Family-friendly Itinerary for 5 days in Manali

Thursday, November 30: Arriving in Manali

Welcome to Manali! Start your trip by exploring the beautiful town and soaking in the stunning views of the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a peaceful and serene place surrounded by tall deodar trees. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Van Vihar, a park with lush greenery and a scenic lake. In the afternoon, take a short drive to Solang Valley and indulge in adventure activities like paragliding or zorbing. In the evening, explore the Mall Road, the main shopping street, and savor some local delicacies.

• Hadimba Devi Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Van Vihar: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Solang Valley: Estimated cost - Activities vary, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Johnson's Cafe: A cozy cafe with a wide range of breakfast options including pancakes, eggs benedict, and fresh fruit smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• Casa Bella Vista: A charming Italian restaurant offering delicious pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. Don't miss their homemade gelato for dessert. Average cost for a meal is about INR 600 per person.
• Chopsticks Restaurant: A popular Chinese restaurant known for its flavorful dishes, including noodles, dumplings, and szechuan chicken. Average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.

Friday, December 1: Rohtang Pass

Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountains and witness breathtaking landscapes. In the morning, visit the beautiful Rahalla Falls and capture some memorable pictures. Proceed to Rohtang Pass and spend the afternoon playing in the snow or simply admiring the majestic surroundings. Head back to Manali in the evening and relax at your hotel.

• Rahalla Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Rohtang Pass: Estimated cost - Permit fees apply, Time spent - 4-5 hours

Saturday, December 2: Manikaran and Naggar Castle

Start your day by visiting the hot springs in Manikaran, known for their therapeutic properties. Take a dip in the natural hot water and explore the beautiful Gurudwara Sahib. Enjoy a delicious langar (community meal) at the gurudwara. In the afternoon, drive to Naggar and visit the Naggar Castle, an ancient fort turned into a heritage hotel. Explore the castle and its museum, showcasing traditional Himachali art. End the day with a visit to the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, displaying paintings inspired by the Himalayas.

• Manikaran: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Naggar Castle: Estimated cost - Entry fees apply, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery: Estimated cost - Entry fees apply, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to the popular Johnson's Cafe, located in a picturesque setting with stunning views of the mountains. They serve a variety of breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a hearty lunch, make your way to The Lazy Dog Lounge, a charming restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and delicious food. They offer a range of cuisines including Indian, Italian, and Chinese. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, you can try out Chopsticks Restaurant, a popular Chinese restaurant in Manali. They serve authentic Chinese dishes with a Himalayan twist. The average cost for a meal here is about 700 INR per person.

Sunday, December 3: Beas Kund Trek and Old Manali

Embark on a trek to the beautiful Beas Kund, a high-altitude glacial lake situated amidst the mountains. Start early in the morning and enjoy the scenic trekking trail. Spend the morning exploring the lake and its surroundings. After descending, head to Old Manali, a quaint and charming part of the town. Visit the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, and stroll through the narrow lanes filled with cafes, shops, and local handicrafts.

• Beas Kund Trek: Estimated cost - Trekking charges may apply, Time spent - 6-7 hours
• Manu Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Exploring Old Manali: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, December 4: Jogini Falls and Vashisht Temple

Spend your last day exploring the natural beauty of Manali. In the morning, hike to Jogini Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and take a refreshing dip in the cool water. After the hike, visit the Vashisht Temple, known for its hot water springs. Take a dip in the hot springs and experience their rejuvenating effects. End your trip with a peaceful evening in Manali, reminiscing about the wonderful memories created.

• Jogini Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Vashisht Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

A hidden gem in Manali is the Himalayan Nyinmapa Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, located in Manali's peaceful village called Gompa. It offers a serene environment and a chance to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture. Another local favorite is the Manali Nature Park, ideal for a family picnic amidst nature. The park boasts beautiful flora and fauna, walking trails, and a small zoo. Don't forget to try the local delicacy, "Sidu," a steamed bread filled with a spicy stuffing, available in many local eateries.

For hotel and flight prices in Manali, you can check here.