Morning: Arrive in Manali and check into a budget-friendly guesthouse (₹350‑₹400 per night). After settling in, stroll through the town center and enjoy a light breakfast at a local café.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forests, then wander to the nearby Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu.
Evening: Relax by the Beas River, sip tea at a riverside stall, and sample Himachali snacks like siddu and trout.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the bohemian lanes of Old Manali, browsing quirky shops and art galleries.
Afternoon: Trek a short 2‑km trail to the cascading Jogini Waterfall**, stopping for a picnic and photo ops.
Evening: Dine at a popular café in Old Manali, enjoying live folk music and local cuisine.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a shared taxi to Solang Valley (≈30 km). Try the beginner’s rope‑way and enjoy panoramic views.
Afternoon: Participate in affordable activities such as paragliding (₹500) or a pony ride (₹150) while soaking up the alpine scenery.
Evening: Return to Manali, freshen up, and stroll through Mall Road for some souvenir shopping.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the therapeutic baths of Vashisht Hot Springs, where natural sulphur waters promise relaxation.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby Vashisht Temple and attend a short cultural demonstration of traditional Himachali dance.
Evening: Enjoy a simple dinner of thukpa at a family‑run eatery and unwind with a book in the guesthouse courtyard.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the historic Naggar Castle (≈20 km), exploring its rustic rooms and stunning valley views.
Afternoon: Visit the adjoining **Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery**, admiring the painter’s Himalayan works.
Evening: Return to Manali for a quiet night, perhaps sipping hot chocolate by a fireplace.
Find HotelsMorning: If the pass is open, join a shared jeep to Rohtang Pass (₹1,200 permit). Otherwise, opt for a guided trek to **Gulaba** for similar alpine vistas.
Afternoon: Enjoy snow‑play, short hikes, and photo opportunities at the pass (or trek viewpoint).
Evening: Head back to Manali, treat yourself to a warm bowl of rajma‑chawal, and rest early after a high‑altitude day.
Find HotelsMorning: Experience gentle **Beas River rafting** (₹600) suitable for beginners, with safety gear provided.
Afternoon: Recover with a leisurely walk along the riverbank, visiting the small **Gulaba Bridge** for scenic photos.
Evening: Attend a cultural program at the local community hall, featuring folk music and dance.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack belongings, enjoy a final breakfast of fresh parathas, and take a short walk to the **Manali Market** for last‑minute gifts.
Afternoon: Check out of the guesthouse and catch your bus/train back, carrying memories of the Himalayan charm.
Evening: Arrive home, share photos, and start planning your next mountain escape.
Find HotelsIf you need to keep the total under ₹8,000, consider staying in a dormitory‑style hostel (₹250 / night) and skipping the Rohtang Pass permit, opting for a lower‑altitude trek instead. To extend the trip, add a day in the nearby Kasol valley for trekking or a visit to the Parvati River gorge, which adds just a modest extra cost for transport and meals.