Things To Do In Manali

Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the commercial parts of the hill station, Old Manali is a haven for backpackers, trekkers and budget travellers. Located 2 km from Mall Road, Old Manali should be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary if you are looking for a rejuvenating experience. Lined with cafes, decades-old shops and bakeries, the aroma of strong coffee mixed with pine forests dominate the senses as you make your way through the market.

Old Manali must include in your things to do in Manali itinerary if you are looking forward to exploring a different part of the hill station. It is home to several hostels, guesthouses and boutique properties, which is ideal for all budgets. It’s also a popular attraction for shopping enthusiasts and offers handmade woollen sweaters, hemp products and trekking equipment. In recent years, Old Manali has become a regular highlight in most things to do in Manali itineraries owing to live music shows in the evening, karaoke nights and delicious food served in picturesque cafes.

Manu Temple, dedicated to Lord Manu, is also situated here and makes for a beautiful walk through the busy streets. If you aren’t staying in Old Manali, we recommend keeping aside a few hours in your things to do in Manali itinerary to explore this old market. Among the most popular restaurants here which should be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary, we suggest heading to Cafe 1947, Drifter’s Cafe, Dylan's Toasted and Roasted Coffee House and Born Free.

Cost: A visit to Old Manali in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.400 and Rs.1500.

For shopping enthusiasts, exploring local markets is the highlight of a vacation. If you are looking to buy traditional handicrafts, fruit wine, silver jewellery, wooden items and embroidered shawls then a visit to Mall Road should feature in your things to do in Manali itinerary. Typically, shopping trips are left for the end of the vacation, but in Manali, you can space out your shopping sprees since Mall Road is situated in the midst of all local attractions.

There are several emporiums, handloom workshops and small shopping centres on Mall Road which offer travellers a variety of things. If you are looking to take back jams, fruit wines and squashes, we recommend purchasing these from authorised Himachal Tourism shops for fair prices. You can also purchase handmade woollens, wooden items including kitchen utensils and home decor from small women-run shops. Most products are completely handmade and also offer you a glimpse into the traditional arts and crafts of the state. 

While bargaining is not encouraged, there are a few places where you can try your luck. We recommend keeping extra cash with you in case the ATMs don’t work. 

Cost: Souvenir shopping in your things to do in Manali itinerary can cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.3000 depending on what you purchase.

Your things to do in Manali itinerary is incomplete without including a visit to Rohtang Pass. Undoubtedly the oldest tourist attraction in town, Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular things to see in Manali and hosts travellers from around the world.

Owing to an increase in commercial and private vehicles, the government has restricted access to this breathtaking pass. If you are planning a trip to Rohtang Pass in your things to do in Manali itinerary, we suggest booking in advance and getting the appropriate permits. Rohtang Pass connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti and is also the getaway to Ladakh for those travelling from Manali. Rohtang is accessible only for three to five months in the year and it is a favourite with adventure enthusiasts and bikers. 

Bikers have to brave harsh conditions and tackle slippery roads full of mud and ice to cross this pass. If you are not well-versed with mountain biking or driving, we strongly recommend exploring the area with professionals. There are several taxi operators in Manali who offer tours to Rohtang Pass during peak season. 

At the same time, you can also avoid the rush and include lesser-known spots in your things to do in Manali itinerary. Our favourite places around Rohtang Pass are Solang Valley, Rahala Waterfalls and Khoksar Village. 

Cost: Including a trip to Rohtang Pass in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.3000.

Some travellers claim that cycling is the best way to discover lesser-known places and we completely second that. Cycling also gives one an opportunity to learn more about the culture and local way of life. So if you are an adventure enthusiast or enjoy cycling, then a cycling tour is a must in your things to do in Manali itinerary.

There are numerous cycling tours in Manali which offer a tour of scintillating viewing points, idyllic villages and vibrant orchards. You must include this in your things to do in Manali itinerary if you enjoy cycling. 

If you want to explore the hill station on your own, you can hire a bicycle from Old Manali or the Mall Road. Depending on the season, cycles can cost between Rs.100 and Rs.300 per hour. The best cycling routes to include in your things to do in Manali itinerary are Old Manali to Vashisht Village, Old Manali to Hadimba Devi Temple and Manali to Solang. If you are looking for longer routes, we recommend Manali to Naggar, Manali to Manikaran, Manali to Rohtang and Rohtang Pass downhill cycling tour. 

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also combine your cycling tour with other adventure activities such as camping and hiking. The best time to book cycling tours in Manali for your things to do in Manali itinerary is between May and June. For those travelling during winter, September to February is a good time to sign up for a cycling tour if you want to admire snow-covered peaks.

Cost: Hiring a bicycle for one hour will cost you between Rs.100 and Rs.400. If you want to include cycling in your things to do in Manali itinerary, it will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.4000 depending on the duration of your trip.

