We do not think any one of you would deny the fact that if you are living in Delhi, Chandigarh, or any other states of North India, once the summer starts, all of you must have thought at least once going to Manali- A beautiful and famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is wrapped in a lush green valley. The breathtaking topography, snow clad mountains and ethnic culture makes it one of the most popular destinations for travellers across the globe. The cool and invigorating climate and wide range of activities makes it a perfect retreat for people from tense city life. Along with captivating natural beauty, Manali is equally famous for its rich culture, history, and hospitality. Read this Manali tour guide and know about how to plan a trip, things to do, places to visit, packages to book.
Did you know, Manali is located at 2,050 meters above the sea level? Also, it serves as a base for many treks and expeditions in the Himalaya. The population of Manali is around 48,000, however during peak tourist season the number of visitors runs in millions each year. Whether you are adrenaline seeking tourist looking for adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, river rafting or wanting to know about typical Himachali food and cultural heritage, this place has something to offer to everyone. This complete Manali tour guide will tell you everything you need to know before you plan your trip and choose best tour packages for Manali.
Why summer is the best time to travel to Manali
Manali in summers is blessed with pleasant weather that makes it the best time to visit. The temperature during the months from March to July fluctuates between 10°C – 25°C and thus provides a refuge from the hot weather of the plains. Activities that can be enjoyed in Manali during the summer include the visit to Rohtang Pass, adventure sports in Solang Valley and trekking on the popular treks around Manali like Hampta Pass and Bhrigu Lake. The flora and fauna of Manali are at its best during this season. The season is ideal for nature walks, photography and for just being in the tranquil surroundings. Find your best time to visit Manali as per adventure seeking.
Manali Tour Package from Delhi
Delhi to Manali tour is very famous and most booked by North Indians to take a respite from high heat. To plan a road trip from Delhi to Manali, you must take best route and vehicle for a budget-friendly and comfortable trip. Kullu, Kasol, Jibhi, Manikaran are famous places to visit near Manali. You can book Kullu Manali tour package from Delhi to enjoy the awesome trip with family or friends.
How to reach Manali by road
Delhi to Manali Travel Route: Delhi > Panipat > Kurukshetra > Ambala > Chandigarh > Bilaspur > Mandi > Kullu > Manali.
The roads to Manali are always an adventure. Delhi to Manali distance by road is about 510 Kms and the journey can take about 12-14 hours by road. The most convenient route to Manali is through NH44 and NH3. The route showcases some beautiful scenery and small towns. Some of the popular halt points are Murthal famous for its dhabas, Chandigarh for city breaks and Mandi known for its history and temples.
The route is mostly smooth with well-maintained roads but we advise you to check the weather and road conditions before you set out, as during monsoons and winters, the landslide or snowfall can block the roads. There are many bus services as Delhi to Manali bus volvo, deluxe and luxury sleeper buses. The private luxury Volvos and the state owned buses operate quite a few services throughout the day. As per our opinion Tempo Traveller on rent may be the most comfortable and convenient way to travel. You may also hire a taxi or cab to travel as per your convenience.
Types of Hotels in Manali
Of course Manali is not the place where you can just travel within a day, so it is required to find some places to stay. In the later sections of Manali tour guide, we have given you a small list of hostels for everyone whether you are a solo traveller, budget friendly traveller or want a luxury experience.
Best Hostels in Manali
For all the budget travelers and backpackers staying in Manali, a hostel is the best option. It provides you comfort, society and savings all at one place.
Zostel Old Manali
Price: Starting at ₹800 per night
Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Contact: +919289229822
The Hosteller Manali
Price: Starting at ₹700 per night
Address: D country Villa, Clubhouse Rd, Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Contact: +919810187717
Best Mid Range Hotels in Manali
There are many mid-range hotels in Manali which cater to the needs of a comfortable stay very well. These hotels are the most preferred by the tourists as they offer great comfort at affordable prices.
Hotel Mohan Palace
Price: ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 per night
Address: Left Bank, Naggar Road, Aleo, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Contact: 098160-83388
Woodstock Inn Manali
Price: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per night
Address: Left Bank, Naggar Rd, Aleo, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Contact: +91-9736553070
Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Manali
There are some extremely beautiful hotels and resorts in Manali if you want to give yourself a premium experience and stay in luxury.
Tiaraa Hotels & Resorts
Price: ₹11,000 – ₹26,000 per night
Address: Left Bank Of Beas River, Naggar Rd, Prini, Manali, Gadherni, Himachal Pradesh 175143
Contact: +91-8750301301
Baragarh Resort & Spa, Manali – IH
Price: ₹11,000 – ₹51,000 per night
Address: Village Gurdorh, PO Larenkelo, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175129
Contact: +91-0172-6480442
ManuAllaya Resort Spa
Price: ₹11,000 – ₹35,000 per night
Address: Sunny Side Chadiyari, Manali, H.P. – 175131
Contact: +91 9805423000
Best Camps in Manali
You can also opt for campsites in Manali to be close to nature and enjoy the beauty of this peaceful town.
Himtrek’s Riverside Camps
Price: ₹500 – ₹2,500 per night
Address: Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Contact: +91-85809 04609
Highlander Camp Manali
Price: ₹1,600 – ₹2,400 per night
Address: Bahanu Rd, near green Tax Barrier, Pull, Manali, Gadherni, Himachal Pradesh 175143
Contact: +91 98162-33999
Must try Local Foods of Manali
Manali tour guide is incomplete without covering famous foods of Manali. These below mentioned food are some the mouth watering, must try local cuisines that you will feel blessed after having them:
Siddu: A steamed bread filled with a stuffing of either poppy seeds or ground nuts and served with ghee or chutney as a popular snack
Dham: A festival meal of rice, dal, red kidney beans, boor ki kadhi, yoghurt and a side of jaggery. Served during festivals and special occasions, try it if you get a chance to taste authentic Himachali food.
Chana Madra: Chickpeas cooked in rich yogurt gravy and seasoned with various spices . A rich and satiating preparation eaten with rice or roti.
Trout Fish:Trout freshy caught from the rivers of Manali and cooked in various styles like grilled, fried or in curry. A must try for all seafood lovers.
Babru: A Himachali version of kachori filled with black gram paste. Served with tamarind chutney as a popular street food
Aktori: A kind of pancake prepared from buckwheat leaves, usually on festive occasions. Served with a dollop of butter.
Mittha: A sweet rice preparation garnished with dry fruits. A traditional cuisine usually served during celebrations and a favourite of the locals and the tourists.
Bhey: A unique dish made from lotus stems, cooked with gram flour and spices. It’s a crunchy and flavorful dish that offers a different culinary experience.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Manali
First motive of any trip is to cover all famous places there. In this Manali tour guide, we have tried to cover all popular attractions of Manali bestowed with natural beauty bliss.
Rohtang Pass – 51 kms from Manali at 3,978 m, Rohtang Pass is a heaven for the snow lovers. It remains open from May to November. Snow adventures like skiing, snowboarding etc can be enjoyed here.
Solang Valley – Solang Valley is famous for adventure sports like paragliding, trekking etc. In winters, it serves as a ski resort with slopes of varying difficulty levels. A drive across Atal Tunnel Rohtang is a lifetime memorable experience.
Hadimba Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi amidst lush cedar forests, it showcases outstanding architectural style and rich legacy.
Manu Temple – Located in the old Manali, It is believed that Manu after the great deluge, first stepped on earth and this particular spot where he established his abode is the present Manali.
Vashisht Hot Water Springs – Situated in the village of Vashisht, these hot water springs with medicinal properties are a major attraction.
Jogini Waterfalls – 3 kms from Vashisht, these waterfalls are known for beautiful picnic spots and treks.
Great Himalayan National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a must visit for wildlife lovers. The place exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna and is also popular for trekking and bird watching.
Manali Sanctuary – Located very near to the town, the sanctuary is excellent for nature walks and wildlife exploration. Home to many species like snow leopard, brown bear, wolf, fox, marten, pheasant, barking deer etc.
Top things to do in Manali
Trekking: Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund are very popular treks in this region. These treks offer breath-taking views of the Himalayas and are suitable for trekkers of all experience levels.
River Rafting: Ride the wild rapids on the Beas River. If you are an adventure enthusiast, this is a must try activity to get a different view of the valley.
Paragliding: Get a bird’s eye view of Solang Valley and Dobhi as you parachute down for some exhilaration and a rush of adrenaline. Paragliding is must do activity to book with manali tour package for a beautiful experience of Himalayas.
Zorbing: This is a type of fun activity. Roll down a hill in a see-through ball in Solang Valley. This activity is suitable for both young and old.
Skiing: Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities in Solang Valley in the winter months when you will only see a white sheet of snow covering the whole valley.
Camping: Spend a night in a tent by visiting any of the many campsites around Manali to spend a night or two under the stars. You can choose from luxury to semi-luxury to budget campsites.
Shopping: Go shopping at the local Manali Market and Tibetan Market for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Café Hopping: Visit cafes in Old Manali for some good food and relaxed vibes. Sit and experience the culture for a while.
Conclusion
Manali as a destination offers everything you want from a place. Be it adventure, peace, culture or food, name it and Manali has it. We have tried to cover all the aspects from best season to visit, how to reach Manali, accommodation, things to eat and places to visit in Manali. We hope this Manali tour guide provides you with each and everything you need to plan your trip. So, pack your bags, hit the road and embark on your journey to the fairyland called Manali.
