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Manali travel guide - Wikitravel

Manali
From Wikitravel
Himalayan North : Himachal Pradesh : Manali

Kullu Manali Package

shimlakullumanali.in/
3N/4D Hotel, Food, Volvo, S/Seeing Call 09805261444 For Best Deals

Contents
[+] Understand
Weather
[+] Get in
By bus
By private taxi
By train
By plane
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
[+] Budget
Mid-range
Splurge
Home Stay
Get out

Thailand Tour
Packages
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Manali is a city in the Kullu Valley.

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Understand
Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh
(http://www.himachal.org.in), is a hill station situated at a height of 2050 m (6398 ft) in the
Himalayas. Situated on the Beas river (Vyaas in Hindi) and near its source, it is a popular
tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging
point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water
rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti and rohtang
pass which is main attraction near manali.

Kullu Manali
Package
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3N/4D Hotel, Food,
Volvo, S/Seeing Call
09805261444 For Best
Deals

Weather
Minimum temp could be below -05 C from Oct till March. Dec Jan and Feb are coldest
months. Rest of the year the minimum temperature would be between 15 to 20 C.

Get in
By bus
Manali is 570 kms from Delhi, the capital of India, and there are buses connecting the town
with Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala and Leh. For service from Delhi to Manali and back, tickets
and reservations can be made at the Inter State Bus Terminus or the Himachal Tourism office
on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in New Delhi. You can book tickets online too.
The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours; from Ambala to Manali is 10
hours; from Chandigarh is 08 hours and from Kulu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. Volvo buses
which depart at around 05 PM and reach at 09-10 AM next dayare available from
Delhi and is the best option in terms of comfort and value for money to reach Manali but you
need to book these in advance. Some Hotels like Snow Valley Resorts will book your volvo
& sightseeing along with their hotel package which results in good package deal as you get
everything at one go . There are lots of volvo bus operators like Harison Travels , leo
holidays , Swagatam Holidays , Kalpana 7 ,etc along with HPTDC which are quite popular
for their punctuality and professionalism . Buses run from Chanderlok Building in Cannaught
Place (near Hotel Imperial on Janpath) . (cost: 1220/-, can be booked online).

Kullu Manali
@ 3999 PP
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Honeymoon
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As the windows do not open outward on the Volvo buses, passengers are advised to
carry anti vomiting medicines ('Avomin' is quite effective) and should be comsumed
approx.30 mins before the bus approaches the mountains. Also, avoid eating meals just
before/after boarding the bus. HPTDC Volvos offer bags that people may use if they have
feel like vomiting. You may enjoy a better view of the valley and the beautiful Beas river if
you book seats on the right side of bus while travelling from Delhi.

By private taxi
If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and does
not have the habit of drinking alcohol.Also make sure the driver has done the trip at least
once before and knows all roads. Also make sure that the driver is used to drive for long
hours. If you are going to Manali through Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Mandi highway, then
your driver would need to drive on hilly roads for at least 6 hours. Chandigarh to Manali
would be about 8-9 hours by taxi. Contact addresses for hiring taxi from chandigarh to
manali taxi
Anna Travels Online
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1. 93,Opp New Delhi Railway Station,

Pahr Ganj,New Delhi-110055 Contact:- Raj Kumar - +91-9810213412, +918130619444 Land Line - 011-41893786 Email- annatravelsindia@gmail.com
www.annatravels.in & www.annatravelsindia.com & www.annatravelsonline.com
India Taxi Online WB - 183/1, Ganesh Nagar IInd, Shakarpur, Delhi 110092 Kailash
+91-9540000804, +91-11-65686666 [1] (http://www.indiataxionline.com)
Gurdial Taxi services opp PGI, Sector 12, chandigarh Gulshan 9872608270,
9216308270 Rajesh verma 9779908270 Websitewww.chandigarhtaxiservices.com[www.chandigarhtaxiservices.com]
Chandigarh/Delhi-Manali Cab Services, +91 9041 311 411 (info@gozocabs.com),
[2] (http://www.gozocabs.com/chandigarh-manali). 24 hours. One way Pick/Drop facilities
to Chandigarh/Delhi from Manali. Online booking. Prices starting 4500. edit
zipmytravel.com (Manali Car Rental), +91 858 786 786 1
(support@zipmytravel.com), [3] (http://www.zipmytravel.com/manali-car-rentalbook-taxi-cab-hire-service). Inquiry: 8am to 11pm. Manali Car Rental services on
ZipMyTravel.com . Fares start from Rs.1500 for full day local & Rs.10/km for
Outstation. edit
Himachal Tour (Kullu Manali Car Rental), +91-9996620365
(info@himachaltour.com), [4] (http://visitkullumanali.com/manalicarrental.htm). *
taxiGUIDE.in (Manali Car Rental), +91 888 023 4455
(support@taxiguide.in), [5]
(http://www.taxiguide.in/TourPackages/Manali_Car_Rental.aspx). Inquiry: 7am to
11pm. Manali Car Rental services on taxiGUIDE.in - a Chauffeur Driven Car Rental
service in 75 Cities in India. Fares start from Rs.1400 for full day local & Rs.9.5/km
for Outstation. edit Fares start from Rs.1400 for full day local & Rs.9.5/km for
Outstation. edit

