Mandi, Manali, Kasol, Kullu 7-Day Itinerary - Shoestring Budget

Day 1 - Friday, October 20 - Arrival in Mandi

Morning: Arrive in Mandi and visit the Bhutnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Afternoon: Explore the serene Rewalsar Lake, surrounded by temples and monasteries.

Evening: Take a stroll through the bustling Tibetan Market, known for its handicrafts and local delicacies.

• Bhutnath Temple: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Rewalsar Lake: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Tibetan Market: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 2 - Saturday, October 21 - Mandi to Manali

Morning: Travel from Mandi to Manali. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas on the way.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Mall Road in Manali, known for its shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Evening: Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, surrounded by cedar forests, and enjoy the tranquility.

• Mandi to Manali (Travel): Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 4 hours
• Mall Road: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours
• Hadimba Devi Temple: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Day 3 - Sunday, October 22 - Manali

Morning: Head to Solang Valley for adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (depending on the weather).

Afternoon: Visit the Vashisht Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in the natural hot water springs.

Evening: Explore the Old Manali area, known for its hippie vibe and cafes.

• Solang Valley: Activities cost - INR 1,500, Time spent - 4 hours
• Vashisht Hot Springs: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Old Manali: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 3 hours

Day 4 - Monday, October 23 - Manali to Kasol

Morning: Travel from Manali to Kasol, a small village known for its scenic beauty and trekking trails.

Afternoon: Explore the Parvati River and enjoy a riverside picnic.

Evening: Visit Manikaran Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site famous for its hot springs and gurudwara.

• Manali to Kasol (Travel): Estimated cost - INR 150, Time spent - 3 hours
• Parvati River: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Manikaran Sahib: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 5 - Tuesday, October 24 - Kasol

Morning: Embark on a trek to Kheerganga and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the hot water springs.

Afternoon: Indulge in local cuisine at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Kasol.

Evening: Experience the vibrant Kasol market and shop for souvenirs.

• Trek to Kheerganga: Trekking guide cost - INR 500, Time spent - 8 hours
• Local Food: Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 2 hours
• Kasol Market: Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 6 - Wednesday, October 25 - Kasol to Kullu

Morning: Travel from Kasol to Kullu. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Parvati Valley.

Afternoon: Visit the renowned Raghunath Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, in the heart of Kullu.

Evening: Explore the traditional Kullu Shawl Factory and witness the intricate craftsmanship.

• Kasol to Kullu (Travel): Estimated cost - INR 200, Time spent - 3 hours
• Raghunath Temple: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Kullu Shawl Factory: Entrance fee - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Day 7 - Thursday, October 26 - Departure

Morning: Enjoy some last-minute shopping in Kullu for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Depart from Kullu and head back to your destination.

• Shopping in Kullu: Estimated cost - INR 500, Time spent - 3 hours
• Kullu to Departure (Travel): Estimated cost - INR 300, Time spent - 4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Mandi, don't miss the chance to visit Prashar Lake, a hidden gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offering stunning views. In Manali, take a short trek to Jogini Falls, a lesser-known waterfall with a serene atmosphere. In Kasol, explore the charming village of Chalal, known for its Israeli food and trance music parties. Finally, in Kullu, visit the picturesque Tirthan Valley, popular among adventure enthusiasts for camping, fishing, and trekking on a budget.

Please check kayak.com for hotel and flight prices.