Himachal PradeshHimachal Pradesh
Shimla, Dharamshala, Kasol and Spiti, from easy family breaks to high-altitude road trips.
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Himachal Pradesh
Manali Tour Package
Snow valleys, deodar forests and riverside cafés at the head of the Kullu valley.
- Solang Valley
- Atal Tunnel & Sissu
- Old Manali
- Hadimba Temple
- Rohtang Pass
Travel guide
Planning a Manali trip
Manali sits at the northern end of the Kullu valley, where the Beas river tumbles down from the high Himalaya through forests of deodar and pine. It's one of India's favourite holiday towns for good reason: snow within easy reach for much of the year, adventure sports at Solang, cosy cafés in Old Manali, and a quick route to the stark, beautiful Lahaul valley through the Atal Tunnel. Most visitors arrive by overnight bus from Delhi or by road from Chandigarh, and the drive up the Beas valley through Mandi and Kullu, past rafting points and apple orchards, is part of the experience.
The Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020 and running about 9 km under the Pir Panjal range, changed how people experience Manali. Sissu, with its waterfall and lake on the far side, is now a comfortable day trip, and Lahaul stays reachable even when Rohtang Pass is closed. Solang Valley, around 14 km from town, is the hub for skiing in winter and for paragliding, zorbing and ropeway rides once the snow melts.
Closer to town, the Hadimba Devi temple stands in a cedar forest, Vashisht village has natural hot springs, and Old Manali's lanes are lined with cafés, guesthouses and shops selling Kullu shawls. Further afield, Naggar Castle and the Roerich art gallery make a lovely half day, and Kasol and Manikaran in the Parvati valley are an easy add-on for a longer trip.
Manali gets very busy in May, June and the Christmas–New Year week, so timing and a good plan matter. We schedule snow points and Rohtang for early mornings, book hotels with real views, and keep a buffer day in winter for weather or road closures. Tell us your dates and how many people are travelling, and we'll send a Manali itinerary that suits your pace.
Where to go
Top places to visit in Manali
- 01
Solang Valley
Manali's snow and adventure playground. Skiing and snowboarding in winter; paragliding, zorbing, ATV rides and the Solang ropeway through the rest of the year.
- 02
Atal Tunnel & Sissu
Drive through the 9 km Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul, with its waterfall, lake and dramatic, treeless mountains: a completely different landscape on a comfortable day trip.
- 03
Rohtang Pass
At 3,978 m, Rohtang has snow even in early summer. It usually opens from May or June until November, every vehicle needs an online permit, and the pass is closed to tourists on Tuesdays.
- 04
Old Manali
A relaxed village above the Manalsu stream, with cafés, live music, guesthouses and apple orchards. Perfect for slow mornings and long lunches.
- 05
Hadimba Devi Temple
A 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to Hidimba, set in a quiet deodar forest. Visit early in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
- 06
Vashisht hot springs
A short drive from town, Vashisht village has natural hot sulphur springs and an old stone temple dedicated to the sage Vashisht.
- 07
Naggar Castle & Roerich Gallery
A centuries-old stone and timber castle with views across the Kullu valley, and nearby the house and paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
When to go
Best time to visit Manali
March to June for pleasant weather and Rohtang, September to November for clear skies, and mid-December to February for snow. July and August bring monsoon rain and occasional landslides.
- Best time
Spring & summer
March – June
Comfortable days, adventure activities at Solang, and Rohtang usually opening from May. The busiest months, so book early.
Monsoon
July – August
Green but rainy, with occasional landslides on the Kullu–Manali highway. Lahaul, beyond the Atal Tunnel, stays relatively dry.
- Best time
Autumn
September – November
Clear blue skies, golden apple orchards and fewer crowds. One of the most underrated times to visit.
Winter
December – February
Snow in Manali and Solang, the ski season and festive New Year crowds. Expect sub-zero nights and some road closures beyond Solang.
How long to stay
Suggested Manali trip durations
Sample routes to start from. We tailor every itinerary to your dates, pace and budget.
- 3 days
Manali Express
Old Manali → Solang → Hadimba
A quick snow-and-cafés getaway, ideal from Chandigarh or by overnight bus from Delhi.
- 4–5 days
Manali & Lahaul
Manali → Solang → Atal Tunnel → Sissu
Adds a day across the Atal Tunnel to Sissu and a relaxed day in Naggar.
- 6 days
Manali, Kullu & Kasol
Manali → Kullu → Kasol
Snow and adventure in Manali, then riverside cafés and Manikaran in the Parvati valley.
Manali travel FAQs
When does it snow in Manali?
Fresh snowfall usually happens between mid-December and February. Solang Valley and the area beyond the Atal Tunnel often have snow from November to April, and Rohtang can have snow walls into June.
Is Rohtang Pass open, and do I need a permit?
Rohtang usually opens in May or June and closes in November, depending on snow. Every vehicle needs an online permit, which has a daily cap, and the pass is closed to tourists on Tuesdays. If Rohtang is closed or permits are sold out, Sissu via the Atal Tunnel is an excellent alternative.
How do I reach Manali from Delhi?
Most travellers take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (around 12–14 hours) or drive via Chandigarh. The nearest airport is Bhuntar near Kullu, roughly 50 km away, but flights are limited. Chandigarh, the nearest major airport, is about 8–9 hours by road.
How many days are enough for Manali?
Three days covers Old Manali, Hadimba temple and Solang Valley. Four to five days lets you add the Atal Tunnel and Sissu plus a relaxed day, and six days is perfect if you want to include Kasol or Naggar.
Is Manali suitable for children and elderly parents?
Yes. We plan shorter driving days, book hotels close to the main sights and choose snow activities that suit all ages. For elderly travellers, we avoid the highest points on the first day so everyone can acclimatise.
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Plan your Manali trip
Share your dates and who’s travelling. We’ll send a day-by-day Manali plan on WhatsApp.