Introduction
Every group of friends has that one dream trip — and for us, it was Manali! 🏔️
Last summer, four of my best friends and I finally packed our bags, loaded our car with snacks and playlists, and set off on a Manali road trip from Delhi. What followed was six days of laughter, adventure, snow, and scenic beauty that felt straight out of a movie.
In this Manali Travel Guide, I’ll share our full travel story — where we stayed, what we did, what to eat, and how much it all cost — so you can plan your own perfect Manali trip.
Manali Travel Guide: How We Planned the Trip
The idea started randomly during a late-night chat — “Let’s go to the mountains before we all get busy again!”
We chose Manali because it’s got everything — snow, waterfalls, pine forests, cafés, and that cozy mountain-town charm. We planned a 6-day trip covering Kullu, Solang Valley, and Old Manali.
We left Delhi at 10 PM in a rented car, drove overnight, and reached Manali by noon — tired but thrilled.
💡 Tip: If you’re driving, start at night to avoid traffic. The Delhi–Manali distance is around 540 km and takes 12–14 hours by road.
Manali Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit
Manali changes its face with every season, so your experience depends on when you go.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | Clear skies, rivers & treks | Best for sightseeing |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Light rain, lush greenery | Risk of landslides |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Snowfall, skiing | Best for snow lovers |
We went in May, and the weather was perfect — sunny days and cool nights.
Day 1 – Reaching Manali & First Impressions
The moment we entered Kullu Valley, we rolled down the windows — fresh mountain air, apple orchards, and the sound of the Beas River flowing beside us.
We checked into a cozy cottage in Old Manali, surrounded by pine trees and chirping birds. The view from our balcony was breathtaking.
In the evening, we walked around Mall Road, tried momos, and bought woolen caps. We ended our first day with a bonfire outside our stay — laughing, singing, and just soaking in the mountain vibe.
Day 2 – Exploring Old Manali
We spent the next day exploring Old Manali, which has a hippie vibe — narrow lanes, graffiti walls, and chilled-out cafés.
We had breakfast at Café 1947 by the riverside — coffee, pancakes, and mountain views. Then we visited Manu Temple and Hadimba Temple, both known for their unique wooden architecture.
| Place | Highlight | Entry Fee |
| Hadimba Temple | 500-year-old wooden temple | Free |
| Manu Temple | Ancient Hindu site | Free |
| Old Manali Market | Handicrafts & woolens | Free |
In the evening, we chilled at Lazy Dog Café and enjoyed live music with travelers from around the world.
Day 3 – Solang Valley Adventure
This was our adventure day, and Solang Valley didn’t disappoint!
We woke up early, rented snow jackets and boots, and drove to Solang (about 13 km from Manali).
We went paragliding, snow tubing, and even did ATV rides on the snow tracks. The thrill and view of the Himalayas from above were unforgettable.
| Activity | Cost (approx) | Duration |
| Paragliding | ₹1500–₹2500 | 10–15 min |
| Snow Scooter Ride | ₹1000 | 20 min |
| Cable Car | ₹600 | 10 min |
💡 Pro Tip: Bargain a little, and book activities together to save money.
We ended the day sipping hot chocolate at a small roadside stall while the sun set behind the snow peaks.
Day 4 – Rohtang Pass (Heaven on Earth!)
If there’s one place that defines Manali’s beauty — it’s Rohtang Pass.
We started at 6 AM (you need a permit to go there, which you can get online), and after a few hours of steep mountain roads, we reached snow paradise! ❄️
The entire landscape was white, with frozen rivers and snowy cliffs. We threw snowballs, built a snowman, and took hundreds of pictures.
| Detail | Info |
| Distance | 50 km from Manali |
| Best Time | May–October |
| Altitude | 13,058 ft |
| Permit | Required (₹500 approx) |
💡 Tip: Carry warm gloves and sunglasses — the sun reflects off the snow and can be blinding!
Day 5 – Kullu & River Rafting
On Day 5, we drove down to Kullu for river rafting on the Beas River. The water was freezing, but the adrenaline made it worth it!
The rafting stretch was around 7 km long, surrounded by green valleys and apple trees. We even stopped midway to take photos.
After rafting, we visited a shawl factory in Kullu and bought some souvenirs.
| Activity | Cost | Duration |
| River Rafting | ₹600–₹1000 | 1–1.5 hours |
| Ziplining | ₹500 | 10 min |
Day 6 – Café Hopping & Goodbye Manali
Our last day was all about relaxing. We explored Vashisht Village, dipped our feet in the hot springs, and later café-hopped across Old Manali.
Some must-try spots:
- Drifters’ Café – Great pancakes & coffee
- Rasta Café – Chill vibes & live music
- Born Free Café – Perfect for sunset views
We left Manali at night, our car full of laughter, memories, and local chocolates.
Manali Travel Guide: Food You Must Try
| Dish | Description | Where to Try |
| Siddu | Steamed local bread | Local stalls |
| Thukpa | Noodle soup | Old Manali cafés |
| Trout Fish | Grilled local specialty | Johnson’s Café |
| Momos | Steamed dumplings | Mall Road |
| Apple Cider | Fresh, local & crisp | Drifters’ Café |
💡 Don’t miss: Apple orchards, especially if you visit in September! 🍎
Manali Travel Guide: Budget Breakdown (6-Day Trip)
| Category | Approx. Cost (per person) |
| Travel (Delhi–Manali–Delhi) | ₹2500 |
| Stay (5 nights) | ₹4000 |
| Food | ₹3000 |
| Adventure & sightseeing | ₹3500 |
| Shopping & extras | ₹2000 |
| Total | ₹15,000–₹17,000 (approx) |
Manali Travel Guide: Travel Tips
- Get permits for Rohtang Pass a day before.
- Carry power banks, warm clothes, and waterproof shoes.
- Avoid monsoon season (July–September).
- Stay in Old Manali for cafés & peaceful surroundings.
- Respect local customs and environment — don’t litter.
FAQs
Q1. How many days are enough for Manali?
A: 5–6 days are perfect for sightseeing and adventure.
Q2. What is Manali famous for?
A: Snow, Solang Valley, adventure sports, and cozy cafés.
Q3. Is Manali safe for solo travelers?
A: Yes, Manali is safe and locals are very friendly.
Q4. What are some hidden gems in Manali?
A: Jana Falls, Naggar Castle, and Sethan Valley.
Final Thoughts
As we drove back from Manali, windows rolled down and mountains fading in the mirror, all of us felt the same thing — this trip was magical.
Manali isn’t just a destination; it’s a vibe. From snow-capped peaks and adventure rides to café hopping and quiet nights by the fire — it’s a place that stays with you forever.
If you’re planning your next mountain escape, trust me — Manali will steal your heart. ❤️
