Manali, set at 2,050 meters in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, has long been nicknamed the “Valley of the Gods.” Its cedar forests, apple orchards, and the glacier-fed Beas River have drawn travelers for centuries—first traders and pilgrims, then mountaineers and backpackers in the 20th century. Today, the town blends temple bells and Tibetan prayer flags with cozy cafés and mountain-lodge comforts.

History here is quietly woven into the landscape: Hadimba Devi Temple rests in a deodar grove from the 1500s; Naggar was once the Kullu royal seat; and Vashisht’s natural hot springs remain a daily ritual. Modern feats sit alongside the old—the Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, is one of the world’s highest highway tunnels, linking Manali to the stark valleys of Lahaul.

Expect seasons to define your days: December–February brings snowplay and snowshoeing; March–June is ideal for paragliding, rafting, and hiking; September–November offers crisp skies for mountain views. Carry layers, sun protection, and cash (ATMs can be finicky). Local etiquette tips: dress modestly for temples and hot springs, and ask before photographing people in villages and monasteries.

Manali

Base yourself in Manali and explore outward: stroll Old Manali’s riverside cafés, soak in Vashisht’s springs, and take day trips to Solang Valley, Sissu via the Atal Tunnel, and the art-filled village of Naggar. The food scene ranges from farm-to-table brunches and wood-fired pizza to Himachali dham thalis and fresh river trout.

• Top sights: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali’s Manalsu River path, Vashisht hot springs and Jogini Waterfall, Solang Valley ropeway and meadows, Naggar Castle and the Nicholas Roerich Estate, Tibetan monasteries, Van Vihar cedar forest, and riverside trails along the Beas.
• Adventure menu: paragliding over the Kullu Valley, day hikes to Lama Dugh or scenic meadows, snowplay and sleds near Sissu in winter, river rafting (in season), and apple-orchard walks.
• Eat & drink: - Breakfast/coffee: Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted (legendary espresso and cookies), Drifters’ Cafe (hearty breakfasts, board games), Fat Plate Cafe in Shuru (farm-fresh brunch). - Lunch: Chopsticks on Mall Road (momos, thukpa, and tingmo), The Corner House (pan-Asian and Indian plates), Jana Waterfall cafés (simple Himachali fare near a scenic cascade). - Dinner: Johnson’s Cafe (Himalayan trout and cocktails), Il Forno (wood-fired pizza in an old Himachali house), Cafe 1947 (Italian by the river), Casa Bella Vista (alfresco pizza among pines).
• Fun facts: The Beas River is glacier-fed; the Atal Tunnel (9.02 km) enables year-round access to Lahaul; and Old Manali once sat on the hippie trail of the 1970s.

Where to stay: Browse handpicked stays, from riverside cottages to boutique hotels: - VRBO: Manali vacation rentals - Hotels.com: Manali hotels

How to get there: Fly into Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU/Bhuntar) via Delhi or Chandigarh (about 1h 15m from Delhi). Typical one-way fares run ~$60–120 depending on season. Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. From Bhuntar, it’s a 1.5–2 hour taxi to Manali. Overland options include an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (12–14 hours) or train to Chandigarh/Kalka, then an 8–10 hour drive; for rail ideas in Asia, see Trip.com trains.

Pre-book these Manali experiences (highly rated and seasonally dependable):

• Highlights of Manali (Guided Full day Sightseeing Tour by Car)

  

• Paragliding in Kullu Manali

  

• Private One Day Hiking Trip in Manali

  

• Atal Tunnel Sightseeing Tour Covering Sissu & Solang Valley

  

Day 1: Arrival in Manali, Riverside Stroll, and Old Manali Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your hotel or cottage. Shake off the journey with a gentle walk along the Manalsu River in Old Manali—wooden bridges, prayer flags, and apple trees set a mellow tone.

Evening: Grab coffee at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted (excellent espresso and still-warm chocolate chip cookies). For dinner, head to Johnson’s Cafe for Himalayan trout with herbed butter; it’s a local classic for a reason. If you prefer riverside vibes, Cafe 1947 serves handmade pasta and pizzas with soft live music on many nights.

Day 2: Manali Essentials (Guided Full-Day Tour)

Let a local expert handle the logistics on the Highlights of Manali (Guided Full day Sightseeing Tour by Car). Expect a thoughtful loop of Hadimba Devi Temple (cedar-shaded 16th-century shrine), Manu Temple (named for the sage Manu), Vashisht Village and its hot springs, Van Vihar’s tranquil forest, Tibetan monasteries, and Mall Road. It’s an 8-hour primer with stories and stops tailored to your pace.

Before pickup, fuel up at Drifters’ Cafe (shakshuka or pancakes). Post-tour, try Chopsticks on Mall Road for Tibetan momos, thukpa, and tingmo; or The Corner House for bao and stir-fries if you’re craving pan-Asian comfort.

