali, the other key site of the Shimla and Manali tour packages. Manali is a resort town in Himachal’s Kullu district and is one of the top honeymoon destinations in India. It is naturally blessed with majestic views of snow-covered mountains, lush greenery, blue lakes, breathtaking valleys and captivating waterfalls. Manali also houses several revered sites of religious importance, such as Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple, Manu Temple, etc., that sprinkle an auspicious touch to the trip. Moreover, Manali brings the thrilling side of Himachal tourism due to its close proximity to Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, two key sites for adventure activities. If you want to experience the best of what these two places have to offer, look for Shimla and Manali tour packages by SOTC. We have plans that are made for all kinds of trips, ranging from budget getaways to luxury vacations. Additionally, newlyweds can opt for our honeymoon special Shimla and Manali tour packages that include popular tourist sites and fun activities to make your honeymoon memorable. We also have unbeatable discounts and offers available with our Shimla and Manali tour packages that you can avail of within the offer period to get attractive deals. For more information on popular Shimla and Manali tour packages, the ideal time to visit, the best places to check out, etc., go through this page. 

Popular Shimla and Manali tour packages

Best places to visit in Shimla Manali

The Shimla and Manali tour packages by SOTC generally cover all the popular tourist sites to give you the best trip experience. Following is a list of some of the most well-known places in Shimla and Manali that you just can’t miss;

Viceregal Lodge, Shimla

The Rashtrapati Niwas, or Viceregal Lodge, in Shimla, is one of the key Shimla Manali places to visit. It is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the brilliance of Jacobethan architecture of the colonial period. Built between 1880-88, this historical marvel is featured in popular Shimla Manali packages.

Jakhu Temple, Shimla

Nestled amidst a thick population of Deodar trees with the scenic backdrop of the Shivalik Hill Ranges, the Jakhu Temple is a revered shrine in Shimla, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple houses the largest statue of Lord Hanuman, which is visible from almost all corners of Shimla. This site is popularly included in several Shimla Manali packages.

Mall Road, Shimla

The Mall Road in Shimla is a must-visit site for every shopaholic. Filled with locals and tourists, it is a great place to socialise, enjoy good food and shop for regional products, like handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, etc. Explore more sites like the Mall Road with Shimla Manali packages by SOTC.

Kali Bari Temple, Shimla

Tourists on their Shimla Manali trip like to visit the Kali Bari Temple and pay their respects. This shrine in Shimla was built in 1845 and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Devotees like to witness the evening aarti at the temple when the place is filled with religious chants, divine verses and the calming fragrance of incense sticks. Book a Shimla and Manali package featuring this attraction from our website.

Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali

The Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali is one of the most famous tourist places to visit on a Shimla Manali trip. Featuring Pagoda-style architecture, this shrine sits on top of a concrete floor and is surrounded by a cluster of tall green trees. The temple is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from Mahabharata. You can find this site featured in the itinerary of popular Shimla Manali packages.

Solang Valley, Manali

Located 12 km from the main town, Solang Valley is a well-known hub for adventure activities in the region. Tourists can not only enjoy soul-soothing panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains and lush greenery at Solang Valley but also participate in fun adventures like skiing, zorbing, horse riding, paragliding, etc. Solang Valley is a key attraction of several Shimla and Manali package options.

Jogini Waterfall, Manali

A short and fun-filled trek from the main town of Manali leads to the site of the beautiful Jogini Waterfall. This cascading waterfall is roughly between 150-160 feet in height and offers a soothing vibe that people can enjoy with their friends or partner. Find attractive deals on Shimla Manali packages on SOTC.

Best time to visit Shimla Manali 

Each season offers a unique tourism experience when it comes to a Shimla Manali tour. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit Shimla Manali;

Shimla Manali in Summer

Summer season usually ranges from March to June in Shimla and Manali. During this period, the weather stays clear with a pleasant average temperature range. It is the best time to go to Shimla Manali if you are looking for a soothing summer getaway. Summer also offers ideal conditions for engaging in sightseeing and outdoor activities. It is considered the peak season to visit Shimla for its local festivals and Manali for Rohtang Pass tourism. Book a Shimla and Manali package for summer on SOTC.

Shimla Manali in Winter

Winter is the shoulder season and claims the months from October to February. Though the weather turns cold with temperatures often hitting the sub-zero range, exploring the snow-covered landscapes of Shimla and Manali during this season offers a holiday experience like no other. The Winter Carnival, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations during this period attract quite a lot of tourists. Pick a Shimla and Manali package for the winter season from our website.

Shimla Manali in Monsoon

July to September is when the monsoon prevails in the region. It brings a considerable amount of rainfall which increases the risks of slippery roads, landslides and road blockage. This creates problems for tourism, making it a low season for Shimla Manali tourism. Some tourists prefer visiting Shimla Manali during monsoon for its natural beauty and low hotel prices. You can find good deals on a Shimla and Manali package for this period. 

Things to do in Shimla Manali 

When it comes to fun adventures and activities, there is a lot to uncover on a Shimla Manali trip. To make your holidays more exciting, consider trying some of these activities;

Shimla toy train ride

The Kalka Shimla Toy Train covers a breathtaking, scenic route that enables tourists to witness the true beauty of Himachal Pradesh. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage list and offers an unforgettable experience that you will be able to cherish for years to come. Some Shimla Manali trip packages feature this activity.