By train
The nearest Broad Gauge Rail Head is Ambala Cantt(200 km) or Chandigarh (250 km)from
Indian Capital New Delhi. Ambala Cantt is on the Delhi - Amritsar and Delhi - Jammu main
lines and is well served by rail, but you will need to travel to Ambala to get a bus for the 10
hour ride to Manali. Jogindernagar and Kalka are other, less preferable, rail heads for
Manali. The nearest Broad gauge station is Kiratpur Sahib in punjab near the city of Nangal.
It lies in Ropar district of Punjab. The station lies on the Ambala Cantt - Una route of Indian
Railways. From here you can easily get buses for Manali.

By plane
The nearest airport is Bhuntar ( Kullu ) Airport ( Tel: 01902-265037, 265603), 50 km from
Manali, 10 km from Kullu, about two hours away. Air India Regional and Jagson Airlines
operate flights to Kullu from Delhi. However the services can be irregular, and airfares can
be prohibitively high. From the airport the best option to go to Manali is by Pre Paid taxi
which is easily available there. The taxi stand is 100m from the airport. They have written
prices with minimum Rs. 1200 to Manali. Alternatively just go to Kullu and take a frequent
public bus (Rs. 35, see Get Around section).

Get around
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There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your
own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi (various kinds available), which takes you around to all
the sight seeing spots in and around Manali (Rohtang, Manikaran etc). It costs about Rs.
1800 per day, or little over Rs. 3000 if you book together for 3 days (in the peak season).
Dress for Rohtang cost around Rs. 150 for each set including boots and sking set will cost
you around 200. These detail are mentioned at a board at Mall Road. Be sure to bargain.
The second most common way is to hire a motorbike. There are many places where you can
hire a motorbike (easy to find if you ask around), and is the most common mode of transport
for foreigners. Both cruiser bikes like Bullet and sport bikes from Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha etc
are easily available, though Bullet is the most commonly seen one on the roads. Rates hover
around Rs. 500-600 per day in the peak season, but much discounted at other times. A
good place worth a look will be in Bike rentals Manali office in Vashisht 9816044140, have
a good selection of Royal Enfields and Pulsars. Also 'Tinku' Bike mechanic near old Manali
bridge is an honest shop for bike rentals.
Public transport is not so good. There are cheap bus services, but they are not so frequent.
Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as
other modes of public transport are exorbitant compared to bus. For e.g., auto rickshaws
take Rs. 200 from manali mall road to Solang valley, while the bus will cost you just Rs. 10.
The buses are not punctual specially because they seem not have a written schedule. The
best option is to ask about timing at the bus terminal. Buses starts to run at 7-8 am. Frequent
a bus can be cancelled or late. You can get in / out almost at any place on the route just
waive the driver.
Public bus routes
Kullu - Manali. Price Rs. 40. Every 15 min
Manali - Naggar. Every 1.5h
Manali - Solang. Every 1h

