Short answer: Travel by overnight bus to Aut for Jibhi, move to the Parvati valley for Kasol and Kheerganga, then Manali, then cross to Bir for paragliding and finish in McLeod Ganj, from where overnight buses return to Delhi.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi – Aut – Jibhi (overnight bus) | Jibhi |
| 2 | Jalori Pass and Serolsar lake | Jibhi |
| 3 | Jibhi – Kasol | Kasol |
| 4 | Manikaran; up to Barshaini or Tosh | Tosh |
| 5 | Kheerganga trek | Kheerganga or Barshaini |
| 6 | Down; Bhuntar – Manali | Manali |
| 7 | Manali | Manali |
| 8 | Manali – Bir | Bir |
| 9 | Paragliding; Bir – McLeod Ganj | McLeod Ganj |
| 10 | McLeod Ganj; overnight bus to Delhi | Bus |
Who this plan suits
Solo travellers and friends happy with public buses, simple rooms and some walking.
Day by day
Day 1: Delhi – Aut – Jibhi (overnight bus)
- Get down at Aut; local bus or taxi to Jibhi.
- Waterfall walk.
Day 2: Jalori Pass and Serolsar lake
- Bus or taxi to the pass; forest walk to the lake.
Day 3: Jibhi – Kasol
- Via Aut and Bhuntar.
- Chalal walk.
Day 4: Manikaran; up to Barshaini or Tosh
- Gurudwara and hot springs.
Day 5: Kheerganga trek
- 12–14 km up; check the overnight rule.
Day 6: Down; Bhuntar – Manali
- Evening in Old Manali.
Day 7: Manali
- Hadimba, Vashisht, Jogini falls; or a shared taxi to Solang.
Day 8: Manali – Bir
- A long bus day via Mandi; some services need a change.
Day 9: Paragliding; Bir – McLeod Ganj
- Morning flight; afternoon bus through Palampur.
Day 10: McLeod Ganj; overnight bus to Delhi
- Temple complex, Bhagsu and Dharamkot.
Best time for this trip
March to June and September to November. The monsoon makes this route unreliable and, in the Parvati valley, unsafe.
Practical notes
- Use HRTC buses for the short hops; book overnight legs ahead.
- Stay in homestays and hostels a short walk from the centre.
- Carry cash; ATMs are scarce beyond Kasol and Jibhi.
- Do not trek alone, and stay off riverbanks.
- Narcotics are illegal; do not carry or buy them.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
- Budget destinations
- Himachal for solo travellers
- Kasol and Parvati valley guide
- Bir Billing guide
- Things to do in McLeod Ganj
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Can this route be done entirely by bus?
Yes, with local taxis for a few last stretches.
Is it safe for solo travellers?
On the main routes, with normal care. Share your plan with someone and avoid walking alone on trails.
What does it cost?
It depends on your room choices and season; ask us for a current estimate.
Can I shorten it to a week?
Drop Jibhi or Bir.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
