Hidimba Temple
A wooden temple in cedar forest, dedicated to the goddess Hidimba. It's the best-known sight in town, so start here.
3 to 4 daysHow long to stay
Budget to luxuryRough cost
Couples, Families, Friends, SoloWho it suits
Himachal Pradeshthe Himalaya
Is this for you?
Manali works for almost everyone: snow views, cafes, hot springs and short adventures. It's also where the high roads to Spiti and Ladakh begin. It's busy in May and June and wet in July and August, so skip those months if you want quiet or dry days. The road from Delhi is long, so many people fly.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Go in the coloured months. The black ones are best avoided.
What to do
Old Manali
Cross the river from the main bazaar to this village of cafes and guesthouses. There's an old temple to the sage Manu too.
Vashisht hot springs
A village with hot springs and old stone temples. It's a short ride from town.
Solang Valley
A wide valley 13 to 14 km from Manali. Come for snow play in winter and adventure sports in other seasons.
Manali Gompa and museum
A gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Pair a short visit with the nearby museum of local culture, and check opening hours.
Naggar Castle and Roerich House
A stone castle and the former home of the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. You'll find both on the road down the valley.
What to eat
Eat river trout and one proper siddu, a local stuffed bun, then enjoy the cafes for what they are. Manali's menus lean to pizza and pasta, and the Himachali food takes a little asking.
Babru
A savoury fried bread from Himachal, filled with black gram. Treat it as a snack when you see it on a menu.
Vegetarian
Patande
A thin sweet pancake from the Kullu valley. Ask for it rather than expect it, as it isn't on every menu.
Vegetarian
Siddu
A steamed wheat bun stuffed with walnuts, green chilli and coriander, eaten with ghee, clarified butter. Vendors sell it around Mall Road.
Vegetarian
Trout
River trout from Himalayan waters, usually baked or in curry. Johnson's Cafe is the place people send you, though reviews are mixed.
Where to go
Cafe 1947Old Manali
Italian plates and live music beside the Manalsu river.
Mid-rangeIl FornoHadimba Road
Wood-fired pizza. We found one detailed source, so check before you walk up.
Mid-rangeJohnson's CafeCircuit House Road
Trout, cooked several ways. Don't confuse it with the Johnson's places next door.
Mid-range
Getting there
Fly to Kullu-Manali airport at Bhuntar, about 50 km away. Delhi is about 530 to 540 km by road, or 12 to 14 hours, so split the drive if you don't fly. Shimla is about 247 km. The Manali to Leh road is summer-only, takes two days, and part of it has been closed by snow since 15 October 2026.
Where to stay
Mall Road Central, with the most hotels, so go here if you want choice.
Old Manali The usual pick for backpackers: cafes and guesthouses in an orchard village.
Vashisht Simple stays in the hot springs village.
Worth knowing
Opening
Assume the Manali to Leh road is closed. One source says snow shut Darcha to Sarchu on 15 October 2026 with no reopening reported, and the road is reliably open only from June to October.
Sources differ on this, or we have only one, so check locally.
Permit
Check with your host before staying at the Tibetan site at Pangan, near Manali. The 2025 immigration order lists it as a restricted area, so don't assume it's permit-free.
