Three days of mountain drives, Old Manali walks, and riverside meals
You will begin at Nehru Kund and Riverside The Last Stop Cafe, with a relaxed mountain setting before exploring Rohtang La and Hadimba Devi Temple. The plan suits a first Manali visit without cramming every viewpoint.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹16,400-34,600
Weather: Expect cool mornings and evenings, with rapidly changing conditions around Rohtang La; daytime temperatures vary by season.
Pack:
warm insulating layer
water-resistant jacket
grip-soled walking shoes
sunglasses and sunscreen
basic medicines and reusable water bottle
Local tips:
Do not schedule a fixed return bus or flight immediately after the Rohtang La day.
For shared taxis, confirm the total fare and passenger count before departure.
Carry a light layer even on sunny afternoons because mountain weather changes quickly.
Booking tips:
Keep the Rohtang La vehicle booking flexible until road and permit conditions are confirmed.
Choose accommodation with easy vehicle access because luggage transfers on steep or narrow lanes are inconvenient.
Getting there (from India (major metros)):
flight: Flights to the regional airport serving the Manali area, followed by a pre-booked taxi - Approximately 4-6 hours including the road transfer - ₹6,000-14,000 per person return
road: Volvo bus or overnight private car from Delhi - Approximately 12-14 hours each way - ₹2,500-8,000 per person return
train: Train to the nearest broad-gauge rail connection, then road transfer - Approximately 14-18 hours including the road leg - ₹2,500-6,000 per person return
For a three-day trip, flying for the outbound journey and returning by overnight road transport can protect sightseeing time; compare this with a direct overnight Volvo bus when fares rise.
Overnight Volvo bus from Delhi (550km, 13-15 hrs, ₹900-1,400) is actually the most common and reliable approach - better than flying when Bhuntar fog cancellations happen in monsoon.
Rohtang Pass permit required for all vehicles: book online at manaliwilderness.com at least 10 days in advance. Only open June - October.
Old Manali (across Manalsu River) has the better guesthouses, cafes, and backpacker scene. New Manali is loud and mostly tourist shops - stay in Old Manali.
Solang Valley for snow activities (Jan - Mar) and paragliding (May - Oct). Book tandem paragliding directly with pilots at Solang - ₹2,500-3,500 for 15min flight.
Day 1: Riverside Start and Mountain Air
Keep the first day gentle after travelling. Nehru Kund gives you a short scenic stop, followed by an unhurried riverside break and an optional evening meal.
Nehru Kund (late morning): Reach Nehru Kund by shared taxi or local cab in about 20-30 minutes from central Manali, usually costing ₹150-300 per person when shared. Spend time beside the freshwater spring, listen to the rushing water, and take photographs without turning this into a rushed stop. The air feels cooler here than in the busy town. Visit earlier for quieter surroundings, and carry a small bottle because the spring area may not have convenient shops.
Riverside The Last Stop Cafe, Cottage & Camps (afternoon): Take a 20-35 minute local taxi from Nehru Kund, costing about ₹200-400 per person when shared. Settle beside the river for a slow lunch or hot drink, letting the sound of water replace the town traffic. This is the day’s best pause after the journey, with simple mountain air and a more open setting. Ask for seating nearest the river, but keep valuables away from the edge and expect service to move at a relaxed pace.
The Lazy Dog (evening): Reach The Lazy Dog by local taxi in roughly 15-25 minutes, or use a short town transfer costing ₹100-250 per person when shared. Choose a relaxed dinner and let this be your first evening rather than adding a late night after travel. Warm lighting, conversation, and a slower meal suit the day’s easy rhythm. Reserve or arrive early during busy periods, and keep the return ride arranged before sitting down so you are not negotiating transport late.
Eat: Rocky's Cafe - Use it for a straightforward meal if you prefer eating in town before the riverside stop.
Evening: Keep the evening at The Lazy Dog relaxed and return early for the long mountain day ahead.
Budget for the day: ₹2,900-5,600 per person
Day 2: Snow Roads and Old Manali
This is the fullest day, so leave early and treat Rohtang La as weather-dependent. Finish with two culturally quieter stops rather than squeezing in nightlife.
Rohtang La (morning): Leave before sunrise by a permitted taxi; the drive from Manali generally takes 3-4 hours each way and a shared vehicle can cost ₹1,500-3,000 per person depending on season and group size. At Rohtang La, keep layers on, walk slowly, and allow time for snow views or bare high-altitude landscapes. The thin air can feel sharp in your lungs. Confirm road opening, permit rules, and weather with the driver the previous evening.
Hadimba Devi Temple (late afternoon): Return from Rohtang La and take a local taxi for about 15-25 minutes, usually ₹100-250 per person when shared. Walk through the forested approach and spend time examining the temple’s layered wooden construction and carved details. Pine scent and soft forest shade make this a welcome contrast after the exposed mountain road. Wear shoes with grip, especially after rain, and keep the visit unhurried because the path can be busy later in the day.
Manu Temple, Old Manali (evening): Reach Manu Temple, Old Manali by taxi in around 15-20 minutes from Hadimba Devi Temple, costing ₹100-200 per person when shared. Walk quietly through the approach and notice the calmer pace of Old Manali after the day’s road trip. The stone-and-wood surroundings feel cooler as evening arrives, with bells and footsteps providing the main soundtrack. Dress respectfully, remove shoes where requested, and avoid planning a late dinner immediately afterwards if you are tired.
Eat: Chopsticks Restaurant - A practical town dinner after the Rohtang La drive, with filling portions for a tired evening.
Evening: After Manu Temple, choose an early dinner rather than adding a nightclub to this physically demanding day.
Budget for the day: ₹4,800-9,500 per person
Day 3: Markets, Trees, and Monastery Quiet
Browse the lively stalls of Mall Road Market Manali before enjoying lunch at IL Forno. Then slow the pace at the Buddhist Monastery, Manali, and wander among the greenery of Van Vihar National Park.
Mall Road Market Manali (morning): Mall Road Market Manali is a lively pedestrian shopping hub filled with woollens, Himachali handicrafts, souvenirs, cafés, and local treats. Browse colorful shawls, caps, wooden items, and handmade gifts while enjoying the friendly atmosphere. Its bustling storefronts and mountain-town character make it a pleasant place to shop, snack, and experience Manali’s everyday energy.
Buddhist Monastery, Manali (late afternoon): It's centrally located and easily accessible by foot or auto.
Van Vihar National Park (): Spend your morning at Van Vihar National Park, a beautiful park with lush greenery and serene lakes. It's located near Mall Road, making it easy to access. Enjoy a peaceful walk or a picnic by the lake.
Eat: IL Forno - A convenient sit-down option after the market, suitable for a slower final lunch.
Evening: Return to the peaceful Buddhist Monastery, Manali, for a quiet evening reflection.
Budget for the day: ₹2,700-5,500 per person
Where to Eat in Manali
Chopsticks Restaurant - ★4-65VQ+HMG, Mall Rd, Model Town, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Renest River Country Resort, Manali - ★4.3 - NH-3, Rangri, Simsa Village, Manali, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Honeymoon Inn - ★4.5 - Left Bank, Aleo, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Rocky's Cafe - ★4.5 - Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
IL Forno - ★4.4-65WM+84V, Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Zam Zam Mediterranean - ★4.7 - Down Town Manali, House No 48, WARD No 6, near SBI Bank, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Manali Heights - ★4.4 - Log Huts Area, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Woodrock Hotel Manali - ★4.5 - Log Huts Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India