Manali is one of the best backpacking destinations in India. There are lots of things to do in Manali like visiting the ancient temples, enjoying stunning views of Beas river & deodar trees, adventurous activities in Solang Valley, Tibetan monasteries, Pine Valley National park and lot more as well. A visit to Manali can light up the boredom of your life. And today we’re going to share the complete guide to visit Manali on a Budget. So by visiting Manali not only your soul feel good but your pocket as well:
Manali Trip Cost Per Person
| Hotel | 400 to 1200 (Per Person for one night) |
| Meal | 500 to 1000 (Per Person for a day) |
| Local Transport | 400 to 600 Per Day |
| Miscellaneous | 1000 |
| Total | 6700 Per Person for 3 days |
What is the Best time to visit Manali?
Manali is an all-season destination. While in winter you can enjoy the snow and adventurous snow sports, in summer you can enjoy mountain sports, camping, rafting, paragliding and during monsoon you can witness the lush greenery of Manali.
Cheapest time to visit Manali:
The offbeat season is the cheapest time to visit Manali. Generally, the off-season in Manali starts just after the New Year Celebrations i.e. from 15th Jan to 31st March and in summer June to November is the time when you can get the best deals on hotel and sightseen prices. During this time hotel prices are somewhere 20 to 40% cheaper as compare to Peak season. So try to plan your Manali trip between these months.
How to reach Manali by Road, Train and Air?
Manali is located 530 Km away from Delhi and 288 KM from Chandigarh. This city is well connected to other major cities of India by Road, Train and Flight. You can choose the best and budgeted option for you.
By Road: You can either drive Car or Bike to Manali or take Public transport to reach there. The roads are well maintained and most of them come under National Highway. You can take a bus from Delhi ISBT or Chandigarh ISBT. The ticket price may vary according to comfort like for the Volvo Luxury bus the price range from 1000 to 1500 per person but an ordinary and government bus will cost you around 700 to 1000 rs per person.
By Flight: Kullu Manali Airport is the nearest airport to Manali, located around 50 Km from Manali in Bhuntar. From there you can take a bus or taxi to reach Manali.
By Train: There is no railway station in Manali, so you can’t reach Manali directly by Train. Chandigarh (292KM), Pathankot (293KM) or Shimla (235 KM) railway station is the nearest station to Manali. From there you can use the bus or shared cab to reach Manali.
Delhi to Manali by car: There are three popular routes to reach Manali from Delhi but Ambala – Chandigarh route (Via NH-44 and 154) is the most frequent and fastest one. On the way to this route, you’ll get plenty of roadside dhabas and restaurants for food. Also, there are various points where you stop and relax like Karnal Lake at Karnal, Purana Quila at Panipat, Rock Garden at Chandigarh and Barot valley at Mandi. The complete road journey from Delhi to Manali will take around 12 to 14 hours.
Route – Delhi -> Panipat (85 KM) -> Kurukshetra (153 KM) -> Ambala (200 KM) -> Chandigarh (243 KM) -> Bilaspur (396 KM) -> Mandi (431 KM) -> Kullu (497 KM) -> Manali (537 KM).
Best Budgeted option to reach Manali:
The bus is the most convenient and economical option to reach Manali. No matter in which city you’re located take a train to Delhi or Chandigarh and then take a bus to reach Manali. These buses run very frequently even at night so don’t worry about timing. Either you can check out the official website of HPTDC or visit the redbus official website to book online. Before booking the tickets, its good to check both the platform and compare the price to get the best deal.
Avg. Bus fare from Delhi to Manali – INR 600 to 1500. Depends on bus type.
Things to do in Manali:
Visit ancient temples and Tibetan Monasteries – Hidimba Devi temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Gauri Shankar temple, Siyali Mahadev temple and Manu Temple are some of the most famous temples to visit in Manali. Peace seekers should visit the Tibetan monasteries like Manali Gompa, the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa. These monasteries are great places to witness the Tibetan culture.
Trek to Jogini Falls – Jogini falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Himalayan region. And the way to reach the waterfall makes it more beautiful. Surrounded by the mountains, green valleys, and refreshing air, Jogini falls is simply a must-visit place in Manali. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Jogini which gives the religious touch to this place.
Adventurous activities – From trekking to river rafting, Paragliding to mountain biking, hiking to camping, and skiing to fishing, Manali is home to various adventurous activities. Solang valley, Rohtang Pass, Gulaba, Kothi, and Beas river are some of the best places to try adventurous activities in Manali. There are lots of operators, institutes and experience guides who offer several types of classes for skiing, trekking, mountaineering and rafting.
Biking across the town – Bike is the best and most affordable mode to explore this town. There are various rental shops in Manali to rent a bike at affordable rates from INR 400 to 800 per day. The bike is the best way to skip crowds and save money while exploring nearby places like Kasol, Sissu, Mandi, Solang, Gulaba, and Kothi.