Day 3: Old Manali Walks, Vashisht Hot Springs, and Jogini Waterfall

Morning: Coffee and a hearty breakfast at Fat Plate Cafe in Shuru (eggs, handmade breads, garden views). Then wander Old Manali’s lanes—peek into local handicraft stores, and continue to the centuries-old Hadimba Temple if you skipped it yesterday, pausing in the small Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art nearby for woodwork and masks.

Afternoon: Head to Vashisht Village. Respect local customs at the hot springs (modest attire and separate pools). Hike 45–60 minutes to Jogini Waterfall through orchards and village paths; carry water, and wear good grip shoes. Late lunch at the German Bakery in Vashisht—try walnut pie or a veg quiche.

Evening: Return to Old Manali. Sunset mocktails by the river at The Lazy Dog, then wood-fired pizzas at Il Forno inside a traditional Himachali house; the margherita and spinach-mushroom pair beautifully with the alpine evening air.

Day 4: Atal Tunnel to Sissu and Solang Valley

Make it a big scenery day on the Atal Tunnel Sightseeing Tour Covering Sissu & Solang Valley. You’ll pass through the 9.02-km Atal Tunnel to Sissu’s waterfalls and stark Lahaul landscapes, then loop back to Solang for the ropeway and meadow time (in summer: ATV rides and paragliding; in winter: snowplay and sleds). Dress in layers—temperatures on the Lahaul side can be dramatically cooler.

Warm up with chai and rajma-chawal at a Sissu dhaba. Later, try the Solang ropeway (budget ~₹700–900 per person) for sweeping valley views. Back in Manali, dinner at Casa Bella Vista for alfresco pizza by pine trees.

Day 5: Paragliding Over Kullu, River Time, and Art in Naggar

Morning: After a simple breakfast at your stay, head to Dobhi or Burwa for the Paragliding in Kullu Manali. Ideal from March–June and September–November, short tandem flights give you bird’s-eye views of the Beas and apple orchards; weather calls are made same-day for safety.

Afternoon: Drive to Naggar (40–60 minutes). Lunch at Himalayan Trout House (in season) with grilled trout, lemon, and herbs. Explore the Nicholas Roerich Estate—studio, samovars, and Himalayan landscapes on canvas—then step into Naggar Castle for wood-beam courtyards and valley panoramas.

Evening: Return to Manali. For dinner, pick Fat Plate Cafe (butter-garlic trout or a roasted veg platter) or Johnson’s Cafe if you didn’t try it earlier. Nightcap stroll along the Beas River promenade.

Day 6: A Private Day Hike—Meadows, Forests, and Wide Views

Commit to the hills with the Private One Day Hiking Trip in Manali. Your guide will tailor the route—popular options include Lama Dugh’s high meadows or a forested ridge with wide Kullu views. Expect 5–7 hours on trail with steady gains; carry a light daypack, water, snacks, sunblock, and a wind layer.

Post-hike rewards: espresso and a cookie at Dylan’s. For dinner, choose Cafe 1947 (gnocchi, tiramisu) or a Himachali dham-style thali at a local dhaba—look for madra (chickpeas in yogurt gravy) and siddu (steamed wheat buns) when available.

Day 7: Monastery Calm, Last-Minute Shopping, and Departure

Morning: Easy start with coffee at Drifters’ Cafe. Visit the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa near Mall Road; sit for a quiet 10 minutes to take in the murals and prayer wheels. Stroll Van Vihar’s cedar paths for a final breath of the forest.

Afternoon: Pick up souvenirs on Mall Road—the Tibetan Market has woolens, prayer flags, and silverwork; bargain politely. Enjoy a light lunch at Chopsticks or momos from a trusted stall, then transfer to Bhuntar Airport or your onward bus for an afternoon departure.

Practical notes and seasonal tips: - Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow is likely; consider snowshoeing near Sethan (ask locally) and check for road advisories after snowfall. The Atal Tunnel makes Sissu accessible most of the year, but intermittent closures happen in storms. - Monsoon (Jul–Aug): Trails can be slick; avoid landslide-prone areas and confirm rafting/paragliding operations the morning of. - Rohtang Pass typically closes for winter; permits are required in season. With Atal Tunnel, you can still access Lahaul without crossing Rohtang. - Hot springs etiquette: separate pools and modest dress; facilities may temporarily close after heavy rains or maintenance—ask your guide or host.

Where to book travel and stays (quick access): - Flights: Trip.com or Kiwi.com - Trains (for regional planning in Asia): Trip.com trains - Stays: VRBO: Manali rentals and Hotels.com: Manali hotels

In one week, you’ll have skimmed clouds above the Kullu Valley, listened to cedar groves around Hadimba, sipped coffee beside a cold river, and crossed a record-setting mountain tunnel. Manali rewards curiosity—linger in its cafés and temples, and the Himalaya will reveal itself in layers.