Manali Travel Guide: Top Places to Visit, Eat, and Stay

Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Manali is a haven for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers alike. On a recent trip, I discovered why this charming hill station is a favorite among travelers. 

From insta-perfect views of snow-capped peaks and sparkling rivers to vibrant markets and quirky cafes, Manali has something for everyone. No wonder, then, that it’s one of the most visited destinations in India!

In this Manali travel guide, I’ll share my firsthand experience exploring this hill town’s best attractions and hidden gems. I’ll also add some practical tips for a memorable Manali trip.

Why visit Manali?

Why not? But really, Manali offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture. It’s not an offbeat or lesser-known destination, though, so plan your trip wisely if you wish to avoid the crowds. 

Despite the tourist influx (more so during the ‘season’ months), Manali continues to draw me back. Here’s why: 

Top things to do in Manali

Must-see attractions

Here are the most popular places to visit in Manali, especially if you’re traveling here for the first time.

Hadimba Temple

This centuries-old wooden temple, in a clearing surrounded by cedar forests, is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, the demon goddess wife of Bhim in the Mahabharata. Made entirely of wood, it has the pagoda style of architecture found among old Himachali temples. 

Hadimba Temple is one of the most visited places in Manali, so if you visit in peak summer, prepare for crowds. The goddess is highly revered in the region; there is also a festival based on her every year, sometime in the summer. 

Entry is free, and it’s open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. The adjacent Dhungri Van Vihar park makes for a pleasant walk as well. 

*Times can change depending on local conditions and festivals, so please reconfirm these locally before visiting.

Rohtang Pass

The traditional gateway to Lahaul-Spiti and Ladakh (see Atal Tunnel section), Rohtang is a high mountain pass about 50km from Manali. Tourists come here for the panoramic mountain views and the chance to see snow. 

An entry permit is required, costing ₹550 per vehicle, and has to be taken in advance during peak season. I highly recommend that you take a local cab for this trip instead of trying to do it yourself. 

Since the opening of the Atal Tunnel, it is possible to visit Rohtang Pass and return via the Atal Tunnel. Discuss the route with your driver before leaving. 

Rohtang Pass is closed in winter (usually mid-November to mid-May) and during heavy snowfall. During the season, it shuts once a week on Tuesdays. 

Travel Tip: During the tourist season, the local tourism authority runs a one-day bus trip covering Manali, Rohtang Pass, Atal Tunnel, and Solang Valley.

Solang Valley 

A must-visit in a Manali itinerary if you enjoy adventure activities, Solang is perfect for skiing in winter and paragliding in summer. Unlike Rohtang Pass, Solang is accessible all year round, except during heavy rain or snowfall. There are also options available for staying at Solang if you want to spend longer here.

There is no entry fee apart from the price you’ll pay for your chosen adventure activities. These can range from ₹500 to ₹3,000 depending on what you do and when you’re visiting. Check the ‘outdoor adventures’ section for more details.

Atal Tunnel

Opened to the public in 2020, the Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest tunnel above 10,000 feet. It cuts down the travel time between Manali and Ladakh and makes it easier for travelers to cross into Lahaul. 

If you geek out on feats of engineering, there are even tours of the tunnel where you can learn how the BRO (Border Roads Organization) went about planning and constructing the tunnel. 

The tunnel can be combined with a visit to Rohtang or Solang from Manali. 

Old Manali 

Across the Manaslu River from the ‘new’ Manali is Old Manali, known for its bohemian vibe, cafes, and boutique shops. To get here, just ask an autorickshaw to drop you at the Old Manali bridge. Or, take the steps down after visiting the Hadimba Temple.

Old Manali is where you’ll find some of the best cafes in town, including some with riverside seating. It’s also a good spot for souvenir shopping or for booking local hikes and treks.

Vashisht

The village of Vashisht lies across the river from the main town of Manali. It is known mainly for the ancient wooden temple dedicated to Rishi Vashisht (one of the Saptarishis of Hindu mythology and the teacher of Ram). It’s a traditional Himachali wooden temple built in the typical pagoda style.

Within this temple is a hot water spring (called Vashisht Kund) that is said to have healing properties. 

Hidden gems

• Manu Temple: Dedicated to Rishi (sage) Manu, this is an old wood-and-stone temple in Old Manali. Its unique pagoda can be seen from a fair distance. Rishi Manu, the first human being according to Hindu mythology, is also whom Manali is named after. The road here from the market can get pretty steep and narrow, with frequent traffic jams, so an early morning visit would be ideal 
• Gulaba Village: This small and peaceful village is halfway between Manali and Rohtang. It’s a quieter alternative to bustling Solang Valley and is the snow viewpoint to visit when Rohtang is closed
• Jogini Waterfall: While I haven’t been here myself, I’ve heard a lot about it from other travelers and hope to go someday soon. This waterfall is near Vashisht village. It is a 3 km trek through orchards and pine trees, though the last section has some steep steps and can be strenuous. No entry fee

