Welcome to Manali, a place that is a perfect blend of all three – nature, adventure, and culture. From lush valleys to snow-capped peaks, this paradise offers an escape like no other. Let’s explore its breathtaking beauty and reveal the ultimate Manali itinerary for your dream getaway! This Manali itinerary covers all the must-visit spots along with all essential travel information. It also includes direct booking links of the best hotels and features Trippy’s Tips which are exclusive travel tips and insider hacks that you won’t find anywhere else.
Table of Contents
About The Destination
Manali, often known as the “Valley of Gods”, is a charming hill station located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers because Manali is a perfect blend of all three – nature, adventure, and culture. It is located at an altitude of 2,050 meters and surrounded by snow capped peaks, dense forests and the Beas River. Along with a soothing atmosphere and diverse landscapes, Manali also offers a lot of activities ranging from trekking, paragliding and skiing to spending time with your friends or family by the river.
In Manali, you will find several ancient temples, monasteries, and wooden houses that depict the history of this town. The town also serves as a gateway to Rohtang Pass and Spiti Valley. Whether you are going to the lush green meadows of Solang Valley or shopping and eating tasty street food at the Mall Road, Manali has something for everyone. The great hospitality of locals and the amazing weather and atmosphere make it a must-visit destination.
Ways To Reach
Now, in this Manali itinerary, we will guide you on how to reach Manali through various modes of transportation.
By Road: You can drive to Manali in your own car or bike from Delhi, Chandigarh, or nearby towns. The roads are well maintained and you will enjoy the journey. The distance to Manali is 520 km from Delhi and 310 km from Chandigarh.
By Bus: Manali is well connected by road from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. You can take a comfortable overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or other nearby cities. On your journey to Manali, you will see a lot of sights like lush valleys, mountains, and rivers. The journey from Delhi via bus will take 12-14 hours.
By Train: No train goes directly to Manali. The nearest major railway station is Joginder Nagar (JDNX) which is 160 km from Manali. So, the best alternative is to take a train to Delhi or Chandigarh and then get a bus or taxi for Manali.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) which is also known as Bhuntar Airport. It is about 50 km from Manali and is connected by flights from major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. However, there are not many flights and weather also affects the operation, so a road trip either by cab or bus is often preferred.
Best Time To Visit
Manali is a destination open throughout the year and the landscape of Manali changes with every season. So, now in this Manali itinerary, we will highlight the best time to visit Manali.
Winter (December – February): This is the peak winter season when Manali is covered with a thick blanket of snow. The average temperature ranges from -2°C to 10°C. This season is ideal for snow lovers, skiing enthusiasts, and honeymooners. During this time, Manali turns out to be a perfect wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. This is the peak winter season, so get ready for crowds.
Spring (March – May): This is an ideal season for sightseeing and other outdoor activities because the average temperature is 10°C to 25°C. In this season, the landscape blooms with flowers, and the snow starts melting which makes it perfect for trekking and camping. This season is ideal for those who want to avoid the crowd and enjoy mild weather.
Summer/Monsoon (June – August): Summer is ideal for river rafting, paragliding, and trekking. The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C. You can experience lush greenery and fewer crowds but at the same time beware of landslides as this is also the monsoon season.
Autumn (September – November): It is also one of the great seasons to visit Manali as the average temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C. In this season, both the weather and landscape are verdant and quite beautiful.
Best Hotels To Stay
We have curated a list of the best budget, mid-range, and premium hotels in this Manali itinerary, you can directly book these hotels using the links given below.
Budget
Mid Range
Premium
Best Manali Itinerary for 3 Days
Day 1 of Manali Itinerary : Exploring Old Manali
- Start your sightseeing tour of Manali by visiting Manu Temple. It is located in old Manali and is dedicated to the worship of Sage Manu. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that he is the creator of the human race. By visiting Manu Temple, you can connect with the cultural and spiritual essence of Manali.
- After Manu Temple, visit Hadimba Devi Temple, a 16th century wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests. This temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima from Mahabharata. Its architecture, especially its pagoda style roof and peaceful environment, make it one of the most important sites in Manali.
- After visiting the temple, spend some time at Van Vihar National Park which is just 1.8 km from Hadimba Devi Temple. It is located along the banks of the Beas River and is surrounded by deodar trees and a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely walk.
- End your day by visiting the famous Mall Road, which is the heart of the town. It is a street full of local shops, cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food and shop for souvenirs. On Mall Road, you can also find local handicrafts, jewelry, and artifacts.
- If you don’t have time, then you can avoid going to Manu Temple and Van Vihar National Park but visiting Hadimba Devi Temple and Mall Road is a must if you are visiting Manali.
