4-day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Manali

  1. Day 1: Old Manali
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Manali Main Bus Stand

    Explore the artistic cafes, local markets, and scenic views in Old Manali. Stop by Drifter's Café for delicious food and a chilled-out vibe. Head to the Manu Temple, a peaceful and serene temple built in the honor of Sage Manu. End the day by taking a stroll along the Manalsu River and enjoying the picturesque sunset.

  2. Day 2: Solang Valley
    40 minutes (14 km) from Manali Main Bus Stand

    Embark on a full-day adventure to Solang Valley, known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque views, and exciting activities such as paragliding and skiing. Take a trek to the Anjani Mahadev Temple, situated at a height of 2,743 meters and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Witness the panoramic views of the valley from the summit of the Jogni Waterfalls.

  3. Day 3: Rohtang Pass
    2 hours (51 km) from Manali Main Bus Stand

    Take a scenic drive to Rohtang Pass, a popular tourist destination for panoramic views of the Himalayas, adventure activities, and picturesque landscape. Enjoy activities such as sledding, skiing, and snowboarding in the snow-clad mountains. Spend some time at the Rahala Waterfalls, a mesmerizing waterfall en route Rohtang Pass. End the day by taking a dip in the natural hot springs at Vashisht Kund.

  4. Day 4: Naggar
    1 hour (18 km) from Manali Main Bus Stand

    Visit Naggar, a charming and historic village that exudes an old-world vibe. Visit the impressive Naggar Castle, built in the 15th century and now converted into a heritage hotel. Explore the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum, exhibiting the works of the Russian artist who settled in the area in the 1920s. Take a guided tour of the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, built in the 11th century, and admire the intricate stone carvings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Drifter's Café (2 hours, ₹400)
  • Manu Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Solang Valley (8 hours, ₹500 per person for shared cab)
  • Anjani Mahadev Temple (3 hours, free entry)
  • Jogni Waterfalls (1.5 hours, free entry)
  • Rohtang Pass (10 hours, ₹2,500 per person for shared cab)
  • Rahala Waterfalls (30 minutes, free entry)
  • Vashisht Kund (2 hours, free entry)
  • Naggar Castle (2 hours, ₹20 entry fee)
  • Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum (1 hour, ₹30 entry fee)
  • Gauri Shankar Temple (1 hour, free entry)
  • Total Estimated Costs: ₹3,020

Useful tips

If you have more time, you can plan a day trip to the Hampta Pass for scenic views of the Himalayas and the Beas River. If you have less time, you can skip the Naggar village visit or the Rohtang Pass trip. Make sure to carry warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the adventure activities. Bargaining is a common practice in the local markets, so make sure to negotiate for the best prices.

0