5-Day Family Adventure in Manali: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Manali, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Corner House

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at The Corner House famous for its affordable and delicious parathas and chai.
Walk to Vashisht Village, around 3 km from Manali.
INR 200, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Vashisht Village

Enjoy the scenic beauty and the hot springs at Vashisht Village, which is family-friendly and ideal for a relaxing morning.
Walk through the village enjoying local sights.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Himalayan Café

Savor a variety of North Indian dishes, perfect for families on a budget.
Head back to Manali town, around 3 km.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Old Manali

Stroll through Old Manali’s charming marketplace, filled with local crafts and beautiful shops.
Walk around Manali; it's a short distance.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Manu Temple

A tranquil visit to this ancient temple provides a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Walking distance from Old Manali.
INR 20, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Drifter's Inn

End the day with a budget-friendly meal while enjoying the cozy ambiance and delicious pizzas.
Short walk to the restaurant.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Manali, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Fuel up with their famous breakfast platter before your adventurous day!
Walk to Café 1947, around 1 km.
INR 500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Solang Valley

Take a day trip to Solang Valley for various activities like horse riding and paragliding.
Local bus from Manali to Solang Valley, about 13 km.
INR 300 for bus fare, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a Local Dhabha

Enjoy delicious budget-friendly local food at a dhabba in Solang.
On-site at Solang Valley.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Activities in Solang Valley

Engage in activities like zip-lining or horse-sledding for all ages.
Local operators available in Solang.
INR 1000, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Return to Manali

Head back to your base and relax after a thrilling day.
Local bus back to Manali.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Chef’s Kitchen

Finish the day with a casual dinner featuring a variety of Indian and continental dishes.
Short walk from your accommodation.
INR 600, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Discoveries

Manali, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Karam Lok

Start your day with delicious dosa or sandwich in a bustling local atmosphere.
Walk over to Karam Lok, around 2 km from town center.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the exquisite wooden architecture of the Hadimba Temple nestled in the cedar forest.
Short walk from breakfast location, approximately 800m.
INR 50, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Nature Walk in Van Vihar

Take a serene walk in the lush Van Vihar park located near Hadimba Temple.
5-minute walk from Hadimba Temple.
INR 30, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Gusto

Enjoy a family-friendly menu with some great Italian options for lunch.
Walk back to Manali town, about 1 km.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit the Manali Art Museum

Discover local art and culture in this small but interesting museum.
Walk or take an auto-rickshaw to the museum, around 1 km.
INR 50, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore the Mall Road

Spend time shop-hopping and enjoying local handicrafts and flavors on Mall Road.
Short walk from the museum.
Free (shopping optional), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

Relish an array of Indian specialties in a relaxed dining setting.
Walking distance from Mall Road.
INR 700, 1 hour
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Day 4: Day Trip to Kullu

Kullu, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Cafe

Start your day with a filling breakfast at a cafe on the way to Kullu.
Local transport to Kullu, approximately 40 km.
INR 400, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Kullu Valley

Marvel at the beautiful landscapes, explore the riverside as a family.
Explore this area around Kullu.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Raju's Dhaba

Dig into authentic Himachali cuisine at this local restaurant popular for its thalis.
On-site at Kullu.
INR 500, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Kullu Shawl Factory

Watch traditional craftsmanship and shop for beautiful shawls if desired.
Short ride from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit the Rafting Point

Experience family-friendly rafting in the Beas River, a thrilling adventure.
Short distance from Kullu town center.
INR 1200, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali for a night of relaxation after an eventful day in Kullu.
Local transport back to Manali.
INR 300, 1.5 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at Chaat Bhavan

Savor a variety of street-food style dining at this affordable and local eatery.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
INR 500, 1 hour
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Day 5: Relax and Departure

Manali, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Lost Tribe Café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a selection of pancakes and fresh juices to end your trip on a high note.
Walk to the café, about 1 km.
INR 400, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit the Tibetan Monastery

A peaceful spot to visit and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before your departure.
Short walk to the monastery, around 2 km.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Last-Minute Shopping on Mall Road

Grab some souvenirs and enjoy the final views of Manali before leaving.
Short distance from the monastery.
Free (shopping optional), 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Mall Road Eatery

Enjoy a simple lunch with local flavors, perfect before heading out.
At the base of Mall Road.
INR 400, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Departure Preparation

Pack and get ready for departure, reminiscing over your memorable journey.
Preparation at accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
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