See
Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 3979 m
(13,050 ft) above sea level, is another
adventure tourist site where it can be cold even
on a summer day. It is the highest point on the
Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide
panoramic view of mountains rising far above
clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is
a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund,
the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In
winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.
Important to note that the road to Rohtang Pass is closed off at Manali bridge,on all tuesdays
between 0900-1800 hrs for carrying out road widening work & repairs. If you are able to
leave early, before 0900, you can avoid the traffic rush (found on all other days) and have
Rohtang Pass to your self (well almost!!). Flip side is to be prepared for stoppages
(extending upto a few hours) on the return trip as the road is blocked off where repair works
are progressed. If you are driving up, be prepared for the rough broken roads at many
places, sheer blind turns and tight hairpin bends, which can be exhilarating depending on the
state of your nerves. If you are hiring a vehicle then better rent a four wheel drive vehicle
from Manali. Some times the local people along with police does not allow the non-four
wheel drive vehicles from going beyond Snow-Point(a place 16 kms before Rohtang
Pass)and force to hire their owned 4WD vehicles at exhorbitant prices which can be up to
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1500-2000 INR per person. This happens in the winter times when there is heavy snow fall.
The tours organized by HPTDC does not go up to Rohtang pass and terminate at SnowPoint. Shared taxis are also available.
Rohtang Pass can also be accessed on foot, if there are stoppages beyond Snow-Point.
However, it is a strenuous climb and also needs a good guide to show the short cut routes to
the Pass.
Beas Kund, an igloo shaped temple, on top has a spring which is the origin of River Beas.
Hadimba Temple: It is an ancient cave temple
dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a
character in the Indian epic, Mahbhrata. The
temple is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest
(Dhungri Van Vihar) at the foot of the
Himlayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge
rock jutting out of the ground, which was
worshiped as an image of the deity. The
structure was built in the year 1553. If you're
walking to the temple you can take a shortcut
up the hill through the woods instead of walking
along the road. Look for two signs side by side
with vertical Hindi writing on them (blue on the
left, green on the right).
Maa Sharvari Temple This temple is
represented as KULDEVI of the kings of Kullu
in early times and is worshipped as a
manifestation of Durga, and image of the
goddess is also enshrined here. The divinity is
popularly worshipped throughout the region during the festivals and the Goddess is
transported to Kullu to visit the Lord Raghunathji during Dussehra festival. This temple
is on the top of above the Shaminallah village, which is around 5 Kms from Manali,
accross the Beas river on the left bank on the way to Naggar Casttle
Kalath Hot Water SpringsAround 6.5 Km downstream from Manali,natural
sulfurous water flows from the bowels of earth.public bath areas and private bath
areas are available."Asia Sulphur hot water spring" is a small hotel where private
bathroom can be hired on per-person basis(appx. Rs. 100/person).these are simple
bathrooms but give all the privacy needed by a couple or family.It can be easily
spotted on your way to Manali just before the "Green Tax barrier".
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: Around 3 km from Manali, across the
Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses,
with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of
the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vaishisht, also
boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square.
Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a
partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining
the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are
particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs. Be wary
of hanging up your trousers or bags on the hooks provided, pickpocketing is a daily
occurrence. Hand over your wallet to a trusted person for safekeeping before you
enter the springs for a bath. Separate tanks for men and women are provided in the
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temple.keep in mind these are open baths and little or no privacy is available for
women except separated areas for bathing.
Jogini Falls: About 2 km Trek from Vashisth Temple. Going to the top of the falls
would need a guide and quite a bit of trekking, but if you wish you could just keep
asking for directions from Vashishth temple and reach the first level of the falls.
Solang Valley popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and
famous for its 300-meter ski lift. The Ski Lift ticket is Rs. 500 per head for a trip both
ways. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snowcapped mountains. Solang valley also offers attractions like paragliding, snorkeling etc.
Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.
Jagatsukh: Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, has a few nice temples done in
Shikhara style. You can visit them while travelling to Naggar.
Rahala waterfalls: About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang
Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.
Rozy Falls: On the way to Rohtang amazing water fall worth seeing. this water fall
looks amazing between the high hills.
Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is
maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets
in the temple workshop.
Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its
orchards and old guesthouses. Calm and serene surroundings coupled with the sound
of Beas river is a very peaceful experience. There is ruined fort here by the name of
Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.
Gauri Shankar Temple at DASHAL village(700 mtrs. from Sarsai )on the main left
bank Kullu Manali Highway.It is a 12th century protected monument.Also see lush
green apple orchards,play with water stream out there
There are some interesting temples of Tibetan Buddhist lineages located between old
and new Manali.
Naggar: The Castle, Roerich House and Art gallery are places to see. Moonlight
dinner on the balcony of Hotel Castle restaurant is worth experiencing, with the lovely
sight of twinkling lights below in the Beas valley. Bijli Mahadev temple, about 20 kms
from Naggar, is also worth visiting.
Krishna Temple at Thava: Ask for directions to this temple from Naggar Castle
and do a small trek of half an hour through dense pine and deodar forest to reach the
beautiful Krishna Temple. With hardly any tourists around, this place is magical.
Zana Falls: 15 Kms from Naggar and 35 Kms from Manali, at Zana Village,
beautiful Water Fall is worth visiting. The valley provides amazing views. There is one
water fall on the road side and two other water falls which are not much explored by
tourists and are amazing. Moreover Traditional Himachali food is available here at
small hut like shops.
Beautiful Log Hut Area and Club house: In fact both these places especially log
hut area have some good hotels to stay.
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The Manali Gompa:

