Manali Short Break
A long-weekend version for those short on time: skip Shimla, fly or take an overnight Volvo to Manali, and spend three full days there before heading back.
Day by day
Overnight in, or fly and drive
Two ways to start: fly Ahmedabad–Delhi and take an overnight AC Volvo from Delhi ISBT (about 12–14 hours, arriving Manali by morning), or fly Ahmedabad–Chandigarh and drive to Manali same day (7–8 hours). The Volvo option saves a hotel night but is tiring for seniors; the Chandigarh-flight option is gentler.
Solang Valley and Old Manali
Check in, rest a couple of hours if you arrived overnight. Late morning to Solang Valley for the ropeway and activities. Afternoon at Hadimba Temple and Old Manali cafes. Evening on Manali Mall Road.
Atal Tunnel and Sissu
Full day trip through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu village, with photo stops for snow-capped peaks along the way; no Rohtang permit needed for this route. Return via Vashisht hot springs in the evening.
Free day / Naggar or Kullu
Optional half-day excursion to Naggar Castle or Kullu's Raghunath Temple and shawl-weaving units, or a relaxed day with no fixed plan for shopping and rest. Begin the return journey by early evening for an overnight Volvo, or stay one more night if flying from Chandigarh next morning.
Return home
Drive to Chandigarh (7–8 hours) for a flight to Ahmedabad, or complete the overnight Volvo to Delhi and fly out from there. Build in a buffer — Manali–Chandigarh traffic can add an hour in peak season.
What's included
- Ahmedabad–Chandigarh/Delhi flights (Volvo bus extra, quoted separately if chosen)
- 3–4 nights in a 3★/4★ Manali hotel
- Private AC vehicle for all Manali sightseeing
- Daily breakfast and veg dinner
- Atal Tunnel/Sissu excursion
Not included
- Overnight Volvo fare if chosen instead of a Chandigarh flight
- Solang activity charges
- Lunches
- GST 5%
Indicative cost
Per person, twin sharing
Per person, twin sharing
Per person on twin sharing, indicative for 2026. The Delhi–Volvo route is ₹4,000–6,000 cheaper per person than flying via Chandigarh but adds a tiring overnight leg each way.