Outdoor adventures in Manali

• River rafting on the Beas: If you’re driving up toward Manali from Kullu, you can stop on the way for rafting instead of returning later just for this. Prices start at ₹1,000 for a short ride. The activity is suitable for moderate fitness levels, but please ensure that you do this with an authorized operator
• Trekking: Manali is the base for many treks of varied levels. Some of the more well-known ones include the Bhrigu Lake trek, the Beas Kund trek, and the Hampta Pass trek. All three are moderately difficult, and I have (therefore) not tried any of them 😀 . Guided treks cost ₹3,000–₹7,000 per person and require good fitness levels. There are many small travel agencies in Manali that can arrange a trek for you
• Adventure activities in Solang Valley: On a day trip to Solang Valley, you can try a range of adventurous activities such as paragliding, zorbing, ATV quad biking, etc. Operators will usually give you a package—3 or 5 different activities, along with the loan of a snowsuit and gear as required. Local weather conditions can impact different activities differently, so check locally for exact details

Sample itinerary: Manali in 3 days

Day 1:

• Visit Hadimba Temple and Manu Temple and explore Old Manali’s shops and cafes
• In the afternoon, go for a long walk in the Van Vihar National Park
• Evening stroll through Mall Road and souvenir shopping

Day 2:

• Explore Solang Valley and try adventure activities

Day 3:

• Take a trip to Rohtang Pass (check permits in advance) and Atal Tunnel
• Alternatively, you could spend the day visiting Vashisht village, with its temple, hot water springs, and perhaps a waterfall hike.

Offbeat things to do in Manali

If, like me, you like walking off the beaten path now and then, here are a couple of things you might want to do in Manali:

Hike toward Kharma Valley

This is a wonderful way to spend a peaceful day away from the crowds. Walk up past the car parking near Manu Temple, in the direction of the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a lovely forested trail that runs along the Manalsu River, with a few tiny tea stalls and homestays along the way. 

Walk as far as The Last Stop cafe and tented camp, which is right alongside the river. Stop here before deciding whether to continue or walk back. The cafe itself will give you a beautiful view of the river.

Walk to Goshal village

Another lovely trail that I enjoyed on a sunny morning. Take the path down from Manu Temple toward the Beas Bihal Nature Park. You’ll pass through apple orchards, local homes, and a homestay or two. 

Goshal Road is where all the new hostels etc., are coming up, so I don’t know how long this place will be so quiet, but I’d enjoy it while I can. 

The Beas Bihal Nature Park is new, and I spent some time here looking at the different types of plants and trees (helpfully marked) and enjoying the view of the Beas river running alongside the trail. If you’re traveling with kids or just enjoy learning about the different plant species in this region, it’s a nice way to spend some time outside. 

If you go from this spot down Goshal road alongside the river, you’ll eventually land up at the Old Manali market. Reward yourself with a nice meal at one of the riverside cafes! 

Where to eat: A nomad foodie’s guide to Manali

Manali offers an exciting mix of local Himachali dishes and international cuisines. All the names below are recommendations from me or other trusted travelers. My host at Seekers, Aniket, tipped me off about many of these! 

• The Lazy Dog (Old Manali): A riverside cafe offering a mix of Indian and global dishes. Superb ambiance; worth visiting for a chilled-out meal
• Rocky’s Cafe (Old Manali): I think I ate here at least 5 times during my visit. Great food, the best views, and really friendly service
• The Corner House (Mall Road): Delicious Chinese food and smoothies. I found this place by chance thanks to a sudden spot of rain one day at Mall Road
• Johnson’s Cafe (Circuit House Road): A pleasant cafe and bar known for trout fish and stunning views
• Woodo Cafe (Old Manali): Tiny, unassuming eatery right beside Manu Temple with delicious food and amazing ginger honey lemon tea. Another place that became a regular haunt for me!
• Mingma’s (Old Manali): The best coffee in Manali. Just remember that they are closed on Sundays!
• Come a Napoli (Clubhouse Road): Perfect pizzas, and they deliver too! 
• River Music (Old Manali): A riverside garden restaurant and bakery. Yummy pancakes and smoothies; the baked goodies looked pretty delish as well
• Local Favorites: Savor siddu (steamed stuffed bread with a green chutney) and madra (a yogurt-based curry) are must-try dishes

Where to stay: Accommodation in Manali

Manali has many, many different types of hotels, guesthouses and homestays—something to fit every budget and preference. Here are just a couple of ideas to get you started.