• Timing: Multiple trains are available.
• Price: INR 320/adult onwards.
• Tip: For a better experience, choose Shivalik Deluxe Express.

Enjoy the sunset from the Scandal Point

Watching the sky slowly turn orange and then dark as the sun sets over the horizon is one of the most amazing experiences one can have on their Shimla Manali trip. The Scandal Point in Shimla is one of the best places to witness the sunset. You can add this activity to customisable Shimla Manali trip packages.

• Timing: 5 to 5:29 PM (Varies per season)
• Price: Free
• Tip: March to June is the best time for this activity. 

Paragliding at Solang Valley

If you like trying new adventures and want to witness the majestic Himachal Pradesh landscape from a bird’s point of view, try paragliding at Solang Valley. Soaring through the sky like a bird will surely get your adrenaline pumping. 

• Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM (May vary)
• Price: Between INR 600-1800/person
• Tip: Best experience between March and June.

Drive through Rohtang Pass

Paint your version of the famous movie “Jab We Met” as you drive through the iconic Rohtang Pass and soak in the stunning views of the surrounding snow-covered landscape and mountain peaks in the distance. This activity is often included as a part of popular Shimla Manali trip packages.

• Timing: Stays open from May to November (Can Vary)
• Price: INR 2500-3000/person onwards
• Tip: Leave early in the morning for Rohtang Pass to avoid traffic congestion.

Skiing at Solang Valley

Skiing is one of the best things to do in Shimla Manali during winter. It is a fun adventure that both beginners and experts can try while enjoying the majestic scenery at Solang Valley. Look for adventure special Shimla Manali trip packages that include this activity in the itinerary. 

• Timing: 9 AM - 6 PM (Only during winter)
• Price: INR 500/person onwards
• Tip: If you are new to skiing, make sure to hire a professional instructor.

How to reach Shimla Manali? 

Now, let us move on to the very important question of “How to reach Shimla Manali for a vacation?”. Here are the popular ways you can try;

By air

The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (also called Shimla Airport), roughly 20 km from the hill station. It is a small regional airport that has decent air connectivity. A popular alternative to this is the Chandigarh Airport, which has better air connectivity and has easily available taxis to Shimla. For Manali, the nearest option is Bhuntar Airport, roughly 50 km away. A direct flight from New Delhi to Shimla Airport and Manali Airport takes under 1 and a half hours to complete. Make your vacations more convenient with Shimla Manali packages by SOTC that feature optional flights.

By rail

The Kalka Railway Station is the nearest broad-gauge train station to Shimla, while for Manali, Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest. However, for better connectivity, Chandigarh Railway Station seems to be the most feasible option. From Chandigarh, the rest of the journey to Shimla and then from Shimla to Manali can be completed by bus or taxi. 

By road

Both Shimla and Manali are well connected to the rest of the major Indian cities by a good road network. From New Delhi, NH 1 and NH 22 are the two popular options that lead to Shimla. And if you are travelling from Chandigarh, NH 21 is the path that leads to Manali. Additionally, there are regular buses to Shimla and Manali by HRTC from neighbouring cities. 

Why choose our Shimla Manali tour package?

SOTC offers multiple Shimla Manali packages to cater to different vacation needs. These Shimla Manali packages are designed with care and research and packed with unique features to make your trip smooth-flowing, including;

Driver: Vacations involve a lot of travelling, which is why we arrange for road transfers with experienced drivers to make your sightseeing experience and journey between places comfortable during the trip. 

Indian food: One of the key features of our Shimla Manali tour packages is that they come with meals as a standard inclusion. So, while you enjoy the unique experiences of Shimla and Manali, we will arrange delicious Indian food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or snacks for you. 

Laundry service: Keep your clothes fresh on the journey by opting for the on-trip laundry service that we offer. 

Optional flights: Not just on-trip road transfers, but our Shimla Manali tour packages can also feature the choice of optional flights to make your journey more convenient and easy. 

FAQs about Shimla and Manali tour packages 

How much does a Shimla Manali tour cost?

There is no specific overall cost for a Shimla Manali tour as the price is influenced by several factors. For example, the time of travel, total trip duration, total travellers, included activities, choice of hotels and transfers, etc., can massively affect the Shimla Manali tour package price. Browse the wide selection of planned trips on SOTC to get an idea of the popular Shimla Manali tour package price.

How many days for a Shimla Manali trip is enough?

Generally, 5-6 days should be enough to cover all the main tourist experiences that Shimla and Manali have to offer. However, the ideal duration depends on the type of vacation experience you are hoping for. Find Shimla and Manali tour packages for short trips and long vacations on SOTC.

What is the ideal time for a Shimla Manali tour?

The ideal time for the Shimla Manali tour is during summer, which ranges from March to June. Winter, which extends from October to February, is also a popular time for the Shimla Manali trip if you want to witness snowfall. You can check the prices of Shimla and Manali tour packages for any season on our website.

Is Shimla Manali expensive to visit?

No. You can easily go for a Shimla Manali trip on a small budget if you plan it carefully. However, depending on your trip needs, there are Shimla Manali tour packages for more luxury-focused vacations. Get exciting deals on Shimla and Manali tour packages for all kinds of holiday packages on SOTC. 

How far is Shimla from Manali?

The distance from Shimla to Manali by road is 226 kilometres. A bus ride to Manali from Shimla takes roughly 4 hours to complete, depending on traffic.