How many days do you need in Manali?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Manali, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Manali?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Manali. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

7-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration from Chandigarh to Manali

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Chandigarh to Manali, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Departure from Chandigarh

Begin your scenic road trip from Chandigarh to Manali via NH205 and NH3, covering approximately 310 km with picturesque views of the Shivalik hills and plains.

INR0, 7h0m

2:00pm

Arrival in Manali

Check into your hotel and rest after the journey. Prepare for exploration the next day.

Varies, Rest of the day

7:30pm

Dinner at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy a warm and cozy dinner at Johnson's Café, famous for its trout dishes and Himachali cuisine, open till 11pm.

INR700 approx, 1h30m

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Day 2: Local Sightseeing

Manali, India on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Start your day with a riverside breakfast enjoying fresh baked goods and espresso from this quaint café, open from 8am.

INR300 approx, 1h

9:30am

Hadimba Devi Temple

Visit the historic and architecturally fascinating Hadimba Temple set amongst cedar forest, a serene spiritual spot open till 6pm.

INR10, 1h

11:00am

Manali Old Town Walk

Explore the narrow streets of Old Manali, enjoy local handicrafts and cafés.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Lazy Dog

Savor a variety of cuisines with a mountain view in this popular mountain lodge and restaurant, open till 6pm.

INR600, 1h

2:30pm

Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot sulphur springs with healing properties located just 3km from Manali town, accessible till dusk.

INR50, 1h

5:00pm

Mall Road Stroll

Stroll and shop at Mall Road, the commercial center of Manali offering handicrafts, snacks, and scenic views.

Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café Amigos

Enjoy delicious Mexican dishes and relaxed atmosphere till 10pm.

INR500, 1h

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Day 3: Solang Valley Adventure

Manali, India on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast to prepare for the day’s adventure.

Included in stay, 1h

9:00am

Solang Valley excursion

Drive 14 km northwest to Solang Valley, famous for its adventure sports such as paragliding, zorbing, and ropeway rides. Open till 6pm.

Adventure activities vary, approx INR500-1000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Solang

Grab local Himachali and international cuisine at this popular hillside café near Solang Valley, open till 5pm.

INR400, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Rahala Waterfall

A scenic natural waterfall en route back from Solang Valley, perfect for a photo stop and short hike.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Manali and freshen up

Rest and get ready for dinner after your day of outdoor adventure.

Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Corner House

A popular spot offering Tibetan and Himachali delicacies, open till 10pm.

INR450, 1h

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Day 4: Temples and Villages

Manali, India on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Green

Healthy breakfast options in a cozy garden café, opens at 8am.

INR250, 1h

9:30am

Naggar Castle and Art Museum

Visit historic Naggar Castle, built in traditional Himalayan style, and nearby Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, open till 5pm.

INR30, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Blackbird Café

Enjoy fresh, organic food in a charming café in Naggar village, open till 4pm.

INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa

Explore this beautiful Buddhist monastery in Naggar village, known for its vibrant murals and peaceful atmosphere.

Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Manali and Mall Road leisure

Relax or buy souvenirs, soak in the town atmosphere.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Drifters' Café

Casual dining with live music and western cuisine, open till 11pm.

INR600, 1h30m

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Day 5: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Manali, India on May 8, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast

Fuel up early as Rohtang Pass excursion is a full day trip, hotel or packed breakfast recommended.

Included or INR200 packed, 1h

7:30am

Full-Day Rohtang Pass Tour

Visit Rohtang Pass at 3978m altitude for snow activities and stunning mountain vistas (open May-Nov, subject to weather, permits required).

INR550 permit + transport, 8h

4:00pm

Return to Manali and rest

Relax after a high-altitude adventure day.

Free, Rest of afternoon

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 1947

Revisit your favorite café for a cozy dinner after a long day, open till 10pm.

INR500, 1h

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Day 6: Relax and Shopping

Manali, India on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Johnson's Café

Enjoy another delicious breakfast with authentic trout and baked specialties, opens at 8:30am.

INR400, 1h

10:00am

Shopping and Souvenir Hunting

Spend the morning exploring shops on Mall Road and Old Manali for woolens, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

Varies, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café 25

Casual café with a mix of Indian and continental dishes, open till 6pm.

INR350, 1h

2:30pm

Manu Temple visit

Visit the historic Manu Temple dedicated to the sage Manu, set amidst apple orchards, open till 6pm.

INR10, 1h

4:00pm

Spa and Massage

Relax with a traditional Himachali massage in town, multiple centers open till evening.

INR1000 approx, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Amigos

Final dinner with festive ambiance and Mexican flavors, open till 10pm.

INR600, 1h30m

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Day 7: Departure

Manali to Chandigarh, India on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy your final breakfast in Manali before checking out and starting your journey back.

Included with stay, 1h

9:00am

Drive back to Chandigarh

Drive back along the scenic route to Chandigarh, approx 7 hours.

INR0, 7h

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

7-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration from Chandigarh to Manali

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

7:00am

2:00pm

7:30pm

Day 2: Local Sightseeing

8:00am

9:30am

11:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 3: Solang Valley Adventure

7:30am

9:00am

1:00pm

3:00pm

6:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Temples and Villages

8:00am

9:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Rohtang Pass Excursion

6:30am

7:30am

4:00pm

7:30pm

Day 6: Relax and Shopping

8:30am

10:00am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 7: Departure

8:00am

9:00am

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