- Starting from
- Pune
- Duration
- 8-10 Days (customised)
- Distance
- 2,000 km+ each way (approx.)
- Mode
- Private AC cab with driver
- Package rate
- Call for best fare
About This Tour Package
A Shimla Manali tour package from Pune combines two of India's best-loved hill stations in one holiday. The catch is distance: both towns are far beyond 2,000 km from Pune, so the trip needs proper planning, enough days and a comfortable vehicle. Cab Service Pune, based in Viman Nagar near Pune Airport, helps you build it as a customised journey instead of a rigid fixed tour.
This page is about the two towns themselves and how to enjoy each, so you can decide how many days to give them.
Shimla and Manali: How They Differ
Shimla was the summer capital of British India and still feels like it. You will see Victorian-era buildings, the Christ Church on the Ridge, the long pedestrian Mall Road and a skyline of tin roofs on a ridge. Manali, in the Kullu valley, is more about nature: the Beas river, deodar forests, apple orchards and snow peaks. Shimla suits slow strolling and cafes. Manali suits adventure, scenery and a livelier mood. Most people enjoy visiting both for this contrast.
Getting There by Road
The Pune to Himachal drive is a multi-day affair with overnight halts, and the route usually goes north through Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to Delhi or Chandigarh. From there, the hill road to Shimla climbs through Solan, and the route onward to Manali goes through Mandi and Kullu, following the Beas for long stretches. Mountain driving is slower than it looks on a map, so allow a full day for each hill leg. Traffic, rain and road works all affect timing, so use estimates only as a rough guide.
Time in Shimla
Plan two nights in Shimla, which Cab Service Pune can match to your driving pace. Walk the Mall Road and the Ridge in the evening, visit the Jakhu temple area, and take a short drive to Kufri or Naldehra for open meadows and viewpoints. Local food stalls and bakeries are part of the charm. If you love trains, the old Kalka-Shimla narrow gauge line is a heritage attraction, though you should check current schedules and booking rules if you want a ride.
Time in Manali and Kullu
Give Manali at least three nights, and let Cab Service Pune know if you want a free day in between. Day one can be easy, with the Mall, the Hadimba temple among the cedar trees, and Vashisht village. Day two usually goes to Solang valley for scenic views and seasonal activities. Rohtang pass is a famous excursion, but access depends on season, weather and permit rules, so check what is currently in force and keep it as an optional extra rather than a fixed promise. Kullu is a stop on the way, known for shawls and its valley views.
Food and Local Flavour
Himachali cuisine is worth tasting. Look for siddu, a steamed bread served with ghee, dhaam style meals at festivals, trout in the Kullu valley and plenty of fresh apples and plums in season. In Shimla, old bakeries and tea rooms are part of the evening routine. In Manali, riverside cafes in Old Manali serve everything from momos to wood-fired pizza. Eat at busy places, drink bottled or boiled water, and carry a few light snacks for the car.
Best Season for Both Towns
April to June is the favourite window for leaving the heat of the plains. September and October bring clear skies. For snow, December to February is the time, but road conditions and closures matter. Monsoon can bring landslides and slow traffic. Wherever you go, keep two spare days in your calendar so that weather does not ruin your return flight or train.
Sample Day Pacing
A good hill day starts with breakfast around eight, a morning drive or walk, a long lunch, and an easy evening. Try not to schedule more than two main sights in a day, because roads are slow and views tempt you to stop often. If a day is rained out, we can swap it with a rest day instead of forcing a drive on a bad road. Flexibility is the real luxury on a long mountain trip, and it is something a private vehicle allows.
Your Vehicle Options
A Swift Dzire is comfortable for two to four people on these routes. For families, an Ertiga or Innova Crysta gives more luggage space and legroom, which matters on a long drive. Scorpio is a good pick for travellers who like a higher seat. A Tempo Traveller or Force Urbania suits groups of friends or relatives. All vehicles are clean and air-conditioned, and drivers are experienced on highways and ghat roads.
Travel Tips
- Carry woollens and a windproof jacket even in summer.
- Keep cash handy, as network and card machines may fail in remote spots.
- Do not push for night driving on mountain roads.
- Respect local rules at temples and keep the roads clean of litter.
- Book rooms early for May, June and the year-end holidays.
Adventure activities such as paragliding or skiing should be done only through well-reviewed local operators, following their safety instructions.
Family and Senior Traveller Notes
Hill towns involve stairs, slopes and cold mornings. Seniors may find the Mall Road easier in short walks with rests on benches, and some viewpoints are best reached by vehicle rather than on foot. With young children, keep spare clothes, wet wipes and snacks within reach. Ask Cab Service Pune to keep the vehicle close to your hotel so that short outings are not tiring, and share any health needs early so the plan can allow for rest.
What We Handle and What You Choose
Cab Service Pune provides the vehicle and driver for your road segments. Hotel and sightseeing assistance can be coordinated on request, so mention it during booking. We do not promise flights, trains or fixed room rates, because they change often, and we prefer to be clear about that early. The fare is shared before the trip, and toll, parking and state tax are normally charged at actuals unless an all-inclusive package is quoted.
Plan Your Shimla Manali Trip
If you are thinking of a hill holiday that blends heritage streets and mountain scenery, we would love to help. Share your travel dates, number of people and preferences, and we will propose a day-wise plan with a suitable vehicle. Call or WhatsApp 7888117999 to book your Shimla Manali tour package from Pune.
Tour Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Long road journey from Pune northwards with overnight halts, reaching the Chandigarh or Delhi side
- Day 4: Drive up to Shimla; evening walk on Mall Road and the Ridge
- Day 5: Shimla local sights with Kufri or Naldehra
- Day 6: Drive to Manali via Mandi and Kullu along the Beas river
- Day 7: Manali local sights: Hadimba temple, Vashisht and Mall Road
- Day 8: Solang valley, with Rohtang only if open and permitted
- Day 9-10: Start the return journey, with overnight halts back to Pune
Choose Your Vehicle
FAQs
How is this page different from the Himachal package?
This package focuses on two towns, Shimla and Manali, with more time in each. The Himachal package can add Kasol and other places. Both are customised to your days.
How many nights should I spend in each town?
Two nights in Shimla and three nights in Manali is a comfortable split. With fewer days you can reduce Shimla, but remember that each hill leg takes most of a day.
Is Rohtang pass included?
Rohtang depends on weather, season and permit rules, so we treat it as optional. Check current access rules before travelling, and we can help you understand what applies.
Can you arrange hotels in Shimla and Manali?
We provide the vehicle and driver, and hotel assistance can be coordinated on request. Please confirm this when you book. Fares are shared before the trip begins.
Which season is best for Shimla and Manali?
April to June and September to October are the popular windows. December to February is for snow lovers, but roads can close. Monsoon travel needs extra caution.
How do I book this package?
Call or WhatsApp 7888117999 with your date, group size and preferred vehicle. We confirm the plan and fare before you pay anything.