Shimla Travel Guide

Summer Capital of British India

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How to Reach Shimla From Manali

Shimla-Kulu-Manali is a very popular tourist circuit in Himachal Pradesh. Many tourists start the tour from Manali and then goes to Shimla which is at a distance of 246 KM from Shimla. Tourists need to travel by road to reach Shimla from Manali.

Though traveling at night is allowed in the Manali to Shimla road, it is always advised that you travel from Manali to Shimla during daytime. This is because the road goes through some very scenic places. The Kulu to Manali stretch is the most prominent of them with river Beas flowing all through beside the road. If budget permits, it is advisible to make this journey by private car which will ensure you enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Manali To Shimla Route

Manali to Shimla is 246 Km by road. The route goes via –
Manali-Kulu-Bhuntar-Mandi-Sundar Nagar-Shimla

Another route from Manali via Naggar is –
Manali-Jagat Sukh-Naggar-Kulu-Bhuntar-Mandi-Sundar Nagar-Shimla

FROM	TO	DISTANCE (Km)	FROM Manali (Km)
Manali	Naggar	21	21
Naggar	Kulu	28	49
Manali	Kulu	40	40
Kulu	Bhunter	12	52
Bhunter	Mandi	60	112
Mandi	Sundar Nagar	12	124
Sundar Nagar	Shimla	122	246

Manali To Shimla By Bus

Both Himachal Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) runs AC Deluxe bus service from manali to Shimla. In Addition, there are private operators running AC Deluxe bus services in this route. HRTC also runs non-AC buses which costs much less than the AC ones. Buses take about 9 hrs to reach Shimla from manali with 2 stops on the way for refreshments.

HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation)

HPTDC runs daily Non-AC Deluxe services from Manali to Shimla.

Timing – There are daily 2 buses run by HPTDC. One bus starts from Manali at 08:00 hrs in the morning reaching Shimla in the evening. The other bus is an overnight one starting from Manali at 20:00 hrs reaching Shimla at 06:00 hrs in the morning.

Booking – Advance booking can be done at – www.booking.hptdc.in. Due to their consistent service, HPTDC tickets are in high demand, especially during the high season and it is advised to book well before the journey date.

Fare – One-way fare from Shimla to Manali is approximately Rs 600

Starting Point – Parking lot near the Manali Mall road.

Halt – The buses halt twice on the way for refreshments

Drop and Transfer to Hotel – The HPTDC bus will drop you at Victory Tunnel, Shimla. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, you can pull your own luggage or hire a porter. Otherwise, hire a local cab to drop you to your hotel.

Tips – Manali to Shimla journey is through a very scenic route. A window seat on the left side of the bus will make your journey perfect

HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation)

HRTC runs multiple AC Volvo/Deluxe buses daily from Manali to Shimla. HRTC also runs few Non-AC ordinary buses in this route. HRTC buses are more in number and available for both morning and night journey.

Timing –

HRTC Volvo/AC Deluxe from Shimla to Manali – 08:00, 10:30, 20:20 Hrs

HRTC Volvo/AC Deluxe from Manali to Shimla – 06:00, 18:20 and 22:30 Hrs

Apart from the AC Deluxe buses, there are also few Non-AC ordinary buses run by HRTC in this route.

Booking – Advance booking available at – www.hrtchp.com/hrtctickets. If you are planning to visit during the high season, book your tickets well ahead of the journey date as the demand for tickets are high.

Fare – Oneway fare from Shimla to Manali is between around Rs 900.

Starting Point – Manali bus depot near the Mall road

Halt – The buses halt twice during the journey. Depending on the time of travel, one stop will be for lunch/dinner and the other stop for tea break.

Drop and Transfer to Hotel – The HRTC bus will drop you at Shimla ISBT, Tutikandi. If you are staying at a nearby hotel, you can pull your own luggage or hire a porter. Otherwise, hire a local cab to drop you to your hotel.

Tips – HRTC buses run on schedule and they do not cancel a journey at the last moment in case there are less passengers

Private Bus Service

Apart from HPTDC and HRTC there are few private operators who are providing AC and Non-AC bus services in this route. Compared to private buses, HPTDC and HRTC services are much more punctual and dependable. You should opt for a private bus only if bookings in HPTDC and HRTC buses are not available.

Manali to Shimla By Car

Manali to Shimla by car takes 9 to 10 hrs. The journey is through some very scenic route via Manali-Kulu-Bhuntar-Mandi-Sundar Nagar-Shimla. You may also come via Naggar. Coming via Naggar route will give you a chance to halt at Naggar Castle and enjoy the beauty of Kulu valley from a height.

If you choose to come via the Kulu route, you can enjoy the beauty of the Bipasa river flowing beside you for the entire stretch between Kulu and Manali. Photography enthusiasts will get ample chance to click few memorable shots.