Manali sits high in India’s Kullu Valley, where cedar forests, apple orchards, and the Beas River converge beneath Himalayan peaks. Once a stop on old trade routes, it’s now a gateway to adventure—paragliding, trekking, and winter snow play—as well as a gentle retreat of wooden temples and warm homestays.

History threads through the town: the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple is carved from deodar wood, Old Manali’s lanes carry echoes of backpacker lore, and the Atal Tunnel opens the road to the stark beauty of Lahaul. The local plate is equally storied—try Kullu trout, steamed siddu, and momos with a view of snow lines.

Practical notes: Manali’s altitude is ~2,000 m—hydrate and ease in. Weather shifts quickly; pack layers and good footwear. For road trips beyond Manali, check seasonal closures (Rohtang often closes in winter; the Atal Tunnel remains open most of the year). ATMs exist but can run low on cash during holidays—carry a back-up.

Manali

Cradled by Himalayan ridgelines, Manali is equal parts serene and spirited. Mornings start with cedar-scented walks; afternoons can tumble into paragliding in Solang, soaking at Vashisht hot springs, or sipping coffee beside the Beas. Evenings belong to Old Manali’s live music, wood-fired pizza, and local trout.

Top sights include Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali bazaar, Jogini Falls, the riverside meadows of Solang Valley, and new horizons via the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. For a slower day, wander Naggar Castle and its village trails.

Where to stay (book with trusted partners):

• Browse all stays in Manali on Hotels.com or VRBO.
• Resort feel by the river: Span Resort & Spa (spa, lawns, mountain views).
• Value near the action: Hotel Mountain Top (easy access to Hadimba Temple and Mall Road).
• Family favorite with views: Snow Valley Resorts (balconies facing the valley, kids’ activities).

How to get to Manali (choose what suits your time and budget):

• Fly: Delhi (DEL) to Kullu–Bhuntar (KUU) is ~1h15m; fares often ~$60–140 one-way. Search flexible dates on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From KUU, it’s ~1–1.5 hours by car to Manali.
• Train + road: Delhi to Chandigarh by train (~3–4 hours), then 7–9 hours by car/bus to Manali. Compare trains on Trip.com Trains.
• Direct road: Overnight Volvo/sleeper buses Delhi–Manali take ~12–14 hours (book locally or via bus platforms), or hire a private car from Chandigarh (~$90–140).

Day 1: Arrival, Cedar Walks, and Old Manali Eats

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the journey with an easy stroll through the deodar forest around Hadimba Devi Temple—a peaceful, photogenic first look at Manali’s architecture and trees.

Evening: Wander Old Manali’s lanes. For dinner, try Johnson’s Café & Bar (classics like trout almondine and a lively fire-lit bar), or Café 1947 by the Beas (handmade pasta, gnocchi, occasional live sets). Nightcap at The Lazy Dog (cocktails, river ambience).

Day 2: Temples, Hot Springs, and a Waterfall Ramble

Morning: Start with specialty coffee and famous cookies at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted. Walk over to Manu Temple in Old Manali for hill views and prayer flags. Then join a short guided amble into Manali’s spirit and stories:

Discover the Spiritual Trails of Manali (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour)

Afternoon: Head to Vashisht Temple and soak in the hot springs (carry modest swimwear and a towel). Follow with the scenic trek to Jogini Falls (easy to moderate; 1.5–2 hours round-trip). Lunch en route at a simple dhaba—order maggi with masala and a chai.

Evening: Wood-fired dinner at Il Forno (mountain-view garden, pizzas from a brick oven, salads with local greens). Sweet stop: German Bakery for apple crumble and cinnamon rolls.

Day 3: Manali’s Greatest Hits by Car (Full-Day Tour)

Let a local guide connect the dots between temples, viewpoints, and markets—ideal early in the week to orient yourself and cover distances efficiently.

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

Expect Hadimba Temple, Old Manali lanes, riverside viewpoints, and local bites over ~8 hours. Ask your guide to add an artisanal stop for Kullu shawls or a co-op like Bhuttico if time allows. Dinner back in town at Chopsticks (Tibetan thukpa, chili momos) or The Corner House (North Indian grills).

