Start your journey in the beautiful town of Manali, nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a peaceful and ancient religious site surrounded by cedar forests. Spend the afternoon exploring the Mall Road, the main shopping street offering a variety of local handicrafts and delicious street food. Enjoy the evening by taking a leisurely walk along the banks of the Beas River, soaking in the serene ambiance.
Mall Road: Shopping expenses vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Beas River Walk: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe 1947: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cafe 1947, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious continental fare. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Johnson's Cafe: For a delightful lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, a charming eatery serving mouthwatering Italian and Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
The Lazy Dog Lounge: Indulge in a delectable dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge, an exquisite restaurant offering Continental, Asian, and Indian cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.
Friday, September 6: Rohtang Pass Adventure
Embark on an exciting day trip to Rohtang Pass, located at an altitude of 3,979 meters. In the morning, drive through scenic valleys and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the afternoon participating in thrilling activities like skiing, snowboarding, or simply playing in the snow. As the day comes to an end, return to Manali and relax at your hotel.
Rohtang Pass: Entry fees: ₹550 ($7.50) for a vehicle, Time spent: 4-5 hours
Skiing/Snowboarding: Rental fees vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Lazy Dog Lounge, a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try Johnson's Cafe, a popular spot serving a variety of cuisines including Indian, Tibetan, and Italian. Don't miss their mouthwatering momos! Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, relish the flavors of authentic Himachali cuisine at The Corner House. This charming restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and dishes like Siddu and Chha Gosht. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Saturday, September 7: Solang Valley Exploration
Indulge in the natural beauty of Solang Valley, known for its picturesque landscapes and adventure sports. Start your day with paragliding or zorbing, experiencing an adrenaline rush like no other. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the top of the valley and witness stunning panoramic views. Conclude the day by visiting the Tibetan Monastery and immersing yourself in its tranquil aura.
Paragliding/Zorbing: Prices vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Cable Car Ride: ₹700 ($9.50) for a round trip, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Tibetan Monastery: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Cafe 1947: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at this charming cafe located in the heart of Manali. Indulge in their freshly brewed coffee and mouth-watering baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Snow Peak Restaurant: For lunch, head to Snow Peak Restaurant and savor their delectable local cuisine. Try their authentic Himachali thali, packed with flavors and spices. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Johnson's Cafe & Hotel: Indulge in a delightful dinner at Johnson's Cafe & Hotel, a popular restaurant in Manali. Relish their wide range of international and Indian dishes, accompanied by live music. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, September 8: Naggar Castle and Manikaran Hot Springs
Explore the Naggar Castle, a magnificent historical fortress showcasing traditional Himachali architecture. Marvel at the beautiful art gallery within the castle premises. In the afternoon, take a trip to the charming town of Manikaran and relax in its hot springs. Immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of the Gurudwara Sahib and Temple located there.
Naggar Castle: Entry fees: ₹30 ($0.40), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Manikaran Hot Springs: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Moonshine Cafe: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy cafe with a serene mountain view. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Chopsticks Restaurant: Savor delicious Tibetan and Chinese cuisine for lunch at this popular joint. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Johnson's Cafe: Indulge in a delightful dinner at this rooftop restaurant, offering a wide range of international and local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday, September 9: Beas Kund Trek
Embark on a thrilling trek to Beas Kund, a serene glacial lake. Start your day early and hike through picturesque landscapes, passing by lush green meadows and enchanting valleys. Reach the pristine Beas Kund and revel in the tranquil atmosphere. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature's splendor. After exploring the surroundings, trek back to the base camp and return to your hotel in Manali.
Beas Kund Trek: Guide charges vary, Time spent: 6-8 hours
Restaurants
Cafe Amigos: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe Amigos, known for their mouthwatering pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Johnson's Cafe: For lunch, head to Johnson's Cafe, a charming eatery offering a wide variety of Indian and international dishes. Don't miss their signature pasta and homemade desserts. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Chopsticks: Satisfy your cravings for dinner at Chopsticks, a popular Chinese restaurant in Manali. Indulge in their delectable dumplings and flavorful stir-fried dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹700 per person.
Tuesday, September 10: Old Manali Exploration
Discover the charm of Old Manali, a quaint village known for its rustic beauty and lively cafes. Start your day with a visit to the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, who is believed to be the creator of human life according to Hindu mythology. Explore the local markets offering unique handicrafts and souvenirs. In the evening, relax in one of the cozy cafes and enjoy live music performances.
Manu Temple: Entry fees: ₹10 ($0.14), Time spent: 1-2 hours
Shopping in Old Manali: Expenses vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Cafe 1947, a charming riverside cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
For lunch, try Johnson's Cafe, a popular eatery known for its mouthwatering Italian and Tibetan cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit La Plage, a cozy beachfront restaurant serving delectable French and Mediterranean dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Wednesday, September 11: Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs
Visit the Vashisht Temple, dedicated to the sage Vashisht, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Take a dip in the natural hot springs believed to have healing properties. Enjoy a rejuvenating bath and feel your stress melt away. Spend the rest of the day exploring the cafes and shops in Vashisht village, immersing yourself in its laid-back vibe.
Vashisht Temple: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Vashisht Hot Springs: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Exploring Vashisht Village: Expenses vary, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Cafe 1947: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Cafe 1947, known for its charming riverside setting and mouthwatering menu. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Johnson's Bar and Restaurant: For a satisfying lunch, head to Johnson's Bar and Restaurant, offering a wide range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Casa Bella Vista: Experience a delightful dinner at Casa Bella Vista, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They serve a variety of Italian and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Manali, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known Jana Falls, situated amidst dense forests. Take a leisurely hike to reach the falls and be mesmerized by the cascading water. Another hidden gem is the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, home to various species of flora and fauna. Explore nature trails and spot animals like musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and birds. These off-the-beaten-path attractions offer a unique and unforgettable experience.