6-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure in Manali: Explore Nature and Culture on ₹15,000

Day 1: Arrival & Local Sights

Manali, India on May 8, 2025

9:00am

Check-in at Budget Hotel/Hostel

Settle into an affordable hotel or hostel in Manali town such as Zostel or Apple Country Resort which offer clean and budget-friendly accommodations starting from ₹600/night.
INR600, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Café 1947 with freshly brewed coffee and local Himachali dishes in a riverside setting, open from 8am to 11am.
INR300, 1h

11:30am

Visit Manu Temple

Explore the historic Manu Temple dedicated to sage Manu, an iconic landmark of Manali that offers insight into local religious culture.
INR20, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Johnson's Café

Savor a budget-friendly Himachali thali or Tibetan momos at Johnson’s Café, known for great taste and reasonable prices, open till 4pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Mall Road Walk and Shopping

Stroll through Mall Road for handicrafts, woollens, and souvenirs. This bustling market captures the vibrant local culture and is free to explore.
INR0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax at the natural hot springs in Vashisht village, open all day, known for therapeutic benefits and beautiful mountain views.
INR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Snow Valley Cafe

Enjoy simple yet delicious dinner options like dal, rice, and seasonal vegetables at this cozy cafe with budget prices.
INR350, 1h

Day 2: Solang Valley Adventure

Solang Valley, Manali on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel including toast, eggs, and tea to prepare for the day.
INR200, 30m

8:30am

Travel to Solang Valley

Take a shared taxi or bus to Solang Valley (approximately 14 km), a hotspot for adventure activities and scenic beauty.
INR100, 45m

9:30am

Paragliding or Ropeway Ride

Experience paragliding or take the ropeway for panoramic views of the valley; activities open from 9am to 5pm, budget around ₹600 for ropeway.
INR600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Solang Valley Café

Enjoy local snacks and thalis at a budget-friendly café in Solang Valley open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Rahala Waterfalls

Short hike and photo stop at Rahala waterfalls near Solang Valley to enjoy natural scenic beauty.
INR0, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Manali and Rest

Travel back to Manali town and take some rest at your lodging.
INR100, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cafe Amigos

Try their budget-friendly fast food items like pizzas and burgers open till 10pm.
INR300, 1h

Day 3: Cultural Tour

Naggar and Manali on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a light breakfast at your hotel including tea and parathas.
INR150, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Naggar Castle

Reach Naggar Castle, a historical building with beautiful architecture, now a heritage hotel and museum; open from 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 3h

12:15pm

Lunch at Johnson's Café Manali

Return to Manali for a budget-friendly lunch with local or continental dishes open till 4pm.
INR400, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery

Explore the art gallery showcasing Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s works on Himachal’s landscape and culture, open till 5pm.
INR30, 1h

3:30pm

Old Manali Exploration

Wander through Old Manali’s quaint cafes and shops with a relaxed vibe for souvenirs and local snacks.
INR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Drifters’ Inn & Café

Enjoy finishes with budget-friendly Himachali and international dishes, perfect for a laid-back evening meal.
INR400, 1h

Day 4: Temples & Nature

Manali, India on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast of eggs and bread to start the day.
INR150, 30m

9:00am

Visit Hidimba Devi Temple

Explore the famous wooden temple dedicated to goddess Hidimba, an architectural landmark set in a scenic cedar forest; open morning till evening.
INR20, 1h

10:30am

Walk through Van Vihar National Park

Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of this serene park close to the temple, great for walks and photography.
INR30, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Simsa

Taste budget local Northern Indian dishes and fresh juices at this popular café open till 3pm.
INR350, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Manali more

Visit quaint shops and perhaps catch some live music at local hangouts open throughout the day.
INR0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Chopsticks Manali

Enjoy affordable Chinese and local dishes at a cozy place close to town center wide menu and opening till 10pm.
INR350, 1h

Day 5: Rohtang Pass Excursion

Rohtang Pass, Manali on May 12, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early and hearty breakfast to fuel your day for the trip to Rohtang Pass.
INR200, 30m

7:00am

Travel to Rohtang Pass

Take a shared taxi or bus to Rohtang Pass (approx. 51 km); the road opens around 6am and stays open till 4pm weather permitting. Entry passes may cost around ₹500.
INR500, 3h

10:00am

Enjoy Snow Activities

Engage in snow sports such as snow scooter rides and snowball fights while soaking in the Himalayan grandeur.
INR300, 2h

12:30pm

Return to Manali

Head back to Manali town with a scenic drive.
INR300, 3h

3:30pm

Rest at Hotel

Rest and freshen up after the long day trip.
INR0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge

Enjoy budget-friendly casual dining with options of Indian and Western dishes.
INR400, 1h

Day 6: Shopping & Departure

Manali, India on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab your last breakfast in Manali with freshly cooked pancakes and tea.
INR150, 30m

9:30am

Last shopping on Mall Road

Pick up woollens, handicrafts, and souvenirs from local shops along Mall Road before departure.
INR500, 2h

12:00pm

Check-out and Departure

Check out from your hotel and travel onwards from Manali as per your schedule.
INR0, N/A