Among the top things to do in Manali for travellers, paragliding is the most popular. In fact, paragliding is synonymous with a trip to Manali for most adventure seekers. Taking you a few hundred feet up in the air, paragliding is usually performed with an expert if you are a beginner. There are separate sessions for solo flying which require permission from the local tourism department. 

While Solang Valley is the most popular spot for paragliding to include in your things to do in Manali itinerary, there are other lesser-known take-off points for a more peaceful experience. However, if you are short on time and are travelling with children, we recommend heading to Solang Valley. The tourist spot offers numerous take-off sites and depending on your interests and budget, you can choose the one which works best for you. 

Other popular locations to include in your things to do in Manali itinerary are Marhi, which is situated 35 km from Manali and another spot 10 km short of Solang Valley. Since the latter is a small take-off site in the midst of a village, you will need to speak to local tour operators to book your spot. Flying time can vary from 10 minutes to 20 minutes depending on the speed of the wind.

Cost: A paragliding tour in your things to do in Manali packages can cost you between Rs.1200 and Rs.3000 depending on the take-off site of your flight.

Manali is an ideal trekking destination in India. A perennial favourite with adventure enthusiasts, most trekkers claim that the best way to explore Manali is on a trek. If you are keen to reconnect with nature and challenge your physical strength, we definitely recommend including a trek in your things to do in Manali itinerary. Suitable for beginners as well as professionals, you can choose among numerous trekking expeditions for your things to do in Manali itinerary. 

If you are a beginner, you can start with a day trek in your things to do in Manali itinerary, which will take you across verdant valleys and vibrant meadows while experienced trekkers can opt for longer treks that can go on for weeks. Among the most popular treks in Manali, we recommend Beas Kund Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Chandratal-Baralacha Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek and Pin Parvati Trek. All treks require different expertise levels and we urge you to book through authorised tour operators. Since safety is of utmost importance during trekking, a guide will make a huge difference to your experience. 

If trekking is part of your things to do in Manali itinerary, we suggest keeping aside at least a couple of days for it. Since it’s a physically exhausting activity, you may need a day to recover before resuming your sightseeing tours.

Cost: Including a trekking tour in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.3500 depending on the duration of your trek and the inclusions in your trekking package.

Situated 70 km from Manali, Pin Valley National Park is counted among the most beautiful national parks in North India. Situated in Lahaul and Spiti district amidst pristine beauty, the park is part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. If you are a wildlife enthusiast and enjoy exploring lesser-known reserves, this should definitely be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary. 

The park is home to rare wildlife including the shy Himalayan snow leopard and ibex. If you are planning a trip to Pin Valley from Manali, we recommend keeping aside at least three to four days in your things to do in Manali itinerary. The park is covered in snow for the better part of the year so plan your trip carefully. The park is open only to Indian nationals.

Among the animals and birds that you can hope to spot here, we suggest keeping a lookout for Siberian ibex, bharal and red fox; pika, snow cock, Himalayan chough and raven if you’re into bird watching. At the same time, the park boasts 22 rare species of medicinal plants and Himalayan cedar groves and deodars. 

If you enjoy trekking, you must consider including a trek to Pin Valley National Park in your things to do in Manali itinerary. The route is open throughout the year besides monsoons and promises an experience of a lifetime. Offering mesmerising views, the trek is ideal for experienced trekkers. If you have never trekked before and are keen to try this route, we recommend travelling with a group and a local guide. There are two trekking routes for the national park – one is suitable for winter while the other is preferred during summer. 

Cost: A trip to Pin Valley National Park in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.3000 and Rs.7000. This amount will vary depending on the duration of your trip and the inclusions in your package.

Camping has been synonymous with hill stations for decades. From one-night camping trips to week-long camping and trekking expeditions, we highly recommend you include this in your things to do in Manali itinerary if you are looking for an action-packed experience.

Manali is home to several camping sites which offer mesmerising views and also give travellers an opportunity to rejuvenate. If this is your first camping experience, we recommend booking a camping package that saves you the hassle of finding a camping site and arranging food.

On the other hand, if you want to experience the joy of camping on a complete DIY trip, you only need to research the best places to camp in Manali. Most local tour operators recommend combining trekking and camping together to give you the best of both experiences. This helps in saving money and is ideal for budget travellers. 

The most gorgeous camping sites in and around for your things to do in Manali itinerary are Solang Valley, Naggar, Bhanupul district and Village Kalath.

Cost: If you want to include camping in your things to do in Manali itinerary, it will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.5000.

The region of Kullu and Manali is dotted with a number of villages and each village believes in a different deity. Also known as the Valley of Gods, Manali is home to countless small temples, which hold immense religious importance for locals. A short tour around the area will tell you that each temple has an intriguing history and is visited by hundreds of people every year. So, if exploring the history and culture of a place is what you look forward to on a trip, we suggest including a tour of religious places in your things to do in Manali itinerary.

