Quick answer
This 5-day Manali plan arrives by overnight Volvo from Delhi, covers Hadimba and Old Manali on day one, Solang and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu on day two, Vashisht and Jogini Falls on day three and Naggar on day four, then returns overnight. Mid-range land costs start at about ₹19,000 per person, twin sharing.
The route
- Delhi
- Manali
- Solang and Sissu
- Naggar
- Delhi
Day-by-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Arrive in Manali; Hadimba and Old Manali
Morning: Reach Manali around 8–9 am after the overnight Volvo from Delhi. Check in and rest.
Afternoon: Hadimba Devi temple in the deodar forest, then walk to Old Manali and the Manu temple.
Evening: Dinner at a café by the Manalsu stream.
Stay: Log Huts area or Old Manali
Ask for an early check-in when you book; most Volvos arrive well before the usual noon check-in.
- 2
Day 2
Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Sissu
Morning: Local taxi at 8 am through Solang and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul.
Afternoon: Back to Solang for paragliding or the ropeway in summer, or snow play in winter.
Evening: Return to Manali; a quiet evening.
Stay: Manali
If you hold a Rohtang permit in summer, swap Sissu for Rohtang Pass.
- 3
Day 3
Vashisht, Jogini Falls and the Mall
Morning: Vashisht hot springs and temple, then the 2.5 km walk to Jogini Falls.
Afternoon: Lunch in Vashisht; the Tibetan monastery near the Mall.
Evening: Mall Road for shawls, woollens and local food.
Stay: Manali
- 4
Day 4
Naggar and the Kullu valley
Morning: Drive 21 km to Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery.
Afternoon: Rafting at Pirdi near Kullu in season, or a visit to a Kullu shawl weaving centre.
Evening: Back to Manali for a final dinner.
Stay: Manali
Rafting runs roughly April to June and late September to October.
- 5
Day 5
Free morning and overnight Volvo to Delhi
Morning: Free time: a walk in the forest above Hadimba or a last café breakfast in Old Manali.
Afternoon: Check out and shop for dry fruit, jams and Kullu caps.
Evening: Board the evening Volvo, usually leaving 5–7 pm, to reach Delhi the next morning.
Stay: Overnight Volvo to Delhi
Why does this plan work?
Most Delhi travellers reach Manali by overnight Volvo, which turns a five-day trip into four hotel nights with two nights on the road. This plan keeps the first day light, puts the long Solang and Sissu day early while you are fresh, and leaves the final day free so a late bus does not feel rushed.
How does it change by season?
- March to June: run it as written. In late May and June, start every day by 8 am to beat traffic at Solang.
- July and August: monsoon slides on the highway make this plan risky. If you go, fly to Bhuntar or Chandigarh and keep a buffer day.
- October and November: ideal. Apple orchards in October, and empty roads in November.
- December to February: snow may close the road beyond Solang, so day 2 becomes a Solang snow day. Use a local taxi with chains.
Who should change what?
Families with small children can drop Jogini Falls and do the Club House and Van Vihar instead. Adventure-minded groups can replace day 4 with a one-day trek towards Bhrigu Lake or the Hampta valley.
Outside cabs cannot usually do Solang, Sissu or Rohtang runs because of local union rules. Budget about ₹3,500–5,000 a day for a Manali taxi on day 2.
See the best time to visit Manali, the full list of things to do in Manali, budgets on Manali trip cost and areas in where to stay in Manali.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Manali?
Can I add Kasol to this Manali itinerary?
Should I take a Volvo or drive to Manali?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
