Amritsar-Dharamsala-Manali

Amitu

Hello freinds,

I am looking for some advise.

We are a family of 6 from Mumbai planning to visit Amritsar-Dharamsala and Manali over the Diwali vacation.

Can someone tell me what would be the best way to see these 3 places?

I was planning to catch the rajdhani from Mumbai- arrive in delhi- spend 2 nights in delhi.

Then 3rd day take overnight train to Amritsar- spend one night in Amritsar

Then hire cab from Amritsar to Dharamsala- Spend 2 days in Dharamsala- then one night in Palampur and finally 3 nights in Manali..

My questions are-
1. How long would it take by car from Amritsar to Dharamsala? Is it better to take train from Amritsar to Pathankot and then hire a taxi?

2. is it worth going to Palampur for one night? Is palampur on the same route of Dharamsala to Manali?

3. How long would a car ride take from Dharamsala to Manali?

4. From Manali, besides the 16hr bus ride and the flight from Kullu airport, what is the other means of reaching Delhi? We basically have to get back to Mumbai? Any preferred route to take from Manali to Mumbai?

We thought of flying from Kullu to Mumbai via Delhi, but flights are very expensive. Is it better to go from Manali to Pathankot, take over night trian to Delhi and then fly back or take car from Manali to Chandigarh and fly back?

Sorry for long message, but looking forward to your expert advise

Regards,
Amit