Delhi to Shimla & Manali Tour by Car – Route, Itinerary & Taxi Cost
A road journey from Delhi to Shimla and Manali is one of North India’s most loved travel experiences. From winding mountain roads and pine forests to snow-clad peaks and charming hill towns, this route offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you are planning a family holiday, honeymoon, or group vacation, a Shimla Manali tour by car delivers flexibility, comfort, and scenic beauty at every turn.
Choosing a Delhi to Shimla taxi or dedicated Manali cab service allows travelers to enjoy the hills without worrying about driving fatigue, weather conditions, or navigation. This guide covers the ideal 6–7 day itinerary, best routes, seasonal travel tips, vehicle options, taxi costs, and why traveling by taxi is the safest and most comfortable choice for hill journeys.
Why Choose a Shimla–Manali Tour by Car?
Hill destinations demand thoughtful travel planning. A private taxi offers advantages that public transport often cannot provide:
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Door-to-door pickup from Delhi
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Flexible travel pace and sightseeing stops
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Comfortable travel for families and senior citizens
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Safe handling of mountain roads by experienced drivers
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Freedom from luggage transfers and fixed schedules
A Shimla Manali tour by car turns the long drive into a relaxed, scenic experience rather than a tiring commute.
Distance & Best Route from Delhi
🚗 Delhi to Shimla
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Distance: ~350 km
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Travel Time: 8–9 hours
Preferred Route:
Delhi → Chandigarh → Kalka → Shimla (via NH44 & NH5)
🚗 Shimla to Manali
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Distance: ~250 km
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Travel Time: 7–8 hours
Route:
Shimla → Kufri → Narkanda → Rampur → Kullu → Manali
This route offers stunning Himalayan views, apple orchards, riverside stretches, and forested mountain roads.
Suggested 6–7 Day Shimla Manali Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Delhi to Shimla
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Early morning departure from Delhi
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Scenic drive via Chandigarh
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Evening at Mall Road & Ridge
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Overnight stay in Shimla
🗓️ Day 2: Shimla & Kufri Sightseeing
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Kufri snow point (seasonal)
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Jakhoo Temple
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Christ Church
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Mall Road shopping
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Overnight in Shimla
🗓️ Day 3: Shimla to Manali
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Full-day scenic drive
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En route stops at Narkanda or Kullu Valley
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Evening arrival in Manali
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Overnight stay in Manali
🗓️ Day 4: Manali Local Sightseeing
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Hadimba Devi Temple
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Vashisht Hot Springs
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Old Manali cafés
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Mall Road Manali
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Overnight stay
🗓️ Day 5: Solang Valley / Atal Tunnel / Sissu
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Snow activities (winter)
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Adventure sports (summer)
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Visit Atal Tunnel & Sissu village (weather permitting)
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Return to Manali
🗓️ Day 6: Manali to Kullu / Naggar
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Kullu rafting (seasonal)
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Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery
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Overnight in Manali or Kullu
🗓️ Day 7: Manali to Delhi
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Early morning departure
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Overnight journey or late-night arrival in Delhi
This itinerary balances sightseeing, relaxation, and travel comfort—ideal for a complete hill holiday.
Best Time to Visit Shimla & Manali
❄️ Snow Season (December to February)
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Ideal for snow lovers
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Kufri & Solang Valley covered in snow
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Cold temperatures, road conditions may vary
Tip: Always choose an experienced Manali cab service during snow season.
🌸 Summer Season (March to June)
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Pleasant weather
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Best for families, honeymooners & adventure sports
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Clear roads and comfortable sightseeing
🌧️ Monsoon (July to September)
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Lush greenery
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Occasional landslides and road delays
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Travel cautiously with a professional driver
Best Vehicles for Hill Travel
🚗 Sedan
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Suitable for couples or small families
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Economical option
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Limited luggage capacity
🚙 SUV / Innova (Recommended)
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Best balance of comfort and power
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Excellent suspension for mountain roads
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Spacious and safe for long journeys
This is the most popular choice for Delhi to Shimla taxi and Manali tours.
🚐 Tempo Traveller
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Ideal for groups
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Comfortable seating and luggage space
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Suitable for extended hill tours
Taxi Cost for Shimla Manali Tour by Car (Indicative)
Taxi pricing varies based on duration, vehicle type, and season.
Approximate 6–7 Day Tour Cost:
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Sedan: ₹28,000 – ₹35,000
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SUV / Innova: ₹38,000 – ₹48,000
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Tempo Traveller: ₹60,000 onwards
Usually Included:
✔️ Fuel
✔️ Driver allowance
✔️ State taxes
Generally Extra:
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Toll charges
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Parking fees
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Hotel accommodation & meals
Transparent pricing ensures peace of mind throughout the journey.
Taxi vs Self-Drive: What’s Better for Hills?
🚘 Self-Drive Challenges:
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Driver fatigue on long mountain roads
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Snow and fog handling
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Navigation stress
🚖 Taxi Advantages:
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Experienced hill drivers
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Safer driving in snow and rain
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More relaxation and sightseeing
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No responsibility of vehicle handling
For hill stations, taxis are widely considered the safest and most comfortable option.
Safety & Comfort Advantages of Taxi Travel
Professional taxi services provide:
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Hill-trained drivers
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Regularly serviced vehicles
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Safe night driving practices
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Proper rest stops
This is especially important for families, children, and senior travelers.
Practical Travel Tips
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Start early from Delhi to avoid traffic
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Carry warm clothes even in summer
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Check weather updates in winter
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Avoid night driving during heavy snowfall
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Pre-book taxi during peak season
Who Is This Tour Ideal For?
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Families & senior citizens
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Honeymoon couples
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Adventure travelers
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Corporate & group tours
The Shimla–Manali circuit suits almost every travel style when planned well.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Through the Himalayas
A Delhi to Shimla & Manali tour by car is more than a holiday—it’s a journey through some of India’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. With the right itinerary, a comfortable vehicle, and a reliable taxi service, the experience becomes safe, scenic, and deeply refreshing.
Choosing a dedicated Delhi to Shimla taxi and professional Manali cab service ensures you enjoy every mile—without stress.
👉 Plan Shimla–Manali Taxi Tour
Travel to the Himalayas with comfort, safety, and unforgettable views.