Manali Gompa was built in 1960. It is one of the most important places for Buddhists.
Buddhists come to this place from Ladakh, Tibet, Spiti, Lahul and Kinnaur. Manali Gompa is
world famous for a large statue of Buddha and for its wall paintings.
Kothi:
Kothi is located at the bottom of Rohatang Pass. It is a beautiful and photographic village
where tourists can capture different thrilling views of the deep gorge through which the Beas
swiftly runs. This is an amazing place to experience the natural beauty of high altitude
mountain.
Nehru Kund: Nehru Kund is located at the distance of around 6 km from Manali. It
is one of the natural springs of natural water in India. Nehru Kund is named after the
late Prime Minister Jawar Lal Nehru. Nehru used to drink water from this Kund, while
his journey to Manali. Nehru Kund is on the Manali-Keylong road, about 6 kms from
Manali. It is understood that a landslide has wiped out this spring.
Enfieldpoint, old manali, [6] (www.enfieldpoint.com). edit

Do
Hot natural Sulphur water bath at Kalath(6.5 Km downstream),Vashisht village (3
Km upstream) or Manikaran.
Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks (near the Hidimba Temple). It will
cost about 10-20 rupees (0.5$) for a single photo.
One can also enjoy paddle boating in a fun park near Hidimba temple.
River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing. One of the
best adventure companies is the High Himalayan Adventure, based in Vashisht village.
River rafting is closed during the monsoon season, typically around August 15 to Sept
15. Check the dates if you are interested in doing this.
Paragliding- A word of caution. Many pilots of these parachutes are un-trained and
obtain licences in the usual way any licence is obtained in India. Many a tourist visit the
Lady Willingdon Mission Hospital with broken bones, sometimes protruding out, and
often alive, after accidents. Some paragliders crash into innocent bystanders who end
up with spinal injuries (information added by a surgeon who worked at the mentioned
hospital. These victims are often treated at the hospital. Serious and complicated cases
with heavy blood loss are stabilised to the extent possible and refered to either
Chandigarh or Shimla. Some sadly don't make it. Blood availability is very very limited
in this hilly area. www.manalihospital.com). Paragliding is quite popular in Manali,
especially in the peak season. The scene is located at Solang Valley. There are
multiple levels, starting from the basic 1 minute flying for Rs. 450 (the most common),
progressing to a more fun 5 minute flight for Rs. 1500. But the ultimate is the half an
hour flight for Rs. 2500, for which they take you up almost halfway to rohtang, and
bring you back to solang all the way by paragliding. In such a long flight, wind plays a
big role, and sometimes it is not possible to fly all the way to solang, something to
keep in mind while going for it. Generally, later in the day you go for it, better are the
chances you will do the whole flight.The trip to Hospital, though, may cost you
much more than just money!
Rock climbing- there are some fabulous routes, however, go with a reputable
company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous
sport. Look for the bright orange building across from Pizza Olive. The company also
does abseiling trips, in which you can swing down into 9 tiers of a waterfall using
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rock-climbing equipment. Another contact is Dave Morahan (9805346007) who

