I’m planning a Himachal trip from Delhi with a small group of family members, and while researching the route, I realised there are so many ways to organise the same holiday. Some people prefer a relaxed stay in one hill station, while others recommend covering both Shimla and Manali. I’m leaning towards the second option, but I’d love to hear from people who have actually done it.

One option I came across was a Himachal Tour Package From Delhi, which seems useful for people who don't want to separately arrange buses, hotels and local sightseeing. However, I’m still trying to understand whether a package is genuinely more convenient or whether booking each part independently gives better flexibility.

Manali is definitely high on my list. I’ve seen plenty of recommendations for the Places to Visit in Manali, but I’m more interested in experiences than simply ticking attractions off a list. Solang Valley sounds good for activities, while Old Manali seems better suited to spending a slow afternoon exploring cafés and walking around. Hidimba Temple and Vashisht also seem worth including for a first visit.

The season is another thing I’m unsure about. When researching the Best Time to Visit Manali, I found that different travellers recommend different months depending on whether you want pleasant weather, greenery, adventure activities or snow. I’m not specifically looking for heavy snowfall, so I’m wondering if visiting outside the busiest winter period might actually be more enjoyable.

Shimla is another destination I don't want to skip. The Places to Visit in Shimla seem to offer a different experience from Manali, with The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple and Kufri being some of the commonly recommended spots. Since some family members prefer sightseeing and shopping over adventure activities, Shimla could provide a nice balance.

I’m also trying to decide the right season for Shimla. From what I’ve read about the Best Time to Visit Shimla, summer is popular because of the comfortable temperatures, while winter attracts people hoping to experience snowfall. Personally, I’d rather avoid extremely crowded weekends if possible.

One thing I’ve learned from planning this trip is that travel time between destinations shouldn't be underestimated. It may be tempting to add several places to the itinerary, but spending hours travelling every day can take away from the actual holiday.

For those who have travelled from Delhi to Shimla and Manali, how many days would you recommend for a comfortable trip? Would you cover both destinations or spend the whole holiday in one place?