Manali itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Manali

1. 01

   Day 1: Temples and valley walks

   Start early with a visit to Hadimba Temple, the oldest shrine in the valley, set among deodar trees; the walk is level and the morning light is soft. Drive or walk to nearby Manu Temple for a second shrine and a view down into the valley. After a long lunch and rest in a shaded café on Mall Road, take an evening walk through the Old Manali neighbourhood, see the Vashisht Temple and its hot springs, then end with tea overlooking the Beas River as the light fades.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 02

2 days in Manali

1. 01

   Day 1: Temples and town

   Begin at Hadimba Temple at opening time, spending about an hour among the deodars. Walk or drive to Manu Temple for the ridge views, then head back for lunch. Spend the afternoon resting or browsing Mall Road for Himachali shawls, hand-painted pottery and books. In the late afternoon, walk to Vashisht Temple, explore its ancient courtyards, and if you are comfortable with the heat, try the hot springs beside the temple. End with dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the valley.

2. 02

   Day 2: High pass or nearby valleys

   Take a full-day driver to either Rohtang Pass (2–3 hours drive each way) for snow views and the Atal Tunnel road, or to Solang Valley for its meadows and, if interested, paragliding or skiing viewpoints. Stop at small villages such as Palchan or Kothi to see how the upper valley settles, and visit a local market. The drive back gives time for tea in the town before the evening light fades.

Guides for the stops on this route

Plan 03

3 days in Manali

1. 01

   Day 1: Temples and acclimatisation

   Arrive early and begin with a gentle walk to Hadimba Temple through the pine forest, taking time to adjust to the altitude. Spend the late morning at Manu Temple and the surrounding ridges, then rest indoors through the afternoon. In the early evening, explore Old Manali on foot, visiting the Vashisht Temple courtyards and the hot springs, then eat dinner at a small family restaurant.

2. 02

   Day 2: Rohtang Pass and high views

   Leave at dawn with a car and driver, heading for Rohtang Pass (about 50 km north). Stop to see the Atal Tunnel entrance, walk to the pass itself if the altitude and fitness allow, and photograph the Pir Panjal peaks with the valley behind. Stop for lunch at a small café en route and return in the late afternoon. Use the evening for a quiet walk near your hotel or browsing the bazaars.

3. 03

   Day 3: Naggar and artisan villages

   Drive south to Naggar Castle, a small stone fort with a museum and old courtyards, roughly 20 km away. Visit the attached Naggar School of Arts or walk through the village. Return via the Kullu side of the valley, stopping at Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan (if time allows) or visiting the Anokhi Museum for block-printed textiles. End with an evening in the town, shopping for local pottery, textiles or honey before your departure.

Guides for the stops on this route

Pacing

Make the plan work for everyone

• The altitude of 2,050 m is moderate and usually not a problem, but anyone with cardiac or respiratory concerns should consult a doctor and move slowly for the first day.
• Hadimba and Manu temples are accessible and level; the walks around them are gentle. Vashisht Temple involves stairs and a courtyard slope, but the hot springs can be accessed from the lower entry.
• Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley involve long car drives and higher altitudes. These are best skipped on day 1; take them on day 2 or 3 once acclimatised.
• Hire a car and driver for the entire stay rather than relying on autos. The roads are winding, the distances significant, and resting in a cool vehicle is important.
• Choose a hotel with lifts and good access. Mall Road and Old Manali have steps and uneven lanes; Civil Lines and the Hadimba area offer easier car access.
• The midday rest is not optional in Manali, even in the cooler months. Set aside 2–3 hours for rest, tea and a light meal after your morning activities.