takes you to all kind of rock climbing trips for all difficulty levels, and is quite skilled
himself.
If interested in books, there is a bookshop in the main town near the Post Office
called Bookworm. It has a decent selection of books.
Early morning walks as manali is best enjoyed before the town wakes up
Trekking:
Himalayan Caravan Adventure: Offer you an array of adventures from off-beat safaris,
less-known but more-interesting trekking paths,rock climbing, canyoning, white water rafting,
paragliding, skiing & snowboarding etc. Our services are extremely personalized and
customized to suit your traveling style and NFA (Need for Adventure).
www.himalayancaravan.com
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek: This trek is a technical trekking trail in Manali. This trek is a
famous trek among the experience climbers. This trek gives a magnificent view of Deo.
Friendship peak Trekking: This is one of the majestic mountains in the beautiful valley of
Kullu. This mountain is situated at around 5289 meters above the sea level. Best way to go
for this trek is from Beas Kund and Dhundi.
Hampta Pass Trek: This trek is one of the most famous trekking trails in the Manali region.
This trek is suitable for those who have some prior trekking experience and are reasonably
fit. This trek is passes through forests.

Buy
Keychains, name plates, etc which are customized to ones own message are worth buying as
mementos. Also one can get his name carved/written on a single grain of rice. One can also
visit Manali Market to buy woolen stuff like sweaters, pull overs, shawls, blankets, etc.
Hippie clothes/ jewellery can be found in Old Manali.
Also one can buy personalized key chains made of woolen threads.
Fruit products, honey and apricot oil at Himcoop Juice Bar Manali are also something
local produced in the valley. Jam from Himcoop taste like real fruit due to high contents of
fruit pulp and apricot oil is good for joint pains and also general massage.
himalayan Snow Village (Himalayan Snow Village), Camping site, Kullu (14 kms
from Kullu on Manali highway), Rahul Mullick +91 9816252214, [7]
(http://mykullumanali.com/). Himalayan Snow Village is an initiative by Green
Foundation for Drug Reforms and Environmental Protection in Himalayas, a non-profit
voluntary organisation working on protecting the endangered ecology and saving
people from drugs. For the last two decades or so Kullu-Manali aka the valley of the
gods has been facing the dual problem of environmental degradation and of drugs
especially the cannabis or charas as it is popularly known. edit
Chingu. Local shops are aplenty selling chingus ( a type of blanket) claiming to be warm in
winters and cold in summers. Be wary of these. They will show you parcel ready chingus. Do
not fall prey to them.
Do not buy saffron (kesar), musk (kasturi), or shilajit from street vendors; most of these
products are fakes. Buy from government-authorized shops only.

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Eat
Manali market is key place for eatables. Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to
international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just
opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from
stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find more
local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food, to
Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.
Old Manali is one of the best places to hang out in the evening. It has a great collection of
restaurants/bars and shops. It is also not crowded like the Mall Road, with the crowd
consisting mostly of foreigners. You can get a nibble of Yak's cheese in the restaurant's here.
The Lazy Dog has an extensive multi-cuisine menu, featuring an assortment from
Korean, Japanese, Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, Continental and Indian Cuisine. The
food is excellent and the ambiance is great. The restaurant sits on a sheer cliff right by
the river Manalsu. With free wifi and gracious hosts, this is one of the favorite hangouts in all of Manali. No wonder it is 'Highly Recommended' by all major guidebooks.
RedHouse Cafe (RedHouse), Behind Clubhouse, Old Manali (up the stairs - in the
street directly behind the Clubhouse), +91 9816028740, [8]
(www.facebook.com/redhousemanali). 1000 - 2230hrs. An Apple Garden Cafe,
serving a delectable mix of freshly cooked comfort food - atop a hill with unobstructed
views. An eclectic selection of music (to choose from), free Wi-Fi & being far away
from the madding crowd only add to one's experience. Pick any of the house guitars strum, sing; else Saturday Nights almost always have Live Music (unplugged). Its also
one of the few places left in Manali where you can soak in the sun on it's many
beautiful days. RedHouse is a Budget Boutique Inn too. Every room is topped up with
free amenities like Satelite T.V., Room Service, Electric Room Heaters, Wi-Fi, etc.
besides offering views of rolling fields, open skies & snow capped mountains. edit
Andhra Bojanalayam near Piccadilly theatre serves south Indian tiffins, full
meals(Rs.150 per plate) and snacks. Morning 8am to 10pm. Very good. If you order
full meals ask for extra "Kandhi Pappu Podi" and "Rasam". Pure Veg only.
Bob Dylan's Cafe (also known as Roasted and Toasted) is in the heart of old
Manali. It serves the most delicious cookies and sandwiches. With its extremely good
menu and pocket friendly price, it remains one of the most popular destinations after a
day's sightseeing. Also, at no extra cost you have a very comfortable movie theater
where you can choose among some 100 movie titles and watch as you munch on
those delicious cookies. And yes, they do play Bob Dylan's songs. Must visit.
Shere Punjab Serves good butter chicken with butter naan. You can also get a beer
which is not mentioned in the menu, if you ask for.
Shan-e- Punjab at mall road Serves delicious pure vegetarian food. If you are there
try 'Kichri' amazingly wonderful
Cafe m 1947, Old Manali, 09418461969, [9]
(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafem1947/130469790361423). The 1st Music
Cafe in Old Manali(near the Bridge), located on the banks of the River Manalsu.
Cuisines from all around the globe and known for its dishes like the "Burger Of
Bodom", "UFO", and "The Terminator". Travelers can also pacify themselves by
playing instruments in rhythm with the Voice of the River. Also, there are Unplugged
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Concerts and parties held time and again. edit

