To truly enjoy the hills without feeling like you are just 'living in a car,' I recommend a minimum of 6 Days and 5 Nights. A typical Shimla and Manali Tour itinerary from Delhi looks like this:
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla drive.
Day 2: Shimla & Kufri sightseeing.
Day 3: Scenic drive from Shimla to Manali (about 7-8 hours).
Day 4: Manali local sights (Hadimba Temple, Mall Road).
Day 5: Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass for snow.
Day 6: Drive back to Delhi.
If you have 8 days, you can add a night in Kasol or Dalhousie. If you’re short on time, a customized
Shimla and Manali Tour can be compressed into 5 days, but 6 days is the 'sweet spot' for a relaxed vacation.