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Surprise birthday trip to Manali turns into a nightmare for Pune couple

Soniya, a senior manager at a marketing agency, and lokesh, a manager at an it firm in pune, embarked on their journey to manali on july 7..

Soniya Rohra celebrated her 35th birthday with a surprise trip to Manali, meticulously planned by her husband, Lokesh Punjabi, who wanted to make her special day truly memorable. However, what was meant to be a joyous occasion quickly turned into a harrowing experience as the couple found themselves stranded in a Kullu village without any amenities for nearly three days.

Soniya, a Senior Manager at a Marketing Agency, and Lokesh, a Manager at an IT firm in Pune , embarked on their journey to Manali on July 7. “Though her birthday falls on July 4, I planned a late surprise for her. Since she loves hills, I had pre-booked hotels at Kasol and Manali. We flew from Pune in the wee hours on July 8 at around 4:20 AM and landed in Chandigarh at 6 AM. Our cab was already arranged to take us from Chandigarh to Kasol and then onward to Manali,” shared Lokesh during an interaction with The Indian Express .

However, their optimism soon faded as rain began to pour during their drive to Kasol. “By the time we reached Kasol in the evening at 6 PM, it was raining heavily. We were hopeful that it would soon stop, allowing us to continue our journey to Manali,” Soniya recalled.

On July 9, as they woke up and prepared to proceed towards Manali via Manikaran Sahib, they discovered that the weather had worsened. Unbeknownst to them, it would prove to be a fateful decision. “Around 11 AM, we set out towards Manikaran Sahib, but a few kilometres ahead, our path was obstructed by a fallen tree due to the heavy rainfall. With no way to continue, we were forced to turn back towards Manali via Kullu. It was estimated to take approximately two hours to clear the road,” Soniya explained.

The couple’s adventure began with landslides along the Kullu route, with rocks and boulders tumbling down from the mountains. Undeterred, they managed to navigate through Kullu but were met with a red alert and barricades at the Pathlikul bridge, just 25 kilometres from their destination.

“We were instructed to turn back from Pathlikul. With evening approaching and darkness descending quickly due to heavy rainfall, we started searching for hotels in the nearby Dobhi village. After two hours of searching, we finally found a hotel that lacked electricity, water, and internet connectivity. The hotel was situated adjacent to the swollen Beas river, and as we lay down to sleep, we could hear its ominous roar,” shared the couple.

Upon waking up on July 10, they discovered that numerous other stranded individuals, including several couples, shared their predicament. With fluctuating phone signals, no internet, and no electricity to access news updates, they were left isolated, with only the relentless rainfall and the raging Beas river as witnesses to their plight.

On July 11, Lokesh learned from locals that the highway had caved in, obstructed by boulders, and the repair work might take one to two weeks. The couple found themselves resigned to the possibility of an extended stay in the hotel, which was charging exorbitant prices. “Despite Soniya’s fear and our stranded situation, I was mentally prepared for a week-long wait. July 11 ended with hope for improved weather, but unfortunately, it persisted,” revealed Lokesh.

By the afternoon of July 12, the rainfall subsided, and luck smiled upon them when they encountered two individuals at the hotel willing to take a chance and leave. These fellow travelers were heading to Mandi in their car and offered Soniya and Lokesh the opportunity to join them. Eager to move forward, they embarked on the journey, navigating the narrow roads of Himachal Pradesh. However, the slippery roads, continuous rain, and frequent landslides made their progress arduous. At times, they had to alight from the car and push it to overcome the obstacles.

Upon reaching Mandi, fortune favoured them again when they encountered two men coincidentally traveling to Gurgaon via Chandigarh, risking their way back home from Himachal Pradesh. Grateful for their assistance, Soniya and Lokesh were driven from Mandi to Chandigarh with caution and determination. They finally arrived in Chandigarh around 2 AM on July 13, where they caught a flight back to Pune later that day.

“While our trip didn’t unfold as my husband had planned, and picturesque memories eluded us, the beauty of the Himalayas and the kindness of its people left an indelible mark on our hearts. Our faith in humanity was restored as we witnessed people from different places, all stranded like us, coming together and helping one another in every possible way. We hope the connections we made with these amazing individuals will endure,” expressed Soniya, as she and her husband arrived in Pune on July 14.

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The Ultimate Manali Itinerary – How To Spend 3 Days In Manali

The list of best hill stations can’t be complete without including Manali. Set at an elevation of 2050 meters, Manali is a dreamy destination for those who love captivating views, enchanting villages, adventurous sports, crisp weather, running streams, magical waterfalls and idyllic cottages. Manali has everything that you could ever ask a tourist and that’s the reason you need a perfect itinerary to make your Manali trip memorable. And here we’ve compiled a 3-day Manali itinerary including the best places to stay so you can have the best time of your life in Manali. Do check out our Ultimate Manali Itinerary –

Best Time To Visit Manali

The weather in Manali stays pleasant throughout the year which means Manali is a year-round destination. However, November to April is the best time to visit Manali. From December to February, you can enjoy all kinds of snow activities in Manali while during March and April, you can enjoy the lush green beauty.

How To Reach Manali

• By Road: Manali is well connected to major cities in North India by road. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Delhi, Chandigarh, or Shimla to reach Manali. The journey from Delhi to Manali takes around 12-14 hours, and the roads can be challenging, especially during the winter months. However, the scenic beauty of the hills and valleys makes the journey worthwhile.
• By Train: The nearest railway station to Manali is Jogindernagar, which is around 50 kilometers away from the town. However, the railway station is not well connected to major cities, and the frequency of trains is low. The best option is to take a train to Chandigarh or Pathankot, which are well-connected to major cities, and then take a taxi or bus to reach Manali.
• By Flight: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, which is around 50 kilometers away from the town. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and several airlines operate regular flights to Bhuntar. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Manali.

How Many Days Would Be Enough For Manali?

A minimum of 3 days would be needed to enjoy the beauty of Manali to some extent. But if you have 4 or 5 days then it would be great as there are many beautiful places near Manali which are worth visiting. So, a week’s trip to Manali would be the best way to explore the real beauty of this hill station.

Manali Itineray For 3 Days

• Day 1 – Old Manali -> Hadimba Devi Temple -> Manu Temple -> Tibetan Monastery -> Beas River
• Day 2 – Vashisht Temple & Hot Water Spring -> Jogini Falls -> Anjani Mahadeb Temple -> Solang Valley -> Mall Road
• Day 3 – Day trip To Sethan
• Day 4 – Day trip to Rohtang Pass , Sissu and Atal Tunnel
• Day 5 – Day trip to Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and Bijli Mahadev Temple

Day 1 Manali

Manali is divided into 2 parts – New Manali and Old Manali. Located 2.5 KM uphill from Mall Road, Old Manali is a serene part of Manali. It is cleaner, more peaceful and less crowded as compared to New Manali. Therefore, Old Manali is vastly preferred by solo travelers and those who looking to seek mental peace. The sunrise & sunsets are intoxicating so be ready with your camera.

Sandwiched between the apple orchards, hills and beas river, Old Manali is known for the Hadimba Devi temple.  

• Things to do – Cafe hopping, hiking. visit Hadimba Devi Temple, and watch soothing sunrise and sunsets. 

Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba Devi temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali. This 400-year-old temple is the best example of great ancient Indian architecture . The temple is a four-story wooden structure with a pagoda-style roof, intricately carved wooden doors, and walls adorned with brass sculptures and frescoes. It is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima who was one of the Pandavas in Mahabharata .

Just behind the temple, there is Manali wildlife sanctuary where you can explore the pristine beauty of the cedar forest. It is a great place to spend quality time in the lap of nature.

• Things to do – Visit Manali Wildlife sanctuary, buy traditional Himachali items, click picture in the traditional Himachal attire which are available outside the temple and admire the amazing architectural beauty of the temple.

Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

Situated amidst the picturesque hills of Manali, the Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a must-visit place for those seeking a peaceful and spiritual experience in Manali. Just a walking distance from Mall road , the temple is a three-story structure with a traditional pagoda-style roof, adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. The temple’s serene surroundings, traditional Buddhist architecture, and regular teachings and meditation sessions make it an ideal place for spiritual seekers and those interested in learning more about Tibetan Buddhism.

• Timing – 7 AM to 7 PM
• Things to do – Relaxation, meditation, shopping, and observing the Buddhist monks offering prayers & doing their daily household work.

Manu Temple

Located 3 KM from Mall Road, Manu Temple is the only temple dedicated to sage Manu. The name Manali derived from the sage Manu who meditated here regularly. The temple is a beautiful wooden structure with pagoda-style roofs, intricately carved wooden doors, and walls adorned with brass sculptures and frescoes. The temple’s unique design is a blend of traditional Himachali and Tibetan architectural styles.

To reach the temple you need to cross a narrow road which is quite adventurous in itself. Along with adventure the serenity of the temple takes you one step closer to nature and makes you feel that the beauty of nature is magical. The fresh breeze passing through the Himalayas will heal all your weariness and gives you inner mental peace.

• Timing – 6 AM to 7 PM
• Things to do – Shopping, photography and offering prayers & seeking blessings.

The lifeline of Manali , the Beas river is one of the major tourist attractions in Manali. It is renowned for its natural beauty, adventurous activities, serene landscape, and surrounding snow-capped mountains.

The Beas River originates from the Beas Kund, which is located in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and flows through the Kullu Valley before entering the Sutlej River in Punjab.

The river’s banks are lined with lush green forests, providing a perfect place for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The river is home to several species of fish , including trout, mahseer, and catfish. Fishing permits can be obtained from the local authorities, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day by the river, trying to catch their favorite fish.

• Things to do – Relaxation, fishing, river rafting, walking, photography and kayaking.

Day 2 In Manali

Vashisht temple & hot water spring.

Start your day 2 in Manali with the blessing of sage Vashisht at Vashisht temple. Located 17 KM from Mall Road, Vashisht temple is famous for its serene surroundings and hot water spring. The Vashisht Temple and Hot Water Springs are named after the legendary sage Vashisht, who is believed to have meditated in the area.

The springs are located just a few steps away from the temple, and the water temperature is around 70 degrees Celsius. The water is believed to have therapeutic properties and is said to cure several ailments like rheumatism, skin diseases, and even paralysis. The hot water is channelized into several bathing tanks, and visitors can take a dip in the warm waters and experience the therapeutic effects.

Visitors from all over the world come to Vashisht to experience the therapeutic effects of the hot water springs and to explore the temples and the charming Vashisht village.

Things to do

• Admire the beautiful surroundings of Vashisht village.
• Take a hot water bath in hot water spring.
• Seek blessing to sage Vashisht.
• Trek to Manali’s most beautiful falls, Jogini falls.

Trek To Jogini Falls

Jogini Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in Himachal. It is a 3-tier waterfall and each one has its own charm and beauty. But the best part of this waterfall is its trek which traverses through the villages, apple orchards, jungle, river crossing, wooden bridge and shops. It is a 3 KM trek starting from Vashisht temple . To complete the trek you would need around 2 hours of time.

The first 2 falls are located near to each other while the top one is situated 20 min uphill trek from the 2nd one. The topmost waterfall is the most scenic and adventurous so don’t forget to visit it.

Visit Anjani Mahadev Temple

After exploring the magical beauty of Jogini falls now it’s time to embrace the magic of Anjani Mahadev Temple. Situated near to Solang Valley, Anjani Mahadev temple is an offbeat place to visit in Manali. This temple is famous for the linga of Shiva which is continuously showered by the natural waterfall . And if you’re visiting in winter then the linga gets covered by snow so much that it looks like Amarnath Linga .

To reach the temple you need to take a 2 KM trek from the main road. The trek is very easy even beginners can do this easily. This 2 KM trek is filled with natural beauty and surrounded by the many waterfalls on both sides. This 2 KM journey is so beautiful that you’ll forget all the problems and immerse yourself in its beauty.

• Location – Solang Valley Road, Burwa.

Solang Valley

Your Manali trip can’t be complete without visiting the Solang Valley. Due to the availability of various kinds of activities, it is renowned as the adventure hub of Manali . There you can easily spend a day and still, you left with much more. So, if you have extra time then you can extend your trip to Solang to the next day as well.

• Things to do – Paragliding, zorbing, camping, zip lining, cable car ride, ATV bike ride, snowboarding, snow scooter riding, trekking and hiking.

Roam around Mall Road

End your day 2 in Manali with the vibrant beauty of Mall Road. Roaming around the streets, having the best food in Manali and shopping the traditional Himachali items on Mall road is the best thing you can do in Manali after sunset. Mall Road is home to all important buildings of Manali like hospitals, banks, ATMs, clothing stores and food stalls.

Day 3 In Manali

Day trip to sethan.

After exploring the local attractions of Manali now it’s time to visit the nearby locations and on Day 3 we’re going to explore the beauty of Sethan . Perched at an elevation of 2700 meters above sea level, Sethan is a beautiful village located 14 KM from Manali. Away from the noisiness of the main city, Sethan is a secluded place to spend a day in peace close to nature. However, to entertain you there are various kinds of activities available like skiing, trekking, hiking, snowboarding, bouldering, night camping, and watching the magical milky way.

To stay in Sethan there is a unique and interesting option named Igloo stay . Staying inside these snow-made houses would be a lifetime experience. And if you’re traveling in summer then glamping is another interesting option to stay in Sethan. There are various vendors in Sethan who provides you with the perfect camping experience with all kinds of luxury that you could ever ask for. Staying in these high tents and capturing the stunning beauty of the Milky way, attracts thousands of visitors every year.

• Things to do in Sethan – Glamping, skiing, staying in Igloo, bouldering, visiting Pandu ropa cave & lake, trek to Indrasan peak and exploring the hidden waterfall.

Where To Stay In Manali?

