Are you ready for a magical retreat to the stunning hills of Manali? Now is the perfect time to plan your escape with SOTC Manali tour packages. Take advantage of our exclusive offer and make your dream vacation a reality. 

The retro town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India. Often picked for romantic getaways and honeymoons, a Manali tour is all about its natural charm, marked by alluring valleys, stunning snow-capped peaks, serene vines and dense forests. It also features comfy cafes, luxury accommodations, quaint restaurants, and bustling markets. Additionally, popular tourist attractions, like Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Jogini Waterfall, etc., and fun experiences, like rafting, paragliding, skiing, etc., draw in a massive tourist crowd. If you want to experience the best of Manali, you can rely on the Manali tour packages by SOTC. You can find all kinds of themed Manali tour packages on our website, available for all budgets. The Manali trip package starting cost on SOTC is INR 10,900. In addition, you can avail of useful offers and discounts, like earning holiday reward points or saving up to INR 10,000 on your Manali holidays. Find more details on Manali tourism and popular Manali holiday package options on this page.

Most Popular Manali Tour Packages

Quick Facts About Manali

Before setting out for the trip, make sure to gather some general information about Manali. Here are some useful Manali info

Best Places to Visit in Manali

Manali has tons of renowned tourist attractions that you can add to your itinerary. Following is a list of some of the best places to visit in Manali;

Hadimba Temple

The Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as Hadimba Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine in Manali. It is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, the wife of Bhima, a figure from Mahabharata. Surrounded by lush cedar forests, the temple is built over a giant rock and is known for its astounding pagoda-style architecture and spiritual significance. It is one of the best places to go in Manali and is often featured in Manali tour packages.

Jogini Waterfall

The cascading falls, serene plunge pool and surrounding greenery of Jogini Waterfall have made it an iconic tourist attraction in the region. Additionally, it is one of the best places to visit in Manali for picnics. Its immaculate natural beauty and serene ambience also attract newlyweds, making it a standard feature in several Manali honeymoon packages. 

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the most popular tourist places to go in Manali for fun adventures. Just 13 km from the town, it is a beautiful valley offering alluring scenic views of the region and ample opportunities for adventures like paragliding, skiing, zorbing, horse riding, etc. Whether you are on a honeymoon, solo trip or family trip, be sure to check out Solang Valley. Find Manali tour packages featuring Solang Valley on SOTC.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang La, nestled at an elevation of 3980 metres, is a high mountain pass on the eastern end of the Himalayas’ Pir Panjal Range. The winding roads surrounded by snow-covered land and peaks, make for an incredible scenic journey. One can also enjoy skiing, mountain biking, sledge riding, and other adventures at this place. It is one of the most iconic Manali tourist places that you can easily find in popular Manali tour packages on our website.

Manu Temple

Manu Temple is another renowned shrine in Manali that tourists frequently check out. Located in Old Manali, it is a pagoda-style temple dedicated to Sage Manu. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali if you wish to reconnect with the beauty and serenity of nature and gain some spiritual enlightenment. Consider looking for Manali tour packages that feature this attraction in the itinerary. 

Best time to visit Manali

The period from October to June is generally considered the best time to visit Manali. Here are some more details on the best time to visit Manali for tourism;

Summer in Manali (March-June)

The weather during the summer season in Manali is very pleasant. The hill station acts as a popular summer getaway, offering relief from the scorching heat for residents of many other parts of India. It is the best time to visit Manali to witness its greenery, take part in adventures and go sightseeing. Get Manali tour packages for summer on SOTC.

Monsoon in Manali (July-September)

Monsoon is not at all the best season to visit Manali. Even though the heavy rainfall during these months brings new life to its greenery and natural attractions, the risk of landslides, uncertain weather conditions and limited availability of outdoor activities make it an overall bad time for Manali tourism.

Winter in Manali (October-February)

Despite the significant drop in the mercury, tourists are attracted to Manali during this season to witness its fascinating snow-covered landscapes and attractions. It is also an ideal time for snow adventures, like skiing, snow sledge rides, etc., in Manali. December is the best month to visit Manali for skiing adventures. SOTC offers Manali tour packages for all seasons.