Blue Elephant Cafe is a small eatery with good Indian and Western spread at very
reasonable rates close to the bridge on Beas river. You get the option of sitting and
enjoying the food right next to the river gushing by. Try out the freshly made parathas,
bruschettas, omelettes and traditional Indian tea.
Pizza Olive has the best pizza in town and is worth the trek to Old Manali. Also try
the fabulous tiramisu.
Green Forest cafe, lying on the Hadimba-temple old manali road, only a few
hundred meters from the temple, is also a very popular destination for both locals and
foreigners. It serves tibetean soups, veggie dumplings and other sandwiches and
snacks.
Moondance is right opposite the Dylan's cafe. It also has a multi-cuisine menu, and
the food and ambience are all good.
Apple Blossoms at Manali Heights Resort (near log huts area) to savour the best of
local himachali menu as well as delectable Indian, european, oriental cuisines.
Johnson's Bar and cafe located 5 minutes walk up from the mall road, it is a great
place to hangout in the evening. The food and service is quite good, and is thus a very
popular place.
Chopsticks (opposite the bus stand).Really good Tibetan food.
Mayur Restaurant (in a lane opposite the upper end of the bus stand).
Vaishnao dhaba (in the market adjacent to the bus stand).
Valley View Restaurant at Snow Valley Resorts (known for beautiful view and
good homely buffet food).
Madras mess is a popular mess which serves south Indian meals Unlimited meals
Rs:80
Il Forno, (ca. 100 m below the Hadimba Temple, in direction of New Manali).
Original Italian pizzas prepared by an Italian cook. Prices higher than Indian average
but still cheap for Italian pizza.. edit
Cafe Zeppelinn, Kothi village (13km from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass).
all day long. is the last Cafe once you leave Manali and are heading towards Rohtang
Pass. It is run by young enterpreneurs for their love of life in the mountains and music.
They serve good pizzas, pastas,sandwiches and momos. They also play excellent
ROCK music from the 60s and 70s. Most paragliders will land at their Cafe and
should enjoy they services while waiting for their friends or families to pick them up.
reasonable. edit
Manali Resorts, (10 mins away from Mall road). The view from the rooms is
breath taking. Surrounded by mountains on all four sides, this hotel lays right on the
bank of the river Byas. edit
Dawat Restaurent (sunparkresorts.com), Left Bank Aleo New Manali (left bank
aleo), 09816100049, [10] (http://www.sunparkresorts.com). 24. A well decorated
in house multi cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Mughlai and Chinese delicacies.
1,500. edit
Satyam Restaurant (Restaurant in Manali), Mall Road Manali (Next to Shri
Heera Medical Store), 098168 94518, [11]
(http://www.visitkullumanali.com/satyamrestaurantmanali/index.html). "SATYAM
Restaurant " Situated on the Mall road just 200 Mtrs away from main Manali Bus
stand with sitting capacity of 75 persons at a time on 2 Floors. We serve all type of
Punjabi, Gujrati, South Indian and continental. edit
Chawlas Square (Chawla Chicken), Rangri NH21 (2 kms from mall road,
towards kullu), 9816198928. Delicious north indian and mughlai food. A great
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place for adventure too.

