Manali is full of natural beauty and there are many places which are quite far off from the main Manali Valley , I would suggest atleast a 4 day trip to be planned to cover maximum of locations.
I travelled from New Delhi by a Volvo Bus and it took 15hrs to reach there. Though there is train connection also but it reaches to plains only and from there 7 hrs drive by bus or car to reach Manali Valley. But as far as my personal suggestion is I would recommend a all car journey till the end as it would save you from the Air conditioned Jail ( this is what I coined for a Volvo Bus after that 15 hr Journey ) and above all whole journey goes through the beautifull valleys before Manali which deserve atleast a 10min stop over to enjoy the beauty and it will give your legs rest a bit and would charge your eyes as well.
If travelling by Volvo then choose night journey and if travelling by car I would recommend only Day journey. One whole day for drive and night for rest and start your actual Manali trip from the next day after a full night rest.
Travelling by car would save your money being spent on Taxi’s there and would give you the freedom to choose how much time to be spent at which place. One can travel by their own car at all places except Rohtang pass where it is not allowed to go without a taxi Authorised by Manali Taxi union.
Buy a booklet of places to be visited from Mall road Manali on reaching their.
Try to leave for far of places as early in morning as possible to save yourself from Traffic Jams , yes you would find Traffic jams there in Manali as well , they are not patented for Metro cities only. Keep the rest of day for your own excursions as fixed itenary’s are bound to change according to the mood of the traveler and the mood of the weather
Rohtang pass is 3 hrs away from the Manali valley or can say Mall road and same is for Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara.They would be covered on different days and Rohtang Pass deserves more time than Manikaran.
What Not To Be Missed And What Can Be Missed……….
Rohtang Pass
This is the most visited spot of Manali . It is some 3 Hrs away from Mall road so it is going to take almost a full day. While going there Many places comes in between like Rahla Naala, Nehru Kund, solang valley and Kothi village. Nehru Kund is waste of time , i dint even stopped my car their and this you will realise when your driver will say this is Nehru Kund. For more Click HERE..
Solang Valley is known for sports activities like Skiing and Paragliding. But for Paragliding you would find a much better location before solang valley ( tell your driver to stop there ) , it would provide much longer stay in air.
Rahla Naala
Is a water fall , deserves only some 10min stop over , though time could be increased as you would find a very nice eating joint there serving hot maggi which would suit best there. For more Click HERE.
Kothi Village
Is shooting location for Bollywood movies , a very good restaurant is their on the road if one wants to have a full meal on the way. for more click HERE.
Hidimba Devi Temple
Temple Surrounded by huge deodar trees , built in 16th century. Must have seen it many movies like Roja or the latest hit Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Do visit it , will give you a new insight to the culture of Manali and an aesthetic place never to be missed. For more click HERE.
Green Forest Cafe
If you love Dimsums then this is the best place to eat in India specially their chilly sauce will make it an unforgetable visit. Ask anybody way to Green Forest Cafe in whole Manali they will tell you , no need to confuse or if i suggest just walk down the back stairs of Hidimba Devi Temple and you have reached Green Forest Cafe. For more click HERE.
Looking for some Goan type shopping , punk style shopping then just walk past Green forest Cafe and after some 5min you will find a tent shop best suited for this type of shopping.
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
Some 3 Hrs away from Mall road. Known for its hot water springs and all time running langar. Leave as early as possible in the morning. For More Click HERE.
While going to Manikaran keep yourself ready for River Rafting which is the most sought after activity in Manali Valley. You may opt for river rafting while going to Manikaran or while coming back but do keep extra clothes for your self. For more Click HERE.
Kasol Valley
Kasol Valley, Just some 15min before Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara you will happen to land at this place. Keep some time for this place i would say atleast an Hour , and if your whole day is free after Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and your are through with river rafting then this place could be an ideal place to rest and enjoy the delicacies of the world and enjoy shopping very nice stuff available here. For more click HERE.
Club House
Club House, a place for all those who are travelling with kids. This place would be a feast for kids as you would find many activities for kids. Rope swing , train ride , ice creams etc all for kids you will find here.
One must see roses of Manali and if you wish to be near to them then club house rose garden is must place. But dont pluck roses as it would charge you a penalty of Rs 100 per rose. For More click HERE.
Food Joints Not To Be missed …………………..
Johnsons Cafe and Lodge
Love coffee whether hot or cold visit Johnsons cafe. Love to spend time with friends and hangout with the taste of best of wines and whisky visit Johnsons cafe. One of the oldest of restaurant and lodge of Manali is waiting for all the travellers to serve the best. A must stop is recommended , or you can dedicate one dinner or lunch of your trip to this place. For more Click HERE.
La Plaze
Located just 900 mts away from club house , surrounded by apple farms and river beas flowing just in front it. Serving the best of French food and wines. Soothing place to sit and a perfect ambience for a hangout. Prefer it for a lunch as it would give you the best view of the valley from there. For more click HERE.
Casa Bella Vista
Want to have best pizza of India visit this place. Located on the bank of river beas and serving you the best wood fired pizza available in India. It gives feasibility of stay also and you may inquire about room availabilty in advance. For more Click HERE.
I have mentioned four restaurants in this whole write up. you may prefer them day by day according to your location.
Glacier Resorts Manali
A best of Hotel of Manali. Suited best for Couples and even to groups. Located very idealy near to Hidimba Devi Temple and Club House. Just walk away from Johnsons Cafe. For More click HERE. Want some more options for Hotels click HERE.
Note : There are many places also to visit in Manali like Tibetan monastery, Manali Sanctuary, many other temples etc. but due to my tight schedule i was not able to visit them so i have not mentioned about them here but these also are worth giving your visit though i was not lucky enough. If any of Fellow traveller visit some places which are not mentioned here they are most welcome to write their experience in the guest blog section of my greedy backpack.
Some Tips……
In most of the places you will find NO VAT. So enjoy.
If one is going by car then expenditure may vary according to the car being driven , but prefer a SUV.
Keep woollen clothes , if going in Summer, then also. Whether can change without any prior notice.
Mall Road is ideal place for shopping , but do bargain a lot and try to keep options open.
ATM of almost every Indian and Private Bank is available on Mall Road , so try to carry less cash.
Try to buy just room package ( food not included ) when opting for a Hotel. As due to weather conditions food gets cold very fast in buffet, so try to ordering food in room only or visit some restaurant.
Enjoy your Manali Trip……… Lets tour to india
