Manali Travel Guide
Himalayan adventure awaits -- snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, ancient temples, and the thrill of India's adventure capital at 2,050 metres.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to the Himalayan adventure capital
Welcome to Manali
Manali, nestled in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh at 2,050 metres, is where the Himalayas come alive with adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. Once a quiet hill town on the ancient trade route to Central Asia, Manali has evolved into India's premier mountain destination. The town straddles the Beas River, with new Manali's bustling Mall Road on one side and Old Manali's bohemian charm on the other. From the adrenaline rush of paragliding over Solang Valley to the spiritual serenity of the 500-year-old Hadimba Temple, from the snow-covered Rohtang Pass to the healing hot springs of Vashisht, Manali offers something for every traveller. The 2020 opening of Atal Tunnel has transformed access to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, making Manali the gateway to some of India's most remote and spectacular landscapes. Whether you are a backpacker seeking mountain trails, a couple looking for a romantic getaway, or a family wanting a summer escape from the plains, Manali delivers unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit Manali
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Manali
Solang Valley
Adventure sports hub 14 km from Manali. Paragliding, zorbing, skiing (winter), and the Solang gondola to 3,500m. Snow-capped peaks backdrop.
Rohtang Pass
Legendary mountain pass at 3,978m on the Manali-Leh highway. Snow walls, panoramic views, and high-altitude thrill. Permit required. Open May-October.
Hadimba Temple
Ancient cave temple from 1553 dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Unique pagoda-style wooden architecture surrounded by towering deodar forest.
Old Manali
Bohemian backpacker quarter across the Manalsu stream. Cafes, guesthouses, street art, and a laid-back vibe. The real soul of Manali for young travellers.
Jogini Falls
Beautiful waterfall reached via a 3 km trek from Vashisht village. Passes through apple orchards and pine forests. Rewarding and relatively easy trek.
Vashisht Hot Springs
Natural hot sulphur springs in Vashisht village with ancient Vashisht Temple. Public baths (free) and private baths available. Healing properties.
Naggar Castle
500-year-old stone and wood castle, now a heritage hotel. Roerich Art Gallery nearby with paintings by Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. 21 km from Manali.
Atal Tunnel
World's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet (9.02 km). Connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti year-round. Engineering marvel opened in 2020.
Manali Food Guide
Himachali mountain cuisine meets international backpacker fare
Siddu
Steamed wheat bread stuffed with poppy seeds or walnuts, served with ghee and lentil dal. Traditional Himachali mountain comfort food.
Fresh Trout Fish
Manali's speciality -- locally farmed rainbow trout grilled or pan-fried. Try at Johnson's Cafe (since 1978) or Chopsticks restaurant.
Tibetan Momos
Steamed or fried dumplings with veg or chicken filling. Available everywhere from street stalls to cafes. Old Manali has the best variety.
Cafe Culture
Old Manali's cafes serve Israeli, Italian, and Indian fusion. Lazy Dog, Drifters Inn, and Bob's Cafe are legendary backpacker favourites.
Dham Feast
Traditional Himachali celebratory meal served on leaf plates. Multiple courses including madra, kadi, rice, and sweet rice. Ask locals for festive events.
Apple Cider & Products
Kullu Valley apples make excellent cider, juice, and brandy. Try at local outlets or the HPMC shop. Fresh apple season is August-October.
Shopping in Manali
Kullu Shawls & Woollens
₹500 - ₹15,000Hand-woven Kullu shawls with distinctive geometric patterns. Mall Road and MNR Market have many shops. Look for the Woolmark label for authenticity.
Tibetan Handicrafts
₹200 - ₹5,000Singing bowls, prayer flags, Buddhist artefacts, and turquoise jewellery. The Tibetan Market near Mall Road is the best spot.
Himachali Caps & Crafts
₹200 - ₹3,000Traditional Himachali topi (cap), wooden crafts, and local honey. Manali Market and Old Manali shops offer authentic pieces.
