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Budget-friendly 5-day itinerary for Banaras Rishikesh Kulu Manali in December 2023

  1. Day 1: Banaras
    20 minutes (5.3 km) from Varanasi Junction

    In the morning, visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, explore the narrow alleys of the old city and try some local street food. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti, a daily Hindu ritual of worshipping the Ganges River.

  2. Day 2: Rishikesh
    7 hours (250 km) from Banaras

    In the morning, take a dip in the holy Ganges River and visit the Triveni Ghat, where three rivers meet. In the afternoon, visit the Beatles Ashram, also known as the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in the late 60s. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

  3. Day 3: Kulu
    12 hours (500 km) from Rishikesh

    In the morning, drive to Kulu and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, explore the local markets and buy some souvenirs. In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy some local cuisine.

  4. Day 4: Manali
    1 hour (40 km) from Kulu

    In the morning, drive to Manali and visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, a wooden temple with intricate carvings. In the afternoon, visit the Solang Valley and try some adventure activities like paragliding and zorbing. In the evening, enjoy a hot cup of tea at a local cafe.

  5. Day 5: Manali

    Explore the town on foot and visit the Manu Temple and the Vashisht Temple. In the afternoon, take a dip in the hot water springs in Vashisht. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife at one of the local pubs.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, which happens every 12 years in Allahabad. You can also take a side trip to Auli, a ski destination in Uttarakhand.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple (2 hours, free)
  • Street Food in Banaras (1 hour, INR 200)
  • Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh (2 hours, INR 150)
  • Adventure activities in Solang Valley (3 hours, INR 2000)
  • Hot water springs in Vashisht (2 hours, INR 100)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): INR 2450
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