Being a premium hill station of the country, Manali has a number of options for stay; From budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, from riverside campsites to glamping in Sethan and from peaceful hostels of Old Manali to vibrant hotels of Mall road. Here we listed some of the best-staying options in Manali –

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i visit rohtang pass throughout the year.

No, Rohtang Pass is closed from November to May due to heavy snowfall. It’s advisable to visit Rohtang Pass between June to October.

Is it safe to visit Manali during the monsoon season?

While Manali is beautiful during the monsoon season, it’s advisable to avoid traveling during heavy rains as landslides and roadblocks are common. It’s better to plan your trip during the summer or winter season.

Can I find vegetarian food options in Manali?

Yes, Manali offers a variety of vegetarian food options, including local cuisine and international cuisine. You can find several vegetarian restaurants and cafes in and around the town .

Is it necessary to book accommodation in advance?

It’s recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute hassles. You can find a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays, in Manali.

Hi Guys, My Name is Pursottam Saini, living the life of my dream – From traveling one destination to another and seeing the places I still don’t believe.

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The Ultimate 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary

Best of Manali in One Week

While MANALI was always famous for being the base point for some of the Best Treks in the Himalayas , such as the Hampta Pass Trek , Beas Kund Trek , Bhrigu Lake Trek among others and the starting point for the famous Manali – Leh Road Trip ; with the inauguration of Atal Tunnel , which has reduced the travel time by over 3-4 hours, and has now become the gateway to the Lahul Valley , Manali in general has once again become an attractive destinations for travellers, backpackers and road trippers from all over India. Not only that, Manali has also become a hub for Digital Nomads and is one of the best places to Work from Mountains.  

This 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary is NOT the conventional Manali Circuit that the tour companies offer, but rather a mix of all the best experiences that Manali has to offer, including –  Cafe Hopping in Old Manali | Trekking and Camping in the Himalayas | Road Tripping in the Himalayas and exploring quaint offbeat hamlets around Manali.

Also included in this Manali Travel Itinerary are accommodation recommendations, if you are wondering Where to Stay in Manali !

Day 1 – Reach Manali | Stay in Old Manali

Day 2 – Experience the charm of Old Manali

Day 3 – Road Trip to Atal Tunnel and beyond

Day 4 and 5 – Go on a Trek – Bhrigu Lake 

Day 6 – head to hallan village | disconnect with the world.

Day 7 – Departure from Manali

Tips and Recommendations

7 day trip to manali – brief itinerary, share this:, the 7 day manali travel itinerary .

Reach Old Manali, check in to your Hotel or a Hostel or a Homestay, and If you are wondering where to stay in Old Manali , here are some of our recommendations :

Hostel : Alt Life Manali | Zostel Manali | The Hosteller Manali | YOLO Backpackers – Manali

Homestay : Orchard’s House – The Hidden Tribe | The Professor’s Hut | Drifter’s Inn 

Hotel : Apple Country Resorts | The Orchard Greens Resort and Spa | Keekoo Manali

Once you have settled in, just take a walk around the area, and acquaint yourselves with the surroundings.

You might as well, take an auto or walk till the Mall road, and indulge in some shopping.

Also, if you are wondering how to Reach Manali? – The best and the most cost effective way to reach Manali is by getting on an overnight AC Volvo from Delhi or Chandigarh. Alternatively, you can just drive on your own, or if you are coming in a group, a private cab can also be an economical option.

Old Manali has a charm of its own, and that is something that can be experienced only by staying there, and wandering on the streets.

The best way is to start the day with a relaxed breakfast at Rocky’s Cafe . For this you’ll have to go all the way till Manu Temple.

After having a nice hearty breakfast, you can either choose to make Rocky’s Cafe your Workstation With a View, or can slowly start descending, taking your time, and checking out anything that catches your eye.

Dining With a View

Your next step can be Renaissance for some delicious Pizzas or the Drifter’s Cafe for some Pizzas, Burgers or Pasta.

If getting a tattoo fancies you, you can get in touch with Veronica via her Instagram account where she goes by the name of Veronicas_Ink

If you are looking to buy some funky jewellery, or some Pahaadi style clothes, keep an eye out on the multiple shops selling such stuff in Old Manali.

As you further descend down, you will reach Evergreen Bakery . Stop here, and do try out some of the yummy sweets they sell. You might like to try out the Chocolate Macaroons or the Carrot Cake or anything else.

Next depending on what time it is, you can go to the river side, and soak in the quintessential Old Manali vibes.

River Manalsu flowing through Old Manali – The Quintessential Manali setting

You can even cross the river, and enjoy a stroll to Hadimba Temple. 

While you are near Hadimba Temple, you might also want to check out Southern Souls , if you are craving some delicious South Indian food.

You can call it a day, whenever you feel tired, or when it starts to get dark.

Day 3 of this One Week Trip to Manali is reserved for a Road Trip to Lahul Valley via Atal Tunnel . Atal Tunnel aka Rohtang Tunnel, built under the Rohtang Pass, that took around 10 years to be fully operational, has become the most famous attraction for everyone who is visiting Manali.

At a length of 9.02 kms, Atal Tunnel is the longest tunnel above 10,000 feet , and cuts the travel time between Manali and Leh by around 3-4 hours. You enter the tunnel in Manali and end up in the Lahul Valley . And the very fact that you can travel from Manali to Sissu in 15-20 minutes via the Atal Tunnel is what has turned Atal Tunnel into the most talked about attraction in and around Manali.

Under ideal conditions, one can go all the way till Baralacha La Pass and come back to Manali on the same day, however if you take your time, there are plenty of nooks and corners enroute Darcha, where you can spend time just enjoying the moment and the scenery.

One can always take a cab, however to truly experience the thrill of riding through the Atal Tunnel and immersing yourself in the surroundings, go on a bike / scooty.

PS – There are plenty of places from where you can rent a 2 wheeler in Manali.

Deemed to be the prettiest grassland trek in Himachal, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is something that should definitely be on your radar, which is why I have added the Bhrigu Lake Trek in this 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary.

While the best time to do the trek is definitely between May and September , when it’s all green and the clouds are at your level, one can trek up to Bhrigu Lake practically any time of the year, subject to the weather conditions.

Please note that the temperature during summers hovers around 20-25 C in the daytime and falls to 5-7 C at night. In winter the temperature gets lower with 10-15 C around daytime and nearly 0 to -7 C at night. Almost half a year the lake remains frozen, and one can enjoy the sight of snow even during the early summer time.

Bhrigu Lake Trek is a Easy – Moderate level trek, and can be easily done in 2 days, provided it hasn’t snowed yet , as snow makes the trail more tricky and you need to be cautious and you ultimately end up taking more time

On Day 1 you trek for roughly 4-5 hours covering a distance of 6 kms from the starting point at Gulaba at an altitude of 9000 feet until the campsite at Rola Kholi, which is at an altitude of 12,500 feet.

On Day 2 you start early in the morning and start the 4-5 kms trek uphill to reach Bhrigu Lake from Rola Kholi. Ideally it should take you around 3-4 hours to reach Bhrigu Lake, which is at an altitude of 14,000 feet , while taking intermediate breaks enroute to snack on and to enjoy the mesmerising views of the mighty Himalayan Peaks including Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba.

A 30 – 45 minute stoppage at Bhrigu Lake should be more than enough for you to take it all in !

On the way down, it shouldn’t take you more than 2 hours to reach back to the campsite Rola Kholi, where you have your brunch / lunch.

If you happen to go with any trek company, chances are that you’ll stay back at the campsite for the night, but we recommend you to start heading back to Gulaba by 2 – 3 PM max.

As it’s all downhill, you should be back to Gulaba by 6 PM, and you can go back to your hotel/hostel – take a relaxing hot shower, have a hearty meal, and have a good night’s sleep.

Yes, you will be stretching it out on Day 2 and will be walking for almost 16 kms, but trust me, it’s better than staying an extra night in the tents, and walking down on the 3rd day. 

Alternatively, you can also check out the Lama Dugh Trek, if Bhrigu Lake Trek is not feasible.

A 45 minute – 1 hour  drive from Old Manali is Hallan Village – A quaint hamlet in the lap of Himalayas, away from the chaos of Manali. And in this quaint hamlet, you will find a couple of rustic home-stays and hostels,  with unparalleled views of the majestic Himalayas, that can be your new Workstation with a view .

If you are lucky and there are clouds in the sky, you will fall in love with the setting, as the skies in front of you will be a canvas dotted with clouds, and numerous colours during sunrise and sunset.

The best thing about spending the day in Hallan – 1 , is that there are no distractions, and you don’t have to go anywhere looking for food, meaning you can be at peace, and have your creative juices flowing.

Being away from the hustle bustle of city life and the crowd that Manali attracts , Hallan – 1 is without a doubt, one of the best places to be based out of during your Workation in Manali   as you can easily Disconnect wIth the World and Re-Connect with yourself.

As it’s the last day of this 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary , you can either wake up early and catch one last sunrise in paradise or can take it slow and wake up whenever you do without having to worry about the alarm.

Take in the last few moments of the bliss, soak it all in, and post lunch head back to the bus stop and take the bus to Chandigarh / Delhi.

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#1 If you don’t want to do a long trek such as Bhrigu Lake Trek or Lama Dugh, you can opt for shorter hikes around Manali. And the ones that I’ll recommend are a hike up to Jogni Waterfalls , and a hike to Manali Wildlife Sanctuary , which is one of Manali’s Hidden Wonders.

#2 If you are a solo traveller, I highly recommend you to check into one of the hostels in Old Manali such as The Hosteller Manali | YOLO Backpackers – Manali | Alt Life Manali | Zostel Manali   , so that you can interact and meet fellow travellers and plan for the activities listed in this 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary, together. It’ll end up being more economical.

#3 If time permits, and you can extend your stay, you might also want to check out some of these Boutique Home-stays in and around Manali such Zostel Homes Shuru | Mid Orchard Cottage | Zostel Homes Rumsu from where you can Work from Mountains as well.

Day 4 and 5 – Go on a Trek – Bhrigu Lake / Lama Dugh

Day 6 – Head to Hallan – 1 Village | Disconnect with the World

I hope you enjoyed going through this 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary , and found it as a useful Travel Resource for your One Week Trip to Manali. Don’t forget to Pin this Manali Travel Guide, for your future trip.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Manali Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might also want to check out some other Travel Guides and Itineraries , that you can take in and around India!

• The Epic 7 Day Leh – Ladakh Road Trip Itinerary
• 7 Day Uttarakhand Road Trip Itinerary
• The Dharamkot Travel Guide
• One Week in Kerala – God’s Own Country
• Sikkim Travel Guide + 7 Day Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day + 10 Day North Sikkim Road Trip Itinerary
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• 10 Day Nepal Travel Itinerary and Guide

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14 thoughts on “The Ultimate 7 Day Manali Travel Itinerary”

This 7-day Manali itinerary is a treasure trove of experiences! From exploring the charm of Old Manali to embarking on the Bhrigu Lake trek and venturing through the Atal Tunnel, it’s a well-crafted journey through the beauty of the Himalayas. The detailed recommendations for accommodations and activities make it a valuable resource for anyone planning a trip to this stunning destination. Disconnecting in Hallan Village is the perfect ending to a week of adventure and exploration. Thanks for sharing this fantastic guide!

I’ve only been to Manali as a child and I really do not remember it being so gorgeous! I love how your itinerary is not the cliche, common one that travel companies offer. Bhrigu Lake seems to stand out for me and would be the obvious choice to include in my itinerary. I’d love to spend time exploring Old Manali as well. Trekking and camping are two favourite activities, so those are definitely going in my list of things to do in Manali.

Manali is a beautiful place and it was my first ever trip to North India back 8 years. I can’t believe it’s so long I haven’t visited Himachal. I did touristy things but didn’t know it has so many things to do. This looks ideal itinerary to spend the best time in the mountain s. Bookmarking this guide for the next travel as you have covered helpful tips and recommendations, places to eat and stay.

I haven’t heard of Manali before, but it looks like a beautiful place to explore and go hiking through. I love the view you get from your first dining experience, and the dumplings and pizza looks really tasty. Your guide is really well organized which makes a trip here so much more easier!

It’s amazing – all these pictures could be from totally different regions of the world, yet still, they are so close to each other. I would love to hike these majestic mountains – and in the evening, I’d enjoy these dishes I see on your pix. 😉

The beauty of Manali tugged at the heartstrings while reading this post and brought make memories of our own Manali trips. You have rolled the best of Manali experiences in this 7-day itinerary. The Bhrigu Lake trek is one experience that we have missed and would love to experience at the first opportunity. Hope we get back to Manali soon.

I have been following your manali and work from mountain trail for sometime now and I am so jealous. Even more so after reading this post of seven days. Of these, the one thing that I really want to do is drive through Atal tunnel. Have heard so much about it . Maybe this summer! (Fingers crossed)

Manali is such a beautiful place to be, one of the best in the mountains. And I am glad to see that your Manali itinerary does not use the typical touristy circuit rather gives a feel of real Manali and its character. This is definitely an indepth travel guide for Manali full with helpful tips and recommendations, places to eat and stay.

I vaguely heard about Manali, but I now learned a lot from your post. I like your itinerary as you give time for visitors to adjust to the altitude before they do the hike. Bhrigu Lake looks pretty, and I’m sure it looks magical in person. And I think pizza at Renaissance tasted better with a view like that.

Hey, Arnav! Thanks for this very comprehensive guide to Manali. I’ve only heard about it a few times before but didn’t know much about the place. Good to know about the new tunnel and also the hostel option for solo backpackers. I’m going to try to include this on my itinerary for my next visit to India.

