Budget 7‑Day Manali Trip (Chandrapur → Manali) for 5–6 Friends — Jan 21–27, 2026 — Under INR 12,000 pp

Day 1: Travel day

Chandrapur, India on January 21, 2026

8:00am

Chandrapur → Nagpur (local)

Take an early morning local train or bus from Chandrapur to Nagpur so you reach Nagpur by midday to catch onward flight or train; it’s a short 3–4 hour connection and keeps the long-haul leg comfortable.
INR300, 4h0m.

2:00pm

Nagpur → Delhi (flight) or overnight train

Fly (fastest) or take an AC train from Nagpur to Delhi based on group budget; flight is ~2h and saves time so you can take a night Volvo to Manali the same evening. Book early for best fares.
INR3500, 2h0m.

8:00pm

Early dinner near Delhi ISBT/airport

Grab a simple group dinner near ISBT Kashmiri Gate or the airport (depending on arrival) and collect water/snacks for the overnight bus to Manali.
INR300, 1h0m.

10:30pm

Board Volvo / HRTC bus to Manali

Take an overnight Volvo/HRTC deluxe bus from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate / Majnu Ka Tilla area) to Manali; buses typically depart late evening and arrive early morning, saving one hotel night.
INR900, 10h30m.

Day 2: Arrival & explore

Manali, India on January 22, 2026

7:00am

Arrive Manali & check-in (budget guesthouse)

Arrive early, store luggage and check into a budget guesthouse/hostel (shared rooms for the group) so you can freshen up and rest a bit; group rooms lower cost per person.
INR800, 1h30m.

8:30am

Breakfast — Cafe 1947 / local dhaba

Breakfast at a popular Old Manali cafe like Cafe 1947 (opens ~8am) or a local dhaba for budget-friendly hot breakfast and chai.
INR250, 1h0m.

9:45am

Hadimba Devi Temple

Visit the forest-shrouded Hadimba Temple (generally open ~7:00am–6:00pm) for its unique pagoda architecture and calm cedar surroundings—short, photogenic and peaceful.
INR0, 1h0m.

11:30am

Vashisht hot springs & temple

Walk or take a short taxi to Vashisht village to see the ancient temple and hot water springs; the baths are open broadly during the day and are great after travel.
INR20, 1h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Johnson’s Cafe / local restaurant

Group lunch at Johnson’s Cafe or a budget local restaurant on Mall Road to try momos/thali and recharge for the afternoon.
INR300, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Mall Road stroll & shopping

Explore Manali Mall Road for souvenirs, woollens and street food; shops generally open 10am–10pm so you’ll have good options for inexpensive buys.
INR200, 2h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Local dhaba or The Corner House

Dinner at a reasonably priced local restaurant or cafe in Old Manali; try Himachali dishes or share pizzas/momos depending on the group’s mood.
INR300, 1h0m.

Day 3: Solang Valley day

Manali / Solang Valley, India on January 23, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Quick breakfast at your guesthouse or nearby cafe to fuel up for the snow day at Solang; many guesthouses serve breakfast from 7–9am.
INR150, 0h30m.

9:00am

Drive to Solang Valley

Take a shared taxi or private local cab (approx 30–45 min) to Solang Valley where winter sports and snow play areas are concentrated; roads are generally open in winter but confirm with driver.
INR400, 45m0s.

9:45am

Snow activities & ropeway

Enjoy snow activities (snow scooter/sledging) and the Solang ropeway (usually operates ~9:00am–5:00pm in winter); prices vary but short rides/sessions are affordable for groups.
INR800, 4h0m.

2:00pm

Lunch — Solang dhaba

Eat at a local dhaba or cafe at Solang for simple hot food to warm up and prepare for the return to town.
INR200, 1h0m.