edit

Martins' (Himalayan Sports Club), (shanag, about 10km north of Kullu, close
to nheru kund bridge). If you miss european food, that's the place to be. Delicious
austrian cooking at its best. Usually opened only at weekends. edit
Shiva Paradise Cafe (Non-veg Food), (Old manali just on the bridge),
09805379377. Delicious Non Veg Food specially kolapuri chicken and Trout Fish .
edit

Local Himachali Dish-Sidu is right at the tea shop behind bus stand in municipal
market. One can eat Sidu (which is like filled Idli or filled rice baked bun) with
Chutney to experience a slice of Himachali Cuisine in Manali with tea/black tea/coffee.
This is the only 1 there is visible yet hidden but worth a gem before leaving Himachal.
Cafe Bella Vista, Hadimba Temple Road (10 Minutes walk up from the mall
road). A small spanish style cafe with 2 small & 2 cottage rooms available for stay.
Serves amazingly fresh, brick oven Pizzas & italian. Great service & very nice people.
edit

Khyber Bar & Restaurant, (Top of Mall Road, upstairs). Nice restaurant with lots
of good Indian classics. The Karahi Paneer with churidar naan was very nice. edit
Mount view restaurant, mall street (behind bus stop, beside chopstick),
01902253617. an authentic chinese cuisine restaurant in manali. edit
Drifters Cafe, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali Village, 9805033127, [12]
(www.driftersinn.in). 9:30am to 11:00pm. Drifters' Cafe is one of the best restaurants
in Manali. It serves excellent continental food and has a well stocked bar. There's
often themed nights and live music gigs. It scores very high on attentive service and
value for money. edit

Drink
The locals drink two kinds of alcoholic beverages: Lugdi (plains) or Chang (Himalayan), a
kind of crude beer made from fermented rice or barley and Sharab (plains) or Arak
(Himalayan), an alcoholic drink distilled from Lugdi/chang. Arak can also be made from
jaggery or apples or any other fruit.
It might be an interesting experience to visit a local home when the ladies make arak (quite
regularly). You can sit in the fields where the ladies make it, have hot water from the distilling
to wash with and "test" the product at frequent intervals.
Because there are apple orchards all around Manali, it's often possible to find apple cider.
Besides this, there is alcohol available in bars, larger restaurants and the larger hotels.
Kullu-Manali Valley is known as fruit bowl of India. Himcoop Juice Bar at The Mall
Manali is one of the well know corner shop since 1972 selling 100% Natural Apple Juice
and fruit drinks made from local fruits besides some syrups known as Fruit Crush to carry
home to prepare fruit drinks after deluting with fresh water. Himcoop Juice Bar is located on
the Main Mall as one of the corner shop next to Temple.

Sleep
Getway Resort, Vashisht, Manali (Near Mall Road.), +91 9540040327, [13]
(www.getwayresortmanali.com). very clean & nice rooms, beautiful view over the
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valley, great fresh food ,Price between 800/- to 1000/- Per Night

edit

Maya Bodh Niwas Guesthouse, Vashisht, Manali (Behind Yeti G.H.), +91 86
2707 6394, [14] (www.bodhniwas-guesthouse.com). run by a Indian-Swiss couple,
very clean & nice rooms, beautiful view over the valley, great fresh food.. edit
Directory Of Hotels in Manali (Manali Hotels), [15] (www.visitkullumanali.com).
Directory of Hotels in Manali. Budget Hotels, Deluxe Hotels, Luxury Hotels,
Cottagesin Manali & Home Stay Options edit