Manali is still on my bucket list. The views are spectacular. But I was in Shimla and Dharmasala, and I love this part of India. I would love to explore and hiking in the next areas. Your Manali Itinerary looks great. It’s very informative, with plenty of tips helpful in trip planning. I would love to visit this region.

I have never heard of the area but I am a keen hiker. I know India has some excellent trekking routes and looks like I should be adding Manali to it. The views look amazing and the intinerary matches my needs. PossiVille sounds like a great place to unwind after a few days hiking. i love days like this when there is no one around and I can chillax.

I have always wanted to make my way to the Himalayas, and I had heard of Manali before. I love traveling to place in which the main things to do & see are all outdoors and nature related- disconnected from civilization. However, it is great to know that this is one of the best places to work from the mountains, as that need is growing more and more prevalent. Thanks for sharing!

Manali sounds like such an incredible place to visit, and you’ve really managed to highlight some incredible places to visit. The view from Rocky’s Cafe is breathtaking, and so many other places are eye catching as well, like Bhrigu Lake or PossiVille. This intinerary is absolutely amazing and seems to hit so many “must sees” in a week!

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Manali Travel Blog 2023: Taste of the Spirited Peaks

Manali travel blog . Staying in Southern India, I was looking out to visit the northern peaks for quite sometime. And Manali was something of a dreamland for someone witnessing a part of the world’s highest mountain range.

The curvy roads that get slimmer as you move up to more deserted addresses. Quietness deafening (and frosty) at night but immediately lifts off when travelers from faraway places speak their warm stories before bed.

This place wasn’t my first thought considering the touristy hype. Yet for a first timer, it was quite an experience. Here’s all about my Manali travel blog.

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Table of Contents

Manali Travel Blog: The itinerary plan

Keeping budget in mind while balancing experiences like river rafting and the drive over Rohtang Pass, we came down priorities – Manali and Bir Billings for our almost 6 days itinerary.

We gave Manali 3 days which I felt was fairly sufficient to have a touch of the place. Picking aside the big-time adventures and treks, it leaves out the real town with its Old Manali market, cheap thrift stores in Vashisht, bridges over tiny streams, and steaming Siddu.

In the 3 days, neither did we miss on rafting in River Beas and trekking Jogini waterfalls, or spending a little more on a riverside cafe for an evening (it was expensive).

Factually speaking, we couldn’t let budget out of our sight mostly because we were visiting from Bangalore. Most visitors, who tend to be frequent, come from Chandigarh, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.

“Hey, we’ve got vacation, let’s hit the road”… “where are we going?”… “How’s Manali? It’s a one-night drive anyhow”

If there’s a positive about Delhi, one can start to any northern part of India from Delhi. Visiting from the south, the budget is nothing short of a foreign trip. Flight expenses make a huge part of it. For first-timers with finite time, traveling gets expensive with sky-high touristy rates if we aren’t careful.

Manali Travel Blog: Our 3 days journey

Manali being the popular kid it is, a good move we took was prebooking our dormitory stay. I wished on trying cheaper remote hostels but we finally decided on sticking to the trusted comfort, Zostel.

Selling like hot cakes, we could only reserve one day at Zostel, Vashisht so we shifted to Zostel Old Manali for the other 2 days. Semi-sleeper buses to Manali are usually plentiful with more or less the same rate, yet we prebooked that as well.

We hadn’t planned on transport but a rough sketch was to rent out bikes. However, things turned out different. They always do, don’t they?

Flight to Delhi from Bangalore: A 6-hour delay

Manali budget trip: The trip started off perfectly – bags packed and squeezed into the taxi, dropped off right next to the trolley array. Air tickets to Delhi, check! The small hitch was when we entered the domestic departure, the 11:30 a.m. flight was cancelled. Not delayed, cancelled – due to a cyclone.

The officers at the baggage check-in couldn’t assure seats at the next flight to Delhi. One dude who later became a good pal along the trip thought out a strategy. He politely approached the head (or someone who looked it) and agreed to the next early evening (5:00 pm) flight.

For compensation, he also requested the premium lounge access for the time period. Tagging in along, we were in for a treat for the following 5 hours. The buffet, comfortable seats, and even a mini library saved us a little on lunch.

We weren’t so worried as we had our Manali sleeper bus late at night. But inevitably, it was a rat race from the airport to the bus stop. Delhi’s heat was a cherry on top. We did somehow make it :)

Day 1: Vashisht, Jogini Falls, and Thrift Shops

Most overnight semi-sleepers from Delhi take an average of 14 hours to Manali. Taking the late night bus, we reached Manali around noon. With the local taxis hurdled as we alighted the bus, the idea of renting bikes went poof. Not to mention, the travel fatigue.

So we bargained our best with a taxi straight to our hostel in Vashisht Manali. It wasn’t a bad idea for 4 people.

We were only a group of 3 at first. But remember that smart dude with an idea at the Bangalore airport? All stars aligned and he came to Manali with us on the same bus and even had booked the same zostel booked for the evening! So he tagged along for the ride. We freshened up and went down the street for lunch.

Manali budget trip – Compared to Old Manali, Vashisht is way less touristy – something I loved about the place. The best part was the remote scenery.

Small houses on the banks of the river that flowed through the valley amidst peaks. From the Zostel, one could see the whole picture.

Added to it, the places to check out were in a walkable distance here.

Places to check out in Vashisht are:

• Jogini Falls
• Hot water spring
• Vashisht temple
• Thrift shops and cafes

Trekking Jogini Falls

Jogini Falls was nothing short of a small trek for a couple of hours. You can stay at the bottom and witness the amazing view of the cold waterfall far above in the cracks of the peak.

But the trek up is worth every step. The close-up of the painfully freezing water and to walk through it barefoot is something else. Most people naturally followed the others before them. It’s a sense of security I suppose.

As we walked a local lady covered in wrinkles, however, pointed at a remote route through trees where no one seemed to be going. We exchanged glances. I was in for an adventure.

Though with stops of hesitation as we found no one following behind or ahead, we made it to the same falls. And what a beauty it was! A large dog (or a wolf) tagged along and began drinking the freezing water from the large puddle of the falls.

So much for a natural landscape. Walking through the same puddle to the other side of the falls with shoes in hands, we made it to the other side. Alighting, we realized that the path down was the same one everyone were trying to go up from.

We were glad on listening to the sweet local lady :)

Thrift Stores for the evening

Manali budget trip – Hot water springs and Vashisht temple made up other parts of Vashisht. Our last stop for the day was the thrift stores down the narrow alleys of the locality. Himalayan handiworks, Kashmiri coats, and woollen accessories.

After some bargaining, we couldn’t help but get ourselves a warm jacket each. As for prices, we thought it expensive until we hit Mall Road. Vashisht, compared to Old Manali and Mall road, is way cheaper and definitely worth the visit for shopping.

Not many people stay here thus keeping a local touch to the place. However, the local stores close in early evenings here.

Day 2: Rohtang Pass, Old Manali, and Mall Road

We’d called the same taxi dude from the previous day for Rohtang Pass, he was cute. Rohtang pass is part of the Pir Panjal range situated 51 km from Manali. Anyone driving over the pass needs to hold a permit.

Visiting in June, Rohtang was open to visitors with a moderate climate. The narrow roadways, snowcaps, and rocks slipping away makes the trip all the more exciting. A single breakdown ultimately results in a vehicle jam all the way down the foothills of the peak.

So we began around 5:30 in the morning and were quite lucky to not come across any breakdown. A large tank truck did get stuck in soft part of a road ahead but thank god it was resolved quick!

A large vehicle blocking the way means getting stuck on the road, explained the taxi driver. “Getting stuck” can mean anywhere from 4 hours or more than a day on Rohtang Pass. There’s no telling about it.

But was it worth it?

We stopped away from the crowds of skis and mountain bikes at an isolated spot. The valley before us, snow beneath our boots and sliding down the peaks as we climbed it was worth it all at 13,000 ft!

Atal Tunnel and Parottas

Alighting the peak, we stopped for brunch at a series of dhabas. Without breakfast before, we hogged on the hot parottas coming to the table. For a touristy place, the prices were quite affordable like any dhaba I’ve been to. Not to mention, quite delicious too!

The white snowcap perked on the brown-green peak, cold streams running down, in the backdrop added to the brunch view.

Exploring the road as we headed down the other side of the peak, I learned that this was the start point for getting to Spiti Valley upon making it down the curves from Rohtang Pass. The opposite road led to Sissu (Sisu Manali) and Atal tunnel where we headed. Atal tunnel was next.

Atal Tunnel didn’t offer much to see – it’s a tunnel afterall. But we did pass through it, the world’s longest highway tunnel named after our former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

At one end we struggled through curvy paths and congestion up a peak. The other was a smooth 9 km back to the start point. The build structure is something to ponder over.

Our next stop was Zostel in Old Manali, shifting our backpacks here from Vashisht zostel. Zostel in Old Manali is more on an edge through a farmland alley.

There isn’t a road connectivity – at least not for a car. But we couldn’t care less. Entering our dorm rooms, we sank into our beds for a good hour or two.

For the evening, the walk to Old Manali’s markets as a long one across the Manalsu river (part of Beas later), Clubhouse road, and Manali Nature Park and then the Hadimba Devi Temple. Though the walk’s long, it’s best for the evenings.

Old Manali is where all the popular budget hostels exist. GoStops Manali, Madpackers Hostel , and all other inventive cozy names you can think of for traveler hostels lay here. It reminded a little of Arambol in Goa , a hippie culture.

For booking backpacker hostels in Manali, HostelWorld has a range of options for quite affordable rates. I’ve been using HostelWorld for sometime now and its reliable. Check out HostelWorld Manali accommodations here.

Manali Travel Blog: Mall Road

Our last stop at the end of our walk was the infamous Mall Road down from Old Manali’s accomodations. It’s best to visit this street at night for the best experience.

Being a tourist hotspot, the street is crowded every single night with tourists flocking in for shopping, dining, or simply taking a stroll. There are all sorts of stores here ranging from local handicraft stores, clothing, to electronics.

While the street looked lively and reminded me of Bangalore’s nightlife, it was purely touristy and nothing authentic of the place. Everything was expensive. Even the overpriced momo stalls tasted different than the local ones around Manali – all tuned to the tastes of tourists.

Neither are stall owners friendly here – I guess overtourism had its take on behaviour. A stroll through Mall Road is sweet for a change, watching people and kids with ice creams.

When staying in Old Manali, it’s best to walk here in the evening. Neither cars, nor bikes have enough spaces for parking which got frustrating for us the following day.

Day 3: River Rafting and Maggi

Manali budget trip. Final day was for river rafting. More than rafting in Kullu itself, we spent more time getting there and waiting. I had high hopes for rafting but was disappointed when we weren’t allowed to paddle.

All raft boats here were equipped with large paddles for the main paddler at the back while we only held tight in the front. Rafting in Dandeli months earlier with full control in our hands, this wasn’t all fun.

But touching water as we furthered, I realized how painful a fall could be – it was freezing . Every splash spew cold water piercing our skin while the boat slipped through rocks and gushes.

Under the sun yet shivering was one thing. Later the person at the back let us jump into the waters. I glanced at the others for one second, the next I plunged in. Boy, was it cold!

The raft lasted 30 minutes and we waited a while at the end point along shallow waters and small pebbles, talking with our paddler and a photographer who insisted on taking pictures.

Riding back, we were quite hungry while being hesitant with the budget for Manali trip. We’d spent a great deal rafting and even more on the GoPro pictures on the paddler’s head (they’re always unreasonably overpriced).

So we stopped at the closest Maggi road stall we found for ‘lunch’. With a few stalls close by – we got pani puri, momos, and Siddu as well. The steaming siddus here again tasted very different from Mall road – and 3 times cheaper!

From Kullu, we thought of visiting the Kullu Naggar castle but I regret we decided not to at the end, it would have been amazing. The other thing to do in Kullu was paragliding, but we had Bir for it anyhow.

Manali travel Blog: Places we missed on

Manali travel blog. Like Kullu Naggar Castle, there were some other places I regret missing on. Museum of Himchal Culture and Folk art, numerous monasteries like the Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist monastery. I wish we’d time for Manali local sightseeing away from streets tailormade for tourists.

However, our trip to Manali was satisfactory. Manali changes through the year. Trip to Manali in April gets very different from Manali in December. For example, Solang Valley is ideal to visit in winter (December to February) for skiing.

Nevertheless, I didn’t regret not visiting Solang Valley as no skiing was available in June. Nor was snow in sight here when we passed by after Atal tunnel. For the next visit, considering a nearby village like Sethan, Sissu, or Jibhi rather than Manali is worth looking forward to.

Manali Budget Trip: Overall expense

Including our flight tickets and bus to Manali and Bir Billings was 30k. But to consider only Manali, we could’ve spent lesser on our stay. For safety’s sake, it was however worth the first time.

The semi-sleeper bus from Delhi was a flat Rs. 1400 per seat. With the classy riverside restaurants for dinner, a lot on cab, bike rental and additional expenses on snacks – it wasn’t superbudget friendly.

Including the accommodation (Rs. 800/night approx.), we each spent around Rs. 2500 per day on an average. Note that Rohtang Pass and rafting were expensive trips. For Rohtang Pass, enquire about the jacket rentals before booking because that’s where we got scammed by our driver (the nice guy).

We paid almost Rs. 700 per head at a stall he affiliated for the full-body jacket rental. Most sites I checked later on mention Rs. 250 per set. In overall, be aware of expenses in attraction spots beforehand – they’ll cost a big chunk.

That sums up my Manali travel blog. Hope you have a safe trip :)

Manas Patil

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thetarzanway

Experiences, travel guides.

• Aug 28, 2023

The Ultimate Manali Travel Guide: How to reach and get around the mountain town.

