Take an early morning budget flight from Hyderabad to Chandigarh, which is the nearest major airport to Manali. Advance booking is essential to secure low-cost fares.
Stay at a budget guesthouse such as Snow Valley Manali, offering comfortable rooms with heating. Dinner at the guesthouse or local dhaba to keep costs low.
Explore the famous Hadimba Temple surrounded by cedar forests and then walk through the pedestrian-friendly Manali Old Town to experience local culture and shops.
Hire a shared taxi or arrange a cab to Rohtang Pass (about 51 km, 2-3 hours). Entry requires permit, which can be arranged in advance or via local help.
Taxi INR 2000 (shared cost approx INR 500 per person), Permit INR 50 per person = 200, 6h0m