Himalayan Adventure: Manāli & Shimla

Ankita Patil

15 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling journey through the majestic landscapes of Manāli and Shimla. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Van Vihar National Park, discover ancient temples, witness breathtaking waterfalls, and explore the rich cultural heritage of these enchanting hill stations.

Trip to Manāli

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serene Temples and Natural Wonders in Manāli

National park in a tree-filled riverfront setting with a variety of animals in natural habitats.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

5 - 8 min

Directions

Buddhist temple housing historic & cultural exhibits as well as a meditation centre & souvenir shop.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

13 - 16 min

Directions

Elaborate Hindu temple made out of wood, featuring sacred hot spring baths.

11:15 AM - 1:15 PM

•

Free

Day 2Thrilling Ropeway Ride and Majestic Falls in Manāli

Winter mountain resort offering ski slopes, paragliding, ATV rides & snowmobiling trails.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

13 - 16 min

Directions

Visitors can drink at this freshwater spring in a picturesque mountain environment.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

5 - 6 min

Directions

This picturesque waterfall in a remote, tranquil setting has shrines below it & is sacred to locals.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Ancient Temples and Snowy Peaks in Manāli

$12

This 1500s Hindu temple built of wood in a cedar forest has intricate carvings & a shrine.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

119 - 143 min

Directions

This well-known hiking & driving pass with Himalayas views can be treacherous depending on weather.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$12

Budget breakdown: $99 In total

Activities & Food:$93

Transport:$6

Trip to Shimla

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Serene Temples and Natural Wonders in Manāli

$10

$ 1

The highest peak in Shimla, featuring an ancient temple, trees & a huge statue of Hindu god Hanuman.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

11 - 16 min

Directions

Bustling paved promenade with a no-cars policy lined with shops, cafes & historic architecture.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

8 - 10 min

Directions

Cozy museum space offering educational displays on national army history, with weapons & uniforms.

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Day 2Thrilling Ropeway Ride and Majestic Falls in Manāli

$20

$ 2

Viewing of wildlife like birds & monkeys is a popular activity at this large, forested preserve.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

73 - 88 min

Directions

Colonial-era Maharaja palace with Tudor architecture & expansive grounds, slated to become a museum.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

18 - 22 min

Directions

Art & artifacts such as ancient tools, dolls, coins & traditional garments in a Victorian mansion.

11:15 AM - 12:45 PM

•

Day 3Ancient Temples and Snowy Peaks in Manāli

$18

$ 1

Large, year-round theme park offering rides, adventure sports & snow activities in winter.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

9 - 11 min

Directions

Zoo housing Himalayan species such as snow leopards & brown bears in a forested setting.

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Day 4Majestic Hilltops and Historical Treasures in Shimla

$29

$ 2

This palatial former summer home of British viceroys, now a government office, offers guided tours.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$14

25 - 30 min

Directions

Circa-1845 hilltop temple accessible by stairs & popular for picturesque mountain views.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

•

12 - 17 min

Directions

Neo-Gothic-style church in scenic, romantic surrounds with stained glass & a pipe organ.

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

35 - 52 min

Directions

Scenic mountaintop Hindu temple with a massive sculpture of Lord Hanumaan & many wild monkeys.

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM

•

40 - 48 min

Directions

Amusement park featuring zip-lines, rides, a cinema, a restaurant, an art gallery, crafts & more.

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM

•

Budget breakdown: $99 In total

Activities & Food:$93

Transport:$6