Relaxing 5-Day Itinerary for Manali in December 2023

1. Day 1: Manu Temple
   15 minutes (3.7km) from Manali Bus Stand

   In the morning, visit the serene Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu and witness the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, explore the historic Hadimba Devi Temple, an ancient temple in the middle of a dense forest. In the evening, head to the Mall Road for some shopping and try local dishes like momos and thukpa.

2. Day 2: Old Manali
   15 minutes (3.7km) from Mall Road

   Start your day at the beautiful Manalsu River and indulge in some fishing or just relax by the river. For lunch, head to the German Bakery and try their famous apple pie. In the afternoon, visit the Naggar Castle, a beautiful ancient castle that offers breathtaking views of the Kullu Valley. In the evening, wander around the charming streets of Old Manali and enjoy some live music at cafes like Lazy Dog or Shiva Garden.

3. Day 3: Solang Valley
   45 minutes (13.3km) from Old Manali

   Start your day with a visit to the famous Hadimba Devi Temple, an ancient temple surrounded by cedar trees. In the afternoon, head to Solang Valley, known for its stunning views and adventure activities like paragliding, zipline, and skiing. In the evening, relax at the Solang Valley Resort and enjoy the beautiful sunset views.

4. Day 4: Vashisht Hot Springs
   20 minutes (5.8km) from Solang Valley

   Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sun Temple and explore the nearby Manali Sanctuary. In the afternoon, head to the Vashisht Hot Springs, a natural hot water spring that is believed to have medicinal properties. In the evening, relax and rejuvenate at one of the many Ayurvedic spas in the area.

5. Day 5: Great Himalayan National Park
   2 hours (60.5km) from Vashisht Hot Springs

   Take a day trip to the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. In the afternoon, enjoy a picnic by the river and take in the beautiful views of the mountains. In the evening, head back to Manali and enjoy a cozy bonfire night with some hot cocoa.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Rohtang Pass, a beautiful mountain pass that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. However, it is closed during December due to heavy snowfall. You can also take a side trip to Naggar, a beautiful and peaceful town located 20km from Manali. To maximize your fun, you can also try adventure sports like river rafting, rock climbing and camping. Lastly, don't forget to try local delicacies like siddu, chha meat and kullu trout.

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