Dried Fruits & Herbs
₹200 - ₹2,000Walnuts, almonds, dried apricots, and medicinal herbs from the Himalayan valleys. Fresh and significantly cheaper than city prices.
Getting Around Manali
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹2,500-4,000/day
AC car with experienced hill driver. Delhi-Manali one way from ₹8,000. Essential for Rohtang, Solang, and Atal Tunnel trips. Call 7668570551.
Local Taxi / Union Cab
₹500-2,500/trip
Fixed-rate local taxis for point-to-point. Rohtang permit trips, Solang Valley, and Naggar available at fixed union rates.
Auto-rickshaw
₹50-150/trip
Available for short trips within Manali town. Good for Mall Road to Old Manali or Vashisht.
Walking & Trekking
Free
Mall Road, Old Manali, and Vashisht are walkable. Jogini Falls and Beas Kund accessible by trek.
Where to Stay in Manali
Mall Road / New Manali
₹1,000-5,000/nightCentral area with shops, restaurants, and bus stand. Most hotels are here. Convenient but can be crowded in peak season. Walking access to everything.
Old Manali
₹500-3,000/nightBackpacker paradise across the river. Cafes, guesthouses, and a bohemian vibe. Quieter and more atmospheric. 10-minute drive from Mall Road.
Log Huts / Club House Area
₹2,000-6,000/nightGovernment-run area with cottages and mid-range hotels. Close to nature, near Hadimba Temple. Good for families.
Solang Valley Road
₹3,000-15,000/nightResorts and luxury camps along the road to Solang. Snow views in winter. Private and spacious. Need a car for everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Manali?
3-4 days is ideal. Day 1: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali. Day 2: Solang Valley adventure sports. Day 3: Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel to Sissu. Day 4: Naggar Castle, Jogini Falls, hot springs at Vashisht. Add days for Kasol, Kheerganga, or Spiti Valley.
Q2What is the best time to visit Manali?
April to June for summer escape (10-25 degrees). October to February for snow experiences. December-January sees heavy snowfall. Rohtang Pass opens May-October only. September-October has clear skies and fewer crowds. Avoid monsoon (Jul-Aug) due to landslides.
Q3How do I reach Manali from Delhi?
By car: 12-14 hours via Chandigarh-Kullu (530 km). Our Delhi-Manali cab costs 8,000-10,000 rupees one way. By bus: HRTC Volvo overnight (14 hrs). By flight: Bhuntar airport (50 km from Manali, limited flights). We offer airport pickup.
Q4Is Rohtang Pass open year-round?
No. Rohtang Pass (3,978m) is open only from May to mid-October. You need a permit (500 rupees per person, bookable online). Atal Tunnel has made Lahaul accessible year-round. Our drivers handle permit booking and know the best timing to avoid crowds.
Q5What adventure activities are available?
Paragliding at Solang Valley (2,000-3,500 rupees), river rafting on Beas River (500-1,500 rupees), skiing in winter, zorbing, zip-lining, mountain biking, and trekking to Jogini Falls, Beas Kund, or Hampta Pass. We can arrange all activities.
Q6What food is Manali famous for?
Siddu (steamed bread), Trout fish from local farms, Tibetan momos and thukpa, Himachali Dham feast, and a vibrant cafe culture in Old Manali. Try Lazy Dog, Drifters Cafe, or Johnson Bar for multi-cuisine food with mountain views.
Q7Is Manali safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Manali is very safe and popular with solo travellers and backpackers. Old Manali has a thriving backpacker community. Standard precautions apply for mountain roads and adventure activities. Our experienced hill drivers ensure safe travel.
Q8Can I visit Manali and Shimla together?
Yes! Shimla-Manali is a classic 5-7 day circuit. Distance is 250 km (8-10 hrs) through beautiful Kullu Valley. We offer Shimla-Manali combo packages from 15,000 rupees. The route via Mandi and Kullu is scenic but winding.
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