Shimla + Manali by Urbania: 6-Day Group Itinerary, Route & Cost

Jul 17
4 min read

Ask any Delhi group where they want to escape and the answer, more often than not, is Shimla and Manali- two of Himachal's most-loved hill stations, best experienced back to back. The catch is the terrain: winding mountain roads, long driving hours and altitude that leaves cramped cars miserable. The fix is simple. Do the whole trip in one Force Urbania, and the mountains become the highlight instead of the ordeal.

This is a complete, realistic 6-day Shimla Manali itinerary from Delhi by Urbania- route, day-by-day plan and an honest cost breakdown for groups of 8 to 16.

Why an Urbania beats cars (and buses) in the hills

Himachal's roads are exactly where a premium van proves its worth. A Force Urbania on rent is built for this:

Superior suspension and hill-tuned handling for endless hairpin bends.
Push-back captain seats so nobody arrives with a stiff back after a 7-hour drive.
Strong heating and AC for cold mountain mornings and warm valley afternoons.
One driver, one group- No convoy getting split up, and a chauffeur who actually knows Himachal's routes, safe stops and weather patterns.

Most groups pick the 16 Seater Urbania for friends' trips or the 12 Seater Maharaja Urbania for families who want extra legroom.

The route at a glance

Delhi → Shimla: ~350 km (7–8 hrs)
Shimla → Manali: ~250 km (7–8 hrs, via Kullu)
Manali → Delhi: ~530 km (12–13 hrs, usually an overnight or early-morning start)

Day-by-day 6-day itinerary

Day 1: Delhi → Shimla

Early doorstep pickup and the climb up through Chandigarh and the Shivalik foothills. Reach Shimla by evening, check in, and take a gentle first-night stroll along the Mall Road and The Ridge. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 2: Shimla + Kufri

A relaxed hill day. Visit Kufri for its views and activities, the colonial charm of Christ Church and Jakhoo Temple, and spend the evening back on Mall Road. This lighter day helps everyone acclimatise before the bigger drives ahead. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 3: Shimla → Manali (via Kullu)

One of the most scenic drives in India, following the Beas River through Bilaspur, Mandi and the Kullu Valley. Optional stops for river rafting in Kullu or a look at the Pandoh Dam. This is a long day exactly the kind of stretch where the Urbania's comfort matters most. Reach Manali by evening. Overnight in Manali.

Day 4: Solang Valley & Atal Tunnel / Sissu

The adventure day. Head up to Solang Valley for paragliding, zorbing and cable-car rides, then drive through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul for snow and dramatic scenery (subject to weather and permits). Overnight in Manali.

Day 5: Manali local sightseeing

A gentler day exploring Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, the Vashisht hot springs, Old Manali's cafés and the Mall Road market. Perfect for shopping, relaxing and soaking in the valley. Overnight in Manali.

Day 6: Manali → Delhi

The long drive home. Most groups leave Manali very early (or overnight) to reach Delhi by evening/night. Doorstep drop across Delhi NCR. Trip ends.

Note on Rohtang Pass: Rohtang requires a separate permit and is weather-dependent; the Atal Tunnel now gives easier year-round access to the Lahaul side. A good operator arranges permits where needed confirm at booking.

If you have already read our Delhi to Manali in Urbania guide, this itinerary adds Shimla to the front of that trip.

When to go

March–June: pleasant weather, snow at Solang/Atal Tunnel earlier in the window — peak season.
September–October: an underrated sweet spot. Post-monsoon skies are clear, the valleys are lush and green, crowds thin out and rates ease. An excellent time for a comfortable Urbania road trip.
December–February: snow lovers' season, though some higher routes close in heavy snowfall.

Cost breakdown: what to budget

Your main heads are:

Urbania rental (per-km or per-day, plus a hill charge for mountain routes)
Hotels for 5 nights
Meals
Activities (paragliding, rafting, cable cars) and permits where applicable
Driver allowance / night charges on the multi-day trip

Because one Urbania carries the whole group, the per-person transport cost drops sharply versus multiple taxis and the comfort is in a different league from a shared bus. For exact per-km and per-day figures with no hidden charges, see the Urbania rental rates page. As a rule, a hill trip like this carries a small daily hill-driving surcharge (typically ₹500–₹1,000/day) that a transparent operator quotes upfront.

Tips for a smooth Shimla–Manali group trip

Break the drives with tea and photo stops the journey is half the fun.
Carry warm layers even in summer; mountain evenings get cold.
Keep a buffer in your plan for weather delays on high-altitude sections.
Confirm permits for Atal Tunnel/Sissu and Rohtang (if attempting) before you travel.
Travelling with kids? The Maharaja Urbania's reclining seats make the long drives far
easier- see our tips on making the 12 Seater Maharaja Urbania comfortable for children.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Shimla and Manali from Delhi?

Six days is ideal- two travel days plus enough time to enjoy both hill stations without rushing. A 5-day version works if you trim the Shimla portion.

Is the Urbania safe for Manali and Shimla roads?

Yes. The Urbania is excellent for hill driving, and operators assign experienced drivers on Himachal routes. Some higher passes may close in heavy snow (Dec–Feb).

What is the best time for a Shimla–Manali trip?

March-June for classic weather, September-October for green post-monsoon scenery and fewer crowds, and winter for snow.

How much does a 6-day Shimla Manali Urbania trip cost?

It depends on group size, season and vehicle. The biggest saving comes from splitting one van across 8–16 people- check the rental rates page for current per-km/per-day pricing.

Book your Shimla–Manali Urbania trip

Do Himachal the comfortable way- One luxury van, one experienced hill driver, doorstep pickup across Delhi NCR.

📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 9968152777 | ✉️ info@urbaniatemporental.com