3 Days in Manali: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day one stays in town: the wooden Hadimba Temple in its cedar forest, the folk art museum next door and the lanes and cafés of Old Manali. Day two is the mountain day, up to Rohtang Pass with a stop at Gulaba, then Solang Valley on the way back. Day three is slower, with the hot springs of Vashisht, the Tibetan monastery, Van Vihar and an evening on Mall Road.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹2,700 to ₹5,000, excluding flights, hotel and some gate fees
Weather: Summers are pleasant, the monsoon brings heavy rain and landslides from July to September, and winters are cold with snow from December to February.
Pack:
Warm layers and a jacket, even in summer
Waterproof shoes with a good grip
Sunscreen and sunglasses for the snow
Any personal medicines for the mountain roads
Local tips:
Local taxis run on fixed union rates; agree the full day's route and price before you set off.
Snow suits and boots for Rohtang and Solang can be hired along the road; check the fit before you pay.
Traffic jams on the Rohtang road are common in season; leave at dawn.
Booking tips:
Rohtang Pass needs a vehicle permit booked online the day before; most taxis arrange it, but confirm it is included.
Book the Delhi to Manali overnight bus a few days ahead for weekends.
Getting there (from other Indian cities):
bus: Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi and Chandigarh - About 12 to 14 hours from Delhi
flight: Flights to Bhuntar airport near Kullu, mostly from Delhi; seats are few and flights are often cancelled in bad weather - About 1.5 hours from Delhi, then about 1.5 hours by road
car: Delhi to Manali via Chandigarh and Mandi, about 540 km - About 12 hours
There is no railway to Manali; the nearest major station is Chandigarh, about 300 km away.
Check road conditions in the monsoon and after heavy snow before you travel.
Day 1: Hadimba Temple and Old Manali
The cedar forest of Dhungri with the Hadimba Temple, the folk art museum next to it, then the Manu Temple and cafés of Old Manali.
Hadimba Devi Temple (morning): Start at the Hadimba Devi Temple, about 2 km above Mall Road in a forest of tall deodar cedars. Built in 1553, the wooden temple has a four-tiered pagoda roof and is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The doorway is carved with gods, animals and dancers. Free Why visit: Manali's best-known temple, in a cedar forest; Wood carving on the doorway and pagoda roof Know before you go: Go early; the queue gets long by late morning in season; Leave shoes outside
Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art (late morning): Walk down to the small Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, a few minutes away. It shows the costumes, jewellery, masks, tools and household things of the Kullu valley. A small entry ticket at the door Why visit: A quick look at Kullu valley life and crafts; Right next to the Hadimba Temple Know before you go: It is a small museum; 45 minutes is enough
Manu Temple (afternoon): Take a cab or walk to Old Manali, about 2 km, across the Manalsu stream. Climb through the village lanes of old wooden houses to the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, who gave the town its name. Then wander back down past the cafés. Free Why visit: The temple that gave Manali its name; Old village houses of stone and timber on the way up Know before you go: The lane up is steep and narrow; wear good shoes; Cover your head and leave shoes outside
Eat: Rocky's Cafe - A popular café in Old Manali for pizza, Israeli and Indian dishes, with views over the valley.
Evening: Stay in Old Manali for dinner and live music at one of the riverside cafés.
Budget for the day: ₹700 to ₹1,400 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Day 2: Rohtang Pass, Gulaba and Solang Valley
The mountain day: an early start up to Rohtang Pass for snow and views, a stop at Gulaba on the way down, and the slopes of Solang Valley in the afternoon.
Rohtang Pass (morning): Leave Manali at dawn for Rohtang Pass, about 50 km north and 2 to 3 hours up a steep mountain road. At about 3,980 metres, the pass has snow for much of the year and views over the Lahaul valley on the far side. Vehicle permit about ₹550 per car, booked online and usually arranged by your taxi; snow clothes hire is extra Why visit: Snow and glaciers within a day of Manali; Views across into the Lahaul valley Know before you go: The road is closed on Tuesdays and in winter, usually from November to May; Only a fixed number of vehicles are allowed each day; book the permit early; If you cannot get a permit, go through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu instead
Gulaba (early afternoon): On the way down, stop at Gulaba, a viewpoint about 20 km above Manali. It has wide views down the valley and often has snow late into spring. Free Why visit: Valley views and snow on the way back from Rohtang Know before you go: There are tea stalls but few toilets
Solang Valley (afternoon): Turn off at Palchan for Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali. The open slopes below the mountains are the place for paragliding, zorbing and a ropeway ride in summer, and for skiing and snow play in winter. Free to visit; paragliding, the ropeway and other activities are paid separately Why visit: Paragliding and a ropeway over the valley; Snow slopes in winter Know before you go: Agree activity prices before you start; operators vary a lot; Paragliding stops in strong wind and in the monsoon
Eat: A roadside dhaba on the Rohtang road - The dhabas at Marhi and along the road serve hot Maggi, parathas, rajma chawal and tea.