How to reach Manali? 

Manali is a very accessible holiday destination from any major Indian city. Here’s what you need to know about how to reach Manali;

By Airways

The nearest airport to Manali is in Bhuntar, roughly 50 km from the town. It is a domestic airport that has frequent flights from and to major Indian cities. A direct flight from New Delhi to Bhuntar takes roughly 1.5 hours. Get Manali tour packages with optional flights on SOTC.

By Roadways

If you want to approach the scenic route, consider the road or train. Cities like Shimla, Ambala, Delhi, Chandigarh, etc., are well-connected to Manali by road. Additionally, there are taxis and buses to Manali from neighbouring states. The nearest major railway stations to Manali are Pathankot and Chandigarh.

By Waterways

Unfortunately, there is no way to reach Manali by waterways. So, the best answer to the question, “How to go to Manali from any major Indian city?”, is by train, car/bus/taxi, or flight. Book your Manali trip package featuring essential amenities online on our website.

Things to do in Manali 

To spice up your trip experience, here are some fun things to do in Manali;

Trekking

Trekking is one of the most sought-after things to do in Manali. It is a fun way to explore the beautiful Manali landscape and embrace its natural beauty and serenity. The short trek to Jogini Waterfalls is a nice choice for people of all ages. You can find a Manali trip package featuring trekking activities.

• Timing: 9 AM - 7 PM
• Price: Cost for guided tours INR 1000/person onwards (varies)
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle.

Paragliding

Manali is one of the best places in India for paragliding adventures. Witnessing the majestic Manali landscape from a bird’s point of view makes for an unforgettable experience. You can visit Solang Valley for this activity. Some Manali travel package options may feature this adventure activity.

• Timing: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Price: INR 1000/ person onwards 
• Tips: Go for paragliding early in the morning or afternoon for the best views.

Exploring Rohtang Pass

The dreamy, snow-covered landscape along the Rohtang Pass makes for a scenic journey. Travelling through this pass in a car and admiring its beauty is one of the best things to do in Manali. Rohtang Pass tours are sometimes included as a standard feature in many Manali travel package options.

• Timing: 6 AM - 12 PM (for vehicles going towards Leh) & 12 PM-6 PM (for vehicles coming back from Leh)
• Price: INR 550 (permit cost), INR 1000/person onwards (for shared taxi)
• Tips: The best time for this activity is between May and October.

Gift and souvenir shopping

Tourists always flock around the local markets and shops in Manali, looking for items to purchase as gifts or souvenirs. The shops offer tons of products, ranging from homemade apple jams and local tea to traditional handicrafts and woollen shawls. For shopaholics, this is one of the best things to do in Kullu Manali.

• Timing: 9 AM- 9 PM
• Price: Varies
• Tips: Key places to shop in Manali at Mall Road and Old Manali Market.

Skiing

Manali is a major hub for snow activities in winter and one of the most popular things to do in Kullu Manali is skiing. There are tons of ski slopes in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers. Find a Manali holiday package featuring skiing activities for an adventure-filled vacation.

• Timing: 10 AM - 6 PM
• Price: INR 500/person onwards.
• Tips: Be cautious of tricksters renting ski gear at hiked-up prices.

Famous food to try in Manali 

Here are some of Manali famous food items to try during a trip;

Dham

Dham is a traditional dish that is usually served during special occasions in Manali. It is a thali-type Saatvik vegetarian dish consisting of steamed rice, rajma, boor kir kari, moong dal and a few other items. The Dham is both delicious and nutritious, making it the perfect meal. You can visit Maa Hadimba Dhaba for this dish. 

Chana Madra

If you like spicy food, then you will love Chana Madra in Manali. It is a traditional dish in the region, made using chickpeas cooked with various local spices in a thick yoghurt-based gravy. It goes perfectly on the side with some steamed rice or roti. You can check out Suraj Dhaba for this or similar vegetarian Manali food items.

