Cross from Garhwal into Himachal without ever boarding a plane: the four dhams of Uttarakhand, then the colonial lanes of Shimla and the apple valleys of Manali, all in one car from Delhi.
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh share a long border, and that geography is what makes this tour work so well. When the Char Dham circuit ends in the Garhwal hills, you are only a day's drive from Shimla via Dehradun and the Paonta Sahib road. From Shimla, the highway follows the Sutlej and Beas rivers north to Manali. One private vehicle and one driver can carry you the whole way, so there are no flights, station transfers or luggage shuffles.
The rhythm is deliberate. The first ten days are a classic Char Dham Yatra from Delhi, with early starts, temple queues and two treks. The last five days slow down: Mall Road walks, snow points, temple visits in Manali and time to enjoy the mountains without an alarm clock. Families with teenagers like this combination because there is something for every age.
Duration15 nights / 16 days
Start & endDelhi
TransportOne private vehicle throughout
Total distanceAbout 2,600 km
Best monthsMay – June, mid-Sep – Oct
MealsBreakfast & dinner
Tour price
The estimate is per person for four travellers on twin or triple sharing in budget hotels, sharing one vehicle from Delhi. Larger families often move up to an Innova Crysta or Tempo Traveller; we quote the difference.
Package
Duration
From, per person
Char Dham + Shimla Manali from Delhi
15N / 16D
₹39,500
Char Dham + Kashmir from Delhi
16N / 17D
₹49,500
Char Dham only from Delhi
11N / 12D
₹24,500
Estimated 2027 prices. Final cost depends on dates, hotel category, vehicle and group size. Rohtang permits, Solang activities, pony, palki and helicopter costs are extra.
Pick-up from your Delhi address in the morning and a straightforward drive to Haridwar. Check in and rest after lunch. Walk to Har Ki Pauri for the evening aarti.
Day 2
Haridwar to Barkot
210 km7–8 hoursNight: Barkot
The hill road begins at Dehradun and climbs to Mussoorie, then winds down to the Yamuna. Stop for tea with valley views on the way. Overnight at Barkot.
Day 3
Yamunotri
45 km + 6 km trek each wayFull dayNight: Barkot
From Janki Chatti, climb 6 km to the Yamunotri temple on foot, pony or palki. Cook rice in the Surya Kund and pray at the Divya Shila before darshan. Back to Barkot by evening.
Day 4
Barkot to Uttarkashi
100 km4–5 hoursNight: Uttarkashi
A gentle road day over the ridge to the Bhagirathi valley. Visit Uttarkashi's Kashi Vishwanath temple in the afternoon. Early night.
Day 5
Gangotri
100 km each wayFull dayNight: Uttarkashi
Drive up through Harsil's orchards to Gangotri for darshan of Goddess Ganga. See Bhagirath Shila beside the river. Return to Uttarkashi at night.
Day 6
Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
220 km8–9 hoursNight: Guptkashi
A long day via Tehri lake to the Mandakini valley. Arrive by evening and repack a small bag. Your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Day 7
Kedarnath
30 km + 16 km trek7–9 hoursNight: Kedarnath
Sonprayag, the shared jeep to Gaurikund and the climb to Kedarnath on foot, pony or palki. IRCTC shuttle ticket holders fly from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi. Evening aarti at the temple.
Day 8
Kedarnath to Guptkashi
16 km + 30 kmFull dayNight: Guptkashi
Early darshan and the Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi. Walk down and drive back to Guptkashi. Rest.
Day 9
Guptkashi to Badrinath
200 km8–9 hoursNight: Badrinath
Cross via Ukhimath and the forests of Chopta to the Alaknanda and drive up past Joshimath. The last hour is a dramatic climb through the gorge to Badrinath. Bathe in the Tapt Kund and attend the evening aarti.
Day 10
Badrinath and Mana to Rudraprayag
160 km6–7 hoursNight: Rudraprayag / Srinagar
Morning darshan, then Mana village for Vyas Gufa and Bhim Pul. Drive down the valley for the night. The pilgrimage part of your journey is complete.
Day 11
Rudraprayag to Dehradun
about 175 km6–7 hoursNight: Dehradun
An easier day down the Alaknanda past Devprayag and Rishikesh to Dehradun. Visit the Robber's Cave or the Tapkeshwar temple if time allows. Overnight in Dehradun to break the journey to Himachal.
