Thinking of taking a vacation to Manali, the beautiful hill station? You are not alone. This precious stone in the state of Himachal Pradesh is one of the most trending holiday destinations in the country, especially for individuals interested in white-peaked mountains, adventure-filling activities, and cozy warm coffee shops nestled in hills. No matter what, if you are an enthusiast for nature, into adventure, or simply looking for solitude, Manali has something for everyone.
In this complete guide, we will provide you with the best 5-Day Manali Trip itinerary, including day-wise suggestions, an approximate Manali trip cost per person, must-visit attractions, dining options, how to reach the destination, and much more.
Why is a Five-Day Tour to Manali Justified?
Tourism, adventure, leisure, and culture blend best at Manali. This five-day sojourn will allow you to:
– See typical villages like Old Manali and Vashisht
– Visit some standard spots like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass
– Enjoy river rafting, paragliding, and snow sports
– Relish local and international cuisines
– Shop for handicrafts and woolens in the colorful local markets
Best Time to Visit Manali
– Summer (March to June) – Best for sightseeing, paragliding, and trekking.
– Winter (October to February) – Best for lovers of snowfall and winter sports.
– Monsoon (July to September) – Do not visit because of landslides and heavy rainfall.
For a well-balanced combination of activities and fantastic weather, the April to June period is most sought after.
Day 1: Arrival in Manali + Local Sightseeing
Activities to engage in:
– Travel to Manali by overnight Volvo from Delhi or Chandigarh.
– Arrive at the Hotel/Hostel.
– Freshen up and head for a walk on Mall Road, Tibetan Monastery, and Hadimba Temple.
– Take a stroll in Van Vihar, a peaceful park in the woods for those who appreciate nature.
Estimated Day 1 Expense:
– Food: Rs 400
– Local transport: Rs 300
– Entry fees and shopping: Rs 300
Total: Rs 1,000
Pro Tip: Select a hotel close to Mall Road to reduce transport costs and have easy access to shops and cafés.
Day 2: Solang Valley Adventure
Activities to engage in:
– Drive towards Solang Valley which is about 14 km from Manali
– Try your hand at adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, ropeway rides, Zorbing, and ATV rides
– Explore Anjani Mahadev Temple, a hidden gem nearby
– Enjoy hot dinner at a riverside café in Old Manali
Estimated Costs Day 2:
– Cab to Solang Valley: ₹1,000 (this could be shared if in a group)
– Activities: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000
– Meals: ₹400
Total: ₹1,400 – ₹2,400
Pro Tip: Book adventure sports in advance to escape exorbitant rates charged on the spot.
Day 3: Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel + Sissu (if open)
Activities to engage in:
– Early morning departures for Rohtang Pass (open in May till October)
– Otherwise, travel through the **Atal Tunnel** and sightsee Sissu famous for waterfalls and valley view.
– Enjoy snow sports or just soak in the views of the breathtaking Himalayas.
Estimated Day 3 Costs:
– Rohtang permit (shared cab or rent): ₹800 – ₹1,500.
– Snow gear rental: ₹200 – ₹300.
– Food and snacks: ₹500.
Total: ₹1,500 – ₹2,300.
Pro Tip: Bring warm clothes and waterproof shoes if venturing out to Rohtang.
Day 4: Kasol-Manikaran Day Tour
Activities to engage in:
– Take a day tour to Kasol and Manikaran Sahib (around 75 km one-way).
– Dip your legs into the Parvati River, visit trendy cafes, enjoy the Gurudwara’s ambiance.
– Return to Manali in the evening.
Estimated Day Expenditure-4:
– Shared ride or taxi: ₹1000-1500.
– Food in kasol: about ₹500 (taste israeli food!).
– Shopping/local sightseeing: ₹300.
Total: ₹1800-2300.
Pro Tip: Wake up early and enjoy this beautiful drive and visit the hippie culture of Kasol.
Day 5: Visit local villages + souvenir shopping + return journey
Activities to engage in:
– Check out from your hotel.
– Head to Vashisht Village for hot water springs and temple.
– Brunch in Café 1947 or Johnson’s Café.
– Go souvenir shopping-woolens, shawls, handicrafts-on Mall Road.
– Get the evening bus back on the Volvo.
Approximate expenses on Day 5:
– Food: ₹400
– Shopping: ₹500
– Local transport: ₹300 Total: ₹1,200
Pro Tip: Keep some cash handy for souvenirs or munchies for the way back.
How to Reach Manali.
By Bus:
– Volvo buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate) – 1000-1500 rupees
– About an overnight journey of 12-14 hours.
By Train:
– Nearest station: Joginder Nagar (few trains)
– The most popular way of traveling is train to Chandigarh and then bus/taxi.
By Air:
– Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport) – 50 km from Manali
– A few flights; can be very expensive.
Conclusion
Hence, the 5-day Manali tour is about mesmerizing mountains, adventures, food, and memories. With some intelligence in planning and budget travel tips, these stunning Himalayan vacations won’t set you back much. White-capped mountains and windy streets, cafes, and Manali-spiritual sojourn from the monotony of life.
So pack your bags, keep your camera ready, and get ready to hug the hills-Manali is calling!
