Day 1:
Mode of Transport: For hassle-free commute and make most of your time, hire a cab for the day’s sightseeing.
Old Manali Tour
10:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Your sightseeing in Manali begins auspiciously by seeking blessings at the Hadimba Temple.
Hadimba Temple is a popular tourist place which is 3 km away from Old Manali. It has been here for more than five centuries now. The structure of the temple is unique and very rare. You don’t get to see such a structure for a temple. The temple is surrounded by deodar forest and that makes it a perfect spot for photographers.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
1 km from the temple is the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
If you have a knack of indulging in the local culture, then this is a place you cannot miss. The museum houses a rare collection of miniatures that reflects the traditional way of life in Manali.
Time duration: 30 – 45 min
Your next stop will be at the Manu Temple.
3 km from the museum, the temple is situated at a higher altitude and thus offers some of the best views of the majestic Himalayan range. If you travel in winters, you get to see the whole range covered in snow.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
On your way to the next attraction, you can stop by Desi Swaad Restaurant to fill yourself for the remaining portion of day.
Hot Springs and Waterfalls
02:00 PM – 05:00 PM
Post lunch, you head towards the natural hot spring at Vashishtha Temple.
The natural hot spring inside the temple complex is what attracts tourists here. Taking a bath in here is pretty usual so carry extra clothes. The bath happens from 7am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 9 pm.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
The final spot for the day will be the Jogini Falls.
An ideal place to end a long day. A calm and peaceful environment around the falls makes you stay here as long as you want. There is a trekking route from Vashishtha Temple to the falls which takes around 70 – 80 minutes in one direction. If you are looking for some adventure, go for it. If traveling with family, take a cab ride.
Time duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
To wind up your sightseeing, enjoy a chilled-out ambiance at Cafe 1947. The cafe is pretty famous in Manali.
After this, head back to your hotel and on your way explore the Manali Bazaar near the bus stand on foot and look for some local artefacts or traditional clothes of Himachal.
Also read: Best Area To Book your Hotel in Manali
Day 2:
Mode of Transport: For hassle-free commute and make most of your time, hire a cab for the day’s sightseeing.
A journey through the iconic tunnel
10:00 AM – 04:00 PM
Exploring Solang Valley will take your whole day. So have a heavy breakfast and head out for some thrilling time. You can try some adventure at the Solang Valley and try out the paragliding and other snow activities there. Then go and explore the coveted Rohtang Pass and the newly built Atal Tunnel. You should be surrounded by a lot of snow here if you go in the winter months and otherwise too it is a picturesque place. The Atal Tunnel has reduced the duration of the journey to Rohtang Pass.
To apply for Rohtang Pass permits, please visit rohtangpermits.nic.in
Also read: Kullu Travel Plan
Day 3:
Check-in @ Kullu
08:00 AM – 12:00 PM
After exploring Manali and Solang Valley, you are left with Kullu. Kullu has some significant tourist spots that cannot be missed. Better to check out from Manali and check in at Kullu. This will reduce your return journey and Kullu Airport takes less than 30 min from Kullu.
Naggar Castle is located in the middle of the Kullu-Manali Road. The distance of the castle from Manali and Kullu are 24 km and 24 km, respectively.
The castle was the powerhouse of the ancient rulers of the region. The design and structure of the castle is something that keeps you wondering. A combination of stonework and woodwork has been holding the castle for more than 500 years. It has been converted into a museum and guest house and is managed by the Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.
Time duration: 45 min – 1 hour
Get a hotel and get some rest. Have your lunch and set out to explore Kullu’s major attractions.
Religious Tour
02:00 PM – 06:00 PM
Raghunath Temple is just 500 meters from the bus stand and one the oldest temples in Kullu.
This is a prime tourist spot in Kullu and an important religious site for the localities.
Bijli Mahadev Temple is 24 km from Kullu and takes almost an hour to get here.
Manikaran Gurudwara is famous for hot spring and is 45 km from Kullu. Getting there and coming back will take around 4 – 5 hours. If planning to pay a visit here, better to stay for a day extra in Kullu and plan your visit.
