So, there we were, a lively group of ten, all set for an epic road trip. This past weekend, with my friends, I squeezed every drop of magic out of five incredible days in the Himalayas, and let me tell you, it was epic (and affordable!). We left Delhi around 5 in the evening for our overnight journey to Manali. The air was thick with anticipation, and the hummm of our Tavera engine was our lullaby for the night.

• Trip Duration: 5 Night/6 days (including the departure and arrival days)
• Destination: Manali
• Inclusion: Accommodation, guide, transportation, meals (breakfast and dinner)
• Month of Travel: April
• Temperature: 10°C to 24°C
• Exclusion: Permits, lunch, personal expenses, safety gears, extra activities

My customized itinerary for 5N/6D in Manali

Here is my customised itinerary by Connecting Traveller for Manali:

Day 0: Departure

• Depart from Delhi in the evening for an overnight journey to Manali.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration (Old Manali)

• Arrive in Manali and check into Vivaan The Sunrise Resort.

• Visit Hadimba Devi Temple and explore Old Manali and Mall Road.

• Return to the resort for dinner by the bonfire.

Day 2: Adventure Day (Solang Valley)

• Visit Solang Valley for outdoor activities.

• Relax at the Vashisth Temple’s hot springs.

• Spend the evening around the bonfire at the resort.

Day 3: Atal Tunnel, Sissu Valley and Rohtang Pass

• Visit the Atal Tunnel and explore Sissu Valley.

• Visit Rohtang Pass (weather permitting).

• Return to the resort for the night.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion (Naggar)

• Visit Naggar Castle and explore Naggar Village.

• Visit the Tibetan Monastery and spend some time by the Beas River.

• Return to the resort.

Day 5: Leisure Day

• Spend the day as you please, such as relaxing at the hotel, shopping, or exploring a nearby apple orchard.

• Begin the journey back to Delhi in the evening.

Day 6: Arrival

• Arrive in Delhi the next morning.

Our 6 days adventurous and fun-filled vacation in Manali

I am so excited to share everything and here I go.....

Day 1: First Impressions and Old Manali

As dawn broke, we found ourselves in Manali. Our home for the next few days was the cosy Vivaan The Sunrise Resort. There, we had a buffet breakfast... My-o-my, it was just so yummm…. and the view from the resort was unmatched! The staff at the report said that on clear days, we could even see the Rohtang pass from the terrace of our resort.

My first day, and I am already all hyped up! After a delicious breakfast, we stepped out to explore the charm of Old Manali. First, we headed towards the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple in the middle of deodar trees. It was a sight to behold; we spent our afternoon there and re-lived the peace of the atmosphere. It literally took away all the tiredness of our overnight Tavera ride. Later, almost around 3, we left the temple to explore old Manali and Mall Road.

Mall Road was a full-on assault on the senses in the best way possible. There were n-number of gorgeous – I mean those interiors, all wow – cafes and restaurants, some of which were set to offer a slice of the local life. But we being the noobs, devoured plates of steaming momos and thupka that were an explosion of flavour in our mouths..seriously, the best ever! We explored the location a little more, and as the day drew to a close, we returned to our hotel, where there was an arrangement of the buffet by the bonfire. With a lovely dinner, our day 1 filled with excitement, peace, bonfire, and food came to an end.

Day 2: Solang Valley and Vashisth Temple

After another yumm buffet breakfast the next morning, we set off for Solang Valley. The green meadows and the crisp mountain air were a refreshing change from the city's hustle and bustle. When we reached Solang Valley, our inner child took over. I mean, it was a playground for the soul! We were mesmerised by colorful paragliders soaring like birds against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. It felt like stepping into a National Geographic documentary, but way cooler. Feeling a surge of competitiveness, we had a snowball fight that devolved into a laughter riot that left our cheeks hurting from grinning so much.

Later in the day, we visited the Vashisth Temple, where we found an aura of peace. There were steaming hot springs that soothed our muscles like a giant, warm hug. Needless to say, after a day of mountain exploration, sinking into these natural pools was a pure bliss! Refreshed and recharged, we followed our hearts and returned to our resort to spend the evening around the bonfire and prepare ourselves for the next journey.

Day 3: Atal Tunnel and Sissu Valley

At first, Day 3 was all about marvelling at human creation—the Atal Tunnel, a testament to engineering brilliance that left us in awe. Now, I think our decision to collect ourselves early the day before was a good idea because I had the feeling that the other side of the tunnel would blow my mind, and I wasn't disappointed.

