With the help of Plane Pockets, prepare the perfect Himachal hill station itinerary through Shimla, Kufri, Manali, and Solang Valley. We provide insights on when to go, how to reach, and what to explore on the Himachal hill circuit.
The scenic hills of Shimla, the snow-covered slopes of Kufri, the lively valleys of Manali, and the adventure-filled Solang Valley make up one of India’s most popular hill circuits.
Especially on this Himachal hill circuit, you will get a chance to enjoy stunning Himalayan views, colonial charm, green meadows, winter sports, peaceful riversides, and exciting adventures. No matter whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic honeymoon, or an adventure-packed trip, this route has something for you.
Just like Darjeeling, it is the perfect escape into the mountains. But before you plan your dream trip to the Himachal hill circuit, make sure to create a perfect itinerary. The Himachal hill station itinerary will help you travel smoothly and get an unforgettable and stress-free vacation experience.
If you are interested in exploring the Himachal hill circuit, then read this blog and get valuable travel suggestions.
Top Places to Visit on the Himachal Hill Circuit
The Himachal Hill Circuit is filled with scenic spots, charming towns, and adventure hubs. Here are the top places you shouldn’t miss on your journey.
Shimla
Shimla, called the “Queen of Hills,” welcomes you with its beautiful Mall Road and colonial-style buildings. When you explore this town, you can enjoy stunning mountain views and breathe in the fresh pine-scented air. If you wish to get a complete Shimla experience, then don’t miss visiting The Ridge, Jakhoo Temple, and Christ Church.
Kufri
Kufri is a small hill station located just a short drive from Shimla. Here, you can enjoy snow sports, try skiing on its slopes, and immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the Himalayas. When you are in Kufri, be sure to visit the Kufri Fun World amusement park and Mahasu Peak for an unforgettable experience.
Manali
Manali, located in the Kullu Valley, is surrounded by green valleys and flowing rivers. In this popular tourist town, you can explore famous temples like Hadimba, stroll through apple orchards, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. If you are in Manali, then don’t miss visiting Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the Manu Temple to make the most of your Himachal trip.
Solang Valley
If you love adventure, then Solang Valley, located near Manali, is the perfect destination. In Solang Valley, you can try thrilling activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful valley scenery. Also, you can visit the Solang Ropeway and the nearby Atal Bungee Jump for an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Explore the Himachal Hill Circuit
When you are preparing your Himachal hill station itinerary, you should make sure to identify the ideal time to visit the circuit. The best months to visit the Himachal hill circuit are March to June. During this period, the weather is pleasant, the valleys are green, and the roads are easy to travel. Also, you can enjoy comfortable days, see snow-capped peaks, and take long outdoor walks without the intense chill of winter.
If you want a snow-filled experience, then visit between November and February. During this period, places like Kufri, Manali, and Solang Valley will be covered in thick snow, and you can actively take part in skiing and other winter activities. But keep in mind that winter travel can be very cold, roads may sometimes close, and costs may be higher.
It is best to avoid the monsoon months (July and August) as heavy rains can cause landslides and disrupt travel. If you want a smooth, enjoyable trip, then plan your visit to the Himachal hill station during spring, early summer, or early winter.
How to Travel to Himachal Hill Stations
Getting to the Himachal Hill Circuit is easier than you might think. You can use any of these travel options to reach the hill stations located in Himachal.
Air: You can fly into Chandigarh or the small Jubbarhatti airport near Shimla. From there, you can take a cab to Shimla or continue onward to Manali and Kufri. If you want to book flights quickly and conveniently, then you can use Plane Pockets, a reputable travel booking platform.
Train: You can reach Kalka by broad-gauge train from major cities and then enjoy the scenic ride on the narrow-gauge “toy train” to Shimla. But to reach Manali, you will need to continue by road since there is no direct train.
Road/Bus: You can travel from Shimla to Manali by bus or taxi along the hill roads, which usually takes 7-9 hours.
Suggested 5-Day Itinerary for Himachal Hill Circuit
Here is a 5-day Himachal hill station itinerary to cover Shimla, Kufri, Manali, and Solang Valley. It is designed to balance rest, sightseeing, and adventure.
- Day 1: Arrive in Shimla and settle into your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road and visit The Ridge.
- Day 2: Head to Kufri in the morning to enjoy the views and try snow activities or horse riding. Return to Shimla for the night.
- Day 3: Drive early towards Manali. Stop along the way to enjoy the scenic landscapes. Arrive by afternoon and explore the local markets and temples in Manali.
- Day 4: This day is perfect for Solang Valley. Try adventure sports, take valley walks, or opt for a cable car ride or paragliding. Then, return to Manali in the evening.
- Day 5: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the river and visit Vashisht hot springs if time allows, before starting your journey back by road or flight.
You can even extend this itinerary to 6 or 7 days by adding extra rest nights, village visits, or side excursions for a more leisurely trip. For creating a personalized itinerary, you can take the help of Plane Pockets.
Plan Your Himachal Hill Station Trip with Plane Pockets
Are you ready to make your Himachal Hill Station itinerary a reality? If yes, then based on your budget and travel style, easily book your travel packages, flights, and hotels with Plane Pockets. No matter whether you are looking for a full Himachal tour package covering Shimla, Kufri, Manali, and Solang Valley, or just flights and hotel stays, Plane Pockets has you covered. You can even use our AI-based Travel Assistant PuNIMA to create a customized itinerary and plan your perfect mountain getaway today.