Situated high up in the Himalayas, Manali has rightfully earned its reputation as one of India's top tourist destinations. Framed by snow-capped peaks and boasting lush green forests, this quaint mountain town promises postcard-perfect views at every turn.

From adventures like rafting and skiing to cultural treasures like ancient temples, Manali attracts travelers seeking both adrenaline rush and serenity. The laidback cafes, Tibetan monasteries, and local handicraft shopping beckon as well.

Regardless of whether you seek nature's embrace or prefer soaking in history, Manali delivers ample opportunities. Its cool and pleasant climate during summer provides welcome respite from India's sweltering heat. Reaching this mountain gem is easy, and getting around quite hassle-free. This guide will equip you to plan an immersive trip to Manali.

The astounding beauty of Manali during the Winters

(Source: canva)

Arriving in Manali: Journey to the Mountains

Manali is well connected to the other parts of India through air, road and rail. You can reach the hill station through the following methods:

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport located around 50km from Manali in the Kullu district. It has regular flights from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and other major cities by airlines like Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, etc.

Taxis charge about ₹2000 to reach Manali from the airport. One can also take a bus which costs around ₹200 per person.

The closest major railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station , approximately 165km from Manali. It falls on the Pathankot–Jogindernagar narrow gauge railway line. The train route is incredibly scenic but takes around 10 hours from Pathankot.

From Joginder Nagar you can hire a taxi or take a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus to cover the 6 hour onward journey to Manali.

The most popular way to get to Manali is by road. National Highway 21 connects Manali to Chandigarh and further to other major cities. The highway is well maintained with scenic views throughout. Luxury Volvo buses by HRTC provide a comfortable overnight journey from Delhi, taking about 14 hours.

You can also hire a private taxi or self-drive your own car on this route. Zigzag roads win you over with mountain vistas. Stopovers in towns like Karnal and Bilaspur can break the trip.

If you want to plan a road trip from Delhi-Manali, read this blog.

Train taking a sharp turn on a mountainous bridge

Day Trips from Manali: Nearby Gems to Explore

With its location in the hills, Manali serves as an ideal base to explore scenic destinations nearby. Some recommended day trips are:

Rohtang Pass

Located 51 km from Manali, the high mountain pass of Rohtang lies at an altitude of 3978 m. Visit to see snow even in summers and gorgeous views. Requires permit.

Solang Valley

Just 13 km from Manali, Solang is renowned for adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing and skiing. During summer you can hike here or picnic by the river.

Naggar Village

This quaint village 20 km from Manali has European style castle, temples, museums and art galleries to explore on a day trip.

The religous town of Manikaran located 45 km from Manali attracts pilgrims to its hot springs and beautiful Sikh gurudwara.

With so much natural beauty around, taking day trips from Manali allows you to make the most of your time there. Follow the tips above for memorable short excursions.

Morning View of Manikaran across the shore

Manali awaits!

With its idyllic setting amidst snow-clad mountains and spiritual aura, Manali casts a spell on all who visit. Reaching this Himachal town is easy by air, road and rail. Navigating within Manali can be done conveniently by buses, rental vehicles, bicycles or on foot.

The destinations near Manali like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley promise adventure and stunning vistas. Take scenic day trips and partake in activities like paragliding for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From ancient temples to gushing rivers, Manali is a gateway to some of India's most prized natural wonders.

You can also check out this free AI planner travel to better plan your trips as per you desirable preferences and budget constraints.

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Manali is a beautiful hill station nestled at the foothills of the himalayas. It is not as crowded as Shimla. http://shrutisharma27.online/shop/h ttp://shrutisharma27.online/shop/

Manali Trip Guide: Nightlife, Adventure Activities & Restaurants

With stunning valleys, breathtaking perspectives, snowcapped mountains, and luxurious forests of oak, deodar, and pine, Manali is a paranormal hill station at the northern cease of Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh. Gifted to the world with the aid of the strong Himalayas, it is known to be one of the maximum famous destinations for Honeymooners. Manali gives magnificent perspectives of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar degrees, blanketed in a thick blanket of snow for maximum of the yr.

Manali Trip Guide

Nightlife in Manali

1. accommodation -, 2. medical fitness -, 3. safety -, restaurants and local food in manali.

After analyzing via the rocky Himalayas all day, Manali offers some of the satisfactory approaches to enjoy a tranquil nightlife. From the relaxing aromas of Cafes to groovy Bars and Lounges, this stunning hill station is full of vigor and power. Dine, birthday celebration and revel in away the night time time with your friends in exotic stations which include Johnson's bar and restaurant or Zing Zing Bar. If you need to spend a few downtime with your associate in low laid Discotheques, The Chelsea membership and Buzz are a number of the top picks. The nearby markets and sidewalks are also exquisite spots for catching a glimpse of conventional night exercises of locals, stargazing around the circuit street parks is also a serenading revel in.

Adventure Activities in Manali

Many vacationers enjoy adventure activities in Manali. It is critical to hold a few things in thoughts. Wear garments which allow the harness to be wound securely. They have to no longer be too tight or too unfastened. Avoid travelling the place at some point of wet season. Here are some extra specific pointers in your adventure!

Manali has been one of a chief holiday destination in India mainly for North-Indians. The place is complete of resorts of all sorts, from primary and medium range guest homes and inns to luxurious inns. There is also an option of camping within the lovely grounds of Manali.

Watch your breathing device. If you have respiratory problems and any coronary heart related hassle, please do no longer adopt this interest.

Choose faculties which can be licensed and offer right safety equipment. Before beginning the interest, ensure your safety tools is in area. Notify your instructor in case of any system defects or discomfort.

Manali is a hill station glittering with brilliant eating places, cafes and bars, that an deal with any need, dreams or cravings that its visitors can also have. You will locate limitless eating places with a wealthy variety and a number of the most scrumptious food on their menus. You can find Italian, Chinese, Korean, Continental, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese cuisines here at the side of the popular Tibetan Momos.

Suggested Itinerary for Manali

Reach Manali via morning. Have breakfast and relax for some time. After freshening up, you can begin your tour with the Hadimba Temple. After this, you can head out to the Mall street for a few grub and a little little bit of shopping. The main marketplace is bustling with pastime and you'll discover a number of items from woollen clothes, shawls, neighborhood handicrafts and the entirety you want.

You must head off to Rohtang Pass. It stays open from April to November. It is a two-hour street adventure from Manali and also you want to prompt early within the morning round four:00 that allows you to avoid the traffic. The entry passes are available in Manali and also you want to get it a day in advance. While returning, you ought to forestall over at Solang Valley.

You also can visit Vashisht warm springs. Soak your self inside the hot water springs inside the winters and it feels magical. After this, you may head to Old Manali for shopping and a delicious lunch.

While returning, trip at Bhuntar and you may go for rafting within the season. Otherwise, you could also discover Kullu's marketplace and temples. There are a number of things you may do, depending to your temper and the season.

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Manali Travel Guide + Manali Itinerary for 3 Days

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

This article is a Manali travel guide that also contains a suggested Manali itinerary for 3 days.

The rugged landscape and grassy hills, Himalayan architecture and Italian food, crowded streets and tranquil views - Manali is an amalgamation of feelings and experiences. While Manali offers the Mall Road and the fancy hotels, Old Manali gives you hipster cafes. While in peak season the roads are jam-packed with cars that don't appear to move at all, you will simultaneously hear the roar of a mighty river, amid a backdrop of towering mountains. While your hotel will be next to countless others, the balcony in your room will have an unobstructed view of the city overshadowed by the mountains. A trip to Manali is signified by such contracting experiences and sights.

This blog post is a complete Manali travel guide. You can also take a look at the blissful things to do in Manali . Even if you're just passing through Manali to visit other popular places in Himachal such as Spiti valley, Parvati valley or going south towards Shimla or Kinnaur valley, it's always a good idea to spend a day or two relaxing at Manali.

With this Manali travel guide, I aim to provide you with all the travel information needed to plan your Manali trip. Additionally, I've included a suggested Manali itinerary for 3 days that includes all the best places to visit in Manali, along with day trips that you can take if you have some more time on your hands. Let me know what you think of this Manali travel guide in the comment section below.

Best Time to Visit Manali

• Summer (March - June): Summer season is the most popular time of the year to visit Manali. However, because a lot of people take a family vacation over the summer holidays, Manali gets overcrowded during this time of the year. Expect lengthy traffic jams.
• Monsoon (July - Early September): The rainy months are a bad time to visit Manali. Over the past few years, Manali has been experiencing flooding which has led to property and road damage thus stranding tourists and the movement of locals during this time.
• Winter (October - February): The shoulder season between monsoon and winter as well as between winter and summer is the best time to visit Manali. With pleasant weather, next to no crowds and a relaxing atmosphere, I loved my Manali trip late in September. To experience snow, visit Manali in December or early January.

How to Reach Manali

There are numerous ways to reach Manali. It's well-connected by air (Kangra and Bhuntar airport), and road. Reaching Manali via bus or by driving here from Delhi is the most popular option though.

Nearest Airport to Manali

Kangra Airpor t near Dharamshala has regular daily flights to and from Delhi. Most of the popular Indian airlines operate 1-2 flights between Delhi and Kangra daily. Keep in mind that flight operations can often get affected in mountainous areas due to bad weather. Dharamshala to Manali is an 8-10 hour journey which can be covered by bus or a hired taxi cab.

Nearest Railway Station to Manali

Chandigarh Railway Station is located at a distance of 315 km from Manali whereas Pathankot railway station is 290 km from Manali. Reaching Manali from Chandigarh is a viable option since there are many state-run as well as private buses plying on this popular route.

There are numerous buses from Delhi to Manali. The Himachal Pradesh State Government buses (HPCA) have buses that leave from Kashmiri Gate Delhi in the evening which reach Manali in the morning. The buses come in various ranges of comfort such as AC, non-AC, Volvo, regular etc.

Another extremely popular option, which is used by most people, is to get your own bike or car to Manali. The drive is scenic to say the very least, and there's the flexibility to do things on your own schedule. Not to mention that if you're in a group travelling together, travel costs are considerably cut down.

Where to Stay in Manali

I'm a sucker for rooms that offer views of mountains or beaches or anything remotely spectacular. If I can't sit in a balcony or at the window, sipping tea and basking in the view, my holiday is incomplete. There's a charm in waking up to see the city at a distance, belittled by the mountains. It truly makes you marvel at the splendour of mother nature and respect her even more. This hotel, where I stayed at, was located close to the Hadimba Devi temple and other Manali attractions but it's undisturbed by crowds. Of all the Manali hotels, make sure you find one with a view like this. It's a great place to sit when the Manali temperature dips. Just grab a blanket and some chai . Take a look at some other places to stay in Manali.

Find hotels in Manali on Booking.com

Zostel, Old Manali

The outdoor area at Zostel Manali

Nowadays, a lot of people are well-aware India's largest chain of backpacker hostels. If you didn't know about it already, you do now. Zostel is a safe, reliable and fun hostel to meet fellow backpackers and have a fuss-free stay. Zostel Manali is located in a quaint village in Old Manali. From the moment you step into the property, it'll feel like you're living inside some fairy-tale land surrounded by flowers and greenery. What's more, the in-house cafe makes delicious food so you don't need to step out of your fairy-tale.

Check availability at Zostel Manali on Booking.com

Alt Life, Old Manali

Alt Life is a co-working space/ hostel located at Clubhouse road in Old Manali. They have both dorm rooms as well as private rooms overlooking the river and apple orchards. The dining area is designed to function as a co-working space. It has large windows overlooking the scenery to enjoy nature whilst working on your laptop. I especially enjoyed waking up to the sound of the river outside my balcony.

Check availability at Alt Life on Booking.com

Manali Itinerary for 3 Days

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Manali, in addition to the sheer natural beauty all around. This suggested Manali travel guide for 3 days will help you cover all the sightseeing spots in Manali and give you ample time to enjoy the charm of Manali.

Day 1 - Old Manali and Local Sightseeing

Start day 1 of your Manali itinerary for 3 days by visiting all the local sightseeing spots in Manali.

Hadimba Devi Temple

Located in the heart of Manali, 2 km from the Mall Road, nestled between pine trees, the Hadimba Devi temple is an unconventionally architectured shrine dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach. The place is generally over-crowded but you can make a quick stop here since it's in the heart of Manali, close to most hotels.

There are some locals who offer fluffy rabbits for you to hold and take pictures with, at a minimal cost. I'm not sure how ethical their practice is or whether those bunnies are properly cared for so when you visit, make sure to ask the women to take good care of the rabbits!

Must Read: Chitkul Village Travel Guide - Delhi to Chitkul Travel Info, Itinerary, Stay and More

Uphill, away from the crowded, packed streets of new Manali, on the outskirts, lies old Manali, 3 km from the main city. Giving off a hipster vibe with streets surrounded on both sides by souvenir shops selling hippie clothes and accessories, Old Manali is famous among backpackers, foreigners and youngsters. Backpacker hostels, Israeli food and pizza joints are what attract the young crowds to Old Manali. More than that, it's the tranquillity of sitting in a quiet hotel, away from the city, surrounded by hills and streams that draws one to Old Manali. While this is not a Manali attraction, it's a place to go for soul searching and cool vibes.

Manu Temple

Manu Temple is located right at the top of the hill at Old Manali. Keep walking through the lane lined up with shops and cafes until you reach the peaceful Manu temple. The temple doesn't see a whole lot of visitors as compared to Hadimba Devi temple, probably because of it's offbeat location in Old Manali. Nonetheless, you should definitely visit the Manu Temple in Old Manali and learn about its interesting history from a local.

