Last winter, we watched a family from Mumbai stop at Sundernagar Lake for "just five minutes." Two hours later, they were still there, kids playing by the water, parents sipping tea from a nearby stall.“We nearly gave this a miss,” the father said. “That would’ve been the worst decision of our entire trip.
The Shimla to Manali road trip is one of those drives that stays with you forever.
This 250-kilometre journey through Himachal Pradesh takes you past gushing rivers, thick pine forests, charming mountain towns, and peaks that touch the sky. We've driven this route more times than we can count, and honestly, it never gets old.
Here's the thing most travellers miss. They rush through in seven hours flat, eyes fixed on reaching Manali.
But the real magic? It's in the places between Shimla and Manali that most people zoom past. These stops transform a simple drive into something you'll be talking about for years.
When you plan your Shimla to Manali on the way to sightseeing, you're not just going from point A to point B. You're diving into the heart of what makes Himachal special. The kind of stuff guidebooks can't quite capture.
Kufri
Just 16 kilometres out of Shimla, Kufri hits you with those proper Himalayan views. Locals call it the snow capital of Shimla, and during winter, you'll see why. The place sits at 2,510 metres, which means it's cold enough to keep you reaching for that extra sweater.
Kufri Fun World is Asia's highest amusement park. Kids go crazy for it. During winter, the slopes fill up with people trying skiing and tobogganing. The Himalayan Nature Park is where you might spot a snow leopard if you're lucky. Most people do the horse ride to Mahasu Peak. The views from up there are absolutely mental.
Small cafes serve piping hot pakoras with chai. Trust me, after that mountain wind, you'll want both. Stop here for about an hour. It's a perfect warm-up for what's coming on your Shimla to Manali by road adventure.
Sundernagar Lake
Around 105 kilometres from Shimla, Sundernagar Lake appears on your left as you approach the Haribag side. This man-made lake is surrounded by greenery that reflects in the calm water. It's not a major tourist trap, which is exactly why we like it.
Dhabas line the right side serving simple mountain food. The lake stays pretty peaceful, even on weekends. Local families picnic here, which tells you it's the real deal. Photography is technically not allowed because of the nearby dam, but the view from the road is gorgeous anyway.
Take 20 minutes here. Stretch your legs. Grab some chai. The mountain driving can get intense, so these breaks matter.
Mandi
Mandi sits 130 kilometres from Shimla, and this is where your journey really starts getting scenic. The Beas River runs right through town, and locals call this place the "Varanasi of the Hills" because of its 80-plus temples. The town has this old-world charm that newer hill stations just don't have.
Stop for lunch here. The local eateries serve proper Himachali food. The market buzzes with activity where you can pick up woollen stuff and handicrafts. Victoria Bridge gives you nice river views. If you've got time, check out Bhootnath Temple.
Mandi marks the point where the scenery shifts. From here on, the places to visit on the Shimla Manali route gets seriously beautiful. The Beas River becomes your companion all the way to Manali.
Pandoh Dam
Twelve kilometres past Mandi, Pandoh Dam shows up on your right like a concrete giant. This thing is massive. Constructed on the Beas River, it led to the formation of the Pandoh Lake reservoir. The structure against the mountain backdrop is pretty impressive.
Photography is officially restricted, but honestly, the views from the road are spectacular enough. The climb after the dam gives you this panoramic view of the whole structure and valley. The winding road here needs careful driving, but your passengers will be too busy gawking at the scenery to notice.
Take 15 minutes here. Pull over at the viewpoints. Catch your breath. The Shimla to Manali on the way to sightseeing really picks up from this point.
Aut Tunnel
The 2.8-kilometre Aut Tunnel, about 46 kilometres from Mandi, cuts straight through the mountain. This tunnel changed everything for travellers. It saves so much time compared to the old route. Right before you enter, there's a turn for Jalori Pass if you're feeling adventurous.
Aut town on the other side has several dhabas perfect for tea breaks. The temperature often drops a bit here. Small shops sell fresh apples and local produce depending on the season. You'll notice the landscape opening up. The valley views get broader and more dramatic.
This is where you really feel like you've entered Kullu Valley territory.
Kullu Valley
The drive through Kullu Valley, starting about 40 kilometres before Manali, is what postcards are made of. Apple orchards stretch endlessly on both sides. During spring, the blossoms turn everything white and pink. During harvest, the trees hang heavy with red apples.