Image space images/rishikesh.jpg 1200 × 675 px
Day 12
Dehradun to Shimla
about 225 km7–8 hoursNight: Shimla
Cross into Himachal Pradesh near Paonta Sahib, where a gurdwara stands on the Yamuna bank. The road climbs via Nahan and Solan to Shimla. Evening walk on the Mall Road and the Ridge.
Day 13
Shimla and Kufri
about 40 kmHalf dayNight: Shimla
Drive to Kufri for views and pony rides, then visit the Jakhoo temple with its giant Hanuman statue. Spend the afternoon at Christ Church and the Lakkar Bazaar. Dinner in Shimla.
Day 14
Shimla to Manali
about 250 km8–9 hoursNight: Manali
A long scenic drive past Sundernagar and Mandi and through the Kullu valley along the Beas. Stop at riverside points for photos and river-rafting spots near Kullu. Check in to your Manali hotel by evening.
Day 15
Manali sightseeing
LocalFull dayNight: Manali
Visit the Hadimba Devi temple in its cedar forest, Vashisht hot springs and the old Manali lanes. Spend the afternoon at Solang valley, or, with a permit, drive towards the Atal Tunnel and the snow beyond. Evening free in the Mall Road market.
Day 16
Manali to Delhi
about 540 km12–13 hoursNight: Tour ends
Start very early for the long drive down to the plains via Mandi, Bilaspur and Chandigarh. Drop at your Delhi home, station or airport late in the evening. Ask us if you would prefer to break this day with a night in Chandigarh.
Inclusions and exclusions
Included
15 nights' stay on twin or triple sharing
Breakfast and dinner daily
One private vehicle with driver from Delhi to Delhi
Fuel, tolls, parking, Uttarakhand and Himachal entry taxes
Help with the free Char Dham registration
Phone and WhatsApp support
Not included
Pony, palki or helicopter at Yamunotri and Kedarnath
Sonprayag – Gaurikund jeep
Rohtang or Atal Tunnel-area permits and Solang activities
Lunch, entry tickets, puja and VIP darshan
Extra nights due to landslides
Insurance and personal expenses
Place
Nights
Haridwar
1
Barkot
2
Uttarkashi
2
Guptkashi
2
Kedarnath
1
Badrinath
1
Rudraprayag / Srinagar
1
Dehradun
1
Shimla
2
Manali
2
Tips for a long road journey
Choose a comfortable vehicle. For five or six people, an Innova Crysta makes the long Himachal days easier; groups of 8–12 prefer a Tempo Traveller.
Travel in May–June or late September to October; avoid the monsoon when both states see landslides.
Manali is busy with holiday traffic in May and June; book early.
Keep the Char Dham registration QR code and photo ID handy; see the registration guide.
Pack layers: Kedarnath mornings are freezing while Delhi and Dehradun can be hot.
Call or WhatsApp +91-99111 77951 with your dates and group size.
Choose hotels and vehicle from the options we suggest.
Receive the final plan with an estimate for your dates.
Pay the advance to confirm.
Travel with the same driver from Delhi back to Delhi.
Char Dham with Shimla Manali: FAQ
How many days do I need for Char Dham with Shimla and Manali?
About 15 nights and 16 days from Delhi: ten days for the Char Dham and five for Shimla and Manali, including the transfer.
What does the package cost?
From about ₹39,500 per person for four travellers on budget hotels. This is a 2027 estimate; dates, hotels, vehicle and group size change the final price.
Do we need to change vehicles in Himachal?
No. The same vehicle and driver stay with you from Delhi to Delhi; we pay the interstate taxes.
Can we visit Rohtang Pass?
Rohtang needs a permit with a daily limit and closes in bad weather. We apply when possible, or plan Solang valley and the Atal Tunnel area instead.
Can the order be reversed?
Yes. Shimla and Manali first, then the Char Dham, works well in May before the yatra crowds peak.
Is Kedarnath helicopter included?
No. Shuttle tickets are sold only on IRCTC HeliYatra after registration. We help you prepare and change the plan if you get seats.
Is the Manali to Delhi day too long?
It is a 12–13 hour drive. If you prefer, we add a night in Chandigarh and quote the difference.
