Manali sits high in Himachal Pradesh at the head of the Kullu Valley, a Himalayan crossroads that drew traders, sages, and trekkers long before it became North India’s favorite mountain getaway. From the cedar-scented Hadimba Temple to the steaming Vashisht hot springs, the town fuses legend with brisk mountain air and apple-orchard calm.

Today Manali is a launchpad for adventure—skiing and gondolas in Solang Valley, snowfields beyond the record-breaking Atal Tunnel, and breezy day hikes to waterfalls and ridge temples. Spring brings apple blossoms, summer is for alpine meadows, autumn glows gold, and winter snows transform everything.

Practical notes: Manali sits around 2,050 m—drink water, ascend gradually, and pack layers year-round. Rohtang Pass requires a permit and is usually open mid-May to October (closed Tuesdays); the Atal Tunnel route to Lahaul is typically open most of the year, weather-permitting. Expect to pay a green/environmental tax on entry to Manali, carry some cash (UPI is widely accepted), and check road advisories after heavy rain or snow.

Manali

This itinerary keeps you based in Manali while exploring the valley—Old Manali’s indie cafes, Solang’s chairlift views, Vashisht’s mineral baths, Naggar’s 15th-century castle, and the Beas River’s rafting runs.

• Top sights: Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple (Old Manali), Vashisht Temple & hot springs, Solang Valley gondola, Atal Tunnel & Sissu, Jogini Waterfall, Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery (closed Mondays), Tibetan Monastery (Gadhan Thekchhokling), Van Vihar.
• Classic flavors: Kullu trout, momos and thukpa, Himachali siddu and dham-style meals, orchard-fresh apple juice and hot chocolate.
• Getting around: Hire a local taxi for day trips (INR 3,500–6,500 per day depending on route and season) or rent a scooter (helmet required). Winter driving can be icy—use experienced drivers.

Stay: Browse stays in every budget—from log-hut style cottages in Old Manali to riverside hotels near Aleo.

• Vacation rentals on VRBO Manali (cozy wooden homes, orchard cottages, mountain-view apartments).
• Hotels on Hotels.com Manali (Mall Road conveniences to boutique cabins in Log Huts Road).

Getting to Manali:

• Fly via Kullu–Manali Airport (KUU, Bhuntar), 50–60 minutes by road to Manali. Typical Delhi–Kullu flight time ~1h15; fares ~USD 60–150. Search and book on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Alternate: Fly to Chandigarh (IXC), then drive or take an overnight Volvo bus to Manali (8–10 hours by road). Trains from Delhi to Chandigarh take ~3.5–4.5 hours; check schedules on Trip.com Trains.
• Road-only option from Delhi: 12–14 hours by coach (prices from ~USD 12–25) or private car (allow for mountain traffic and weather).

Day 1: Arrival, Old Manali Wander, and Riverside Evening

Afternoon: Arrive in Manali and pay the green/environmental tax at the entry barrier. Check into your stay in Old Manali or Aleo, then stretch your legs along the Old Manali bazaar—tailors, woolens, music stores, and bakeries hum here. Step into Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted for a cappuccino and their famous warm cookie, or try single-origin pours at Riding Beans near the bridge.

Evening: Walk to the Manu Temple (modest climb; good at dusk) and listen to the river. For dinner, pick a riverside table at Cafe 1947 (Italian, live music nights; book in peak season) or slide into Johnson’s Cafe for the classic Kullu trout almondine and a hot toddy by the fire. Nightcap at The Lazy Dog if there’s a gig on.

Day 2: Solang Valley Gondola and Atal Tunnel to Sissu

Morning: Drive 30–45 minutes to Solang Valley. Ride the gondola/chairlift to Mt. Phatru for panoramic views; in winter, try skiing or snow tubing. Adventure operators offer ATVs and zip-lines (availability varies by season and local regulations). For strong coffee and parathas, duck into the base-area dhabas.

Afternoon: Continue through the 9.02-km Atal Tunnel into Lahaul’s stark beauty; stop at Sissu for photos of the waterfall and chortens. In winter, expect pristine snowfields; in summer, gentle highland greens. Warm up with thukpa and momos at a roadside kitchen in Sissu or Khoksar. Return to Manali (roads can be icy—use an experienced driver).

Evening: Back in town, dine at The Corner House (Mall Road; Himalayan-meets-global comfort food) or Il Forno (wood-fired pizzas set in an apple orchard, great for families). Dessert tip: hot chocolate at Casa Bella Vista near Log Huts Road.

