4-Day Family Friendly Nature Itinerary in Himachal Pradesh, India on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Manali

Manali, India on January 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Himalayan Cafe

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast of pancakes and local Himachali chai at the cozy Himalayan Cafe.
The cafe is located in the Old Manali area, only a walking distance from many guesthouses.
INR200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the serene Hadimba Temple, set against the backdrop of stunning cedar forests, where peace envelops you.
Take a local auto-rickshaw to reach Hadimba Temple, around 3 km from the cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk to Manu Temple

Enjoy a scenic 2.5 km walk to Manu Temple, appreciating the stunning views of the river and valleys along the way.
Head back to Old Manali, and make your way towards Manu Temple.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cafe 1947

Refuel with delicious pasta and sandwiches at Cafe 1947, which offers riverside views.
Located on the banks of the river Beas, it’s a short walk from Manu Temple.
INR300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Old Manali

Stroll through Old Manali's quaint streets, exploring local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs.
The area is easily walkable from Cafe 1947.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at River Beas

Wind down your day by the riverside, watching the sunset over the soothing water.
Access the riverside from Old Manali via a short walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Corner House

Savor local Indian dishes at The Corner House, known for its friendly ambiance.
It is a short walk from the riverside.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 2: Adventure in Solang Valley

Solang Valley, India on January 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast of toast and butter with milk or tea at your hotel to kick off your adventure.
Eat at your hotel before setting off for Solang Valley.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Solang Valley

Take a shared taxi to Solang Valley, renowned for its gorgeous landscapes.
Shared taxis are readily available from Manali to Solang, around a 14 km drive.
INR100, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Solang Valley Snow Activities

Engage in skiing or snow tubing, making unforgettable family memories in the winter wonderland.
All activities available within Solang Valley.
INR800 per person, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy a filling thali of rice, dal, and seasonal vegetables at a local dhaba.
Dining options are available within the Solang area.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Valley

Wander through the beautiful valley, capturing photographs of the picturesque scenery.
Walk through the various trails around Solang Valley.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali while enjoying the scenic route and stunning views along the way.
Take the shared taxi back to town.
INR100, 45 minutes

5:00PM

Enjoy Tea and Snacks

Relax and have tea with local snacks at a nearby tea shop.
Many tea shops are near Old Manali.
INR150, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Neha's

Dine on some delicious Indian curry and naan at Neha's, known for family-friendly service.
Located in Old Manali, a short walk from the tea shop.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Kullu Experience

Kullu, India on January 29, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Indulge in a breakfast of eggs and toast with tea served at your accommodation.
Get ready for your Kullu trip with a filling breakfast.
INR150, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kullu

Catch a local bus heading to Kullu Valley to explore its rich culture.
Buses leave from the Manali bus station.
INR60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kullu Castle

Delve into local history by visiting the Kullu Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
The castle is a short walk from the bus stop in Kullu.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Kullu Market

Wander through Kullu's vibrant market, where you can shop for colorful handicrafts and locally woven shawls.
Easily accessible on foot from the castle.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Savor delicious Kullu-style dumplings called Siddu and other local dishes.
Enjoy dining at one of the local eateries in the market.
INR250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Raghunath Temple

Experience the peaceful ambiance of the Raghunath Temple, an essential spiritual site for locals.
It's a brief walk from the market.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Head Back to Manali

Return to Manali, enjoying the scenic journey along the Beas River.
Get a local bus back to Manali, where you will conclude the day.
INR60, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tea at Cafe 1947

Unwind at Cafe 1947 with a cup of hot chai and a light snack while relishing the riverside view.
Cafes are close to your hotel.
INR150, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the river bank, soaking in the serene atmosphere of Manali.
Take the walking path towards the river.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lazy Dog

End the day with a cozy dinner consisting of local curry and roti at The Lazy Dog.
Located nearby in Old Manali.
INR400, 1 hour
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Day 4: Leisure in Manali

Manali, India on January 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bakery

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at one of Manali's quaint bakeries.
Choose a bakery close to your hotel.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Vashisht Village

Take a short bus ride to Vashisht to explore its natural hot springs, perfect for relaxing.
Catch a local bus from Manali bus stand to Vashisht.
INR30, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Relax at Hot Springs

Soak in the rejuvenating natural hot springs while enjoying mountain views.
Hot springs are easily reached in Vashisht.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Vashisht Village

Discover the picturesque village and its local temples nestled amidst the mountains.
Stroll through the small lanes of the village.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Vashisht Eatery

Relish a traditional Himachali lunch at a quaint eatery in Vashisht.
Located in Vashisht’s main area.
INR250, 1 hour

1:00PM

Return to Manali

Travel back to Manali for the last leg of your trip.
Catch the local bus back to Manali.
INR30, 30 minutes

2:00PM

Visit Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art

Discover Himachal's rich culture and heritage through artifacts and exhibitions.
The museum is located in Manali, close to the main markets.
INR100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last-Minute Shopping

Grab some last-minute souvenirs to commemorate your Himachal trip at the local market.
The market is nearby the museum.
Variable, 1 hour

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Maa Ka Dhabha

Enjoy a delicious farewell dinner of dal and rice at Maa Ka Dhabha, popular among locals for its flavors.
Located within Old Manali.
INR400, 1 hour

6:30PM

Evening Reflection at the River

End your magical trip by reflecting on your adventure beside the scenic Beas River.
Access the riverside from Old Manali.
Free, 1 hour
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