Manali is dotted with monasteries and temples which offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the hill station. Hadimba Devi temple, Manu temple, Manali Gompa, Manikaran Gurudwara, Vashisht Temple and Gauri Shankar temple, are a few of the religious sites to pay a visit in Manali.

Hadimba Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali and is dedicated to the wife of Bhima. Situated amidst verdant meadows, this beautiful temple is built around a cave and is covered by four-tiered pagoda roofs. Owing to the serene location of the temple, one can easily spend an hour here. Another place of religious importance which should be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary is Vashisht Temple. Located in Vashisht Village along the Beas River, the temple is dedicated to Rishi Vashisht. Home to hot springs with medicinal properties, the temple and hot springs are visited by hundreds every year. 

Vashisht Village is also home to numerous bakeries and small eating joints which are a delight to discover and should be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary. We recommend walking to the village from Manali if you are in the mood. Not only will this help you build an appetite but the scenic views will mesmerise you.

Cost: A tour of the temple sites in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.200 and Rs.3500.

Enjoying a meal of trout fish is on the list of things to do in Manali for all food lovers. A delicacy in this beautiful hill station, trout can be enjoyed baked, grilled, fried or in curry form. Most restaurants offer several varieties of trout dishes but travellers highly recommend grilled trout with vegetables and brown rice. 

Foodies prefer including a visit to cafes in Old Manali in their things to do in Manali itineraries for their dose of trout. However, we also highly recommend Khyber Restaurant, Fat Plate Cafe and Casa Bella Vista. 

If you happen to visit Manali in December and January, chances are that you will not find fresh trout. Post monsoon, between August and October, is a great time to enjoy fresh trout.

Cost: A must include for food lovers in their things to do in Manali itinerary, a wholesome meal of fresh trout will cost you anywhere between Rs.400 and Rs.1000.

Manali is one of the few hill stations in North India which offers a vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, the town comes alive with jazz riffs and blues melodies. If you want to rejuvenate after a fun-filled sightseeing trip, you must include a night out in your things to do in Manali itinerary.

While most restaurants close by 10 pm, there are a few hidden gems which are part of most things to do in Manali itineraries for backpackers and solo travellers. Promising a night to remember, these cafes host performances by local artists and karaoke nights. In Manali’s welcoming cafes, you can expect a fun-filled evening with friends, your favourite beverage, delicious food and great music.

Some of the best places to enjoy live music and expect a good time in Manali are Johnson’s Lodge, Cafe 1947, Lazy Dog, Drifter’s Inn, Hang Out, La Plage and Chelsea Club.

Cost: Including a night out in your things to do in Manali itinerary will have you shell out anywhere between Rs.700 and Rs.2500.

Manali is among the most popular places in India for a thrilling rafting experience. The mighty Beas River flows through this scenic hill station and offers travellers numerous adventure opportunities. If this is your first trip to the hill station and adventure is on your mind, a rafting trip should definitely be a part of your things to do in Manali itinerary.

There are numerous tour operators in the region and we highly recommend pre-booking your rafting trip since it’s a popular activity. Typically rafting is a group activity and it’s best done in large groups. Depending on your interests, you can choose among various rafting tours for your things to do in Manali itinerary. The longest and the best rafting experience is from Manali to Jhiri which is on the way to Bhuntar from Manali. This is counted among the most scenic routes and offers a 20 km stretch for you to maneuver across. 

If you are a beginner, you can explore shorter stretches as well. The most popular is the 14 km stretch which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes and covers Kully Valley. 

Cost: A river rafting tour in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.2000 depending on the stretch.

The fascinating culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh have always attracted travellers to this beautiful place. If you are an art lover and a history buff, you must include a visit to the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art in your things to do in Manali itinerary.

Home to a rare and intriguing collection of paintings, apparel, weapons, handloom, jewellery and artefacts which belong to Himachal Pradesh, the museum is a wonderful addition to your things to do in Manali itinerary. Besides the general public, the museum is visited by researchers and scholars who want to understand more about the local way of life. During your tour, you might chance upon interesting conversations about the evolution of Himachali culture.

The museum also has a collection of traditional household items, musical instruments and replicas of houses and temples which give a glimpse into the way of life in the past. To help visitors, there are detailed information boards placed next to all exhibits. You can also opt for a guided tour of the museum in case you are looking for more information. Most of the exhibits in the museum can’t be found anywhere else in the state and hold immense significance. So the next time you ask yourself ‘what do in Manali’, head to this beautiful museum.

Cost: Including a visit to the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art in your things to do in Manali itinerary will cost you between Rs.100 and Rs.250.

Frequent search terms leading to this page:-

top things to do in manali, things to do in manali in december, things to do in manali alone, what to do in manali, things to see in manali, things to do in manali for honeymoon, things to do in manali for kids, things to do in manali for family, things to do in manali for singles, things to do in manali for couples, things to do in manali for bachelors