Day 4: Atal Tunnel, Sissu, and Solang Valley

Cross under the Pir Panjal via India’s record-setting tunnel to discover a dramatically different landscape in Lahaul, then loop back for Solang Valley’s meadows and cable-car views.

Atal Tunnel Sightseeing Tour Covering Sissu & Solang Valley

In season, you can add a short walk to Sissu’s waterfall viewpoint and, at Solang, try the ropeway for wide valley panoramas. For a celebratory meal, book Fat Plate Café on Naggar Road (garden setting; seasonal trout, herbed potatoes).

Day 5: A Private Day Hike Above Manali

Trade the road for alpine trails and meadow views—your guide will tailor the route to your fitness and snowline, with options like Lamadugh, Patalsu foothills, or lush cedar paths.

Private One Day Hiking Trip in Manali, Scenic Mountain Trail in Manali

Pack layers, sun protection, and a refillable bottle. Post-hike, soak tired legs at your hotel or grab an early dinner at Drifters’ Café (hearty breakfasts all day, Himalayan honey lemon tea, occasional live music).

Day 6: Day Trip to Kasol and Manikaran Hot Springs

Follow the Parvati River into a different valley mood—pine-scented village walks, café culture, and sacred hot springs at Manikaran.

Kasol & Manikaran Full Day Sightseeing Tour From Manali

In Kasol, pause at cafés like Evergreen (falafel plates, mint tea) or Moon Dance Café (pancakes, river views). In Manikaran, visit the Gurudwara, see langar kitchens powered by geothermal heat, and sample a simple, soulful meal.

Day 7: Shawls, Last Sips, and Departure

Morning: Brunch on Mall Road—try Café Amigos for omelets and pour-over or Café 1947 if you missed it. Shop for souvenirs at the Himachal Emporium and Tibetan Market: Kullu shawls, stoles, chutneys, and mountain honey make great gifts.

Afternoon: Depart for Bhuntar Airport or back to Chandigarh. If you’re heading to a flight from Chandigarh, consider a pre-booked transfer for peace of mind:

Manali Resorts to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) – Departure Transfer

Evening: For late departures, keep a warm layer handy—mountain evenings cool quickly. Grab one last chai and a box of fresh cookies for the road.

Dining and Coffee Shortlist to Bookmark

• Johnson’s Café & Bar: Fireplaces, trout, and a classic mountain lodge vibe.
• Il Forno: 1940s cottage, wood-fired pizzas, valley-view garden seating.
• Café 1947: Riverside Italian favorites; live music some nights.
• Chopsticks: Tibetan–Chinese staples; go for thukpa and chili momos.
• Fat Plate Café: Farm-to-table feel, trout specials, herb garden.
• Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted: Espresso and famous choco-chip cookies.
• Drifters’ Café: Big breakfasts, board games, mellow evenings.

Good-to-Know

• Seasonality: Mar–Jun and Sep–Oct are prime for hiking and views; Dec–Feb brings snow fun (Solang), with some high-road closures.
• Permits: No permit needed for Atal Tunnel. Rohtang Pass often requires permits when open; check locally if you plan to cross the pass.
• Cash & Connectivity: UPI and cards are common in town; carry cash for villages and trail stops. Mobile data can drop in valleys.

Optional add-ons if you have extra time: Naggar Castle and Roerich Estate for art and architecture; a professional photoshoot in Old Manali’s lanes; or seasonal paragliding in Solang with licensed operators.

Bookable Manali activities featured in this itinerary (quick list):

• Discover the Spiritual Trails of Manali
• Highlights of Manali: Full-Day Tour by Car
• Atal Tunnel + Sissu + Solang Valley
• Kasol & Manikaran Day Trip

With a week in Manali, you’ll trace temple trails, cross one of the world’s highest road tunnels, hike above cedar forests, and sip coffee to the sound of the Beas. This itinerary balances headline sights with unhurried Himalayan moments—enough to feel the valley’s rhythm and still leave a reason to return.