Note: You do not need a Rohtang Pass permit for the Atal Tunnel/Sissu route. If you plan Rohtang Top itself (when open mid-May–Oct), book a permit in advance and avoid Tuesday closures.

Day 3: Vashisht Hot Springs, Jogini Waterfall, and Mall Road

Morning: Head to Vashisht village for the temple and hot springs—there are separate pools; dress modestly, bring a towel. Brunch afterward at Fat Plate Cafe (Shuru; farmhouse vibe, eggs, shakshuka, and bakes) or get specialty coffee at Kilta Cafe & Roastery (Aleo).

Afternoon: Hike 45–90 minutes round-trip to Jogini Waterfall—a gentle trail weaving through orchards and deodar. Pack a light jacket and stable shoes. Late lunch back in Old Manali at Drifters’ Cafe (pancakes, bowls, and occasional open mics) or Dylan’s if you fancy another cookie.

Evening: Stroll Mall Road: pop into the Tibetan Monastery, browse woolens at the Manu Market, and consider a certified shawl from Bhuttico. For dinner, try Chopsticks (reliable momos, thukpa, tingmo) or return to Johnson’s for trout curry. End with a quiet walk through Van Vihar if it’s still open.

Day 4: Naggar Castle, Roerich Gallery, Jana Falls, and Beas River Rafting

Morning: Drive 45–60 minutes to Naggar. Explore the 15th-century Naggar Castle—a classic Kathkuni (wood-stone) hill structure with valley views. Nearby, the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery showcases Himalayan canvases from the Russian painter (closed Mondays; check timings).

Afternoon: Continue to Jana Waterfall and lunch at a simple hillside dhaba—order siddu (yeast buns), rajmah-chawal, and makki ki roti with ghee. Then drive to the Kullu stretch (Pirdi/Babeli) for Beas River rafting—7–10 km runs take ~1–1.5 hours (typical cost INR 800–1,500 per person, Oct–Jun, water-level dependent). Wear the life vest and follow your guide’s commands.

Evening: Back in Manali, celebrate with dinner at Il Forno (if you missed it) or go vegetarian-gourmet at Casa Bella Vista. If you prefer a lively scene, check The Lazy Dog for live bands.

Day 5: Hadimba Temple and Cedar Forest Farewell

Morning: Visit the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple, its pagoda roof nestled among towering cedars. Skip animal rides; instead, wander the forest trails and photograph the intricate woodwork.

Afternoon: Brunch in Old Manali—try Drifters’ pancakes or The Corner House if you’re near Mall Road. Pick up last-minute snacks—apple chips, seabuckthorn juice—then depart in the afternoon for your flight or overnight coach.

Evening: Travel day. If you’re staying late, enjoy a quiet coffee at Kilta or a riverside tea and call it a night.

Approximate local costs (for planning): In-town taxi hops INR 400–800; Solang + Atal Tunnel day car INR 3,500–6,000; Naggar + Jana + rafting loop INR 4,500–6,500; Solang gondola INR ~650–800; paragliding at Dobhi/Naggar INR ~2,500–4,000 (weather- and regulation-dependent).

Optional extensions if you route via Shimla or Dharamshala

If you’re flying/driving via Shimla or spending time in Kangra/Dharamshala before or after Manali, these guided experiences pair beautifully with this itinerary.

Shimla (en route for some travelers): Explore the colonial-era ridge and stories behind the architecture.

Heritage & Cultural 2 Hour Shimla Walking Tour

Ideal if you break the journey between Chandigarh and Manali. Morning departures beat the crowds on the Ridge and Mall.

Kangra/Dharamshala (good if traveling onward from Manali): A day among stone forts and rock-cut temples.

Kangra Archaeological Tour with Kangra Fort & Masroor Rock Temple

Best done as a Dharamshala day trip (not from Manali); the fort’s earthquake-scarred ramparts and the 8th-century rock temples are highlights of the valley.

Seasonal and safety tips: Winter tires and chains may be required after fresh snowfall; check conditions. Always confirm gondola and tunnel access on the morning of travel. Carry ID for permits/checkposts. Respect temple etiquette and hot-spring customs.

With five days in Manali you’ll taste the valley’s breadth—riverside café culture, cedar sanctuaries, hot springs, and big-mountain day trips through the Atal Tunnel. The memories come layered: the crunch of snow underfoot, trout sizzling at dinner, prayer flags fluttering over apple orchards—Himalaya in high definition.