Manali
Where Mountains Whisper and Rivers Roar
Manali sits in the lap of the Himalayas like it was designed by someone who understood exactly what tired souls need. The Beas River rushes through town with a sound that drowns out every deadline and notification you left behind. Pine and deodar forests carpet the slopes in a green so deep it borders on black, and above them, snow-capped peaks catch the first and last light of each day. Old Manali is a world apart from the Mall Road bustle -- narrow lanes wind past stone-and-wood houses, bakeries selling surprisingly good croissants, and cafes where travelers share stories over Israeli-influenced menus. It's the kind of place where you plan to stay two days and leave after two weeks. For the adventure-hungry, Manali is a launchpad. Solang Valley offers paragliding above pine valleys in summer and skiing down powdery slopes in winter. The Rohtang Pass highway climbs to 3,978 meters where the air thins and the views expand until you can see entire mountain ranges stacked against the sky. And for trekkers, the Hampta Pass trail delivers glacial valleys, wildflower meadows, and river crossings that make you feel genuinely alive. But Manali is equally rewarding for those who prefer their adventures in a hot spring or a temple courtyard. The Vashisht hot springs, the ancient Hadimba Temple set in a cedar forest, and the quiet Buddhist monasteries in the surrounding valleys offer a different kind of journey -- one that turns inward.
Experience Highlights
Paraglide over Solang Valley with the Himalayan range as your backdrop -- an unforgettable 15-minute flight
Trek to Jogini Falls through apple orchards and silver birch forests that few tourists discover
Soak in the natural hot springs at Vashisht village, believed to have healing properties for centuries
Visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, a 500-year-old pagoda-style shrine set in a cedar forest
Drive through Atal Tunnel to Lahaul Valley for a surreal landscape of barren mountains and Buddhist monasteries
Camp beside the Beas River under a canopy of stars that city dwellers have forgotten exist
Your Journey
A carefully crafted itinerary to help you experience the best of Manali
Day 1: Arrival in the Valley
The drive from Chandigarh winds through the Kullu Valley, each turn revealing a new shade of green. By the time you arrive, the mountains have already begun working their magic.
Day 2: Temples, Hot Springs & Heritage
A day of cultural immersion that takes you from ancient wooden temples to steaming hot springs, with mountain views at every turn.
Day 3: Solang Valley Adventure
Today is for the thrill-seekers. Solang Valley transforms from a ski slope in winter to an adventure playground in summer, with the Himalayas providing a constant dramatic backdrop.
Day 4: Trek, Waterfalls & River Tales
Leave the road behind and explore Manali on foot. Forest trails lead to hidden waterfalls, and the Beas River offers afternoon adventures.
Day 5: Naggar & Departure
The final day explores the quieter side of the valley. Naggar's castle and the Roerich Art Gallery offer a contemplative farewell to the mountains.
Inclusions
- Accommodation in boutique hotel/riverside cottage (4-5 nights including one night camping)
- All meals -- breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Paragliding session with certified operator
- River rafting with safety equipment and guide
- Trek guide for Jogini Falls
- All transfers in comfortable SUV
- Atal Tunnel excursion to Lahaul Valley
- Bonfire and camping equipment
Exclusions
- Flights or train tickets to Chandigarh/Bhuntar
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended for adventure activities)
- Ski equipment rental (winter visits)
- Additional adventure activities not in itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
Things to Know
Manali sits at 2,050 meters. Give yourself a few hours to acclimatize before any strenuous activity.
The road from Chandigarh takes 8-10 hours by car. Consider flying to Bhuntar (50 km from Manali) if time is limited.
Old Manali and Mall Road Manali are different worlds. Old Manali is quieter, more backpacker-friendly, and closer to nature.
Pack for all seasons in one bag -- Manali weather can swing from warm sunshine to cold rain within hours.
Rohtang Pass requires a permit and is closed during heavy snowfall. Check conditions before planning a visit.
The local trout is exceptional. Order it at any riverside restaurant for a genuine mountain meal.
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