The hills are clear and cool in October. Fly to Chandigarh, or ride the train from Howrah to Kalka and the toy train up to Shimla.
On this Shimla Manali tour package from Kolkata, most travellers fly to Chandigarh. A direct flight takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. Our cab picks you up and stays with you for the full 5 nights, 6 days trip. The price starts at ₹12,950 per person (GST 5% extra) with 2 nights in Shimla, 3 nights in Manali and breakfast. Love trains? Ride the Howrah–Kalka train and the toy train to Shimla, and we meet you there. The hill days follow our Shimla Manali tour package.
| Trip length | 5 nights / 6 days |
|---|---|
| Price per person | ₹12,950 from Chandigarh · ₹15,450 from Delhi (GST 5% extra) |
| By air | Kolkata to Chandigarh (IXC), direct flights |
| By train | Howrah to Kalka (about 1.5 days), then toy train to Shimla |
| Best season | October · April to June · snow from late December |
| Not included | Flights or train tickets, lunch, dinner and activities |
Both work well. Choose by time and budget.
| Way to travel | Time | Where we meet you | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct flight to Chandigarh | About 2 hrs 40 min | Chandigarh airport | Short leave, families with kids |
| Flight to Delhi | About 2 hrs 15 min, then 8–9 hrs by cab | Delhi airport (₹15,450) | When Delhi fares are cheaper |
| Howrah–Kalka train + toy train | About 1.5 days + 5–6 hrs | Shimla station | Train lovers, long holidays |
Train timings change. Check the latest times on IRCTC before you book.
Yes. The narrow gauge line from Kalka to Shimla is a UNESCO World Heritage railway. The ride takes about 5 to 6 hours and climbs through pine forests, tunnels and small stations.
If you come by the Howrah–Kalka train, the toy train is the natural next step. If you fly, we can drop you at Kalka station on Day 1 instead, and pick you up in Shimla.
Toy train seats fill fast in October and May. Book your tickets on IRCTC as soon as your dates are fixed.
💡 Fact:Barog station has the longest tunnel on the line, about 1.1 km.
The plan works for both flight and train arrivals. Only Day 1 changes.
💡 Fact: The Kalka–Shimla railway has 102 tunnels and over 800 bridges.
💡 Fact: Shimla Kali Bari was built in 1845 by Bengali families who lived and worked in Shimla.
💡 Fact: The Tibetan monastery in Manali was built by Tibetan families in the late 1960s.
💡 Fact: Sissu sits beside the Chandra river on the Lahaul side of the Atal Tunnel.
October brings clear skies and cool days. Late December to February is for snow. July to September is rainy, so skip it.
Clear mountain views and fresh air. Many Bengali families travel now, so book by August.
Best for viewsSnow at Kufri and Solang. Some roads close for a day after heavy snowfall.
Best for snowA break from the humid Kolkata heat. Rohtang usually opens in late May.
Best for familiesFresh river trout, grilled or fried. A must for fish lovers.
All yearEasy to get at hotels and dhabas.
All yearTibetan food in Manali and Shimla.
All yearHot tea with a view of the hills.
All yearStraight from the orchards near Kullu.
Aug – OctHard to find. Carry a box from home for the train.
TipHave 10 days or more? Add one of these, or see all our Himachal tour packages.
Monasteries, tea gardens and the Dhauladhar range. See the Dharamshala package.
The Parvati valley, hot springs and riverside cafés. See the Manali Kasol tour.
Yes. A direct train runs from Howrah to Kalka. It takes about a day and a half. From Kalka, you can take the toy train to Shimla. Check timings on IRCTC.
It starts at ₹12,950 per person with Chandigarh pickup, plus 5% GST. Flights or train tickets, lunch, dinner and activities are extra.
Yes, it is one of the best times. Days are sunny and the mountain views are clear. Nights are cold, so pack warm clothes.
Yes. Trout is common in Manali, and many restaurants serve fish curry and rice. Mustard oil cooking is rare, though.
Yes. Shimla Kali Bari, built in 1845, is a short walk from the Ridge. Many Bengali travellers visit it. We add it to Day 2.
Yes. We pick you up at Delhi airport or station for ₹15,450 per person. Day 1 is then a longer drive to Shimla.
Days are about 15–18°C. Nights can drop to 3–5°C. A good jacket, cap and socks are enough.
Send us your dates and how you will travel on WhatsApp. We send the plan and price. Pay only when you are happy.
Tell us if you will fly or take the train, and your dates. We send a free plan and today's price in about 15 minutes.
