Board your 3AC berth on the Telangana Express northbound to New Delhi; overnight rail travel saves daytime and hotel costs. Keep tickets, ID, and basic toiletries handy.
Order onboard or bring a packed meal — light, non-perishable food is ideal for comfort while you sleep. Food vans / pantry car service available but timings vary.
Have a simple breakfast on the train or at the station (idli/poha/paratha available at platform stalls). De-board and collect luggage; keep printed bus/coach booking ready.
Take a short taxi/metro trip to the bus/coach boarding point/ISBT for the Delhi → Manali service; allow buffer for traffic. Taxi ≈30–60 minutes depending on location.
Stop at a clean highway dhaba for a hearty Punjabi / Himachali lunch — dal, roti, sabzi, rice — to recharge during the drive. Check hygiene and bottled water availability.
Arrive Manali by night (~10:00pm), check into your pre-booked hotel, rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Confirm next day pickups and any booked activities.
Hearty buffet or a la carte breakfast at the hotel (parathas, eggs, porridge) to prepare for walking and sightseeing. Hotel breakfast usually opens by 7:00–8:00am.
Visit the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple set in cedar forest — a serene shrine with unique pagoda architecture and cool forest trails; great for photos and calm walks. Open typically 6:00am–8:00pm.
Short drive to Vashisht village to see the ancient Vashisht Temple and sulphur hot springs — a religious visit plus optional hot-bath (paid), good for relaxation. Temple & springs usually accessible 6:00am–8:00pm; hot bath fee ≈INR100.
Lunch at Cafe 1947 in Old Manali for a relaxed riverside vibe — Italian/Himachali options; popular so expect a short wait. Open roughly 8:00am–11:00pm.
Explore Mall Road for shopping (woollens, handicrafts, local snacks) and cafés; Mall Road shops operate ~10:00am–10:00pm. Bargain politely for shawls and souvenirs.
Enjoy the hotel's DJ night and music — a lively way to spend the evening. Confirm with hotel reception for timing (commonly 9:00–12:30am) and any entry charges.
Quick, early breakfast provided by the hotel (check opening time; many open special early meals for Rohtang trips) — a hot breakfast fuels the high-altitude outing.
Depart in a traveller to Rohtang Pass; mornings are best for clearer roads and shorter queues. Rohtang access requires an entry permit; confirm status with local operator and Manali SDM office. Note: Rohtang is usually open May–November but closures happen depending on snow/road conditions.
Enjoy snow views, short walks, photography and optional activities (sledge, snow-plays). Weather can be cold and windy; carry windproof jackets and sunglasses. Activity vendors charge extra (approx INR300–700 per activity).
Drive down to Kullu to visit a shawl factory to see handloom processes and buy authentic Kullu shawls; factories often allow demonstrations and bargaining. Typical visit times 9:00am–5:00pm.
Head to Manikaran (approx 1.5–2.5 hours depending on route and traffic); the gurudwara is famous for its hot springs and free langar (community meal). The gurudwara is open 24 hours; langar served throughout the day.
Board the reserved overnight bus/Volvo back to Delhi — rest on the road; ensure valuables are secured. Overnight travel time around 12–14 hours depending on stops.
Reach Delhi and transfer to the airport (allow time for traffic and airport check-in, security). Aim to reach the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic departure.
Touch down at Hyderabad by early afternoon. Collect luggage and return home with souvenirs, photos and good memories from Manali and Rohtang excursions.