Five Day Shoestring Budget itinerary for Manali and Kullu

  1. Day 1: Solang Valley-Amateur Sliding Slopes
    30 minutes (9.5 km) from Kullu

    Enjoy the only driverless gondola ride in India at Solang Valley. Get a perspective of the stunning surroundings from approximately 1,520 meters above sea level. Take an example as well as an amateur sliding slope ride for skiing or sliding independently.

  2. Day 2: Bijli Mahadev Temple
    2 hours (47.6 km) from Solang Valley

    Visit the ancient 17th-century Bijli Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, on a 20 km steep trek from Kullu. Known as the 'temple of lightning,' the temple is located on a hilltop, providing spectacular views of Kullu Valley and Himalayas.

  3. Day 3: Hadimba Temple
    1 hour 20 minutes (40 km) from Bijli Mahadev Temple

    Visit the 400-year-old Hadimba Temple, dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima,  one of the five Pandava brothers from the Indian epic 'Mahabharata.' The temple's unique architecture, surrounded by cedar forests, makes it a captivating sight.

  4. Day 4: Vashisht Kund- Hot Spring Water
    20 minutes (6 km) from Hadimba Temple

    Take a dip in the all-natural hot spring water of Vashisht Kund, infused with medicinal properties. Visit the old Vashisht temple and the modern Vashisht baths. Take a wander around the local market for some souvenir shopping.

  5. Day 5: Naggar Castle
    20 minutes (9.4 km) from Vashisht Kund

    Visit Naggar Castle, a unique blend of western and Himalayan architecture. Built-in the 15th century, it was the ancient capital of the Kullu Kingdom, now converted to a heritage hotel. Get lost in the Museum Gallery, explore the beautiful garden grounds or book a meditation retreat.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Solang Valley entry ticket (2 hours, INR 50)
  • Private taxi to reach Bijli Mahadev Temple (4 hours, INR 2,000)
  • Guided trek to Bijli Mahadev Temple (6 hours, INR 1000)
  • Hadimba Temple entry ticket (1 hour, INR 50)
  • Vashisht Kund- Hot Spring Water bathing fee (2 hours, free)
  • Naggar Castle entry ticket, starting at INR 30 (2 hours, INR 300)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 2,450

Useful Tips

If you have more time, don't miss out on exploring the splendid Manali nature park and taking an adventurous rafting trip. If you have less time you can skip Naggar Castle or Vashisht Kund but make sure to experience the rest of the captivating itinerary.

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