Short answer: Three nights in Shimla cover the town, Kufri and the toy train experience; the drive to Manali is broken with lunch at Mandi or Kullu; and three nights in Manali cover the town, Solang and a short drive through the Atal Tunnel.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Shimla; the Ridge and Mall Road | Shimla |
| 2 | Jakhu and the Viceregal Lodge | Shimla |
| 3 | Kufri | Shimla |
| 4 | Shimla – Mandi – Kullu – Manali | Manali |
| 5 | Manali town | Manali |
| 6 | Solang, and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu | Manali |
| 7 | Naggar; depart | Overnight bus or drive home |
Who this plan suits
Families with children and older members. All stays are at moderate altitude; only the tunnel outing goes above 3,000 m, and it is optional.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive Shimla; the Ridge and Mall Road
- Easy evening walk.
Day 2: Jakhu and the Viceregal Lodge
- Ropeway to Jakhu.
- Afternoon at the Lodge and its gardens.
Day 3: Kufri
- Go early; nature park and Mahasu peak.
- Back by mid-afternoon to rest.
Day 4: Shimla – Mandi – Kullu – Manali
- A full day's drive, roughly seven to eight hours; stop every two hours.
- Lunch around Mandi; river views through Kullu.
Day 5: Manali town
- Hadimba temple, Old Manali, Vashisht.
- Mall Road in the evening.
Day 6: Solang, and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu
- Solang before 10 am.
- Optional: tunnel and Sissu waterfall; skip if anyone is unwell at height.
Day 7: Naggar; depart
- Naggar castle in the morning.
- Evening departure.
Best time for this trip
March to June for green valleys; October to November for clear skies. For snow, late December to February, with flexible plans.
Practical notes
- Carry motion-sickness medicine for the hill drive.
- Choose rooms with a lift or few stairs, and heating in winter.
- Keep snacks, water and a warm layer for everyone in the car.
- Avoid late May to mid-June if crowds bother you.
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We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays.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
- Best places in India for a family vacation
- Shimla and Kufri guide
- Is Manali suitable for a family vacation
- Shimla or Manali for families
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
Is a week enough for Shimla and Manali?
Yes, with three nights in each.
How long is the drive from Shimla to Manali?
Roughly seven to eight hours with stops.
Is the Atal Tunnel outing safe for grandparents?
Most people are fine for a short visit; skip it for anyone with heart or lung conditions.
Can we do it in winter?
Yes for snow, but keep a spare day for closed roads.
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.
