Shimla Manali Tour

Leave Delhi around 6 am, breakfast near Karnal, and climb from Kalka after Zirakpur. Arrive in Shimla by early afternoon and check in. The afternoon goes to Jakhu Temple (by road, or by the ropeway from near The Ridge), then Christ Church, The Ridge and Mall Road, with Lakkar Bazaar for wooden souvenirs. Overnight in Shimla.

An early start, since the drive is 7 to 8 hours. The road drops to Bilaspur and Sundernagar, then follows the Beas from Mandi through the Pandoh Dam gorge and the 3 km Aut tunnel into the Kullu valley. Stops at the Hanogi Mata temple, a Kullu shawl factory and the rafting point near Bhuntar if you want a river session of about an hour at your own cost. Reach Manali by evening. Overnight in Manali.

Morning at Hidimba Devi Temple, the 16th-century pagoda temple in the deodar forest, and the Manu Temple in Old Manali. Then cross the river to Vashisht village for the hot springs and stone temples. Afternoon at the Tibetan monastery near Mall Road and Van Vihar park; the evening is free on Mall Road and in the Old Manali cafes. Overnight in Manali.

Drive 14 km up the valley to Solang. What is on offer depends on the season: paragliding, zorbing and the ropeway in summer, skiing and snow play from December to February, each paid on the spot. Those who want to go further can arrange a Manali taxi and permit for Rohtang or continue through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul; outside vehicles are not taken beyond Solang for Rohtang. Return to Manali by late afternoon. Overnight in Manali.

Depart by 6 am for the 12 to 14 hour drive. Breakfast at Kullu or Mandi, lunch near Bilaspur or Kiratpur, tea at Ambala, and Delhi by late evening. The tour ends on drop.