Manali

Overview

Why go to Manali

Manali is the easiest Himalayan trip to run from Delhi — an overnight Volvo or a short flight to Bhuntar, then a valley that opens into Solang, Sissu and, in season, the Atal Tunnel to Lahaul.

Old Manali and Vashisht are the nicer bases: cafés, cedar houses and hot springs, ten minutes from the Mall Road noise. Snow points move with the season, so we confirm them a week before travel rather than promising a location in the brochure.

Things to do

• Paraglide over Solang Valley
• River rafting on the Beas at Pirdi
• Day drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu
• Café-hop through Old Manali
• Snow activities at Rohtang or Gulaba (permit required)
• Camp overnight in Kasol or Tosh

Travel tips

• Rohtang Pass needs an online permit and is closed in winter — Solang and Atal Tunnel are the alternatives.
• Overnight buses from Delhi are 12–14 hours; flying to Bhuntar cuts it to 90 minutes.
• Altitude at Rohtang is 3,980m — go slow on day one and drink more water than feels necessary.
• Avoid peak weekends in June; the valley road can back up for hours.