"Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip…""Honestly, Zanskar felt like another world! Standing in front of Gombo Rangzan and doing the hike to Phuktal Monastery were absolute highlights. The roads are rugged, but our trip lead and drivers handled everything so smoothly. Warm homestays, great food, and amazing group vibes throughout. Truly grateful to the Awara Banjara team!"
Shimla-Manali with Sissu : The Himachal Odyssey
Delhi — Manali — Solang — Atal Tunnel — Sissu — Kullu — Shimla — Kufri — Delhi
About This Trip
Leave behind the chaotic rhythm of the plains and surrender to the timeless call of the Western Himalayas with Awara Banjara’s Himachal Odyssey. Crafted specifically for slow travelers, families, and couples seeking seamless comfort paired with untamed mountain charm, this 7-Day / 6-Night customized circuit seamlessly connects two of Himachal Pradesh's most iconic alpine realms—the bohemian deodar valleys of Manali and the colonial ridge heritage of Shimla.
Your expedition begins with a smooth overnight AC Volvo ride from Delhi, winding past foothills into the pine-scented embrace of the upper Beas Valley. Waking up in Manali, you are welcomed by crisp Himalayan breezes and towering peaks. Over the next two days, immerse yourself in the soul of the valley: walk beneath the ancient, moss-laden deodar canopy surrounding the historic Hadimba Devi Temple, find quiet mindfulness at serene Tibetan monasteries, and stroll through the lively, vibrant lanes of the Mall Road.
The journey ascends into raw alpine drama as you drive past Solang Valley and cross the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel. Emerging onto the other side reveals the stark, windswept wonderland of Lahaul Valley and the glacial cascades of Sissu village by the Chandra River—a surreal contrast of trans-Himalayan landscapes and rushing mountain streams.
Transitioning from the raw valleys to colonial nostalgia, your private dedicated cab charts a scenic overland drive through the apple orchards and river gorges of Kullu Valley. Stop along the Beas River to capture the rush of white-water rapids before ascending toward Shimla, the historic 'Queen of Hills.'
In Shimla, experience the elegance of a bygone era. Wander across the open expanse of the heritage Ridge, admire the neo-Gothic silhouette of Christ Church, and take in panoramic mountain vistas from the sacred heights of Jakhoo Temple. A dedicated day excursion takes you higher into Kufri’s alpine ridges, nestled amidst dense cedar forests and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints.
Designed with complete flexibility and unhurried pacing, this private Himachal tour package includes 2 nights in Manali and 2 nights in Shimla at handpicked mountain retreats, wholesome MAP meals (4 breakfasts and 4 dinners), overnight Volvo connectivity from Delhi, and a private cab for all intercity and local sightseeing. Experience Himachal Pradesh not just as a tourist checking off spots, but as a wanderer embracing the genuine warmth, high-altitude air, and nomadic freedom of the mountains.
Itinerary
- Assemble at the designated pickup hub in Delhi (Majnu Ka Tilla / Kashmiri Gate) by 6:30 PM.
- Board your comfortable semi-sleeper AC Volvo and settle in as the bustling plains give way to misty mountain foothills on an overnight drive toward the upper Beas Valley.
- Wake up to crisp mountain air and panoramic valley views.
- Arrive in Manali by morning, where your private cab receives you for a smooth check-in at your hotel.
- After unwinding and having lunch, step out for private local exploration—visit the 500-year-old wooden Hadimba Devi Temple ensconced in towering deodars, discover peace at the Tibetan Monastery, stroll the pine-lined trails of Van Vihar, and spend your evening exploring the lively cafes and vibrant handicrafts of Mall Road.
- Return to your stay for dinner and an overnight stay in Manali.
- Relish a wholesome morning breakfast before heading out in your private vehicle toward Solang Valley, celebrated for its alpine meadows and panoramic views.
- Cross through the monumental 9.02 km Atal Tunnel to enter the raw, dramatic wonderland of Lahaul Valley.
- Explore the turquoise streams, cascading waterfalls, and willow groves of Sissu village set against towering barren peaks.
- Drive back through the tunnel to Manali by evening for a relaxed dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
- Enjoy breakfast, check out, and embark on a picturesque overland drive following the roaring Beas River through Kullu Valley.
- Stop along the way to witness the river rapids (optional white-water rafting and paragliding on self-payment) and visit local handloom outlets.
- Continue the scenic drive past lush apple country and mountain passes toward Shimla, the historic 'Queen of Hills.' Check into your hotel upon arrival by evening for dinner and an overnight stay in Shimla.
- Start the day with a mountain breakfast before your private cab takes you higher to Kufri, situated at over 7,500 feet.
- Surrounded by dense deodar woodlands and sweeping snow-capped views, spend your day exploring the scenic trails around Mahasu Peak, taking leisure nature walks, or indulging in optional local activities.
- Head back to Shimla by late afternoon to enjoy a quiet, cozy evening at your stay.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Shimla.
- Savor your final mountain breakfast and complete hotel check-out.
- Spend the day soaking in Shimla’s rich colonial heritage—visit the revered Jakhoo Temple perched on the highest peak for panoramic bird's-eye views, walk across the iconic Ridge and historic Christ Church, and wander through Lakkar Bazaar and Mall Road for cedar wood souvenirs.