Day 2 of Manali Itinerary: Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass
- If you are visiting Manali in Winter, then start your 2nd day by heading toward Solang Valley, which is known for its adventurous activities. It is a popular tourist place in Manali where you can enjoy Skiing, Paragliding, Zorbing, Quad Biking, Tube Riding and Yak Riding (depending on the season). The valley will offer you a great view of surrounding snow capped peaks.
- Ropeway is also available in Solang Valley. If you want to do Paragliding then you have 2 options whether you want to do it from Low Level or High Level. If you want to do it from a Low Level then a ropeway is not required but if you want to do it from High Level then you need to use the ropeway to go up.
- But if you are visiting Manali in Summer then you can directly go to Rohtang Pass via the famous Atal Tunnel and while returning you can visit the Solang Valley.
- Rohtang Pass is one of the best and most thrilling places near Manali. It connects the valley of Kullu to the valley of Spiti. It is famous because you can see stunning panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and capture some wonderful pictures.
- Atal Tunnel is an engineering marvel which is located at an altitude of 3,060 meters. It is named after India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and is the longest tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet. It is over 9 km in length and reduces the travel time to Leh by several hours.
- After spending your day at Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley, return to your hotel.
Day 3 of Manali Itinerary: Manikaran and Kasol Day Trip / Naggar Castle along with Vashisht Temple
- Start your day by heading toward Manikaran which is a small town located 80 km from Manali. Visit Manikaran Sahib, which is famous for its hot springs and spiritual significance. Experience the great vibe of Kasol, and trek to nearby villages like Tosh.
- If you don’t want to go to Kasol, then on day 3 you can go to Naggar Castle which is located 20 km from Manali. It is a magnificent castle that offers stunning views of Kullu Valley and has been converted into a heritage hotel. If you want then you can also visit the Roerich Art Gallery nearby, where you can see the works of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
- After your half day trip to Naggar Castle, you can visit Vashishtha Temple, which is just 5 km from old Manali. This 4000 year old temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site and is dedicated to the Guru of Ram and Lakshman, Vashishtha. It has hot water springs which are considered sacred and believed to have skin healing properties. If you want then you can do a trek of about 3 km to Jogini Fall which will take 45 min from Vashishtha Temple. It is the most beautiful waterfall in the region and is very popular among nature lovers and trekkers.
- Note: Naggar Castle and Vashisht Temple are in opposite directions from Manali. So start your day a little early.
- In this 3-day Manali itinerary, we have given you a choice to choose whether you want a day trip to Manikaran Sahib or a day trip to Naggar Castle. But if you are planning to visit Manali for 4 days then you can prepare a Manali itinerary in which you can visit both the places on 2 different days.
Trippy’s Tips
This Manali itinerary features something that you will not find anywhere else. We are talking about our famous Trippy’s Tips which are exclusive travel hacks and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable!
- Snowfall: If you are coming to Manali for snowfall then check the weather on Google before visiting. And avoid bringing your own car in winter as roads will be very slippery.
- Clothing: Manali’s weather is unpredictable and temperatures can drop unexpectedly. So, always keep your woolen clothes handy, especially if you’re traveling during the winter or early spring.
- Rohtang Pass: You need a permit to go to Rohtang Pass as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed in a day. So, book your permit in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (May to July). You can book a permit for your private car from https://rohtangpermits.nic.in and note that 2-wheelers are not allowed. You can even go to Rohtang Pass by bus and save your money. You can get a bus from the HRTC bus stand at Mall Road but remember that very limited buses are available.
- Solang Valley: The ropeway operates only between 10 AM and 5 PM. Therefore, you should go up by 3 PM to ensure you can return by 5 PM. If there is snow at Solang Valley, the ropeway may not be worth it. However, if there is no snow or the snow is dirty, the ropeway is a good option. If you are a couple then you can go up as it will be less crowded.
- Solo Travelers: If you’re traveling solo, Old Manali is a peaceful place to stay. It has numerous hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers and solo explorers.
- Adventure Seekers: Book activities like paragliding and skiing in advance for the best rates.
Summary
Day 1
Day 2
- Solang Valley
- Rohtang Pass via Atal Tunnel (Summer)
Day 3
NOTE: Naggar Castle and Vashisht Temple are in opposite directions from Manali. So start your day a little early.
This perfect 3-day Manali Itinerary covers all the must-visit spots, from the famous Hadimba Devi Temple to the popular Solang Valley along with the Direct Links of the Best Hotels, and Trippy’s Tips. If you’re looking for additional information or need a Manali Itinerary for 4 or more days, feel free to reach out to us at our mail contact@trippyindia.in or fill the form from this link https://trippyindia.in/contact-us. Simply send us a message with the subject line: “Request for 4-Day Manali Itinerary” to ensure your request is prioritized. Note: Using the phrase “Manali Itinerary” in the subject line helps us efficiently filter and respond to your inquiry.