Luxury

• The Himalayan: A Victorian-style boutique hotel with breathtaking views and ornate furnishing 
• Storii Urvashi Retreat by ITC: Boutique hotel located outside the town in a beautiful and scenic spot 

Mid-range

• The Holiday Villa: A welcoming place with cozy rooms and superb views from the balcony 
• Honeymoon Inn: Spacious rooms, a sunny garden, and great food

Budget

• Zostel Manali: A lively backpacker’s hostel with the usual Zostel vibe
• Artbuzz Manali: Beautiful location, comfy rooms and dorms, and lots of fun activities

Workation

• Seekers Cowork (Old Manali): You can’t go wrong here—apart from comfy rooms, they also have a separate co-working space with high-speed internet and power backup. I would go back any time
• Alt Life Manali: Dorms and rooms with views, plus a dedicated coworking space

How to reach Manali

Manali is well-connected by air, road, and rail, making it accessible from major cities in India.

By air

The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali airport (Bhuntar), located about 50 km from Manali.

Flights: Direct flights connect Bhuntar to Delhi and Chandigarh. There is also a flight from Amritsar to Kullu that operates on some days of the week. 

Travel Tip: From the airport, hire a prepaid taxi to Manali. The drive takes approximately 2 hours. There is a taxi union here, so an ‘outsider’ cab can’t pick you up from the airport. 

By train

The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, about 145 km away. However, most travelers opt for major stations like Chandigarh or Ambala (310-350 km) due to better connectivity.

From these stations, buses or taxis are the most convenient options to reach Manali.

By road

You can reach Manali by road from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Dharamshala, and Shimla.

Buses: Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses operate from Delhi (12–14 hours) and Chandigarh (8–10 hours). Luxury and Volvo buses are also available and tend to be one of the most popular ways to reach Manali. 

There’s a separate bus stand for HRTC buses in Manali and another for the private Volvos, not far from Mall Road. You can take an autorickshaw from either of these to your place of stay. Most hotels will also arrange a pick-up if you request one.

Cars: Many people I know like to drive up in their own cars for the scenic views, especially after Kullu. However, do this only if you are comfortable driving on winding mountain roads. 

You could also hire a private cab from your city of departure and drive up in comfort. However, keep in mind that parking spots are limited, and if you’re traveling during the high season, you could get stuck in a traffic jam.

Travel Tip: Avoid nighttime driving, especially during monsoons or winters when road conditions may worsen.

Best option

For most travelers, taking a Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh offers a balance of comfort and affordability. 

Flights are the quickest way, especially if you suffer from car sickness on long drives. However, it is not the most eco-friendly mode of travel, and also, airfares on this sector tend to be quite high.

Practical travel tips: Manali

Best time to visit Manali

Honestly, Manali is reachable pretty much all year round. I’d suggest you plan your dates keeping in mind the activities you’re interested in. 

Summer (March to June) is ideal for sightseeing and trekking, while winter (December to February) is perfect for snow activities. 

I’d say any time outside of the monsoon season (July to September) is a good time to visit Manali.

Local transport in Manali

Taxis and rickshaws are widely available. Renting a bike or scooter is another fun option. Old Manali is also quite easy to explore on foot. 

Nature’s call: Washroom availability in Manali

When visiting places within Manali, this won’t be a worry. For example, public toilets are available near Hadimba Temple and Mall Road.

Facilities are also available at the Volvo bus stand and in Marhi (on the way to Rohtang Pass). However, you might not find a loo easily in Solang Valley or at Rohtang Pass. At best, expect a temporary setup and carry your own essentials. 

Other things to remember

• Book adventure activities through licensed operators for safety
• Be cautious of slippery roads during monsoons and icy patches in winter
• Rohtang Pass requires an entry permit. This is available online or through local tour operators and must be obtained in advance. If you opt for an organized tour, your travel agent should take care of this part

Insider tips

Closure days

• Rohtang Pass is closed on Tuesdays
• Some cafes in Old Manali close during the off-season (winter) and set up base in Goa till the next summer
• Local museums are closed on Mondays

Places to work from

If you’re working remotely, here are a few places you can work out of:

• Seekers Cowork (see Workation above)
• Alt Life
• Cafe Monkbase
• The Lazy Dog
• Yaara Cafe

Best souvenirs and shopping

• Woolen shawls, scarves, and socks 
• Handmade wooden artifacts and trinkets
• Apple-based products like jams and wines

Responsible travel in Manali

Like many places in India, Manali suffers from the effect of over-tourism. Here are a few tips to lessen your impact as you travel here: 

• Try to find eco-friendly accommodations like homestays or lodges promoting sustainability
• Support local businesses by shopping at the local markets and eating at small eateries
• Walk or use public transport where you can and limit the use of personal vehicles
• Minimize plastic use. Carry a reusable water bottle
• Don’t throw trash around—you’d think this needn’t be said, but I was disappointed to see many of the beautiful spots around Manali spoiled by litter thrown by tourists
• Please respect local customs and sentiments

Plan your Manali trip now

Manali’s gorgeous landscapes, warm locals, and endless fun activities make it a destination worth revisiting. Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking tranquility, or immersing yourself in nature, Manali delivers an unforgettable experience. 

So, pack your bags, and let Manali’s charm sweep you off your feet!