About this Himachal Tour
A World Heritage railway, then the mountains
The Kalka–Shimla Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding it is the best possible way to arrive in the hills: 96 km, about five hours, more than a hundred tunnels and a long series of arched stone bridges, climbing the whole way.
We build the trip around it. You board at Kalka, arrive in Shimla by rail, spend three nights there with Kufri and Chail, then drive on to Manali for Solang Valley, the Atal Tunnel and Sissu.
We do the train one way only, on purpose. Five hours up is a delight; five hours back down with a journey still ahead is a long afternoon. The train ticket is included in the price and we book it as soon as the reservation window opens, because it sells out.
Trip Highlights
The railway, the hill town and the mountains
A ride on the UNESCO Kalka–Shimla railway
Shimla's Mall Road and the Ridge
Kufri and quiet Chail
Solang Valley for snow and adventure
The Atal Tunnel through to Sissu
Hadimba Temple and Old Manali
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
In by rail, out through the mountains
- Transfer to Kalka station and board the narrow-gauge train.
- Climb through tunnels, over arched bridges and past Barog and Solan.
- Arrive in Shimla, transfer to the hotel and take an easy evening on the Mall.
- Jakhoo Temple, the highest point in town, by road or on foot.
- Christ Church, the Gaiety Theatre and the Viceregal Lodge.
- A free afternoon for the Mall, the bazaar or a walk in the deodars.
- Kufri early for meadows, viewpoints and snow play in winter.
- On to Chail through pine forest — the heritage palace and the high cricket ground.
- Back to Shimla in the evening.
- A long, scenic drive down into the Kullu valley with the Beas alongside.
- Stops for lunch, photographs and the Kullu shawl weavers.
- Reach Manali by evening.
- Solang Valley for snow, skiing in season and paragliding when conditions allow.
- Through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul.
- Back to Manali in the evening.
- Hadimba Temple in its cedar grove, Manu Temple and the Vashisht hot springs.
- Old Manali for cafes and the Beas riverside.
- Optional: river rafting on the Beas, or a day trip to Manikaran and Kasol.
- A slow morning and breakfast before checkout.
- Transfer to Bhuntar airport, or onward road transfer to Chandigarh or Delhi.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- Kalka–Shimla toy train ticket (one way, subject to availability)
- All arrival and departure transfers
- 6 nights hotel stay (3 Shimla, 3 Manali)
- Daily breakfast and dinner
- All sightseeing and transfers by private vehicle
- Atal Tunnel and Sissu excursion
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Train/air fare to and from Kalka or Delhi
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Entry tickets, ropeway, pony & adventure charges
- Snow-gear hire at Solang or Kufri
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
Mountain holiday essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Best Time: March–June is green and pleasant; December–February is the snow season at Kufri, Narkanda and Solang; July–September is monsoon, with rain and occasional landslides.
How to Reach: Chandigarh is the nearest airport and railhead for Shimla; Bhuntar (Kullu) is nearest to Manali. Overnight Volvo coaches run from Delhi to both towns and we can arrange them.
Hill Roads: Himachal's roads are winding and slower than the map suggests. We plan realistic drive times and use experienced local drivers rather than squeezing in an extra stop.
Snow is Weather: Nobody can guarantee snowfall on a given date. We will tell you honestly what the odds look like for your week and keep the plan flexible.
Money & Network: Carry some cash for smaller towns and for pony, sledge and gear hire. ATMs are in the main towns; network is good in Shimla and Manali, patchy on the higher roads.
About the Train: The Kalka–Shimla toy train sells out, especially in season and around holidays. We book it as soon as the reservation window opens, but seats are subject to railway availability. If the train is full on your dates we will tell you straight away and arrange a road transfer instead, with the difference refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
Yes, one way from Kalka up to Shimla, subject to railway availability. We book it as soon as the reservation window opens because it sells out, especially in season and around holidays.
About five hours for the 96 km from Kalka to Shimla, through more than a hundred tunnels and across a long series of arched bridges. It is a World Heritage railway and the climb is the whole point.
Because five hours down, with a drive or a flight still ahead, turns a lovely experience into a long afternoon. We put you on the train going up, when it is at its best, and drive the rest.
We will tell you as soon as we know and arrange a road transfer from Chandigarh instead, with the train portion refunded. We never leave this to chance on the day.
It depends on availability and your arrival timing - usually the Shivalik Deluxe Express or the Himalayan Queen. We confirm the exact service and class with your booking.
Yes. It is a slow, seated journey with stops along the way. Carry a light jacket, some snacks and water, and be aware that toilet facilities on board are basic.
Yes - that makes it a 9 or 10 night trip. We also run a Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala and Dalhousie circuit; ask us and we will quote it.
March to June for green hills and comfortable weather, December to February for snow at Kufri and Solang. The train runs year-round and is lovely in every season.