Vashisht Village and Jogini Falls

Vashisht village is located 5 km from the city centre of Manali. In fact, the Vashisht hot springs are one of the most popular sightseeing places in Manali. Jogini falls is another popular sightseeing attraction in Manali located close to the Vashisht village. Although it's more popular among the youth, anyone can hike to the lower part of the waterfall. To reach Jogini falls, start at Vashisht village. Ask any local to point you in the correct direction. Keep walking until you start seeing a change of landscape. Keep going straight and you'll reach the falls after 10-15 minutes of walking.

Day 2 - Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley

On day 2 of your Manali itinerary for 3 days, take a cab or your vehicle up to Rohtang pass and then engage in adventure sports at Solang valley on the way back.

Rohtang Pass

A Manali travel guide is incomplete without mentioning this famous pass. Rohtang Pass, at a height of 13058 ft, connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti Valley . The climb up to the pass offers views which will leave you dumbfounded. Rugged landscapes, grassy hills, sneaky little waterfalls and snow-capped mountains will accompany you throughout your journey. The picture changes every few minutes, each one more so mesmerising than the previous.

Keep in mind that a permit is required for visiting the pass. There are certain rules in place which can be viewed on the official website . There are 2 different types of permit - one for visiting the pass and returning back and then another one for crossing the pass to go to Lahaul Spiti. Make sure you obtain the right permit ahead of time. Do get some good sleep the previous night because you will have to leave early in the morning in order to reach Rohtang Pass. There are many vehicles lined up for the same and it can be a long and tiring journey. There are plenty of snack vendors selling hot maggi, omelette and tea along the way so you won't have to worry about breakfast. There are washrooms set-up at the check-point where your permit will be checked.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is located at a distance of 14 km from Manali and is best visited while returning back from Rohtang pass. The valley is perfect for visiting during both summer and winter season due to its ideal location and landscape where a number of adventure activities take place.

Some of the adventure activities that take place here at paragliding, snowboarding (during winter), and zorbing, to name a few.

Day 3 - Take A Day Trip from Manali

On the last day of your Manali itinerary for 3 days, take a day trip to one of the many gorgeous places around Manali. While I strongly recommend taking a day trip to Naggar from Manali, you can even go to Kasol or to Manikaran. Read more about these places in the section below to decide for yourself.

Day Trips From Manali

Most of the sightseeing places in Manali can be covered within two days and thus if you have more than 2 days in Manali, then take a day trip to one (or more) of the places near Manali.

Kasol is a hippie paradise located just outside Manali. In fact, it's the ideal day trip from Manali. However, I highly recommend that you stay here a day or two just to soak in the good vibes (*wink*) and devour the delicious Israeli food.

Manikaran is another popular Manali attraction near Kasol. This place houses a Gurudwara (a place of worship for the Sikh community). There's world-famous afternoon langar where food is prepared by the lovely community to feed anyone who visits the Gurudwara . What makes this place unique is that the food isn't cooked using any traditional method. In fact, the food here is cooked using the hot water of the river flowing next to the Gurudwara . It's one of the most unique sights!

Naggar - Best Place to Visit near Manali

Naggar located 22 km from Manali, along the Beas river is an idyllic, ancient village to relax, enjoy a steaming hot cup of tea and soak in the mountain views before entering Manali.

There are buses that ply from Manali to Naggar on a regular interval. If you're driving from Dharamshala to Manali, you can easily make a pit stop at Naggar first before visiting Manali. Naggar has one main point of attraction which is the Naggar castle . The castle, made of wood and stone and displaying an impressive amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture, functions as a hotel and an art gallery. Some of the best views of the Kullu valley are visible here. The Tripura Sundari temple and Krishna temple are some of the other popular attractions in Naggar.

Must Read: A Complete Delhi Travel Guide

Best Cafes in Manali

Not enough can be said about the cafes in Manali. While most of the best cafes in Manali are located within Old Manali, there are some really good cafes located near the mall road as well. Johnson Cafe is a well-known name among the popular cafes in Manali. A Manali travel guide would be incomplete without touching upon these cafes. Take a look at some of the best cafes in Manali:

People Art Cafe, Old Manali

People Art Cafe, located in Old Manali, is my go-to place for a late breakfast. The relaxing bohemian vibe and great music are fantastic accompaniments to the delicious food served here. The menu has a wide variety of breakfast combos , one of which can be seen in the picture above. A hearty breakfast of eggs, skillet potatoes, butter toast and tea or coffee only costs Rs 190. With these rates and stellar quality of food, this cafe is a big winner. Your Manali itinerary for 3 days would be incomplete if you didn't visit this cafe.

Cafe 1947, Old Manali

Cafe 1947, located right next to the bridge in Old Manali, is well-known in Manali for its pizzas . In fact, this cafe is one of the most popular cafes in Manali. Ask anyone for some of the best cafes in Manali and they'll definitely mention cafe 1947. And boy do they deliver! The pizzas here come with a nice crust, hearty toppings and the perfect amount of cheese. I'm extremely picky about the kind of pizzas I like and the one in cafe 1947 went in my good books. The thick crunchy fries were the added bonus.

Cafe Sunshine, Old Manali

Cafe Sunshine is the place to be if you want good vibes , live music and a great crowd. The food here is quite decent but it's the atmosphere during the weekend that attracts the crowds. It's not easy to find a single empty table here at night on the weekends. Another good thing about this cafe is the prompt service and short wait time. Definitely worth a visit during the weekends.

Planning a trip to Manali?

In case you are planning a trip to Manali and the nearby places, then apart from a Manali travel guide, you might find these articles helpful:

• Travel Guide to Dharamshala and Mcleodganj
• Kinnaur Valley Itinerary for 10 Days
• Shimla Travel Guide

Did You Enjoy Reading this Manali Travel Guide + Manali Itinerary for 3 Days?

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A favorite breakfast option across the world, the combination of the bread and omelet is a famous street food in Manali too. This dish makes for the healthy as well as a tasteful and the quick breakfast when in Manali. There are several places in Manali that offer this dish in their menu.

Nice and informative article

Hey, I like your article… It is Useful post for us…. Manali is too Good place for spending our holiday with Family, Friend’s and Couples etc. Don’t Forget to be Awesome place #Manali

Thank You For Article, Naveen Kumar

Thank You providing Nice Information… Amazing write-up!

I visited Manali in August 2021 and spent a night in Old Manali. I traversed through Solang, Atal Tunnel and spent some time witnessing the splendid views of Sissu lake and waterfall. I spent rest of my days in Naggar.

This blog post contains all the things which one should need while planning a trip to Manali. I can see the hardwork.

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A Detailed Spiti Valley Itinerary from Manali

People often wonder the way they should travel to Spiti from, if they should prepare their Spiti valley itinerary from Manali or Shimla. In my opinion, If you are planning to visit Spiti, it is always better to plan the journey from Shimla and exit at Manali after completing the circuit. It is so primarily because of two reasons.

The first and the foremost is that if you are coming from Shimla, you get to avoid the entire hassle of obtaining permits to visit or cross Rohtang Pass. Getting these permits can sometimes mean a pain and waste of entire day in Manali which is best avoided. If you are going towards Spiti valley from Manali, you will have to spend some time or even a day in Manali arranging permits to get to the other side of Rohtang Pass. This rule however only applies if you are travelling from Manali towards Rohtang top however no such restriction is in place for traffic coming from the other side of Rohtang towards Manali. So if you were coming from Shimla and exiting at Manali, there is no need to obtain any permits at all.

Second reason is of acute mountain sickness. Going to Spiti valley from Manali means that one day you are in plains, second day you are in Manali at a height of 2,050 meters above sea level, and the next day you are either at Chandratal at a height of 4,250 meters or at Kaza at an elevation of 3,800 meters. Each day there is a 2,000 meters gain in altitude with very little time for your body to adjust. However, if you travel from Shimla towards Spiti, the gain in altitude is gradual and gives your body ample time to acclimatize.

Spiti Valley Itinerary From Manali

With that being said, a lot of people still prefer to complete the circuit starting from Manali. Even I have done the same but only because I had already travelled from Shimla side and wanted to try something different during my second visit to Spiti. I have also known people who included Spiti with their Ladakh trip and on their way back, rather than coming from Keylong to Manali, they continued straight towards Spiti valley. Whatever the reason maybe, if you too are planning a trip to Spiti valley from Manali, below is a sample Spiti valley itinerary from Manali that you can follow.  Your final travel plan will of course depend on how many days you have in hand, how you are traveling and if there are any budget restrictions but in this itinerary, I tried to include all places that are worth visiting in Spiti valley while limiting every travel to not more than 8-10 hours. Depending on your plan, you can add remove places from the list.

A Sample Spiti Valley Itinerary from Manali

For the sake of this article, I would assume that you are starting your journey from Delhi. The itinerary can be as below.

Day 1. Delhi to Manali – 540 kms, 12 to 14 hours Day 2. Manali to Chandratal, 145 kms, 8 to 10 hrs Day 3. Chandratal to Kaza, 90 kms, 6 hours Day 4. Kaza to Kibber, Kaumik, Tashigang, to Kaza Day 5. Kaza to Tabo / Nako – 140 kms, 6-8 hours Day 6. Tabo / Nako to Kalpa, 120 kms, 6-8 hours Day 7. Kalpa to Chitkul, 80 kms, 4-6 hours Day 8. Chitkul to Sarahan, 110 kms, 6-7 hours Day 9 . Sarahan to Narkanda / Shimla, 170 kms, 8 hours Day 10. Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi,

The most important thing that you need to keep in mind while travelling to Spiti valley is that it is not the distance that you should be worrying about but condition of the roads. Even small distances here can you take forever to cross, thanks to the terrible state that Spiti roads are always in. So it is better to start early in the day so that you have sufficient time to reach your destination before dark.

Day 1 – Delhi to Manali: Nothing more than a long monotonous drive. Start early from Delhi as this drive can take anywhere between 12-15 hours depending on your mode of travel, speed and breaks you take. Road conditions are excellent until Kiratpur Sahib; post which it will be a mix of good and bad all the way to Manali.

Day 2 – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphoo – Batal – Chandratal: As I mentioned above, you need to obtain permits in order to cross Rohtang Pass. If you have time and plan to stay in Manali, then you can spend this day arranging the permits or else, a better way would be that you contact a hotel in Manali and ask them to arrange your permits in advance. If they agree then book a room with them. This way, you will have the permits ready and waiting for you when you reach the hotel at Manali on Day 1. It is important because I would strongly advise against starting late from Manali. Journey from Manali to Chandratal can easily take upto 8-10 hours. Stretch from Gramphoo to Batal is a nightmare with multiple water crossing and non-existent roads. Experience the mighty Rohtang Pass on the way, the natural beauty of the region, the adventurous feeling of driving on challenging roads and stay overnight at Chandratal at any of the multiple camp sites available.

Day 3 – Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza: This is a relaxed drive of 5-6 hours at max. Take a morning walk around Chandratal and be on your way to Kaza. Enjoy the beauty of beautiful Kunzum Pass on the way. Kaza has multiple hotels so finding one will not be a big challenge.

Day 4 – Kaza – Kibber – Tashigong – Langza – Koumik – Kaza: You will spend this day in Kaza, travelling the places around. Visit the famous Ki monastery and take a drive to the nearby villages of Kibber, Tashigong, Langza, Kaumik and return to Kaza by evening. This area is famous for some very old fossils that were found here. Tanggyud monastery in Koumik is worth a visit.  Langza offers a great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak. There is also a large Buddha statue here which is quite magnificent. Please do note that if you are short on time, you can skip this day.

Day 5 – Kaza – Dhankhar – Dhankhar Lake – Tabo – Giu – Sumdo – Chango – Nako: Start early from Kaza. Visit Dhankhar monasteries and Dhankhar Lake in the small town of Dhankhar. Take a small diversion just before Sumdo and see the 500 year old Mummy there. Just before Nako is the much dreaded and famous Malling Nallah. Nako has a few hotels where you can check in. Enjoy a stroll around the Nako Lake in the evening.

Day 6 – Nako – Kalpa: See the confluence of Spiti and Satluj rivers at Khab. The bridge at Khab also offers a great view of Leo Purygal Peak. Drive straight to Kalpa from here and stay there for the night. Experience the majestic view of Kinner Kailash peaks from Kalpa.

Day 7 – Kalpa to Chitkul: Drive till Karchham and take the diversion from there towards Sangla. See the famous Kamru fort at Sangla and continue further for another 25-30 odd kilometers to reach the end of the road at the village of Chitkul. Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of this village and stay for the night.

Day 8 – Chitkul to Sarahan: Drive back from Chitkul to Karchham and from there continue towards Jeori. From Jeori, leave the highway and turn on the 16 kms long stretch towards Sarahan. This small town is famous for Bhimkali temple and a bird sanctuary, both of which are worth a visit. Please note that if you are short on time, you can skip this day and continue driving straight towards Shimla.

Day 9 – Sarahan to Narkanda / Shimla: From Sarahan, drive down again to Jeori and from there continue on the highway towards Shimla. Depending on your preference, you can chose to stay at either Shimla or Narkanda. Personally I would prefer a stay at Narkanda any day over Shimla.

Day 10 – Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi: Drive back home. An easy 8-10 hours’ drive on mostly good roads.

This is just a rough layout on how you can complete this journey. Depending on your plan, you can add or remove days from here.  If you have more time in hand, you can chose to either spend a day more at Kaza, or stay at Mud village and enjoy the beauty of PIN valley, or stay at Mane village and trek to beautiful Sopona Lake.

I hope this information regarding a spiti valley itinerary from Manali was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below and I would be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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How to plan a trip to spiti valley..., rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, spiti valley road status 2024 – 2025, 43 comments.

VERY VALUABLE AND USEFUL INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED BY YOU THROUGH THIS MEDIA. CAN WE TRAVEL TO KAZA FROM MANALI, KUNZUM PASS IN APRIL,2022? YOUR GUIDANCE WILL BE OF GREAT HELP FOR US TO PLAN A TRIP. THANKS.

