8-Day Ultimate Manali Itinerary: Nature, Adventure, & Local Culture

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Manali, India on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy a delightful breakfast beside the Beas River with fresh continental options and a cozy atmosphere to start your trip peacefully.
INR500, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore Manali Mall Road

Stroll along the vibrant Mall Road to shop for local handicrafts, woollens, and sample street food while soaking in the lively ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Johnson’s Café

Try traditional Himachali cuisine and other delicacies in this popular restaurant known for its river views and warm service.
INR800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore this ancient wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests, dedicated to the legendary goddess Hidimba, providing spiritual and architectural interest.
INR30, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Van Vihar National Park

Enjoy a relaxing nature walk in this beautifully maintained park filled with deodar trees and a small lake, ideal for unwinding.
INR20, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Amigos

Savor hearty Mexican and continental dishes in a lively setting to end your first day in Manali with great food and ambiance.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Solang Valley Adventure

Solang Valley, Manali, India on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local eatery

Fuel up early with a wholesome meal to prepare for a day filled with adventure sports and exploring beauty at Solang Valley.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Travel to Solang Valley

Drive approximately 14 km northwest from Manali town, enjoying the scenic mountain roads.
INR200 transport, 0h45m

10:00am

Paragliding and Ropeway rides

Take part in thrilling paragliding flights and ride the Solang ropeway for stunning valley views; both adventures run 9am-5pm daily.
INR1500 for paragliding; INR300 for ropeway, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Solang Valley café

Refuel with local and international dishes offering mountain views and fresh air.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports

Learn about mountaineering training in this facility; it is open from 9am to 6pm and offers interesting exhibits.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Manali

Enjoy the return drive and relax in town.
INR200 transport, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant

Indulge in warm Himachali dishes or global cuisine in a friendly atmosphere to wind down after your active day.
INR800, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Rohtang Pass and Surroundings on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the high-altitude trip to Rohtang Pass.
INR300, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive to Rohtang Pass

Travel 51 km from Manali to Rohtang Pass (may require permit and is typically open from May to November), enjoy stunning mountain landscapes along the way.
INR50 permit; INR1500 transport, 3h0m

10:30am

Explore Rohtang Pass

Discover snowfields, take photos, and optionally try snow activities like sledding while acclimatizing to the altitude.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local dhaba near Rohtang

Enjoy basic but authentic mountain cuisine at a roadside eatery before heading back to Manali.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Manali

Drive back to Manali with beautiful valley views and possible sightseeing stops on the way.
INR1500 transport, 3h0m

5:00pm

Rest and refresh at hotel

Relax and recover from your trip to the high mountains.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Drifter’s Inn & Café

Dine on delicious international dishes known for good taste and a laid-back vibe to wrap up your day.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Naggar Castle & Art

Naggar, Manali, India on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast to fuel your exploration of Naggar, located about 21 km away.
INR300, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel to Naggar

Enjoy a scenic 40-minute drive to Naggar, a charming village known for its historical and artistic significance.
INR400 transport, 0h40m

10:00am

Visit Naggar Castle

Explore the ancient castle dating back to the 15th century, which offers panoramic views of the Kullu valley and an insight into the region's history.
INR50, 1h30m

11:45am

Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery

Discover the art and legacy of Nicholas Roerich, the famous painter who settled here; the gallery opens around 10am to 5pm.
INR30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Rudra

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients with Indian and continental menu options in a quaint setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Gauri Shankar Temple

Explore this ancient temple dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, known for its architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Return to Manali

Enjoy the relaxed drive back, capturing photos of scenic landscapes en route.
INR400 transport, 0h40m

5:00pm

Coffee and snacks at Café 1947

Relax by the river with coffee and light snacks, reflecting on the day's cultural immersion.
INR300, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at House of Brewers

Experience local craft beers paired with tasty fusion dishes in a friendly environment to enjoy the evening.
INR900, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Old Manali & Waterfall

Old Manali, Manali, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lounge 77

Enjoy organic and healthy breakfast options in a cozy setting with views of Old Manali.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Old Manali

Wander through this bohemian area known for its cafes, shops, and artists; ideal for buying souvenirs and experiencing local vibes.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Jogini Waterfall

Hike 3 km from Old Manali to this beautiful waterfall, surrounded by scenic trails and peaceful nature ideal for photos and relaxation.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Shiva

Refuel with tasty vegetarian dishes and refreshing shakes in a laid-back garden setting near nature.
INR500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Manu Temple

Stop by this peaceful temple dedicated to the sage Manu, an important religious site in Old Manali.
Free, 0h45m

4:00pm

Relax in local cafés or browse handicrafts

Spend the late afternoon enjoying the artistic community atmosphere and shopping for handwoven fabrics and jewelry.
Variable, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Drifters’ Inn & Café

Enjoy global favorites and good ambiance to finalize a relaxed day in Old Manali.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Tibetan Culture & Baths

Vashisht, Manali, India on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your day with a nutritious breakfast served at your accommodation.
INR300, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Tibetan Monasteries in Manali

Explore the Central Himalayan Observatory and Tibetan monasteries near Manali, observing Buddhist art and spiritual practices; open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:45am

Travel to Vashisht Village

Short 3 km drive east of Manali village; known for hot springs and sacred temples.
INR100 transport, 0h15m

12:00pm

Relax in Vashisht Hot Springs

Enjoy a therapeutic soak in the natural hot springs, believed to have healing properties; open throughout the day.
INR100, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Vashisht Café

Savor authentic local Himachali fare and light refreshments at this charming café in the village.
INR500, 1h0m

2:45pm

Visit Vashisht Temple

Explore the 400-year-old temple dedicated to sage Vashisht, showcasing traditional architecture and spiritual ambience.
Free, 0h45m

3:30pm

Return to Manali and rest

Head back for some rest or optional additional sightseeing around town.
INR100 transport, 0h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Enjoy a soothing dinner by the river featuring fresh herbs and western-style dishes to end the day peacefully.
INR700, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Adventure & River Activities

Manali, India on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for another adventurous day by enjoying a nutritious breakfast at your hotel.
INR300, 0h30m

9:00am

River Rafting on Beas River

Experience thrilling white water rafting on the Beas River with professional guides; rapids suitable for beginners and intermediate levels; typically open 9am-4pm.
INR1200, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Riverside Manali Café

Replenish energy with lunch overlooking the river, serving fresh and healthy meals.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Quad Biking or Mountain Biking

Engage in adrenaline-pumping quad or mountain biking tours offered near Manali, lasting 1.5-2 hours with guided routes.
INR1800, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hotel; relax

Unwind and refresh after your thrilling activities.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Forno

Enjoy Italian cuisine specialties with handcrafted pizzas and pastas in a cozy ambiance to celebrate your last full day in Manali.
INR900, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax & Shop

Manali, India on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

A calm breakfast to start your last day in Manali comfortably.
INR300, 0h30m

9:30am

Shopping and stroll on Mall Road

Pick up last minute souvenirs like woollens, handicrafts, and Himalayan teas; shops generally open by 10am.
Variable, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Corner House

Enjoy coffees, snacks, and light lunches in a friendly setting, perfect for reflection and rest.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tibetan Handicraft Centre

Explore Tibetan cultural crafts and support local artisans; centre opens till 6pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or café before departure

Take some leisure time to pack or enjoy a final coffee before your onward journey.
Free, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability