5 Day Manali Itinerary: Explore the best of Manali

Manali is a popular hill station located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. The town is known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, picturesque valleys, and stunning landscapes. The town attracts a large number of tourists every year who visit here to experience its natural beauty and indulge in adventurous activities. 

If you're planning a trip to Manali for the first time and want to explore all the popular places and activities, we've put together a comprehensive 5-day itinerary for you.

The itinerary is designed to give you an immersive experience of Manali and includes visits to all the famous places, adventurous activities, local markets, and popular eateries. The itinerary is divided into five days, with each day offering a unique experience. Here's a brief overview of the itinerary:

Table of Contents:

1. Manali Itinerary Day 1
2. Manali Itinerary Day 2
3. Manali Itinerary Day 3
4. Manali Itinerary Day 4
5. Manali Itinerary Day 5
6. Accommodation Options in Manali
7. Best Time to Visit Manali
8. How to Reach Manali
9. Manali Itinerary Tips

• Day 1: Arrival and local sightseeing, which includes a visit to the Hadimba Temple, Manali Nature Park, and Mall Road.
• Day 2: A trip to Solang Valley and adventure activities like paragliding and skiing, followed by a drive to Rohtang Pass for stunning views.
• Day 3: A visit to Naggar Castle and local markets, where you can buy traditional Himachali handicrafts.
• Day 4: A drive to Manikaran for its hot springs and Gurudwara Sahib, followed by a visit to the Kullu Shawl Factory.
• Day 5: Departure day, which includes a visit to the Vashisht Temple if time permits.

We hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Manali and makes your experience unforgettable. Let's get started with Day 1!

5-Day Manali Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Local Sightseeing

• Upon arrival, check in at your hotel or resort and take some rest after your journey.
• Start your local sightseeing tour of Manali with a visit to Hadimba Temple, a 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, wife of Bhima from the Indian epic Mahabharata.
• After visiting the temple, head towards Manali Nature Park, which is located nearby. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the natural beauty.
• Later in the day, visit the famous Mall Road, a vibrant street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
• End your day with dinner at Johnson's Cafe, known for its delicious food and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 2: Solang Valley and Adventure Activities

• Begin your day by heading to Solang Valley, a popular tourist destination known for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains and adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing, and skiing (depending on the season).
• Spend the morning indulging in these adventure activities, and have lunch at one of the local restaurants in Solang Valley.
• After lunch, take a scenic drive to Rohtang Pass, which is located at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level. This mountain pass connects Manali to Leh, and it offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks.
• Return to your hotel or resort in the evening and relax.

Suggested Read: Paragliding in Manali

Day 3: Naggar Castle and Local Markets

• After breakfast, visit Naggar Castle, a magnificent castle located in Naggar town, just a short drive from Manali. The castle was built in the 15th century and was the residence of the Kings of Kullu.
• After visiting the castle, head towards Naggar town and explore the local markets. You can buy traditional Himachali handicrafts, shawls, and woolen clothes at these markets.
• Have lunch at a local restaurant in Naggar and then return to Manali.
• Spend the evening at your leisure, exploring the local area or relaxing at your hotel.

Day 4: Manikaran and Hot Springs

• Start your day by taking a drive to Manikaran, a small town located 85 km from Manali, known for its hot springs and beautiful Gurudwara Sahib.
• Spend the morning exploring the Gurudwara and taking a dip in the hot springs.
• After lunch, visit the nearby Kullu Shawl Factory, which is famous for its traditional Himachali shawls and handicrafts.
• Return to your hotel or resort in the evening and relax.

Day 5: Departure

• Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel and check out.
• If time permits, you can visit the Vashisht Temple, which is known for its hot water springs and beautiful architecture.
• Later, head to the bus stand or airport to board your return journey.

Accommodation Options in Manali

• The Himalayan Village Resort, Manali
• Solang Valley Resort, Manali
• The Manali Inn, Manali
• Snow Valley Resorts, Manali

Best time to visit Manali

Being a hill station, Manali has pleasant weather throughout the year. The peak season lasts from March to June with the temperature range between 10-25 degrees. This weather is best to indulge in adventure activities, trekking, or enjoying the clear views. If you love winter and the chilly season, you should definitely visit the town between October to February. Experience the white wonderland that the town turns into with pleasant snowfall in December and January. The temperature falls to below 2 degrees in peak winters. 

How to reach Manali

By Air- The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu-Manali airport. From there you can easily hire a cab or taxi to Manali on a sharing and private basis.

Note: Operational flights from Kullu are limited, therefore, it is recommended to reach Chandigarh Airport  as it is widely connected from all national airports. 

By Rail- Another alternative is the Joginder nagar railway station which is the nearest railway station to Manali and several cities in Himachal Pradesh.

By Road- The best way to reach Manali is by hitting the road. Take a bus or drive with your vehicle and enjoy the scenic route that it offers. You can easily book bus tickets online or directly from the bus stations. 

Manali Itinerary Tips

• Rent a scooty to explore local villages and native areas 
• Explore the vibrant mall road to shop from local artisans
• Indulge into local himalayan and tibetan cuisine. (don’t miss siddu)
• Choose backpacking hostels or homestays if you are on a budget trip to manali
• Take on adventure activities such as paragliding, trekking, river rafting etc
• If comfortable, choose to travel by road to enjoy spellbound views and pleasant weather

Bottom Line

Manali is a place that has everything for every type of traveler, be it solo, couple, group, or family. Manali offers a great tourist spot with rich history and culture that will make you want to visit the place again and again. We hope you find this itinerary helpful and enjoy your trip to Manali!

In case you want to book a Manali tour package at an affordable price, you can explore the best packages of Manali with different itineraries available with EaseMyTrip.

FAQs

• Are 5 days enough to visit Manali?

Absolutely yes, because you can visit all the various popular destinations and enjoy diverse thrilling activities to treat yourself.

• Which month is best for Manali?

It’s advised to visit Manali from November to February. During these winter months, the city is covered in snow blankets.

• What are the best places to visit in Manali?

Manikaran Gurudwara, Solang Valley, Jogini Valley, Arjun Gufa, Jogini Falls, Jagatsukh, Rahalla falls, and Castle Manali are the best places to visit in Manali.

• What are the places to visit in Manali for honeymoon couples?

Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Van Vihar National Park, Café 1947, Old Manali, Bhrigu Lake etc. are some famous places to visit in Manali for a honeymoon.

• What are the activities to do in Manali?

Trekking, camping, rafting, paragliding, jeep safari, zorbing, staying in the igloo, and snow scooter riding are few exquisite activities that you must try in Manali.

• What is famous in Manali for shopping?

Shopaholics must explore Mall Road, Old Manali Market, Himachal Emporium, Manu Market and Tibetan Market.