Delhi to Shimla Kullu Manali is one of the most popular hill circuits for travellers from Gurugram, Delhi NCR, and Sonipat, covering colonial-era Shimla, the scenic Kullu Valley, and Manali's mountains and temples in a single well-planned loop. We run this exact route regularly at Pack & Go Travels, and it works especially well for first-time Himachal visitors who want variety without overplanning three separate trips.
Here's a complete breakdown of the Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Manali route, timing, and what to expect at each stop.
Route Overview: Delhi to Shimla Kullu Manali
The typical route runs Delhi to Shimla first (roughly 8 hours via Chandigarh), then Shimla to Kullu-Manali (around 7-8 hours via Kullu Valley), before looping back to Delhi from Manali. Total road distance for the full circuit comes to roughly 900-1000 km, making it a solid week-long trip by private vehicle rather than something to rush through in a few days.
Delhi to Shimla: What to Expect
The 8-hour drive from Delhi to Shimla passes through Chandigarh and climbs steadily after Kalka, with pine forests closing in as the road gains altitude. Most travellers leave Delhi early morning to reach Shimla by evening, leaving enough daylight to settle in and take a short Mall Road walk before dinner. Our Shimla & Manali Classic Himachal Tour builds in a full rest day after this drive, which we'd recommend regardless of how you're travelling, since the altitude change and long drive can be tiring.
Shimla Sightseeing Before Heading to Kullu
A day in Shimla typically covers Kufri for Himalayan views and fun rides, Jakhoo Temple atop its hill, the Himalayan Zoo, and an evening walk down Mall Road past Christ Church and Scandal Corner. This is also a good point to stock up on any woollens or supplies you might need for the cooler Manali evenings ahead.
Shimla to Kullu: The Valley Drive
The drive from Shimla to Kullu Valley takes you past Pandoh Dam in Mandi district and through some of the most scenic stretches of the whole circuit. Kullu town itself is worth a stop for the Kullu Shawl Factory, where you can see traditional weaving up close, along with Raghunath Temple and the Rabbit Farm. Most travellers treat Kullu as a stopover on the way to Manali rather than an overnight stay, though it's a pleasant enough town to linger in for a couple of hours.
Kullu to Manali and What Comes Next
From Kullu, it's a short additional drive to Manali, where the itinerary typically opens up into two distinct focus areas — adventure activities at Solang Valley (paragliding, zorbing, cable car rides) and Manali's temple circuit covering Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht's hot sulphur springs, and the Tibetan Monastery. A full-day excursion to Rohtang Pass at 3,978m is usually the highlight of the Manali leg, weather and Tuesday closures permitting.
How Long Should This Circuit Take
6 days is a comfortable duration for the full Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Manali loop — roughly 2 days in Shimla, 2-3 days in Manali including Rohtang Pass, and a day each for the Delhi-Shimla and Manali-Delhi drives. Trying to compress this into 4-5 days is possible but rushes both hill stations, and given how long the drives already are, we'd recommend the full 6 days if your schedule allows.
Package Option for This Full Circuit
Our Shimla & Manali Classic Himachal Tour covers this entire Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Manali route in 6 days, 5 nights, starting from ₹18,999 per person. It includes private vehicle transfers for the whole Delhi-to-Delhi circuit, 5 nights of twin-sharing hotel accommodation, and 5 breakfasts, along with driver charges, permits, tolls, and parking fees. A Chandigarh pickup option is also available if you'd rather join the trip after the first leg from Delhi.
Best Time to Do This Route
March to June offers the best chance of catching snow at Rohtang Pass along with generally pleasant weather across Shimla and Manali. September to November is our other recommended window, trading snow for clearer skies and thinner crowds. Both windows avoid the heaviest monsoon rain, which can affect road conditions on the Kullu Valley stretch between Shimla and Manali.
What to Pack for the Full Route
Layered clothing handles the temperature shifts across Shimla, Kullu, and Manali well, since evenings in both hill stations can drop to 8-12°C even outside peak winter. A proper jacket is essential for the Rohtang Pass day specifically, given the altitude. Comfortable walking shoes cover Shimla's Mall Road, Kullu's local stops, and Manali's temple circuit without needing to pack separate footwear for each leg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total distance for the Delhi to Shimla Kullu Manali route?
The full circuit covers roughly 900-1000 km, including the Delhi-Shimla leg, the Shimla-Kullu-Manali stretch, and the return drive from Manali to Delhi.
How many days are needed for this full circuit?
6 days is ideal, allowing 2 days in Shimla, 2-3 days in Manali including Rohtang Pass, and a day each for the drives to and from Delhi.
Is Kullu worth an overnight stay on this route?
Most travellers treat Kullu as a stopover rather than an overnight stay, spending a couple of hours at the Kullu Shawl Factory and Raghunath Temple before continuing to Manali.
What does a Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Manali package cost?
Our Shimla & Manali Classic Himachal Tour covering this full route starts from ₹18,999 per person for 6 days, 5 nights, including private vehicle transfers and hotel stays.
Can I skip Shimla and go straight to Manali from Delhi?
Yes, though most travellers prefer covering both since they're on the same route and skipping Shimla means missing out on a distinct part of the Himachal experience.
Is the drive from Shimla to Kullu scenic?
Yes, the drive passes Pandoh Dam and offers some of the most scenic stretches of the entire circuit, making it worth the 7-8 hour journey.
Does the package include a Chandigarh pickup option?
Yes, a Chandigarh pickup option is available for travellers who'd rather join the trip after the initial Delhi-to-Chandigarh leg.
Planning a Delhi to Shimla Kullu Manali trip from Gurugram, Delhi NCR, or Sonipat? Check out our Shimla & Manali Classic Himachal Tour starting at ₹18,999 per person, or talk to our team at Pack & Go Travels to plan the full route.