On the other side? The jaw-dropping Sissu Valley unfolded before us. The valley stretched as far as the eye could see, a stark contrast to the snow-capped mountains that scraped the sky. We even saw the rainbow! I am pretty sure there were 2 rainbows, but nobody else noticed the second one – my friend said my vision is beyond human capability. In Sissu Valley, we enjoyed the ropeway and moved for a rejuvenating hike towards the Sissu waterfall. The hike wasn't for long, but the path was – it felt like it wasn't travelled much; it was sleek and thin, so it was a little challenging for me, and on top of that, the crisp air filled my lungs with each step. It was nice but more like a small dose of my personal adventure since I am not a trek/hiker. But the top, close to the waterfall, made me realise why some people die to trek!

We then headed for the Rohtang Pass, but unfortunately, the pass was closed due to harsh weather. However, the stunning beauty of the landscape around it more than made up for it. Still, with a little disappointment of not getting to the pass, we came back to our resort for the night.

Day 4: Naggar Castle and Monastery

Our day 4 was a day dedicated to cultural and historical immersion. We stepped back in time as we visited the historic Naggar Castle. It was a reminder of a bygone era of kings and queens. It felt like stepping onto a movie set! We explored the castle and enjoyed our early lunch in the castle's restaurant. Well, I will not recommend having lunch there to any could have been more reasons: number 1 - it wasn't that delicious and number 2 - a little overpriced. After lunch, we explored the charming Naggar Village. It was a walk through time, with its rustic wooden houses and narrow lanes, it was a delight to explore. 

After Naggar, we went to the Tibetan Monastery, which offered a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. We spent a quiet moment reflecting, watching the colourful prayer flags flutter gently in the breeze. Later that day, before returning to our resort, we visited the gushing Beas River, which provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxing afternoon. We sat by the riverbank for a while; it was the perfect end to the day.

Day 5: A Day of Leisure

The final day was ours to spend as we pleased. Some of us chose to relax at the hotel, while others went shopping or explored a nearby apple orchard, I went to explore the orchard. I even plucked some apples until we met a local boy who told us that in Manali, locals put a curse on someone who steals apples from their orchard. Well, I know it wasn't for real, and it was conveyed to us because we were picking apples, but okay, we got the message. It was funny and weird at the same time. As the evening approached, we bid farewell to Manali and began our journey back to Delhi.

Insider Tips for Manali:

• Manali sits high in the Himalayas, so be prepared for the altitude! Hydration is key, and take it easy on activities during your first day to avoid altitude sickness – that's what we did.

• Unleash your inner haggler on the Mall Road – bargaining is part of the shopping experience!

• Consider factoring in a Rohtang Pass permit beforehand. Trust me, the hassle is worth it, but permits can be tricky to get on short notice. But weather is the boss (at least it was, in our case)

Yes, I will include the Epilogue here!

As we reached Delhi the next morning, we were not the same people who had left. The mountains touched our souls and left us with memories that would last a lifetime. The bonfires, shared meals, laughter, and friendship were the real treasures we brought back from our trip.

Throughout our journey, we savoured delicious meals at our hotel, including (not so special) lunch at Naggar Castle. The bonfire at the hotel added a touch of warmth to the chilly mountain evenings. This was not just a trip but an experience that would stay with us forever. And as we stepped out from our Tavera, we knew the mountains would call us again. And we would answer.

Frequently asked questions

How much will a trip to Manali cost?

Manali caters to a range of budgets. Backpackers can explore for ₹2000-₹3000 daily, excluding travel. Tour packages start around ₹15,000 for 3 days, including basic accommodation and transfers. Budget up to ₹25,000 for mid-range options with sightseeing. Luxury stays can reach much higher.

Which tour package is best for Manali?

There's no single "best" package – it depends on your priorities! Consider what's included (meals, activities, transport) and choose based on your interests (adventure, sightseeing, relaxation). Or, there's an easy option, reach out to Connecting Traveller @ +91 8920866123

Is 3 days enough in Manali?

Three days allows a glimpse of Manali's beauty. You could visit Hidimba Devi Temple, explore the Mall Road, and take a day trip to Rohtang Pass (permit required). However, for a more fulfilling experience, consider 5-7 days to delve into adventure activities like paragliding or trekking.

How can I go to Manali with friends?

Manali is a great friend trip destination! Look for group discounts on travel and accommodation. For a local touch, consider homestays. Public transport options like buses are budget-friendly, but taxis offer more flexibility.

How to travel Manali on a low budget?

Manali offers budget-friendly options. Stay in guesthouses or hostels, explore local markets for street food, and use public transport. Consider off-season travel (except for winters) for lower prices. Hiking and exploring the town are free activities.

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