Go off-road – Despite visiting the known attraction, exploring hidden places would give the pleasure that every traveler craves. There are various small hikes and treks around town where you can travel by foot in the time of early morning or evening.
For more tourist attraction you can follow our detailed like 27 best places to visit in Manali and 12 adventurous things to do in Manali.
Where to stay:
There are number of options for stay in Manali whether its resorts, hotels, homestay, Airbnb and hostels. For a budget trip, tries to stay away from Mall road.
Old Manali and Vashisht village are the perfect places to find budget hotels with amazing views. Old Manali is way more clean and beautiful than New Manali. It is the place where you’ll get the feeling of a European Village. Here you can easily find lodges, guest houses and hostels at a very cheap price starting from 400 to 800 INR per person for a night. Also, there you will get better food options at reasonable rates. You can do online booking of the best hotels, lodges and resorts in Old Manali at Booking(dot)com. BOOK NOW
For dormitories and hostels, you can check the Zostel that is located at Manu temple road, Old Manali. This place has a 9.1 rating on booking(dot)com. The hostel provides a mountain view, free wifi and a terrace. Here you can easily get a dormitory at very affordable rates starting at INR 499 per night. Great place to stay in Manali if you’re traveling with family and friends. BOOK NOW
Apart from hotels, you can also opt for camp as well. You can rent or buy a camp and set in the village-like Gulaba, Kothi, Bhrigu Lake, Chika, Naggar and many more.
Here is the list of Best Budget Hotels in Manali:
1. Hotel Hadimba Way in Old Manali: Free Parking, Room Service, Restaurants, Family Rooms, Free Wifi with breakfast – Book Now
2. Treebo Trend Celebriti Manali in Old Manali: Here you can enjoy the beautiful mountain views from rooms with free wifi, breakfast, a separate tea maker, Free Parking – Book Now
Best way to roam around Manali:
The best way to enjoy the beauty of Manali is Foot. Most tourist attractions are near to each other like Hidimba Temple is just 1.8 KM away from Mall Road (2KM from old Manali). For other tourist attractions try to take share vehicles rather than hiring one for individuals. It will help you to save a lot of money.
But bike is the most affordable and fastest way to roam around Manali and visit nearby attractions like Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Gulaba etc. You can rent a bike or scooter for one or two days at reasonable rates (Photo ID Proof and Valid License is required). It cost you around 500 to 800 for one day and if you can bargain then you’ll get the cheaper price as well.
Where to eat in Manali?
Don’t go to flashy restaurants, it will cost you 1000 rupees for one-time Food. Try not to eat around Mall Road because this place is heavily overpriced. Rather than try the cafes at Old Manali and Vashisht village for food. Here you’ll get more tasty food at reasonable rates. They’ve also indoor games, books to spend some lazy time.
Food everyone should try in Manali – Locally prepared grilled trout and chips (local fish), Upper Himalayan Siddu, Babru, Aktori, Chana Madra, Momos and Red rice are some of the must try food in Manali.
Best Cafes in Manali
- The Lazy Dog Cafe at Manu Temple Road, Old Manali – Enjoy Continental food and riverside seating next to the Manalsu river.
- Drifter’s Inn Cafe & Bar at Manu Temple Road, Manali – Perfect place to enjoy delicious food & a glass of wine with live music. Don’t forget to try momos, pizzas, pancakes and lasagna.
- Casa Bella Vista at Old Manali – Try Pizza and Spaghetti with Avocado Sauce
- Renassance at Old Manali Road – Best place to try Italian and Mexican cuisine in Manali.
- Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House at Manu Temple Road – This cafe serves one of the best coffee in this town. Don’t forget to try black coffee, cookies, black forest pastry and cappuccino.
- Mount View Restaurant at Mall road, Siyal, Manali – Best vegetarian restaurants in Manali. A good place to fill your stomach at an affordable price.
Things you should know while traveling on Budget to Manali
- Instead of taking hotel at Mall road or bus stand, stay in Old Manali or Vashisht village. It will help you to save lots of money.
- Pro tip – Include breakfast in your stay. It will help you to save around INR 1000 on food.
- If you’re traveling with friends then stay in hostels or dormitory-like Zostel.
- Transport can cost you a lot of money in Manali. So bike rental is the best way to explore this town.
- To avoid extra charges and traffic try to explore the attractions like Hidimba Devi temple, Old Manali and Mall road on foot.
- Instead of Mall Road, try to eat on the nearby streets of Mall road or Old Manali to save money on food in Manali.
- If you’re going to Solang valley in summer then don’t rent clothes and shoes. A good leather jacket or woolen and normal shoes is enough. It will help to save you around INR 500.
- Always do bargain while renting or buying anything.
- Don’t follow your driver for tickets to adventure activities or shopping items because they’ll take you to the overpriced place where they will get the commission. Always. try to find your own way to tackle these things. It can help you to save a lot of bucks.
- Nowadays Manali is a major tourist attraction where people from all over India even foreigners also visit it. Due to large crowds, the risk of scams has been increased. So, always travel like local.