This post breaks down what Dhesu Travel’s 9-day Shimla and Manali tour actually includes, what it costs per person, when the snow really shows up (and when it doesn’t), and a few honest things about the drives and the high-altitude stops that are worth knowing before you book.
The trip in numbers
| Trip | 9 Days Shimla & Manali |
| Length | 9 days, 8 nights |
| Style | 100% private, land-only |
| From | RM2,188 per person (twin sharing) |
| Starts and ends | Chandigarh |
| Main stops | Shimla, Kullu Valley, Manali, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Rohtang area |
| Departures | Daily, with no minimum group to wait for |
The full itinerary sits on Dhesu’s 9-day Shimla and Manali tour.
What it costs
Prices are per person on twin sharing. Your hotel tier and group size both change the number, because bigger groups travel in a bigger vehicle and split the cost.
| Hotel tier | 2 adults (Toyota Etios) | 4 adults (Toyota Innova) | 8 adults (Tempo Traveller) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-star, budget friendly | RM2,188 | RM2,138 | RM2,088 |
| 4-star, value plus comfort (“most chosen”) | RM2,588 | RM2,548 | RM2,508 |
| 5-star, premium value stay | RM3,188 | RM3,158 | RM3,128 |
A couple of honest notes. Dhesu doesn’t list hotel names for this trip, only “3-star or similar” and so on, so ask for specifics when you enquire. Child rates aren’t listed either, even though the enquiry form has fields for a child with a bed and without one. Travelling with kids? Just ask for a tailored quote.
Included
- 8 nights of hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast (nothing on Day 1)
- Private vehicle and driver guide
- Return airport transfers
- The toy train ride and Solang Valley visit, both listed as highlights
Not included
- International flights
- India visa fee (30-day e-Visa)
- ETIQA travel insurance for 6 to 10 days, listed at RM60
- Entrance fees, unless stated
- Lunches and dinners, unless stated
- Personal expenses and optional tips
So, when does it actually snow?
This is the question that decides most people’s dates, so here’s the plain version from Dhesu’s season notes.
| Months | What you get |
|---|---|
| December to February | Full snow. Beautiful, but cold |
| March to June | Pleasant and popular, with lingering snow at the high points |
| July to September | Monsoon, with a risk of landslides |
| October to November | Crisp, clear mountain views |
So if snow is the whole point, aim for December to February. If you’d rather have comfortable weather and a bit of snow up high, March to June is the sweet spot. Heading over the school break or year-end? Check the year-end holiday deals and school holiday travel offers early.
A word on Rohtang Pass
Many people book this trip with Rohtang Pass in mind, so here’s the catch. Rohtang is seasonal and permit-based, usually open from around May to October, weather permitting, and access isn’t guaranteed. The Atal Tunnel, on the other hand, is described as giving year-round access to the Lahaul valley. Dhesu arranges the best available high-altitude excursion for your dates, which means Day 7 can look different depending on when you travel. If you’re curious about how altitude affects travellers more generally, Dhesu’s blog on avoiding altitude sickness in Ladakh is a useful read.
The 9 days, told as a route
I’ll keep this loose. It’s less a checklist and more a rough feel for how the days flow.
Days 1 to 2: Chandigarh, then up to Shimla
You land in Chandigarh, get met at the airport and head to the hotel. There’s Sukhna Lake and the Sector 17 market if you have energy left, but with no meals on Day 1, you’ll be hunting for dinner yourself.
Day 2 is the climb to Shimla. You can do it by road, or take the toy train, which is the Kalka to Shimla line per Dhesu’s itinerary. Stop at Chandigarh’s Rock Garden before you go, then spend the evening on Mall Road.
Day 3: Shimla in full
A full day around town. The Ridge and Christ Church, Jakhoo Temple, Viceregal Lodge and an excursion out to Kufri. It’s a slow, wandering sort of day, and honestly one of the nicest on the trip because nothing is rushed.
Day 4: The long scenic drive to Manali
Shimla to Manali via Kullu Valley, with a stop at the Pandoh Dam viewpoint on the way. Dhesu doesn’t give driving hours or distances, so ask your consultant how long the day will be and plan snacks accordingly. You arrive in Manali in the evening.
Day 5: Manali, the local side
Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, the Vashisht hot springs and Old Manali. It’s a good mix of temples, hot water and cafe-hopping, and a nice breather after the big drive.
Day 6: Solang Valley
A full day in the valley. The cable car (ropeway), mountain views, and optional adventure activities if you want them. This is usually where first-time snow-seekers get their photos.
Day 7: Atal Tunnel and the high stuff
The big excursion. Atal Tunnel, the Rohtang area if the season allows, the Sissu valley and Snow Point. It’s subject to season and permits, so treat the plan as flexible. Your driver guide handles the permits and mountain roads.
Day 8: Kullu Valley and a slow day
Kullu shawl factories, Naggar Castle, shopping, and an optional Beas river rafting session if the season suits. A relaxed day to use up the last of your energy and your luggage space.
Day 9: Down to Chandigarh and home
A scenic descent to Chandigarh, then the airport transfer for your flight.
What people usually don’t think about
- The drives are a real part of the trip. There are several long mountain drives, including Shimla to Manali. Pack motion sickness tablets if you tend to need them.
- Your driver guide does a lot. Mountain roads, the toy train arrangements and high-altitude permits are all handled by them, so you’re not figuring it out yourself.
- Food is mostly on you. Only breakfast is included, so budget for lunches and dinners.
- Keep your Day 7 expectations flexible. Weather and permits can change what’s open.
- Layers beat one big jacket. Mornings and evenings in the hills can swing a lot, though Dhesu doesn’t give temperatures, so check forecasts nearer your date.
Visa and flights
Malaysian passport holders apply for an India e-Visa online before departure. It’s valid for 30 days from entry, the fee isn’t in the package price, and Dhesu helps with the application at booking. Flights aren’t included. Most Malaysian travellers fly from KLIA to Chandigarh, or to the Kullu-Manali airport, and Dhesu can recommend flights and timings. Rules change, so double-check the visa requirements close to your travel date.
Not sure nine days is right for you?
Dhesu has a few related options if you want something shorter or bigger:
- A shorter 6-day Manali trip if the mountain valley is what you really want.
- A 5-day Shimla and Chandigarh trip for a lighter, more relaxed version.
- A 10-day Golden Triangle with Manali if you want the Taj Mahal and the mountains together.
- Thinking of Kashmir instead? Read how much a Kashmir trip costs from Malaysia before you decide.
Travelling as a big family or a work group? Dhesu also arranges group and incentive travel, and larger groups lower the per-person cost. Wondering if you really need an agent for a trip with this many moving parts? Here’s why booking through a travel agent tends to help with mountain itineraries.
Ready to plan your Himachal trip?
Tell the Dhesu team your dates, your group size and whether snow is a must-have, and they’ll shape the trip around it. Message them on WhatsApp at +6019 320 2877, request a free quote, or send a custom itinerary request if you’d like to change the length or add stops. You can also look through all of Dhesu’s India tour packages first.