3:30pm

Return to Manali & relax

Head back to Manali, relax at the guesthouse and warm up; afternoon is good for light exploring of Old Manali lanes.
INR0, 1h30m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Cafe 1947 or local

Group dinner in Old Manali to swap photos and plan the next day; smaller cafes close by 9–10pm so plan accordingly.
INR300, 1h0m.

Day 4: Atal Tunnel / Kullu day

Manali → Atal Tunnel / Sissu / Kullu, India on January 24, 2026

6:30am

Early departure for Atal Tunnel (day trip)

Hire a shared taxi/tempo traveler early (cab fares split among 5–6) for the Atal Tunnel and Sissu scenic drive; Atal Tunnel is open year-round and the drive offers spectacular snow vistas.
INR3500, 10h0m.

11:30am

Stop at Sissu / viewpoint

Short stop at Sissu for snowy panoramas and photos; limited facilities so carry warm drinks/snacks.
INR0, 30m0s.

1:30pm

Lunch — Kullu / roadside dhaba

Lunch at a local dhaba in Kullu or along the highway; simple, fresh meals are available and affordable.
INR250, 1h0m.

4:30pm

Return to Manali

Drive back to Manali with evening arrival; rest at the guesthouse before dinner.
INR0, 2h30m.

8:00pm

Dinner — The Lazy Dog or local eatery

Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Old Manali; book ahead for a larger group if choosing a popular spot.
INR350, 1h0m.

Day 5: Naggar & culture

Manali → Naggar, India on January 25, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast

Leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse or cafe; plan for a short, scenic drive to Naggar (about 30–40 km depending on route).
INR150, 0h45m.

10:00am

Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery (day visit)

Visit Naggar Castle (open ~9:00am–5:00pm) and the Roerich Art Gallery for culture and mountain views; pleasant for a half‑day outing.
INR100, 2h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Naggar cafe

Lunch at a small cafe near the castle with local fare and scenic views; good break before returning to Manali.
INR250, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Return, relax & explore Old Manali

Return to Manali; spend late afternoon visiting Old Manali’s cafes, bridges and riverside spots for photos and downtime.
INR0, 2h0m.

8:00pm

Group dinner & bonfire (if available)

Book a final group dinner at a restaurant that can host some privacy; many guesthouses arrange small bonfires (confirm availability in winter).
INR400, 1h30m.

Day 6: Shop & return

Manali → Delhi, India on January 26, 2026

9:00am

Leisurely breakfast & last-minute shopping

Final morning to buy woollens, trinkets and local snacks on Mall Road and pack up; small shops open from about 10am onward.
INR300, 2h0m.

12:00pm

Check-out and store luggage

Check out and store bags at the guesthouse if you have a late bus; final tea or cafe time before departure.
INR0, 0h30m.

3:30pm

Early dinner / high tea

Eat an early substantial meal so you’re set for the overnight journey; many eateries serve till evening.
INR300, 1h0m.

10:30pm

Board overnight Volvo to Delhi

Take an overnight deluxe/Volvo bus back to Delhi; overnight bus saves a hotel night and keeps costs low for the group.
INR900, 10h30m.

Day 7: Return home

Delhi → Nagpur → Chandrapur, India on January 27, 2026

8:00am

Arrive Delhi & quick breakfast

Arrive Delhi early, have breakfast near the bus stand and plan onward connections to Nagpur/Chandrapur; you’ll be tired so keep transit simple.
INR200, 1h0m.

10:30am

Delhi → Nagpur (flight) or Delhi → Chandrapur train

Take a midday flight to Nagpur (~2h) and then local transport to Chandrapur or book an overnight through train directly towards Chandrapur; choose based on budget and available seats.
INR3500, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Nagpur → Chandrapur (local)

Local bus/train from Nagpur to Chandrapur; you should reach home by late evening if flights/trains are well timed.
INR300, 4h0m.

9:00pm

Arrive Chandrapur — trip end

Arrive back home. Wrap up and share photos with the group. If you prefer, adjust return timing (train night travel is a cheaper alternative).
INR0, 0h0m.
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