5-Day Family-Friendly Budget Rail Trip to Manali

Day 1: Chandigarh Arrival

Chandigarh, India

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of South Indian dosas and filter coffee at this charming café.
Located near Sector 17 Plaza; take a local bus to reach.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Visit Rock Garden

Explore the unique sculptures and artistic installations created from recycled materials in this serene garden.
A short walk from Indian Coffee House; approximately 20 minutes.
INR 30, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Pal Dhaba

Enjoy affordable and delicious North Indian dishes such as butter chicken and tandoori roti.
Take a rickshaw from Rock Garden; about INR 50 fare.
INR 600, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Bus to Manali

Catch a local bus from Chandigarh to Manali, taking in breathtaking mountain views along the way.
Bus leaves from Panchkula bus stand; duration is approximately 8 hours.
INR 800, 8 hours

10:30 PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your budget hotel and settle in for the night after a long journey.
Pre-booked hotel (check-in process).
INR 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Manali

Manali, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy a lovely breakfast by the river with options like pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies.
Take a local rickshaw or walk; it’s around a 20-minute stroll.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the ancient wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests, a perfect way to start your day.
Walk from the café; it's a pleasant 15-minute walk.
INR 30, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Relax at Solang Valley

Enjoy activities like zorbing or paragliding, or simply soak in the stunning views of the mountains.
Catch a local bus from Manali to Solang; takes about 30 minutes.
INR 1000 (activity costs vary), 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Savor delicious pizzas and salads in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.
Bus back to Manali town; allow 30 minutes.
INR 700, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Manu Temple

Take a peaceful walk to this temple and enjoy the charming architecture and local craft stalls.
It's a short 15-minute walk from the café.
INR 20, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Walk along the Mall Road

Stroll through the bustling streets filled with shops and local food vendors - a great place for souvenirs.
Walk to the Mall Road; it's about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Orchard Restaurant

Enjoy local Himachali dishes and other Indian delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
Located on Mall Road; a convenient walk from your shopping excursion.
INR 800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure Day in Manali

Manali, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Chai Coffee

Fuel up with delicious chai and fresh sandwiches while soaking in the serene views.
Short walk from your hotel; approximately 10 minutes.
INR 400, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Explore Rohtang Pass

Start early to avoid crowds and revel in the beauty of glaciers and panoramic mountain views.
Book a shared taxi from Manali; takes around 1.5 hours.
INR 2500 (shared taxi) + INR 50 (entry fee), 5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch Picnic at Rohtang Pass

Enjoy a packed lunch with breathtaking views—sandwiches and snacks made at your hotel.
Self-arranged; find a scenic spot.
INR 300, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali as you savor the last glimpses of Rohtang.
Shared taxi back to Manali; 1.5 hours.
Included in shared taxi price, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore Old Manali

Discover quaint shops, cafes, and local life in this relaxed area of Manali.
Take a local bus or walk; about 20 minutes from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Johnson Lodge

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal featuring Indian, Italian, and continental cuisines.
Located in Old Manali; easily accessible.
INR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Leisure and Markets

Manali, India

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Return to Café 1947 for another delightful morning with their famous pancakes and coffees.
Take a rickshaw or walk; around 20 minutes.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Vashisht Village

Head to this quaint village known for its hot springs and traditional temples.
Local bus or rickshaw; takes about 30 minutes.
INR 100, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Relax in Hot Springs

Take a refreshing dip in the natural hot springs - a unique and rejuvenating experience.
Located within walking distance in Vashisht.
INR 50, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Vashisht Kitchen

Indulge in local foods like thali and soups, which are hearty and budget-friendly.
Around a 10-minute walk from the hot springs.
INR 500, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Manali Sanctuary

Enjoy a peaceful walk or hike in this serene green haven full of diverse flora and fauna.
Walk back to Manali; takes about 30 minutes.
INR 25, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Explore Local Markets

Shop for souvenirs and handmade crafts in the vibrant Manali markets.
From the sanctuary, it's a 15-minute walk to the market area.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Corner House

Finish the day with a simple yet fulfilling meal of burgers and pasta in a cozy environment.
Located nearby in the market; easy to find.
INR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Departure to Shimla

Shimla, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast served by your hotel before heading out.
In the hotel itself.
INR 300, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Bus to Shimla

Travel to Shimla by bus, enjoying mountain scenery along the way.
Catch the bus to Shimla from Manali bus stand; travel time is about 7 hours.
INR 800, 7 hours

3:30 PM

Lunch at City Point

Enjoy light snacks and refreshers as you arrive in Shimla.
Located near the bus stop, a short walk away.
INR 500, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Stroll the Mall Road

Discover the beautiful architecture and shops along Shimla's famous Mall Road.
Walk to the area; it’s quite accessible.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Aunty Flora’s

Savor some delicious homemade meals ranging from Indian to continental at this cozy eatery.
Located on the Mall Road.
INR 600, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive at your hotel in Shimla and unwind after your day’s explorations.
Pre-booked hotel stay.
INR 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability