Stunning Manali with shoe string budget

Manali (Himachal Pradesh) is one of the most beautiful hill stations of India, in Oct 2017 we (two, me and my wife) toured this place with a shoe string budget. Generally the period between Dussehra and Diwali is lean period for hills (for that matter all over India all tourists destinations due to main festive saison).

We booked (online) a resort in the outskirts of Manali (with breakfast and dinner) at dirt cheap rate and took a night 11 PM Volvo Bus from Chandigarh. It took nearly 8 hours to reach there, we were there at 7.30 AM. Resort people arranged a taxi for us at a very competitive rate for 4 days.

On day 1 after checking in the resort, after bath and breakfast etc we proceeded for Manikaran Gurudwara (82 km) which has hot water springs. We passed thru Kasol (called mini Israel due to a high percentage of Israeli tourists here, it had beautiful landscape, hills and lush green forests). Kasol’s Parvati Valley is known for its thrilling treks, flavoursome food and roaring Parvati river. Kasol is favourite for trekkers as it is base for trekking to popular treks of Malana and Kheerganga. We did not stop over here as it was not in our itinerary and proceeded to Manikaran.

After spending some time at Gurudwara, offering prayer (matha tekna) and appreciating the wonders of nature (steaming hot water oozing out from some underground source in such a cold place) we came to Kullu (44 km). Kullu is famous for its open valley and scenic view of Himalayas, visited Raghunath temple and Narsingh Temple here and post lunch went for Rafting in Beas River. It was an amazing experience as water splash had virtually drenched us with ice cold water. We had taken extra pair of clothes which we changed and took double cup of hot tea after rafting. Thereafter, we strolled around the Kullu Market for some petty shopping of shawls etc. In the evening we returned to our resort in Manali and relaxed.

Next day morning we started for Solang Valley (13 km) which is a beautiful place nestled away between the Beas Kund and Solang village, it has stunning view of snow capped mountains with lush green lawns, fast flowing narrow river, paragliding activity etc. It’s beauty is unparalleled due to its pristine magnificence. Luckily it was a sunny day and chill of winds was neutralised by warmth of sun. An old Shiva Temple Anjani Mahadev is also here where water falls from a nearby high mountain waterfall directly on the Shivling (Perennial Abhisek by nature). It’s a must visit in Solang valley. In fact, it’s a trek of about 1.7 km from Solang valley to temple but we enjoyed quad biking for coming here which is really thrilling. As per legend, Maa Anjani prayed here for a child namely Hanuman.

Next day (third day) we started for Rohtang Pass (60 km), you need to take a special permit before starting for this place which cab drivers get (take it on previous day, you can apply online also on Himachal Tourism website). The gorgeous pass is at 3978 meter above sea level and is part of Pir Panjal Range of mighty and snowy Himalayas. It’s stunning landscapes are sure to leave you breathless. More you move towards it, the weather becomes chiller. It’s a heaven for trekkers. The picturesque vistas of Rohtang attract photographers from all over. It’s closed during winters due to heavy snowfall. We visited Nehru Kund, a natural spring and Vashisht Hot Water Spring. After spending about 2 hours in a chilling weather, we came back to Manali to relax in our hotel room. Evening was for Manali Mall Road and again some shopping of souvenirs etc.

Next day (fourth day) we had free time as our Volvo Bus to Chandigarh was at 7 PM. We went to Hadimba or Hidimba (wife of Pandava Brother Bhim, mother of Ghatotkutch) Temple, it’s an ancient cave temple built in 1553, it is believed that she meditated here. Thereafter, we visited Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.

Thereafter, we roamed around Manali Mall Road, had lunch, did some shopping and walked to nearby Buddhist Monastery and offered prayer. In the evening boarded our bus to reach Chandigarh at about 4 AM next day.

Altogether a wonderful 4 days trip within Rs.18000 only (all inclusive).