Manali, at the head of the Kullu valley on the Beas river, is Himachal’s other great hill town and the most common pairing with Shimla. Where Shimla is colonial and urban, Manali is alpine: apple orchards, pine forests, old wooden temples such as the Hadimba Devi temple, and a backdrop of high snow peaks.
Manali is also the gateway to Solang for adventure sports, to the Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang pass and to Lahaul and Spiti beyond. For a detailed picture of the wider state, many travellers spend a week travelling between the two towns.
Top things to do at Manali
Travel Shimla–Manali by road
The usual route runs via Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi and Kullu — about 250 km, 8–10 hours. A private transfer or multi-day tour saves the hassle.
Old Manali and Hadimba temple
The pagoda-roofed Hadimba Devi temple in its cedar grove and the lanes of Old Manali are the classic first-day sights.
Solang and the Atal Tunnel
Head up to Solang for paragliding and snow in season, and through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul.
How to get to Manali
- From Shimla by road: about 250 km, 8–10 hours via Mandi and Kullu.
- By bus: HRTC and private buses run daily between Shimla and Manali.
- By air: Bhuntar airport near Kullu has limited flights, often weather-affected.
Insider tips
- Start early — the Mandi–Kullu stretch can be slow.
- In the monsoon, landslides can close the road for hours; check conditions.
- Combine the two towns with a Shimla and Manali tour if you prefer not to drive.
Best tours & tickets for Manali
These experiences are the easiest way to see Manali with a guide and transport sorted:
Multi-day tour from US$313 From Chandigarh: Shimla and Manali 6-Day Tour
The classic Himachal circuit — Shimla first, then down through the Sutlej and Beas valleys to Kullu and Manali — with transport and hotels handled for you from Chandigarh.
- Shimla, Kufri and the Mall Road
- The Kullu valley and Manali
- Transport and hotels arranged
Private transfer from US$35 One-Way Transfer: Chandigarh / Manali / Shimla / Dharamshala
A private car and driver between Chandigarh and Shimla, or onwards to Manali or Dharamshala. Taking the hassle out of the mountain roads is well worth it, especially if you are arriving by air or on the Shatabdi.
- Door-to-door private car between the hill towns and Chandigarh
- Fixed price agreed in advance
- Experienced mountain drivers
Multi-day adventure tour from US$782 Shimla: 8-Day Spiti Valley Tour via Kalpa, Kaza & Manali
The full Spiti circuit: in through Kinnaur from Shimla, out over the passes to Manali, with the great monasteries of Tabo and Key in between. Summer season only, when the high passes are open.
- Sarahan, Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur
- Tabo, Kaza and Key Monastery in Spiti
- Out over the high passes to Manali
