Shimla-Manali Trip on Last week of December 2011 - Need Help!

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post here at India Mike!
I have been reading most of the Himachal Pradesh threads for 2 days and im sure i can get valuable advice from the people here (Infact most things like Toy train information-whether it will wait for howrah mail, Rohtang pass will be impossible on december, etc., i read here only!)

My plan is as follows:

1) 30Dec------Bangalore TO New Delhi(Flight)
2) 30-31Dec--New Delhi TO Kalka(Howrah Kalka Mail)
3) 31Dec------Kalka TO Shimla(Shivalik Express)
4) 1-4Jan-----Shimla(FULL 4 DAYS)
5) 5Jan-------Shimla TO Manali(Bus/Cab - Morning)
6) 6-7Jan-----Manali(FULL 2 DAYS)
7) 8Jan-------Manali TO Chandigarh(Bus/Cab - Morning)
8) 8Jan-------Chandigarh TO Bangalore(Flight - Evening 5:25 PM)

The Bangalore-Delhi-Shimla-Manali leg of the trip seems easy to manage.

But, this Manali to Chandigarh seems little hard to fix. Because im not able to find the available buses online. And do the cab people ask for return fare too? Will it be possible to reach Chandigarh by 04:00 evening? Is Cab the only way?

Last question is im almost spending 5 Days at shimla. But only 2 Days at manali. Any advice on increasing Manali and decreasing Shimla's days? Or is the date planning fine?

Your comments are most welcome

Thank you!

Come on guys, please make a reply!

I would suggest at least a day or 2 more at Manali by reducing stay at Shimla. You can take night bus to Manali from Shimla which will save a day for you. Note that chances of snowfall at Manali is more than Shimla. Cab to chandigarh from Manali will take you around 9 hours. I do not think there is any direct luxury bus to Chandigarh early morning. Alternatively you can take night volvo to Delhi and take a flight from there.

Hi Sriprakash,

Thanks for the quick reply. You read my mind. Of course, we are more interested in snow. I guess i will increase 2 days in Manali borrowing from Shimla(as i cant extend the trip, IT job u see )

As for the return, i think its better to take the cab to Chandigarh. Because to Delhi its some ~600 km by bus and that might result in us feeling like we got beat up by 5 kung fu fighters the next day.

Anyway, Thanks for the advice.

One final question: Since the dates are from 31Dec to 8Jan, i guess its the peak season. Do you think i should book Shimla's hotels in advance and is it feasible to get Manali hotel on the go after i reach on around 3rd Jan?

I would still prefer the Volvo bus directly to Delhi from Manali as its totally a night travel and if you book through HPTDC then their buses are semi slipper, so gives a better leg space and fare amout of space around to flex your muscles. I think 14 hours of night travel is better than 10 hours of day travel. Plus cab will ask for return fare too. However you are the best judge of your options.

Yes it will be high season and prebooking is preferred. I would suggest prebooking for Manali also as people from North do plan their visit during this period also due to winter vacation in schools.

And do not take it for granted that you will experience snowfall in Manali, though you will get snow at higher altitude if not in Manali itself.

Ok, i didnt know there is VOLVO with semi-sleeper. Because most Volvos i have seen are only push back or sleeper. If its semi sleeper(or fully sleeper) then it would be GREAT!
Moreover i have made some research and found out that there are many public and private buses from Manali to Delhi. So im now rethinking about this

BTW, how do you suggest booking for hotels in advance? Through online? or are there other ways? like some agencies in metropolitan cities?

Fully slipper buses are banned on hills. So any private operator claiming this is either misguiding or running it illigally.

I would prefer HPTDC hotels at both places. Go for Peterhoff in Shimla. Though do not expect good view from the room in low tariff rooms. Go for Hotel Kunzam in Manali, bang on Mall road. There are other options too. Check HPTDC site at hptdc.gov.in. There might be some extra charges during new year till 2nd, otherwise there will be a discount. But still I think value for money and can be booked online too.

Oh! no full sleeper on hills is it! I didnt know that either!

I have heard about the HPTDC hotels being the best bet. Will check them out!

Now im much more confident of the trip, Thank you Sriprakash!

My final plan looks like this:

1) 30Dec------Bangalore TO New Delhi(Flight)
2) 30-31Dec--New Delhi TO Kalka(Howrah Kalka Mail)
3) 31Dec------Kalka TO Shimla(Shivalik Express - Shimla by 10:30 AM)
4) 1-3Jan-----Shimla(FULL 2 DAYS)
5) 3Jan-------Shimla TO Manali(Bus/Cab - Afternoon/Night)
6) 4-7Jan-----Manali(FULL 4 DAYS)
7) 7Jan-------Manali TO Delhi(Bus - Evening)
8) 8Jan-------Delhi TO Bangalore(Flight - Noon 12:25 PM)

Once again a BIG Thanks for your advice!

My pleasure. And best of luck for the trip.