How to Explore Manali in 3 Days? Here’s the Perfect Itinerary

Whether you are sojourning solo in search of serenity, planning an adventure trip, or a honeymoon trip with your beloved, Manali is an ideal destination for your next vacation. Along with sightseeing, there are many exciting things to do in Manali that you need to add to your bucket list. We have created the perfect 3-Day Itinerary to Manali for you. Here are the best places to visit and things to do on your trip to Manali:

Travelling to Manali

By Air: Take a flight from Delhi to reach Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU) in Bhuntar, 50 km from Manali. Once you land at the airport, take a taxi to reach Manali in 2 hours. If you are travelling from an international destination, take a connecting flight to Kullu Manali Airport from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station at a distance of 162.6 km from Manali. Take a train to Pathankot and a connecting train from Pathankot to Joginder Nagar Railway Station. Once you reach the station, take a taxi from the railway station to reach Manali in 4.5 to 5 hours.

By Road: For a pleasant and comfortable journey, book a seat on a luxury Volvo bus or state bus from Delhi. Check out the time and drop location with the bus operators before making a reservation. For a scenic road trip experience, drive your car to Manali from Delhi.

The climate during the summers is pleasant in Manali. However, the weather starts to get chilly during the fall months. If you are travelling during the winter months, you will get to experience snow. Make sure to pack light or heavy woolens like sweaters, jackets, shawls, depending on when you are visiting Manali.

Day 1: 

Breakfast at Drifter’s Inn & Cafe, Old Manali

For an energetic start to an eventful day, head to Drifter’s Inn & Cafe for a delicious breakfast. Enjoy the fascinating views from the window while enjoying some fried eggs, sausages, waffles, and fresh orange juice. Order a cup of freshly brewed coffee and baked items while enjoying the amazing ambiance at this restaurant.

Solang Valley

Take a short drive from Manali to reach this picturesque valley is perched at 8400 feet above sea level. This paradise for adventure seekers offers a plethora of snow sports like skiing, zorbing, and paragliding. Solang Valley offers cold weather all year round making it a perfect retreat from the hot summer months in India. To enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan range, hop on a cable car in Solang Valley.

Bhrigu Lake

Take a moment to bask in pristine alpine meadows and evergreen trees surrounding the placid lake. Pack your bags and go trekking to Brigu Lake, which is approximately 19 km from Manali. Before you plan the trek, you need to practice some acclimatization to adjust your body to low oxygen levels at 4000 meters above sea level. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Pir Panjal Range and don’t forget to capture some photographs with your camera.

After a day filled with lots of activities, head to your hotel to get some much-needed rest and wake up for day two of your Manali itinerary.

Day 2:

Morning walk by the Beas River

Start your morning by taking a walk along the Beas river gushing mightily through the rocks dotted with alpine meadows, deodar, and evergreen trees. Take a moment and sit on the boulders while dipping your toes in the cool stream water.

Brunch at IL Forno

After a power walk, head to IL Forno for delicious Italian lunch in a rustic setting of a 19th-century lodge with magnificent Himalaya views. Get a table in the al-fresco area surrounded by a garden and songbirds serenading in the background. Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza, freshly baked garlic bread, and chicken lasagna while basking in the picturesque surroundings of this mountain lodge.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is open for tourists from June to October, which is 51 kilometers from Manali. Take a sledge ride through the snow while enjoying the captivating views of the verdant mountain peaks. If you are in the mood for some adventure at an altitude of 3978 metres on Manali- Keylong road, try mountain biking and skiing. To enjoy 360-degrees panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, climb to the Vista point in Rohtang Pass.

After a fun day of adventure sports, head to your hotel to rest and wake up refreshed for day three of the Manali itinerary.

Day 3:

Great Himalayan National Park

As a popular sightseeing destination in Manali, the Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore rare species, including over 1000 plants, 209 bird species, and 31 mammal species in this national park. If you are fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and bears. If you enjoy photography, capture the wildflowers that adorn the glacial valleys. For an overnight adventure, set up a camp in designated areas of the National Park. Get your permits beforehand to enter and camp in the park for an enjoyable experience.

Visit the Nagar Castle

Plan a visit to the Naggar Castle, a 15th-century historical palace in the Kullu region along the Beas river amidst scenic surroundings. This castle currently serves as a heritage hotel, which is maintained by Himachal Pradesh Tourism. Explore the intricate wooden architecture adorning the castle that reflects the very distinct style usually found in the region. Enjoy spectacular views of Manali and adjacent alpine forests from the castle. This castle is open for tours for travellers from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Dinner at Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant

For the perfect wrap to a memorable trip, head to Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant for dinner. Order pizza, pasta, or a generous portion of burger along with some refreshing mocktails. Enjoy the ambiance of the place while enjoying lip-smacking delicacies at this restaurant.

After dinner, head to your hotel to get some sleep and wake up just in time to return home! Pack your bags and follow this detailed itinerary for a memorable trip to Manali.