Welcome to Manali, a paradise for adventure enthusiasts! Start your trip by checking into your hotel and getting settled. In the morning, head to Solang Valley, known for its breathtaking views and thrilling activities. Try your hand at paragliding, zorbing, or skiing, depending on the availability and weather conditions. In the afternoon, explore the Hadimba Devi Temple, a peaceful and ancient temple surrounded by lush greenery. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the Mall Road, where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy local delicacies.
Solang Valley: ₹2000 (paragliding), 4 hours
Hadimba Devi Temple: Free, 1 hour
Mall Road: Variable, 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head over to The Corner Cafe, a cozy and charming eatery known for its delicious breakfast options. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes and aromatic coffee. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, try out Johnson's Cafe, a popular restaurant known for its mouthwatering sandwiches and salads. With a laid-back ambience and friendly service, it's the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful dining experience at Khyber Restaurant. Specializing in traditional Indian cuisine, their menu offers a range of flavorful dishes prepared with authentic spices. The warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the overall experience. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday, February 17: River Rafting and Hot Springs
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience as you go river rafting on the Beas River. Enjoy the thrill of navigating through the rapids surrounded by stunning Himalayan scenery. After the adventure, visit the Vashisht Hot Springs and take a relaxing dip in the natural hot water. In the afternoon, explore the Naggar Castle, a historical landmark offering panoramic views of the valley. End the day with a visit to the Manali Club House, where you can indulge in various indoor and outdoor activities.
River Rafting: ₹1500, 4 hours
Vashisht Hot Springs: Free, 2 hours
Naggar Castle: ₹50, 1 hour
Manali Club House: ₹200, 2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe 1947: Enjoy a cozy breakfast at this riverside cafe offering stunning views of the Beas River. They serve a variety of dishes including sandwiches, pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Lazy Dog Lounge: Treat yourself to a delicious lunch at this popular restaurant known for its international cuisine. From burgers and pizzas to sushi and pasta, they have something for everyone. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Johnson's Cafe: Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at this charming cafe set amidst lush greenery. They specialize in Indian and European dishes, offering a fusion of flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 INR per person.
Tuesday, February 18: Trek to Beas Kund
Embark on a thrilling trek to Beas Kund, a beautiful glacial lake situated amidst snow-capped mountains. Begin your trek from Solang Valley, passing through breathtaking landscapes and enjoying the serene surroundings. The trek is moderately challenging and takes approximately 5-6 hours round trip. After reaching Beas Kund, take some time to soak in the tranquility and marvel at the beauty of the lake. Descend back to Solang Valley and return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Beas Kund Trek: ₹2000 (guide), 8-10 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Manali Flavors, a charming café serving delicious continental and Indian breakfast options. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try Johnson's Bar and Restaurant, a popular eatery known for its mouthwatering Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their flavorful butter chicken and spicy Szechuan noodles. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
For dinner, dine at The Lazy Dog Lounge, a cozy restaurant offering a wide range of international cuisines. Indulge in their juicy steaks and gourmet pizzas while enjoying the laid-back ambience. The average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Wednesday, February 19: Jeep Safari to Rohtang Pass
Embark on an exciting jeep safari to Rohtang Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world. Enjoy the scenic drive through winding mountain roads, passing by picturesque landscapes and snow-covered peaks. Spend some time at Rohtang Pass, taking in the panoramic views and engaging in snow activities like skiing or snowboarding. On the way back, visit the enchanting Rahala Falls, a cascading waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Return to Manali and unwind at your hotel.
Jeep Safari to Rohtang Pass: ₹3500 (shared jeep), 8 hours
Rahala Falls: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Manali is The Lazy Dog Cafe, offering a cozy ambiance and a wide variety of delicious breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, known for its delicious Italian and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Johnson's Bar & Restaurant, offering a diverse menu of Indian and international delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Thursday, February 20: Mountain Biking Adventure
Gear up for an exhilarating mountain biking adventure in the beautiful trails around Manali. Rent a mountain bike and explore the rugged terrain, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Ride through quaint villages, apple orchards, and meandering rivers. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst nature and soak in the serenity. In the afternoon, visit the Manu Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to the sage Manu. End the day with a visit to the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, where you can learn about the local traditions and heritage.
Mountain Bike Rental: ₹500, 6 hours
Manu Temple: Free, 1 hour
Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art: ₹30, 1 hour
Friday, February 21: Trek to Hampta Pass
Embark on an adventurous trek to Hampta Pass, a high-altitude pass known for its stunning landscapes and diverse terrain. Start your trek from Jobra and trek through lush green valleys, crossing rivers and meadows. Reach Hampta Pass, surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks, and take in the breathtaking views. After spending some time at the pass, descend to Chika and return to Manali. This trek is challenging and takes approximately 8-9 hours round trip. Rest and relax in Manali for the remainder of the day.
Hampta Pass Trek: ₹2500 (guide), 10-12 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Cafe 1947 where you can enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about $10 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, try Johnson's Cafe & Restaurant which offers a wide range of Indian and continental dishes. Their thali meals are highly recommended. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about $15 per person.
For a delightful dinner experience, visit La Plage, a French restaurant known for its romantic ambiance and delectable seafood dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about $30 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure seekers looking to explore off the beaten path, head to the nearby village of Malana. Known for its unique culture and isolated location, Malana offers treks through beautiful landscapes and an opportunity to interact with the locals. The Chandrakhani Pass trek is another hidden gem, offering stunning views of the Parvati Valley and an off-the-beaten-track experience. Don't miss the chance to try paragliding in Bir, a popular destination for adventure sports and paragliding enthusiasts.