- By late evening, your cab drops you at the Shimla Volvo boarding point for your overnight AC Volvo ride back to Delhi.
- Arrive back in Delhi early in the morning (around 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM) with unforgettable memories of pine-scented valleys, high-altitude passes, and timeless Banjara wanderlust.
Inclusions
✔ Delhi to Manali & Shimla to Delhi Semi-Sleeper AC Volvo Bus Tickets (2 Seats)
✔ Entire local & intercity transfers by Private Dedicated Cab (Dzire / Etios / Sedan or SUV as per pax)
✔ 4 Nights Accommodation in Handpicked Mountain Hotels (2 Nights Manali + 2 Nights Shimla)
✔ 4 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners (Starting from Day 2 Dinner/Day 3 Breakfast to Day 6 Breakfast as per MAP plan)
✔ Local sightseeing in Manali (Hadimba Temple, Vashisht, Mall Road, Van Vihar)
✔ Full day excursion to Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel & Sissu (Subject to green tax/union rules)
✔ En route Kullu Valley sightseeing & transfer from Manali to Shimla
✔ Full day excursion to Kufri & Shimla local sightseeing (Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple point)
✔ All Driver Allowances, Fuel, Toll Taxes, State Border Permits & Parking Charges
✔ 24x7 On-call Trip Assistance & Back-end Operational Support
Exclusions
✘ Any meals or beverages not mentioned in inclusions (All Lunches, Day 1 & Day 7 highway transit meals)
✘ Adventure activity charges (Paragliding, River Rafting in Kullu, Snow sports in Solang/Kufri)
✘ Entry fees, camera tickets, guide charges, or ropeway tickets (Jakhoo ropeway / Solang cable car)
✘ Rohtang Pass excursion or special NGT permits (unless explicitly booked as an add-on)
✘ Local union cab charges if required in restricted zones (e.g., Kufri internal horse track or Solang internal snow cab)
✘ Personal expenses, laundry, tips, room heater charges, and packaged drinking water
✘ 5% GST and Personal Travel / Medical Insurance
✘ Any cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances (Landslides, heavy snowfall, roadblocks, strikes, or route diversions)
Package Options
Bike Sub Package Options
FAQs
This is a 100% private and customizable tour. You will have a dedicated private cab (Dzire/Etios or SUV) exclusively for your travel party for all local sightseeing and intercity transfers between Manali and Shimla, along with premium semi-sleeper AC Volvo connectivity from Delhi.
March to June is ideal for pleasant weather, lush greenery, and blooming apple orchards. October to February is best for winter landscapes and snow experiences in Sissu, Solang Valley, and Kufri. The monsoon months (July to August) are generally avoided due to heavy rains.
Yes, the package operates on a Modified American Plan (MAP). It includes 4 wholesome breakfasts and 4 delicious dinners prepared at your handpicked boutique hotels (2 nights stay in Manali and 2 nights stay in Shimla). Lunches and highway transit meals are not included.
Your journey begins with an overnight AC semi-sleeper Volvo bus from Delhi (Majnu Ka Tilla / Kashmere Gate) to Manali. On Day 6 evening, you board an overnight AC Volvo from Shimla back to Delhi, reaching by Day 7 morning.
Yes, a full-day excursion covering Solang Valley, the engineering marvel Atal Tunnel (9.02 km), and Sissu village in Lahaul Valley is fully included in your private cab itinerary, subject to local weather and road clearance.
No, this itinerary covers Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, and Sissu. Rohtang Pass is not included by default because it requires special NGT permits and dedicated local union vehicles, but it can be added as an optional upgrade upon prior request.
In Shimla, you will explore the heritage Ridge, Mall Road, Christ Church, Lakkar Bazaar, and Jakhoo Temple point. The package also includes a dedicated excursion to Kufri for panoramic Himalayan views, cedar walking trails, and Mahasu Peak.
Absolutely. Because this is a private cab tour, the pace is completely relaxed and customizable. There are no strenuous treks required, making it comfortable and safe for families, couples, and senior citizens.
During the drive from Manali to Shimla through Kullu Valley, you can experience white-water river rafting in the Beas River, paragliding, and river crossing on a direct self-payment basis.
Yes, all driver allowances, fuel costs, state border entry permits, toll taxes, and designated parking fees are fully covered with zero hidden driving charges.
We recommend layered clothing: light woolens or t-shirts for sunny daytime sightseeing, and warm jackets/fleeces for chilly evenings and high-altitude locations like Sissu and Kufri. Carry comfortable walking shoes and basic personal medications.
You can easily secure your booking with a 10% non-refundable advance token payment. The remaining balance amount is payable upon your arrival in Himachal.
Reviews
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"Best stay for anyone looking for a quiet, beautiful getaway — the whole crew knew the mountains and valleys inside out."
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Awara Banjara team for their excellent support and guidance throughout the travel process. They were professional, responsive, supportive..."
"The spiti valley road trip with Awara Banjara was very good. It was my first ever solo trip but it did not feel like one as everyone in the group was very welcoming and hospitable..."
