A classic Delhi to Shimla-Manali Himachal trip covers roughly 1,150 km round trip over 6-7 days, and the main cost driver is your vehicle. At canonical per-km rates, transport ranges from a budget sedan at Rs 11/km to a spacious Tempo Traveller at Rs 20-28/km, on top of stays and food. The typical loop is Delhi to Shimla (350 km), Shimla to Manali (250 km), then Manali back to Delhi (535 km). Use our 7-day Himachal tour by car for a ready itinerary or a Delhi to Shimla cab to start.
Route & Distances
| Leg | Distance | Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi - Shimla | ~350 km | 7-8 hours |
| Shimla - Manali | ~250 km | 7-8 hours |
| Manali - Delhi | ~535 km | 12-14 hours |
Transport Cost by Vehicle
Over ~1,150 km plus local sightseeing, transport is billed per km at an outstation minimum of 250-300 km per day (driver and vehicle included).
| Vehicle | Rate / km | Ideal Group |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Swift Dzire) | Rs 11/km | 2-3 |
| Ertiga | Rs 15/km | 4-5 |
| Innova Crysta | Rs 18/km | 5-6 |
| Tempo Traveller (12-17) | Rs 20-24/km | 8-15 |
Other Costs to Budget
- Accommodation: Budget to premium hotels in Shimla and Manali.
- Food: Meals along the route and in town.
- Activities: Rohtang/Atal Tunnel permits, Solang Valley adventure sports, Kufri.
- Tolls & parking: Highway tolls and hill-town parking fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days for Shimla and Manali together?
Six to seven days is comfortable, allowing two nights each in Shimla and Manali plus travel days.
Which vehicle is most economical?
A sedan for couples and a Tempo Traveller for groups give the lowest per-person cost. Families usually prefer an Innova for hill comfort.
What is the total distance?
About 1,150 km round trip on the Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Delhi loop, before local sightseeing.
