Manali, set in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley (the “Valley of Gods”), blends cedar forests, snow-dusted peaks, and the boulder-lined Beas River into a postcard you can wander through. Ancient shrines like the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple sit a short walk from hip Old Manali cafes and indie boutiques, making the town ideal for couples who want serenity with just enough buzz.

In recent years, Manali has gained fame for Solang Valley’s adventure sports and the 9.02-km Atal Tunnel—one of the world’s highest road tunnels—opening access to Sissu’s dramatic landscapes year-round. Apple orchards perfume autumn air, winter brings snow play, and spring/summer mean green meadows and crystal rivers perfect for photography.

Practical notes: Weather swings fast—pack layers and a rain shell. Most places take cards/UPI, but keep some cash for smaller stalls. Flights run to Kullu–Manali (KUU) via Delhi; many travelers also route via Chandigarh (IXC) and continue by road. Search flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com; trains to Chandigarh/Pathankot show on Trip.com Trains. Mountain roads can be slow—budget extra time.

Manali

Manali rewards unhurried exploration: a forest walk to Hadimba, tea by the Beas, and golden-hour photos from Old Manali’s wooden bridges. It’s also a great base for day trips to Solang Valley and, when roads are open, beyond the Atal Tunnel toward Sissu.

• Top sights: Hadimba Devi Temple, Old Manali, Vashisht Temple & hot springs, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Naggar Castle & Roerich Estate (nearby).
• Great for couples: Riverside dinners (try trout), sunset photoshoots, easy hikes with big payoffs, apple-orchard cafes, and mellow live music bars.
• Shopping: Mall Road and Tibetan market for Kullu shawls, pashmina, prayer flags, woolens, and the iconic Kullu cap.

Where to stay (budget-conscious picks):

• Browse vacation rentals on VRBO Manali or hotel deals on Hotels.com Manali.
• Hotel Mountain Top (Old Manali-adjacent; good value, walkable to cafes, often under mid-range pricing).
• Snow Valley Resorts (comfort, valley views; frequent deals shoulder season).
• Span Resort & Spa (riverfront splurge if you want one special night).

Getting to Manali: Fly Delhi (DEL) → Kullu (KUU) in ~1–1.5 hrs (fares often ₹4,500–₹11,000 one way). Search on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains reach Chandigarh/Pathankot; check Trip.com Trains. Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi/Chandigarh to Manali typically take 8–12 hrs (₹900–₹1,600); taxis from Kullu airport take ~1.5–2 hrs.

Day 1: Arrival, Old Manali magic, and a gentle cultural intro

Morning: Travel into the Himalayas. If you’re flying, aim for a late-morning/early-afternoon arrival via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Check in and drop bags. Grab a quick bite at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted (Old Manali) for strong espresso and their famous chocolate cookies—fuel for a mellow first day.

Afternoon: Walk to Hadimba Devi Temple, a cedar-shingled shrine from 1553 set in deodar forest—quiet, photogenic, and timeless. Then ease into town with the Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour (2 Hours) to get stories, neighborhoods, and insider bearings.

Evening: Riverside dinner for two at Café 1947 (Old Manali): candlelit tables, the Beas murmuring by, great pastas and wood-fired pizzas—romantic without breaking the bank. Prefer local flavors? Try Johnson’s Café for Kullu trout with herbs and live music on busy nights. Nightcap options: The Lazy Dog (riverside, occasional bands) or Drifters’ Inn & Café (cozy, board games, craft-style cocktails). Keep it easy tonight—tomorrow’s for big views.

Day 2: Waterfall trek, Solang Valley vistas, and golden-hour photos

Morning: Wake early for the Jogini Waterfall Trek—an easy-to-moderate hike (~2–3 hours round trip from Vashisht) through orchards and pine to a ribboning fall. It’s one of Manali’s most photogenic walks, with plenty of quiet corners for couple shots.

After, soak briefly at Vashisht hot springs (separate men/women areas; bring a modest bathing outfit) or grab brunch back in town at Il Forno (sunny garden, wood-fired pizzas, Himalayan views) or The Fat Plate Café on Naggar Road (farm-fresh brunch plates; beautiful lawn seating).

Afternoon: Head for Solang’s meadows and mountain drama with the Exclusive 6-Hour Private Manali & Solang Valley Tour to streamline transport and viewpoints. On clear days, consider tandem paragliding (seasonal, extra cost) for incredible valley photos; otherwise, take the gondola, try zorbing or simply stroll the flats with tea from roadside stalls.

Evening: Capture your love-at-sunset with the Photoshoot in Manali by a Professional Photographer. Choose riverside bridges or cedar groves near Hadimba—soft light, natural frames, and a keepsake album without stress.

Dinner ideas: Casa Bella Vista (vegetarian Spanish–Italian, alfresco under fairy lights) or Chopsticks on Mall Road (Tibetan thukpa, momos, and chilli garlic trout; wallet-friendly). For a low-cost dessert stroll, share hot gulab jamun or jalebi from Manali Sweets near the main square.

Day 3: Temples, markets, last sips—then depart

Morning: Coffee and croissants at Café Meraki or a second round at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted. Visit Manu Temple in Old Manali (steep walk, great valley views) and wander the Tibetan Market for Kullu shawls, handwoven stoles, prayer flags, and the classic Kullu cap. If you prefer a guide for a deeper dive into legends and shrines, consider the short Spiritual Trails walking tour another time—perfect on a future visit.

Afternoon: Early lunch at The Corner House (pan-Indian and Continental; quick service near Mall Road) or a Himachali dham-style thali at a local dhaba—look for sidu (steamed bread), madra (chickpeas in yogurt gravy), and red rice. Pick up bus or airport snacks, then depart. If you’re flying or driving out, browse options via Trip.com or Kiwi.com and allow buffer time for mountain traffic.

Evening: Travel time. If overnighting one more night, catch low-key live tunes back in Old Manali or stroll the bridge for long-exposure photos of the river.

Budget tips for this itinerary (approx.):

• Local meals: ₹250–₹600 per person at cafes; ₹700–₹1,200 for trout or multi-course dinner for two (excluding alcohol).
• Short guided walks/treks: ~₹500–₹2,000 per person; private half-day car tours: ~₹2,500–₹5,500 per car depending on season.
• Getting around: Shared cabs or autos are limited; negotiate return fares with taxis. Walking in Old Manali saves money and is scenic.

Optional add-ons if you extend: Half-day at Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery for history and mountain art; or a day through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu for alien-like valley views and frozen waterfalls in winter.

Included Viator experiences in this plan:

• Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour (2 Hours)
• Jogini Waterfall Trek
• Exclusive 6-Hour Private Manali & Solang Valley Tour
• Photoshoot in Manali by a Professional Photographer

Where you book and how you pace each day is flexible, but the through-line stays the same: quiet mornings, scenic afternoons, and soft-lit evenings made for two. With this 3-day Manali itinerary, you’ll balance adventure and ease—leaving with full memory cards, local flavors, and a promise to return.