Thank you, Sharad. Kunzum Pass usually opens in May. Traveling in April will not be possible unless the pass opens early which we will only know by early April.

Can i set the tour from manali and kaza then chitkul by own car. In october 10.

I am planning for a no time-bound solo budget trip to Himachal. My desired itinerary is as follows: Delhi-Shimla-Spiti circuit (the route, as mentioned in your articles)-Manali-bhrigu lake trek and hampta pass trek- Kullu-Kasol-Tosh and Kheerganga trek-kullu-mandi (parashar lake)-Shimla. In order to explore the above mentioned places, can you suggest me the best time to start the trip from Shimla? And which route would be better…starting from manali or shimla for the spiti trip??

May end would be the best time to start. If you mean this year then a lot of places would have to be left out coz the roads have started closing.

Vargis, Thank you SO SO SO much for your articles. Planning a trip like this can be difficult and you have already saved me from making mistakes before ever leaving Delhi. You are amazing! Thanks, Riley

Hi Riley – Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a note. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

I m planning a trip to Spiti from Chandigarh for 9 days starting from 1st Oct to 9th Oct. Could you help plan a itinerary

How are you traveling?

Hii vargis..well i am reaching Delhi airport on 26/may at 1.30 am..from there want to reach Manali as early as possible..my return ticket is on 2/june evening from delhi.Iam from Kolkata and we are four of us..can you plan the trip covering spiti lahual chandratal ..likewise manali to manali…where can we hire our vehicle for the entire trip with one reliable driver…thanks to you in advance.

Hi Sarbari – You can talk to Binny Thakur @ 9816300804 for vehicle for the entire trip. He is a reliable driver.

Me and my friend are planning to cover the complete Spiti circuit between September 29 and October 7. Would like to know which one would be a better route, starting from Manual or Shimla? Also we would be 2 women traveling together, so would it be safe enough?

Thanks, Anupama

Hello sir ,

We are planning to visit spiti on bike in 2 weeks from now (group of 6-8) We have 5 days of time (4.5 days from manali to manali) we want to atleast cover major attractions like chandratal Can you please provide a brief itenary and also please suggest if this is a safe time to visit

It will be of great help for us Thank you

Hi Aman – You have 5 days from where to where?

Hi sir , It’s from Delhi to Delhi

We plan on reaching manali by bus on Friday night to Saturday morning

Then we have sat , sun ,Mon , Tue and wed

We need to take an bus from manali on wed night for delhi

Assuming that you reach Manali on Saturday in time to catch the Kaza bus, the journey can be as below.

Sat – Manali to Kaza Sun – Rent a bike in Kaza and explore places like Kibber / Komik etc Mon – Kaza to Tabo, Dhankar, Mud in Pin Valley and back to Kaza Tue – Kaza to Chandratal. Catch the morning bus from Kaza, get down at Batal and then either walk or hitchhike to the lake Wed – Chandratal to Manali. Walk or hitchhike back to Batal in time to catch the Kaza Manali bus and reach Manali by evening. Catch the night Volvo for Delhi.

We are 10 people and planning to visit spiti in June. However, we will be planning for 3 days complete trip starting from Delhi to Kaza via Manali and Kaza to Delhi Via manali. We are planning to rent bikes from Manali, so please confirm if those guys can provide us some help in getting permits. Also please tell me if 3 days of trip is fine for Kaza trip. Suggest, if you have reference where we can rent good conditioned bikes or if anyone can give us short trip package.

Delhi to Spiti and back to Delhi in 3 days is impossible. Can’t do it.

Oh! It is a bit late as I have already booked my accommodation in Hotel Delek House. Next time I shall sure abide by your suggestion. Thanks for your valuable suggestions and guidance.

No worries Sir. Have a great trip. Do let me know how it went upon your return.

Yes. Up to that extant we can stretch the iternery .

For 9 days you can travel like this Sir.

1. Manali to Kaza 2. Kaza to Nako 3. Nako to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 4. Mud to Kaza 5. Kaza to Kibber / Komim / Langza / Hikkim to Kaza 6. Kaza to Chandratal 7. Chandratal to Manali 8 & 9 – Buffer days you can spend at any of the places I mentioned above.

extremely grateful for such a detailed itinerary. i’ve been scouring your site for the past few days to plan my spiti ride. i’m gonna start from kanyakumari and ride till chandigarh where im meeting my friends and then we ride to manali and then spiti (taking the tougher route coz of time constraints from my friends). me and my friends are following your advice to the letter.. Thamks so much.

Hello Dr. Patel,

Thank you so much for taking the time to drop a note. I appreciate it and glad that the information provided was of help.

This is my plan can you please help on this,we are going to do the whole trek our-self, please do advise.

10th August : Plane Mumbai TO Delhi : 2700 : Bus from Delhi to Manali : Manju Ka Tital : 22:00 : 1,137RS : time 14Hr 11th August : Manali : Stay in manali : 500 Rs 12th August : Bus from manali to Kaza: 300RS + stay 300Rs Max 1000 Per day 13th August : Kaza to Ki Monastery – Kibber – Langza Trek and share Taix 14th August : Trek from Langza – Komik: 15th August : Trek from Komik – DemuL 16th August : Trek from Demul – Lalung 17th August : Trek from Lalung – Dhankar Coming still figuring out 20th back to delhi

Zeeshan Bhai your plan looks great. For return journey, catch a shared taxi from Dhankar to Kaza, hardly 2 hours journey. Then the next day, catch the daily morning Kaza to Manali bus.

Hello Mr. Khan, thank you for all the helpful comments.

We are planning to travel on 27th April from chandigarh and return on 4th May.

Is there a way we can cover manali and pin valley? We had visited narkanda kalpa chitkul sangla earlier and hence do not wish to visit those places again. Request you to help with itinerary.

Hello Ms. Pal,

Yes you can definitely cover Pin Valley, it is open but not Manali route. You can travel like this.

27. Chandigarh to Sarahan 28. Sarahan to Nako 29. Nako to Mud Village ( Pin) 30. Mud to Kaza 1. Kaza to Kibber / Komik / Langza / Hikkim to Kaza 2. Kaza to Kalpa 3. Kalpa to Chandigarh 4. Buffer Day

Is there a way we can cover manali and pin valley? We had visited narkanda kalpa chitkul sangla earlier and hence do not wish to visit those places again. Request you to help with itinerary. Thank you.

As I live in Lucknow both options are open to me. The road journey would certainly like to be minimum. After going through your blogs I think it will not be feasible before May end /June start. As you suggest.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya – You are correct. I will recommend sometime in June only, not before that.

Thanks dear.

You are welcome Sir

Hello dear once again. I intend to undertake the trip some time around 13th June onwards taking Chandigarh(say day1) — Manali-Chandigarh( say day 8/9/10) route. Please suggest a NON HECTIC(comfortable) iternery. Thanks. Ps: I have already covered Shimla, Sarhan, Sangla (Rakchham),Chitkul,Kalpa circuit.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya – You mean Manali – Spiti – Manali and a total of 9 days?

Thanks once again . As I live in Lucknow both options are open to me. The road journey, obviously , would like to be minimum. After going through your blogs I understand it should not be before May end/June start. As you suggest.

Dear Vargis I have been going through your magnificent blogs which have tempted me to seek your suggestion and guidance.

I wish to visit Lahaul- Spiti valley(including Chandra Tal) and place the personal information below to facilitate your response. 1. I (we) am a retired person and as such duration(won’t exhaust due to hectic schedule) and dates shall not be much hindrance. 2. Would love to go via Manali as have already covered ( Lucknow) Chandigarh -Shimla- Narkanda-Sarhan-Raksham-Chitkul-Kalpa -Shimla- Chandigarh -(Lucknow) by hired vehicle 2-3years back. 3. Except that would AVOID “treking” no major inconvenience experienced due to height or other factors in the past. 4. We (group of 2-3 senior couples) prefer to travel in hired Innova (or similar)

Please guide.

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya,

I will be happy to help. Where are you traveling from Sir, Delhi or Chandigarh? I will recommend that you have a word with Jamaica at 09418200183. He is a local from Kaza and owns a hotel there. He also run a camping site at Chandratal and is a good friend of mine. Please give him my reference and have a word. He will be able to help you with an Innova for the trip, your accommodation at Chandratal and Kaza both and any other assistance you need.

Thanks dear Virgis. I am overwhelmed to get such a prompt response (2.30am !)

As I shall commence my journey from Lucknow and from Delhi also we have to pass through Chandigarh, I think it will be better to start from Chandigarh. However please suggest.

The most important thing, I believe is, there is no problem ( given the composition of the group) In undertaking this trip. If feasible, Please suggest the iternery.

Thank you for your kind words Sir. Chandigarh will be a good place to start but then you will have to wait until the Manali Kaza route is declared open. Once that happens, you can in fact cover both Lahaul and Sipti valleys. May I know the approximate dates of your travel Sir?

Hello dear Virgis once again.

Consequent upon long conversation with you, I am FINALLY starting my tour of Spiti valley as per iternery below :

22nd June : Scheduled arrival Chandigarh 10.30am. After refreshing, departure for Manali by 12 noon. Night stay Manali.

23rd June: Rest and stay at Manali.

24th to 26th June: Kaza and around as per your suggested iternery.

27th June : Tabo

28th June: Chandratal

29th June: Manali

30th June : Chandigarh to Lucknow (night train )

Considering the water scarcity in Himanchal this season, I think We shall carry SUFFICIENT quantity of Bottled water from Chandigarh itself. I think this is according to your valuable guidance. Shall be glad if you will please advise any special precaution to be taken considering our AGE group (I am 66+We shall take Diamox tabs at Manali. And also carry oxygen cylinders/ inhalers as a precautionary measure) Anything else please?

Hello Mr. Bhattacharya, The water problem is actually limited to Shimla city. I was just there in Manali for couple of days last week and no such problem there. In Kaza, stay at Hotel Spiti valley. It is located right opposite Kaza monastery on main road. Good place and highly recommended by me. Let Mr. Tanzin there know of me and he will take good care of you. You are spending a day in Manali so AMS should not be that big a problem.

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Manali to Spiti Valley – Most beautiful road trip in India

The journey from Manali in Himachal Pradesh to Spiti Valley – the cold desert mountain near Tibetan border is one of the most beautiful road trips in India. Let’s take this amazing journey.

Ever wondered about the most beautiful road trip in India? For me, it’s from Manali to Spiti valley. Let me tell the story and share the photos of the journey to convince you for visiting there.

Table of Contents

I love India!

My first ever visit India was way back in 1996. I was not even a teenager by then! Since then, I lost count of how many times I had been there. I am extremely fortunate of exploring 13 Indian states and territories out of 36, it’s not exactly a third of the country, however still fair enough to get a good feel of it. India never fails to amaze me with everything it has to offer – it’s sheer diversity, varied landscapes, mind-blowing cultures, and interesting histories.

This time, I planned to visit places in India adjoining the Tibetan border. These places are, without a doubt, the remotest areas not only in India but in the world and therefore I was unsure of what to expect. Now that I often go down memory lane and contemplate, I can guarantee you that the expedition from Manali to Spiti Valley is a once in a lifetime experience – it was hypnotically gorgeous, jaw-dropping, and equally thrilling through a never-ending series of winding roads. 

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Where to start the journey?

I started my quest from Manali, a major city of Himachal Pradesh, which itself demands to be one of the key attractive tourist destinations in India. People visit Himachal Pradesh to enjoy its snowfall during winter and spend time in the mountainous scenery. Interestingly, my journey started where most people finish their trip. My aim was to go as far as possible in the Spiti Valley. 

An unfortunate event followed by a deception

Manali is far from Delhi, the capital of India. 550 KM in rough and winding roads in raw, mountainous terrain is not a child’s play. So, I decided to split my journey. First, I took a flight from Delhi to Kullu with a stopover at Chandigarh. The distance to travel from Kullu to Manali is merely 40 Kilometers. One can use a taxi or a bus to reach Manali from Kullu airport. My intention was to avoid any inconvenience that might occur during a road journey, especially in the early stage of my travel. However, my flight from Chandigarh to Kullu got canceled due to unavoidable weather issues. Interestingly, later I came to know that flights from Chandigarh to Kullu get canceled more than it serves.  

This was a nasty blow since I had no spare time in my trip plan. Manali is about 300 Kilometers from Chandigarh. Since there were no other flights for me, I left the airport immediately, and decided to take a taxi; destination – Chandigarh city center. But it was not easy to get a taxi to Manali. After offering exceptional tips and deciding to go way over my budget, I found Ravi, an enchanted conversationalist and experienced driver for the trip. He agreed to take me to Manali and impressed me within a short time. 

On my way, I asked him if he took passengers to Kaza in Spiti valley before. Unlike a proper route, driving in Spiti needs a specialized skill set. Due to poor marks on winding roads, one must know the route well beforehand. Ravi assured me that he had been to Kaza many times and I trusted him (and I had to regret my immature trust later). In addition, he had a sedan with an engine capacity of less than 1200 CC. As you continue to read, you will realize how it shaped the course of my journey.

Stopover in Manali

I arrived in Manali at 11 at night and stayed in the subsequent night, too. Manali is a quaint little town surrounded by mountains. This beautiful place attracts a lot of visitors throughout the year. I spent a fantastic day in Manali before starting my journey to Spiti valley.

The journey from Manali to Spiti Valley

Manali to rohtang pass.