The Beas River flows on your right, sometimes calm, sometimes wild. Traditional Himachali houses dot the landscape. Babeli has shops selling Kullu shawls and woollen stuff. The famous Kullu patterns you see everywhere? This is where they come from.
The valley bypass helps you skip Kullu town traffic, but we recommend stopping in town. Better shops, better food, real local vibe. This stretch is why the Shimla to Manali road trip is so famous.
Bhuntar
Bhuntar is where the Parvati River meets the Beas River. This town is famous for river rafting. The airport is here too, bringing tourists straight into the valley. If you're into water adventures, this is your spot.
Adventure operators line the streets offering rafting trips. You can do short runs or longer expeditions depending on your courage level. The confluence creates rapids that work for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
Cafes serve meals to hungry adventure seekers. The town market has basic supplies. It's about 50 kilometres from Manali, making it one of your last major stops before your destination.
Naggar
Naggar sits just 21 kilometres from Manali, and honestly, it deserves way more attention. This ancient town was the Kullu kingdom's capital for centuries. Naggar Castle, now a heritage hotel, still welcomes visitors for tours. The views from up there are ridiculous.
The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery showcases the Russian artist's work. The building itself is beautiful mountain architecture. Several cafes serve excellent food with views that make you want to stay forever. The temples here have intricate wood carvings that Himachali architecture is famous for.
Budget at least an hour here. Most people end up wishing they'd planned for longer. Art lovers and history buffs find Naggar absolutely irresistible.
Kullu Town
Kullu town itself deserves a proper stop. This is where the famous Kullu Dussehra happens every year. The market here sells authentic Kullu shawls, caps, and handicrafts. You'll find better quality and prices than touristy Manali shops.
The Great Himalayan National Park entrance is near Kullu. The Raghunath Temple in the town centre is beautiful. Local dhabas serve authentic Himachali cuisine that's hard to find elsewhere. The town has this authentic vibe that hasn't been too touched by tourism.
Stop here for lunch or shopping. It's one of those places to visit in the Shimla Manali route that locals actually recommend.
Vaishno Devi Temple
This temple near Kullu sits right along the Beas River. It's built to look like the famous Vaishno Devi shrine near Jammu, but you don't need to trek for hours to get here. The location is peaceful with mountains rising all around.
The temple welcomes everyone. Well-maintained premises, clean washrooms, small shops outside selling snacks and religious items. The sound of the river flowing adds something special to the atmosphere.
Many travellers include this in their places between Shimla and Manali list. It's also a practical rest stop with good facilities.
When to Plan Your Drive
March to June is perfect for Shimla to Manali on the way to sightseeing . The weather stays pleasant, roads are clear, everything is open. Spring brings apple blossoms. Summer brings lush green everywhere. Monsoon (July to September) means landslides and slippery roads. Not recommended unless you're experienced.
Winter (December to February) gives you snow-covered landscapes. Beautiful but tricky. You'll need winter tires and driving experience. October to November offers clear skies and autumn colours, though nights get cold.
Smart Road Trip Tips
Get your vehicle serviced before leaving. Check tires, brakes, oil levels. Carry a spare tire and basic tools. Keep your tank above half full.
Start early in the morning. Mountain roads in darkness are no joke. Drive carefully on those winding sections. Watch for blind turns. Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone.
Pack warm clothes no matter which season. Snacks and water for the drive. First aid kit. Phone charger and power bank. Valid license and vehicle papers.
Food and Fuel Stops
Dhabas and restaurants pop up regularly, especially in Mandi and Kullu. Petrol pumps are in all major towns. The last major pump before Manali is in Kullu. Carry cash because smaller places don't take cards.
Local dhabas serve the best Himachali food. Though you'll find Punjabi and Chinese everywhere too. The roadside chai is always excellent.
Make It Memorable with Travel Coffee
The Shimla to Manali by road journey is more than just getting from one hill station to another. It's an experience through Himachal's soul. Each stop reveals something new about this magnificent region.
At Travel Coffee, we've perfected this route through years of driving it. We know which viewpoints catch the sunrise best. Which dhabas serve authentic local food. Which hidden spots offer peaceful breaks away from tourist crowds.
Our guided road trips handle everything while you enjoy the ride. We customize stops based on what you're into. Photography? Adventure? Culture? Just a chill mountain drive? We've got you covered. Let us make your places to visit in Shimla Manali journey smooth and unforgettable.