Evening: Head back to Manali for a hot dinner and an early night after the long drive.
Budget for the day: ₹1,300 to ₹2,200 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Day 3: Vashisht, the monastery and Mall Road
A slower last day: the hot springs and temple at Vashisht village, the Tibetan monastery near the Mall, the cedar forest of Van Vihar and an evening on Mall Road.
Vashisht hot springs (morning): Take a cab to Vashisht, about 3 km north of Manali across the Beas. The village is known for its natural hot sulphur springs, piped into public bathing tanks beside a stone temple to the sage Vashisht. Free Why visit: Natural hot spring baths; An old stone temple and village lanes Know before you go: The baths are separate for men and women; Bring a towel and a change of clothes
Himalayan Nyingmapa Monastery (afternoon): Back in town, visit the Tibetan monastery a short walk from Mall Road. Built by the Tibetan refugee community, its prayer hall holds a large gilded Buddha and painted walls, and there is a small crafts market outside. Free Why visit: A peaceful Tibetan monastery in the middle of town; Tibetan crafts and carpets for sale nearby Know before you go: Walk clockwise around the prayer wheels
Van Vihar (late afternoon): Cross to Van Vihar, a few minutes' walk from Mall Road. The park of tall deodar trees runs down to the Beas river, with paths for walking and a small lake for boating. A small entry ticket at the gate; boating is extra Why visit: A cool walk under cedars beside the Beas; Boating on the small lake Know before you go: Closes around sunset
Mall Road (evening): End on Mall Road, Manali's pedestrian main street. Shops sell Kullu shawls and caps, woollens, dried fruit and souvenirs, and the Tibetan market and food stalls stay busy into the evening. Free Why visit: Kullu shawls and caps; Street food and an evening stroll Know before you go: Bargain in the market stalls; Buy shawls from government or cooperative shops if you want a guarantee
Eat: Chopsticks Restaurant - A long-running Mall Road restaurant for Tibetan and Chinese dishes such as thukpa and momos.
Evening: Walk Mall Road after dark for shawls, dry fruit and Tibetan street food.
Budget for the day: ₹700 to ₹1,400 per person, excluding hotel and some gate fees
Want a Different Pace?
Atal Tunnel to Sissu instead of Rohtang: Through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in the Lahaul valley: Snow views and a waterfall, with no Rohtang permit needed; works on Tuesdays and when the pass is shut. (Trade-off: Less snow than Rohtang in summer. - Similar cost)
Add Naggar Castle: Naggar Castle and the Roerich art gallery, about 20 km south: A stone and timber castle and the house of the painter Nicholas Roerich. (Trade-off: Adds a half day. - Costs more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Manali?
A 3-day Manali itinerary like this one works well for Families, Couples, Snow and mountain lovers. It's not the best fit if You want a quiet hill station in May and June, the peak Indian holiday season or You are visiting in July and August, when monsoon landslides can close roads.
How much does a 3-day Manali trip cost per person?
Budget about ₹2,700 to ₹5,000 per person for entry tickets, food and local transport on this 3-day Manali itinerary. Flights and hotel are extra.
What's the best time to visit Manali?
The best time to visit Manali is March to June, and October to February for snow.
How do I reach Manali from other Indian cities?
Common options are bus (About 12 to 14 hours from Delhi), flight (About 1.5 hours from Delhi, then about 1.5 hours by road), car (About 12 hours). There is no railway to Manali; the nearest major station is Chandigarh, about 300 km away.
What are the must-see places in Manali in 3 days?
Day 1: Hadimba Devi Temple, Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art and Manu Temple. Day 2: Rohtang Pass, Gulaba and Solang Valley. Day 3: Vashisht hot springs, Himalayan Nyingmapa Monastery, Van Vihar and Mall Road.
Which Manali attractions are free?
On this itinerary, Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Gulaba, Solang Valley, Vashisht hot springs, Himalayan Nyingmapa Monastery and Mall Road are free to visit (some charge for special exhibitions or inside visits).
Do you need a permit for Rohtang Pass?
Yes. Every vehicle needs a permit booked online the day before, and only a fixed number are allowed each day. The road is closed on Tuesdays and through the winter. Taxis from Manali usually arrange the permit for you.
What can I do in Manali if Rohtang Pass is closed?
Go through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in the Lahaul valley, which needs no Rohtang permit, or spend the day at Solang Valley for paragliding, the ropeway and snow in winter.
Sunshine Cafe - ★4.4 - Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Cafe Evergreen Manali - ★4.2 - Manu Temple Rd, 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
Dylan's Toasted & Roasted Coffee House-Best Coffee House/Pioneer of Real Coffee/Most Popular Cafe For World Famous - ★4.3 - Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
Sabali (cafe & bakery) - ★4.5 - Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India
River Music Garden Restaurant & German Bakery - ★4.3 - Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131, India