When the sun shines in the morning, the heat melts ice at a higher altitude in mountains. The melting ice comes down below and creates quite a heavy water flow that is difficult to cross using a sedan. This was beyond my imagination despite the fact that I read about them before. One way to avoid the steams is to pass them before the ice starts to melt.  So, we started the journey before 7 in the morning. The road was in good condition in the beginning. It was a treat to lay my eyes outside of my window. The lush green mountain dotted with sporadic trees on one side of the road made the view nothing short of fabulous. The patches of clouds were dancing all around. Close enough for alluring to catch them, far enough to reach out. 

After a half an hour journey, I started to see the rough patches on the roads, full of wear and tear. Heavy trucks that were operating there could be the key reason for such rough patches. The aspect of our journey changed. Rather than continuing straight, the path started to wind. At times, some of the bendings was so sharp that Ravi had to be very careful with his steering to remain safe. 

We reached Rohtang pass, our first major stop for the day in three and a half hours. It is a high mountain pass on Pir Panjal Range in the Himalayas. Many tourists visit Rohtang pass at an elevation of 3980 meters (13058 feet) to experience snow. It’s a place where you get to see ice almost round the year. One needs a permit for visiting Rohtang Pass. You can avail of it online from six days before departure. This is to reduce the congestion on road and restrict the number of tourists from gathering there. Make sure to take a print out of the copy of the receipt, as without it you can’t visit Rohtang.

You can find a huge placard cemented there permanently welcoming you to the Rohtang Pass. Almost everyone was taking a picture in front of it. I did not find it interesting. So, I strolled around and met these beautiful horses playing in the valley amidst clouds just opposite of the street.  

Rohtang Pass to Gramphu

After spending half an hour in the Rohtang pass, we resumed our journey. As the car was moving like a roller coaster, I was dancing towards both the windows to enjoy mesmerisingly beautiful natures and taking photos from the car. The toughest part was to focus on an object through my camera. Where should I? To the gigantic vista? Or to the myriad waterfalls? Or to the cloud? Or on the ever-changing road?

I asked Ravi to stop the car several times to take photos. But I realized that, if I want to take photos of all the beautiful places on the road, we cannot reach our destination in a week. I wouldn’t mind going slowly; however, there were not too many places to spend the night, and we were not carrying any tents either. So, I put a brake on my wishes.

From the Rohtang Pass to Gramphu is a short leg of the journey which took only an hour. So, what’s the significance of Gramphu? When you come to Gramphu, you have to make the toughest decision of your life! Zigzagging through the road, when you arrive there, you will notice the roads going in two different directions. One will take you to Ladakh (the northbound road), an amazingly beautiful place. The other road to the south which we chose will take you to Kaza , which is an unforgettable and once in a lifetime experience. You can’t possibly go wrong choosing either of them. If I went towards Ladakh, the journey would have been equally beautiful.

Gramphu To Chhatru

The roads started getting worse as we continued along the way. The smooth road turned greyish with soil and stones. The layer of roads added a different dimension to the journey. One single mistake from any of the drivers can wreak massive havoc. The truck drivers must be extremely competent to control the fully-loaded vehicle on such a difficult road.

I could not help stopping in an unplanned place. The purpose was not only to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from outside of the car but also to provide my driver some rest. I ascended a slope during the break. A cluster of sheep was gazing in a jaw-dropping magnificent backdrop. I sought for the source of a thundering sound somewhere and discovered a waterfall in the distance. 

The Chenab river with the thunderous flow was guiding us. As long as my eyes stretched, I enjoyed green valleys. Although there were green meadows, the lack of trees amused me. Green grasses, enormous stones, and wildflowers made most of the vistas. These were different from what appeared several hours back.

Chhatru To Batal

Chhatru is a small village and an important checkpoint. Here, foreigners require stopping and show their passports. The officials in the post record the name and passport number on a paper-based registrar. There are some small restaurants to grab some food. I did not want to miss this rare opportunity during the journey. I had hot Maggi instant noodles from a limited option of food choices. Apart from Gramphu and Chhatru, we did not notice any place with a name. You won’t encounter any homes or lives apart from the travelers. It was only the infinite vistas of nature. 

I got a glimpse of snowcapped mountains suddenly. It was difficult to distinguish between thick clouds and snow. It seemed unreal; Rather, it looked just like an oil painting by an outstanding painter. Ravi played Punjabi songs in the car in a loop which sounded kind of amusing to my ear. I memorized the lyrics of those foreign songs, almost!

As the evening neared, I identified three important developments in our course. The brownish shade around was slowly but steadily taking the place of greeneries. The road became almost nonexistent; it changed into a trail of dirt. Thirdly, the thawing snow from the higher altitude developed a powerful flow of water  (locally known as nullahs) on the road. It was becoming difficult for the vehicles to cross those streams which were accompanied by massive rocks. That’s where the engine strength of vehicles came into play. 

While the tracks, 4WD or SUV crossed the streams with their added fizz, our little sedan got stuck on a rock. The maximum energy revolved the wheels vehemently in vain – it jumped up rather than moving forward. I grasped at that point that Ravi lied to me about taking his car to Spiti valley before. An 1199 CC Honda WRV was simply no good at this situation of the road, it looked like a worthless toy there. Everybody on the road slowly appeared to curse me for committing such stupidity and blocking their way. But how would I know? I trusted a driver in an unknown place and relied on his words when I hired him from Chandigarh.

I pushed the car from the back. Several of the fellow travelers joined. Although the car successfully moved from that place, at last, it was not good enough for passing over the stream. We got stuck again.

Darkness loomed, and our destiny was becoming dimmer with every second. I never thought that such a bright colorful day would turn into a grey helpless affair. I seated on a stone, shivering in the cold. Earlier, I tried to push the car from behind in a desperate move, surging into the water. I underestimated the coolness of the stream. Given a chance, I would exchange it by sticking my foot on a sharp knife. There was no village in the proximity, there was no shelter to take around, we were not even carrying any food with us. We did not have any way to move forward; we did not have a way to turn backward. I submitted myself to my fate.

Suddenly, this wonderful piece of the yellow crane came to our relief. These cranes work to remove ice from the streets and help construct roads. Someone who crossed us before realized our situation and dispatched an SOS to it to rescue us. I was still doubtful if it had the strength to move our car. But it was a monster. It dragged the car out of pitfall in 2 minutes. I had not felt so happy and relieved in a long time. 

We resumed our journey. Kaza became a far-fetched dream at that point. We revised our target to reach the next likely place where we could sleep – Batal. My happiness ended shortly. We got stuck again in another stream. This time, it was pitch black outside and there was not a soul around. I became numb, could not even hold fury anymore towards Ravi for placing us in such a miserable state. I even lost my energy to curse my luck. I assumed that was it – I would see the end of my life tonight in the shivering cold.

We remained there for half an hour, doing nothing. In fact, we had nothing to do within our capacity except pray. Suddenly, we saw a slim light in the distance. A group of angels emerged from the opposite way. They were a group of 6 young folks getting back from Kaza. We blocked the road. They cannot move forward if we do not clear the road. We pushed the car all together for 10 minutes and after a lot of noises, whirling stones, black smoke from the exhaust pipe, we pulled out of trouble.  

I didn’t utter a single word to Ravi; I was only looking into the offline map of my mobile. Batal was nearby on the map, however, there was no sign of anything outside. It was so dark, I could not believe any village existed nearby! Eventually, we located a dim light and a campsite with several tents. We got lucky once again within several hours. There was a vacant tent, and I took it immediately. I was filthy after the long journey and drama. A shower would have been nice. But, where would I find a bathroom? I was staying in the vast openness.

My back was hurting like anything and I got feverish. I didn’t want to get out of the tent in the cold; however, I was so hungry that I had to drag myself into another tent where they served food. I went to bed afterward without any further wait. 

Batal to Chandra Taal (Lake) to Batal

During the night, I did not realize what Batal looked like. When I came out of my tent in the morning light, dizziness gripped me. There was a snow-capped mountain within my reach. The arid landscape and tranquility were so different, it sent a shiver to my spine. My fever subsided, but the back pain persisted. The good news was, I got my fizz back and was feeling excited all over again. I planned something new while I was taking my breakfast.

A brief detour (12 KM) from Batal would take me to Chandra Taal, a beautiful high altitude lake. I did not want to take any risk of taking our car to Chandra Taal. So, I joined a group that was also visiting there in an SUV. The plan was to go to Chandra Taal and come back to Batal, where I spent the night, and start our journey towards Kaza again from there. In the meantime, Ravi came to me with a story and told me that someone sabotaged and leaked his tire. I asked if he could continue. In reply, he assured me that, by the time I would be back from Chandra Taal, he would have fixed everything.

The road to Chandra Taal was astoundingly different from what I was used to seeing in my entire life. Before visiting Spiti Valley, I read the description of the valley as a “cold desert mountain” in different places. I did not realize what that meant before I saw this particular landscape. There was absolutely no trace of any vegetation, I did not see a single tree. All I could see was a wave of brown mountains, one after another. Although you don’t see any snow here in the photo, it’s only for several months. The rest of the time, it’s covered in snow. It’s cold! It’s deserted! It’s beautiful! 

A car cannot take you to the lake directly. It would drop you off at a place 2 kilometers from the lake. About half an hour to 45 minutes of the hike will take you to the lake. Right at the starting point of the trek, you will find tents for rent. Tourists spend a night there before visiting the lake. I didn’t see any point though, as you cannot see the lake from there.

The hiking was short but strenuous in the high altitude. There were paved marks, so you won’t lose your way. I walked amidst green grasses and small yellow flowers. The blue sky and white clouds made the brown mountains prettier.

The Chandra Taal lake was spellbinding! It’s at an altitude of 4300 meters. The oxygen gets thinner at that altitude. But it was not the lack of oxygen, but the beauty of it that took my breath away. The word Chandra means Moon and Taal means lake. As this lake is crescent-shaped, it’s called Chandra Taal. I sat in a corner to savor every bit of its beauty.

Then I decided to take a walk. You can circumnavigate the whole lake if you want. I dived into moments of complete tranquility throughout the walk. The sound of the wind was the only sound I could hear, the vast meadows on the bank, and the reflection of mountains and skies on the lake was the only thing my eyes could take. It’s got cemented in my brain permanently, and I hope to carry it with me for the rest of my life. 

Batal to Kunzum Pass

We came back to Betal and resumed our journey towards Kaza around 1:00 PM. My head was filled with the memory of my excursion to Chandra Taal, it was difficult to put aside my mind. However, when I looked out of my window, I saw a sea of clouds engulfing black mountains with white snow. I was happy. I was dreaming! Am I in the actual world? 

By that time, the road became almost nonexistent. All you can do is follow a trail keeping mountains on one side and a deep valley to the other. Our little toy was crawling, and every uphill journey seemed to be taking its life away. Suddenly, the nightmare came back – the noise of a burst, and Ravi could stop the car before losing control – just in time. The last thing we needed was a flat tire with no spare in the car. We got stuck again out of nowhere.

God smiled on me again. A bus appeared on the horizon, the only bus that ran between Manali and Kaza was coming towards my direction. I waved, jumped, and begged the bus driver to take me inside.  I forgot about the full payment I gave to Ravi for the round trip before the journey started (The cost of trusting someone on the road). I didn’t care that there is not a single vacant seat on the bus and ignored the fact that the isle of the bus was full of bags of travelers. All I wanted to do was to squeeze inside of its belly.

I was just happy to be inside. I didn’t mind entertaining tons of questions from the curious passengers of the bus. It didn’t matter much that it was a foreign language to me. I didn’t complain about sitting on the floor of a cramped aisle on the bumpy road. I felt fortunate to get going.

Within less than half an hour, the bus stopped at Kunzum Pass at an elevation of 4551 meters and gave me an opportunity to stretch my legs. When I trekked to Annapurna Base Camp, it was at an elevation of 4130 meters. I couldn’t believe that I arrived more than 4500 meters on a motor vehicle. Some passengers offered prayers in the temple. Is it one of the most beautiful temples in the world? How many times did you find a temple in the backdrop of a snow-capped mountain range in a vast open area? I wanted to stay there. But my alluring journey continued.   

Kunzum Pass to Kaza

By this time, I was overwhelmed by the experience on the road. I learned a lot from this trip. I met Ravi, who apparently seemed a gentleman but tricked me. I gave him all the money as an advance for the entire trip as I entrusted him, and I regarded him as my companion. He later got vanished from Kaza and never showed up. He even didn’t pick my phone since then. Because of that, I got cash strapped in Kaza. The solitary ATM booth there saved me from disgrace. I met kind-hearted strangers on the road who helped willingly and unconditionally to get me out of crises several times.

Hence, the last stage of my journey in Spiti Valley started. My story is ending as I was approaching Kaza. The road turned normal gradually. I lost the last bite of the cellular tower on my mobile phone. I was pondering how far have I come over the last few days, starting from my hometown of Dhaka. If I die here on the road now, I doubt if my body could be taken back to my country.

The very next moment, my thoughts were eclipsed by the mystic shadows in the remotest of mountains. I was not sure if it was a dream. 

I felt fortunate to be born as a human, lucky to be alive, to enjoy this sheer beauty through my own eyes. It made me realize that, if you go out, you will find places on earth beyond description. I believe that the human mind is the most powerful thing in the universe and the imagination of the human mind is the most extraordinary part of it. However, the journey I took from Manali to Kaza exceeded all my imagination. It was not only an exploration but an experience I would cherish for the rest of my life. 

Read 7 days of unforgettable itinerary for Spiti valley

Important information about the Journey between Manali to Spiti Valley

Where is kaza.

It’s a town in the Western Himalayas. Many call it Kaze. This is the subdivisional headquarter of the Spiti Valley, which is a remote place in India bordering Tibet. You will find similarities with Tibet in several aspects – religion, cultures, terrain, and weather.