Siddu

Siddu is a Manali famous food that you can easily try on your visit. It is a type of local bread made using wheat flour, which is stuffed with a filling made of spices, mashed potatoes and ground nuts. It is served with spicy curry or hot soup on the side. You can check out Kinzom restaurant to try some Siddu.

Tudkiya Bhath

As the name may suggest, Tudkiya Bhath is a traditional rice dish that resembles pulao. It is prepared with rice, yoghurt, potatoes, lentils and a smooth blend of local spices. It is both tasty and nutritious, making an ideal dish to try at lunch or dinner. You can find this Manali food item at local eateries in Old Manali.

Momos

Momos are the highlight of any hill station in India and the same goes for Manali. If you want to try this well-known fried or steamed dumpling with a meat/vegetable filling during your Manali trip, consider checking out Manali Momos on Mall Road. Popular Manali tour packages come with meals as a standard inclusion. 

Manali fun facts

Knowing some interesting facts about Manali can help you plan your trip in a better way. Here are some Manali facts you should know before the trip;

The legend of Arjun Gufa

Just 5 km from Manali town, there is a famous tourist attraction called Arjun Gufa. As per legends, it is believed that Pandava prince Arjuna lived in this cave, which he carved out with his arrows, for a year during his exile. During this time, he meditated and attained Pashupati Astra from Lord Shiva at this spot. 

Mini Israel near Manali

Just 75 km from Manali, there is a quaint town called Kasol. It is nicknamed “Mini-Israel” due to many Israeli tourists visiting this location as well as a significant number of Israeli inhabitants living there. It is filled with quaint cafes with food menus in Hebrew and Israeli sign boards are seen at several points.

Home of India’s highest bicycle track

The highest sky bicycle track in India is at Gulaba, a place located only a few kilometres from Manali. It is built at an altitude of 9,000 feet and has 350 metres of total track length with a 450-metre-long zipline. It was made by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Mountaineering Sports Institute.

Manali detailed permits & document requirements 

Personal documents:

There’s no need for special permits or documents to enter Manali for tourism for domestic travellers. However, carrying personal documents for the Manali trip is highly recommended, such as bringing an Aadhaar Card to serve as a valid photo ID proof, a driving licence in order to operate a vehicle in Manali, and so on.

Rohtang Pass Permit:

All vehicles trying to visit Rohtang Pass for the purpose of tourism need to apply for and have a valid Rohtang Pass Permit. It has a one-day validity (to & fro), and requires a valid ID proof,  valid PUC certificate, vehicle registration date, and tourist address details as supporting documents. The permit cost and congestion charges amount to INR 550 for a car/jeep.

Green Tax:

All vehicles entering Manali are subjected to pay the Composite Environmental Fund (Green Tax). It has a validity of seven days and every vehicle that is non-registered in the state of Himachal Pradesh has to pay this tax. The cost of Green Tax for a bike is INR 100, for an LMV is INR 200, for a passenger vehicle is INR 300 and for a goods vehicle is INR 500.

Manali cultural & heritage insight 

The historical, religious and cultural heritage of Manali dates back several thousands of years. The revered temples and historical sites in the region are prime examples of it. For instance, Manikaran Sahib, a famous pilgrimage centre for Sikhs and Hindus on the banks of Parvati River is only 75 km from Manali town. The Manu Temple in Old Manali, Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, etc., are some other prominent examples of Manali’s incredibly rich and diverse historical, natural, religious and cultural heritage. Apart from heritage sites, the socio-cultural life of Manali mirrors its rich heritage in a great way. The laid-back lifestyle and age-old traditions have made their way into the lives of the modern residents. The region is also home to several Indigenous tribes, including the likes of Gujjar, Gaddi, Kinnauri, etc. The two main languages in the region are Hindi and Pahadi, while many are also fluent in English. 

