July 2nd week Itinerary to Manali

Hi,

We (2adults+2kids) have been planning last couple of years to have a vacation at Shimla-Kullu-Manali, but we couldn't make it due to time constraint. This year we managed to get 8-9 free days for the trip.

Below are the things we want to do :
a) To try the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train.
b) To travel HPTDC Volvo bus (once)
c) To see some Snow in Manali or anywhere
d) To see some Apple Orchard
e) To give some entertainment to our kids

I have made a below draft plan, please suggest me how to fill with Day 3 to Day 7.

Day1 : [July 11] - Mumbai-Delhi By Rajdhani
Day2 : [July 12] - Half day tour at Delhi / Evening train to Kalka / Stay at a nearest hotel, to catch morining Shivalk Express.
Day3 : [July 13] - Toy Train - Arrive Shimla - next ?
Day4 : [July 14] -
Day5 : [July 15] -
Day6 : [July 16] -
Day7 : [July 17] - Manali-New Delhi by HPTDC Night Volvo
Day8 : [July 18] - New Delhi-Mumbai by Rajdhani

My doubts are:

1) Shall I do : Plan A) Delhi-Kalka(toytrain)-Shimla-Manali(volvo)-Delhi or the otherway round, Plan B) Delhi-Manali(volvo)-Shimla(toytrain)-Kalka-Delhi?

2) To be safer side I already booked for ShivaLk Toytrain from Kalka-Shimla, If plan changed, I think it is easy to get tickets for Shimla-Kalka.

3) If I take it while going then I think it is better to stay 1N 2Days at Shimla, So that I can cover the local site seeing on Day3 and Day4.

4) Then, how to proceed to Manali on Day4 Evening/Night? If I travel on Daytime, a full day will be wasted. Can I travel at night? Is it safe? Is it comfortable in Shimla-Manali volvo at night?

5) Is 3D 2N (Day5,6,7) enough in Manali to cover main attractions? (I personally feel 4D3N needed in Manali) Then, Day7 proceed to New Delhi by HPTDC Volvo.

How about covering these places with a Cab? Is it expensive and risky?

Will monsoon disturb our outdoor activities?

Please post your valuable suggestions.

Thanks.

that is definitely peak monsoon season
good luck if you like rain

But many said, the Rain is not heavy, and landslides will be at the end of July and August.

This time is definitely when monsoon is at its heaviest in HP.Not sure you'll see any snow.