How to go from Manali to Kaza in Spiti Valley

• A Government bus runs every day from Manali from mid-June to mid-October. You will get it from the Manali bus stand. Be there before 5 in the morning. This is the cheapest way, will cost you less than US$7. This is the official site for buying a bus ticket.
• Hiring a 4×4 vehicle. It will cost you more than US$150 but will give you the freedom to stop taking photos whenever you want to.
• If you are brave enough, renting a motorbike is an option. I crossed many bikers on the road with Royal Enfield.

Alternate route to Kaza

Rather than going from Manali, you can also make the journey from Shimla. It’s a different circuit altogether, takes 2 days to complete the trip. The views are different, too. Many people do the whole circuit, starting from Manali and ending in Shimla via Kaza. If you are a foreigner, you need to take a special permit from Kaza to continue your journey towards Shimla.

Distance from Manali to Kaza in Spiti Valley

202 Kilometers/125 miles

How much time does it take from Manali to Kaza?

10 to 12 hours at least. It took me 2 days!

When is the best time for going to Kaza from Manali?

This is not a round the year destination. The high passes of Rohtang and Kunzum remain closed because of heavy snowfall during winter. Before starting your journey, you need to make sure that the roads are open. During summer, from July to October, is the best time for visiting there.

Tips for Visiting Spiti valley from Manali

• Never, ever take a sedan there. Look out for an SUV. You can take a bus, too.
• Forget about the internet in Kaza, the only mobile network that works in patches is BSNL. So, take your preparations accordingly.
• Take proper clothes, otherwise, it will bite you back.
• Take some food and water with you, you never know what’s waiting for you on the road
• Don’t miss paying a visit to Chandra Taal lake, even if it means extra time and money
• The road and Kaza itself are in high elevation. You should take some time to acclimatise to the thin air.
• Hire a vehicle with a number plate starting with HP. HP means Himachal Pradesh. If you don’t do this, you might face some coldness from the people around you.
• Rohtang pass remains closed on Tuesday, so, make your plan accordingly.

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Fuad loves to travel! A lot! Carrying a Bangladeshi passport means he needs a prior visa for visiting most of the countries. He got detained in many borders because of his nationality but; he didn’t give up - he set his foot to 40 countries . He believes, if he could travel the world despite all the odds, you can, too. Fuad is a Computer Engineer by profession, and author of a travelogue in Bangla . He currently lives in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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Shimla Manali trip with Friend Anuj has been very helpful. He ensured that the best possible deal was being offered us. He is extremely knowledgeable about places in Manali, Delhi and Shimla. The car he arranged for us was in excellent condition, the driver was very courteous. Overall, it was a best trip for us.

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If there’s a destination in India so dreamy that makes us all want to put life on hold for a bit and escape reality, It will surely be Manali. In Manali, you will find paradise wherever you go. Go on a perfect trip to this beautiful destination with your family. To help you out, here’s 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package exclusively designed by Pickyourtrail for an amazing vacation. With snow-covered pines, dense forests and appealing ambience, the place welcomes a large number of visitors every year. You can take in the utmost beauty of Manali in 3 days. However, all you have to do is follow this itinerary and plan your trip accordingly.

Get to know about Manali before you leave

How far will you go to experience snowfall? It’s just a few kilometres away. Nestled between Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar, Manali is an amazing hill station in India. Take a fairy tale kind of trip to experience the snowy vistas, gushing streams and extraordinary scenic beauty. You can satisfy all your need here right from sightseeing till shopping and food cravings. And the most important fact is that it can adapt itself to both fun lovers and peace seekers.

• Inhale the medicinal air of Vashisht Hot Water Springs
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Day wise itinerary

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4th day: Fly back to home

Day 1: arrival and sightseeing.

Once you reach Manali, you will be escorted by an agent to your luxurious resort in Manali. Check into your hotel and wash away the journey fatigue. In the noon, complete a filling lunch and start your journey to venture out the attractions in Manali. Your first leg during your 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package is the Hadimba Devi Temple. After getting the blessings of the Goddess, head to the Vashisht village and temple. Post that, you will be taken to the most mesmerizing Vashisht Hot Water Springs. Inhale the medicinal air at the hot water spring and then make your way to the Van Vihar.

Indulge in a shopping spree at the Manali market and the mall. You can buy amazing souvenirs and gifts while enjoying lip-smacking snacks. Conclude your noon trip at the Tibetian Monastery. You will get a vivid knowledge about the age-old culture and tradition about the historical Monasteries of the country. Spend your evening time by exploring the malls of the town. After a tiresome yet fruitful day, return back to your hotel and have a scrumptious dinner.

Day 2: Exceptional day tour

Wake up to a refreshing coffee and a delicious breakfast and kick start your day. On your second day of 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package, you will be visiting the Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass . However, please note that visiting these attractions are subject to availability on the day of your visit.

According to the National Green Tribunal, there’s a specific number of vehicles that can enter Rohtang pass per day. If the count exceeds 1200, you will not be allowed inside. So, in this case, visitors are advised to wait at the entrance and pay an extra amount to get inside. Also, a permit fee of 550 INR is to be paid at the time of travel.

More about Rohtang and Solang Valley

Rohtang, also known as snow point is the network that connects Manali to Lahul and Spiti. Enjoy fun-filled snow activities such as snow scooter ride and horse riding. Get stunning views of the glaciers and snow-blanketed mountains at the Solang Valley. Located at close proximity of 13 km from Manali, it is a perfect place for skiing during the winter season. The snow heaps will bring out the child in you as you can enjoy slipping and sliding on it. Also, you can try your hands in parachuting, zorbing, paragliding and horse riding during the summer. These experiences will give you the best memories of your 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package.

Day 3: Enjoyable day tour to Naggar Castle

On the third day of your 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package, have a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel and start your journey to Naggar. The first spot that’s waiting to surprise you is the Kullu-Naggar castle.

Sneak peek about Naggar Castle

This mesmerizing castle will amuse you with its grandeur in all possible ways. If you are an art lover, make your way to the Naggar Castle art gallery. The gallery showcases stunning artworks by famous artists from India and other countries. Also, the place is every visitor’s favourite because of the breathtaking view of the forested hills of the Beas Valley. With a combination of European and Himalayan architecture, the place is also a great spot for photographers.

The castle has now been converted into an authentic heritage resort. This is indeed a great initiative by Himachal Tourism. You can even spend a night at this palace.

Secondly, you will be visiting the Shawl Factory. Post that, get the blessings of Gayatri Mata at the Gauri Shankar Temple and Jagatsukh Shiva Temple. Take an exciting and thrilling river rafting trip or enjoy the same at a distance depending on time constraints. After finishing the day trip, return back to your hotel and have a sound sleep after a tongue-tingling dinner.

With this, you will be concluding your beautiful chapter of Manali in your travel diary. After having a delicious breakfast, check-out our hotel and be waiting at the hotel lobby. You will be taken to the Delhi international airport in an airconditioned, sophisticated bus. From there, you can board the flight back to your home-town.

In Himachal, wherever you go, go with all your heart and take back golden memories with you. Take a turn to craft the happy hours of your life write beautiful stories on your passport pages. Enjoy this 3-nights 4-days Manali tour package to the fullest and you will never regret. You can slide into the Pickyourtrail website and start planning your trip to Manali . We are just a ping away. Its time to unwrap the world with Pickyourtrail!

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Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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• How To Spend 3 Days In Manali With Friends For A Super Fun And Snowy Getaway!

27 Mar 2023

There’s nothing more magical that the snowy landscapes of Manali in winter! If you think we are overstating, take a look at William Anna’s joyful escape to Manali with her friends where she made the best memories of her life amidst heaps of snow! See what she and her BFFs did in 3 days in Manali and find out what made their getaway downright exciting.

I and my friends wanted to make our reunion special, and where else to celebrate that than the land of the youth up in the Himalayas. Being hardcore travelers, we decided there wouldn’t be a better place to spend time with each other and relive old memories.

Another reason why I picked 3 days in Manali was the snow! I and my friends didn’t want to miss the chance of witnessing snowfall and playing in the snow! It was the perfect thing to break the monotony of life and experience something so surreal and refreshing!

Table Of Content

Details of our 3 days manali trip from delhi, a snippet of our 3 days trip to manali and rohtang pass, best experiences we had in 3 days in manali, some manali travel tips for a smooth vacation, what to pack for manali trip, our experience with traveltriangle, common queries we had while planning our trip to manali.

Trip Type: Friends Trip Trip Cost: INR 18,250/- No. Of People: 4 Trip Duration: 2 Nights 3 Days Inclusions: Breakfast, dinner, bus transfers, private AC transfers, accommodation, sightseeing, applicable taxes Exclusions: Lunch, travel insurance, Rohtang permit

Day 1: Volvo bus transfer to Manali from Delhi | Local sightseeing Day 2: Solang Valley | Vashisht Temple Day 3: Kullu Palace | Departure

34 Places Near Manali That Are Perfect For A Dreamy Holiday In The Hills In 2022

Everything we did or experienced on our trip was fabulous. But there were some particular experiences that made our getaway extraordinary! Here are some of them that will help you figure out how to spend 3 days in Manali :

1. Playing In The Snow!

Rolling about and throwing snowballs at each other, we felt like we were kids again! There couldn’t have been a better way to celebrate our bond and plan a get-together other than experiencing snowfall in Manali and Solang Valley. If you too want to witness snowfall in Manali, make sure you carry adequate warm clothes to sustain yourself in the cold Manali weather in January.

2. Quad Biking At Solang Valley

There are various activities that one can enjoy during their visit to Solang Valley in Manali. While others were busy skiing down those snowy slopes, I and my friends decided to try taking a round on an ATV which actually turned out to be one of the most thrilling things we did on our trip. We took loads of pictures while whizzing around on the bike and against the scenic backdrop of Solang. We enjoyed our time at Solang so much that we just didn’t want to go back home!

Manali In January: Know What Makes It A Great Time To Explore This Paradise

3. Visit To Vashisht Temple & Kullu Palace

Dedicated to the sage Vashisth and Lord Rama, the Vashisht Temple in Manali is well-known for its incredible hot springs. In fact, it is this healing water that draws an enormous influx of pilgrims and tourists from around the country to this temple. These sulfur springs are said to have medicinal value, and it is believed they can cure various skin related ailments and infections. There were separate bathing areas for men and women. Taking a dip in this water was absolutely refreshing and charging. It was like our natural jacuzzi that took away all our fatigue.

The other amazing attraction that we visited during our 3 day trip to Manali was the Naggar Castle that was founded by Raja Visudhpal in around 1460 A.D. It is located on the banks of the Beas river at a staggeringly high altitude of 1851 meters because of which it is the perfect place for some undisturbed views of Himachal. We just couldn’t get enough of those breathtaking views of the snow-laden Kullu Valley no matter how long we looked at them!

• Do not underestimate the weather in Himachal in winters. Pack enough warm clothes for your trip.
• Wear comfortable shoes, preferably waterproof, as you’ll be required to walk around a lot and it’ll be damp and slippery.
• Keep yourself updated on the weather forecast at all times before and during your trip.
• Apply for the Rohtang Permit well in time.
• Opt for an overnight journey to Himachal so that you can have adequate rest on the way and arrive fresh and ready to explore.

20 Best Cottages In Manali For Peace And Seclusion On Your Much-Needed Hilly Escape

Other than warm clothes and sturdy footwear which are the main things to pack for 3 days in Manali trip, if one is traveling there during the time of snowfall, then an umbrella would come handy. It helps in case of both rainfall and snowfall. One should also pack a few medicines, especially for cough and cold.

15 Homestays In Manali You Must Consider Staying In For Your 2022 Vacay

How To Reach Manali

• By Air : You can reach this prominent hill station in Himachal by air. The nearest airport is Bhuntar, around 50 km from Manali. 
• By Train : Being a hilly region, there is no railway station in Manali. 
• By Road : Many vacationers prefer to travel by road to Kullu, especially from Delhi.

DO’S and DON’TS For Manali Trip

Do’s –

• River rafting
• Visit Old manali
• Solang Rope way 

Don’ts

• Don’t litter
• Don’t go according to a taxi owner’s choices, check online famous attractions.

It was a great experience to book our trip through TravelTriangle. I would like to thank Anjana who planned the whole trip for us and also Lalu, our driver-cum-guide who drove us around and acquainted us with the unsurpassed beauty of Manali. I also want to thank our hotel staff for making our stay so memorable and comfortable. These 3 days in Manali were truly amazing.

Friends On An Adventure Trip To Manali: A Journey Full Of Joy And Thrill

Why don’t you just rope in some adventure-crazy friends and plan an awesome-sauce vacation in Manali ? Make sure you book with TravelTriangle for the best deals and discounts as well as some thrilling activities in Himachal that you won’t be offered anywhere else!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

My friends and I had a few doubts while planning our vacation and looking for the right things to do in Manali in 3 days. Now that we’re back, we feel we should answer them to help others book their trip comfortably.

Is Shimla better or Manali?

Both these places are unique in terms of what they offer and equally beautiful. While Shimla is ideal for a laid back vacation where one can enjoy the old world charm and colonial architecture, 3 days in Manali is more suited for adventure-hungry souls owing to the numerous activities offered here like paragliding, quad biking, skiing, and more.

Is Kullu and Manali same?

Kullu and Manali are usually considered as a single destination owing to their proximity to one another. Manali is essentially situated at the northern end of the huge Kullu Valley in Himachal.

What is there to do in Manali at night?

You can go camping at Solang Valley, check out the famous lounges and clubs, and eat at the various late-night dhabas and cafes in Manali, among other things.

What food is eaten in Himachal Pradesh?

The Himachali day-to-day cuisine generally comprises of lentil, broth, rice, vegetables, and bread. You’ll find they’re more inclined to red meat and wheat bread than other states in India. Some of the most famous dishes of Himachal Pradesh include Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, and more.

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