Religion and traditions are a key part of the culture in Manali and being home to a diverse range of people with different beliefs, Manali celebrates a wide number of festivals and events every year. Some major names in the Manali festival list are the Doongri Forest Festival, Losar Festival, Hadimba Devi Fair, Dussehra, etc. The local cuisine is also a major aspect of Manali culture and heritage, with several traditional vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes at disposal. Naati, Karthi, Bakayang and Kayang are examples of performing arts in the region that are also part of the rich Manali cultureManali culture and heritage.

Do not miss! 

Manali’s interesting sightseeing tours

Manali is filled with tons of interesting tourist attractions, such as natural landmarks, religious shrines, historical sites, etc. So, don’t miss out on the chance to check them out. Some notable ones are Hadimba Devi Temple, Jogini Waterfalls, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, etc.

The delicious cuisine of Manali

The taste of Manali dishes is a great reflection of its incredibly diverse culture and history. So, if you like trying out local food on your vacation, consider giving famous Manali foods, like Dham, Chana Madra, Siddu, Tudkiya Bhath, etc., a chance.

Fun adventures in Manali

Manali has become a major hub for adventure activities in recent years, with iconic locations like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass being the main centre of attraction. If you want a thrilling experience in Manali, try quad biking, ziplining, trekking, skiing, paragliding, etc.

Why SOTC? 

As a leading travel agency in India, it is our job at SOTC to bring your dream vacations to life. We offer several tour packages for major domestic as well as international holiday destinations with carefully curated itineraries to maximise fun on trips. There are travel plans, featuring essential amenities, for all budgets on our website. Here are some more reasons why you can choose us for your Manali trip;

• Easy EMI payments: We accept EMI payments for many of our travel plans, letting you split the cost into a more manageable payment scheme. 
• Easy cancellation policy: Our cancellation policy allows individuals to easily cancel their planned trip if they feel the need to.
• Ability to reschedule bookings: Sudden changes in travel plans are very common, which is why we allow individuals to reschedule bookings to ensure utmost convenience.
• Options to modify trip destinations: We allow customers to modify the trip destinations per their needs for a more tailored vacation experience.
• Refund policies: We have transparent and straightforward refund policies that ensure proper refunds to individuals upon cancellation of plans.

Frequently asked questions about Manali 

Q. How much will a Manali trip cost?

Ans: A Manali trip can fit various budgets, depending on how you plan your experience. On average, Manali trip cost for budget-friendly trips can start from as low as INR 10,000 per person, covering basic accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. For a mid-range experience with comfortable hotels and popular activities like Rohtang Pass excursions, costs range between INR 15,000 – 25,000. Travelers seeking luxury accommodations and premium experiences may spend upwards of INR 30,000 – 60,000.

At SOTC, Manali tour packages are available from INR 10,900 to INR 62,900, offering customizable options to suit your travel style. Whether you're looking for adventure or a relaxing mountain retreat, our packages ensure a memorable trip tailored to your budget.

Q. Is 2 days enough for Manali?

Ans: A 2-day trip to Manali is ideal for a short, refreshing getaway but may feel rushed if you want to fully explore the region. In 2 days, you can visit top attractions like Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Mall Road. However, to truly experience Manali’s charm, adventure sports, and nearby spots like Rohtang Pass, a 3 to 4-day trip is recommended. This extra time allows for leisurely exploration, adventure activities like paragliding and river rafting, and a chance to relax in Manali’s scenic landscapes. For short or extended stays, explore Manali tour packages on SOTC that suit your travel plans.

Q. What is the ideal time for a Manali tour?

Ans: The best time for Manali tourism for its pleasant weather is summer (March-June). However, winter (October-February) is the best time to visit Manali to experience snowfall and snow-covered landscapes. Manali vacation packages for all seasons are available on SOTC.

Q. Is Manali expensive to visit?

Ans: Manali is not usually an expensive holiday destination if you plan your trip carefully. To cut costs, you can look for Manali tour packages for the off-peak season. Find Manali vacation packages starting from just INR 10,900 on our website.

Q. Is Manali good for a family trip?

Ans: Yes. Manali is a suitable holiday destination for all kinds of vacations, including family trips. Get Manali tour packages for families on SOTC.