Budget
Hotel Kanchanikoot, Rohtang road (1km from Manali, Near Vashisht Chowk,
river side Before Reshpan petrol pump), 09459160466
(Kanchanikoot@gmail.com), [16] (http://www.hotel-kanchanikoot.webs.com).
Free pick and drop from and to Manali BusStand ; 2 standard rooms , 4 executive
rooms , 4 luxury rooms ,1 suite.Ample parking,Free WIFi, balcony in all rooms,room
service,travel desk to tailor your holiday plans,camping and trekking; doctor, taxi,
guide on call. edit
Hotel Drilbu Manali, Gurudwara Road, Near Mall Road Tehsil MANALI,Distt
KULLU HIMACHAL PRADESH INDIA (Mall road), 919736386854, [17]
(http://www.hoteldrilbumanali.com). checkin: 12noon; checkout: 12noon. Hotel Drilbu
Manali offers a unique experience of cozy camp where the traditional & coloured tents
are luxuriously furnished with modern amenities edit
kanyal, Kanyal Road, Simsa, Manali (About 2 KM from Mall Road), +91
9952645786, [18] (http://www.flamingoresortmanali.com). checkin: 12noon;
checkout: 12noon. Room + breakfast + dinner @ 2300 Rupees per night for 2
persons . 2300. edit
Drifters' Inn & Cafe, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali (www.driftersinn.in) (about
300mts before Manu Temple), +91 9805033127, [19] (www.driftersinn.in).
checkin: 12noon; checkout: 12noon. Drifters is really high on value for money. Rooms
and toilets are clean and cozy.. edit
Hotel Shandela, Club House Road (Near electricity office, The Mall),
09418388208. Rooms overlooking the forest on one side. A favourite with World
Challenge expeditioners. -mail:support@shandelahotels.com PH. 01902252426
http://www.shandelahotels.com edit[20] (http://www.shandelahotels.com)
Tiger's Eye, Club House Road (Above Drifter's and towards the right in the
village). Clean and warm warms. Nice wooden floors. Comfortable bed. Hot water.
Pretty courtyard. 400 rupees. edit
Blue Guest House, Castle Road Naggar, Brahman Kothi, Naggar, Kullu Manali,
+91-9817287347, +91-9816421109 (Mrs. Lata Sharma), +91-9816377076 (Mr
Chander Shekhar Sharma), Hot water, CTV, view of Kullu Valley and Beas River
and roof-top restaurant. This is a family run guest house and the couple is very
courteous. The guest house is priced between 200/- and 500/- per night and located
on the way up, about 0.5 kms before the Castle. Manali is 30 mins by local bus.
R.K. Guest House, Manu temple road, old manali (near Manu Temple), +91
09660319187Chenu. Clean and warm rooms. WIFI. Comfortable beds. Hot water.
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Pretty Garden with hammocks. Delicious food.Nice view of Manali & vasisht
waterfalls. 300 /and 800 rupees. edit
RedHouse, Behind ClubHouse ((bang) up the stairs leading to the village),
9816028740. RedHouse is a budget boutique inn built inside an Apple Garden. It is
one of the few places in Manali with unobstructed views of the surrounding nature.
The rooms have basic modern amenities (Electric Heater, Geyser, Satellite T.V.,
Room Service, etc.). The garden also houses a Garden Cafe. The RedHouse mantra "There's Love In It; There's Food In It" edit

Mid-range
De Ocean Inn, Phone: +91 98 17 111004 . Location:Kanyal Road, Simsa, Manali,
Himachal Pradesh 1751311, Website:http://www.deoceaninnmanali.in,
Email:info@deoceaninnmanali.in, ashok@himachalbudgettours.com , Facilities: Tea &
coffee maker in room Toiletries in Bathroom. 24 Hrs Room Service. Room Heater
during winter. Colour T.V. with multi channels Cyber Cafe & Wi-Fi availability
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Services Multi-Cuisine roof top Restaurant Travel Desk.
Scenic Terrace for Relaxation Power backup. Doctor on call Ample Parking
Valet Service Free lodging for drivers. Also offers "Budget Tours" in Himachal
Pradesh. Cheap accommodation and cheap tours. Will customise tours for any type of
budget.

Silmog Garden [[21] (http://www.silmoggarden.in), Near Mall Road Manali, +91

1902 252862, 094182-05147 (24 Hrs) E-mail: silmoggarden@gmail.com . For
Families and Couple with Homely food and comfort. Hotel has facilities like Wifi
Internet access, Power Back, Restaurants, Television, Credit card , 24hours Hot
water with Solar Heated Water Backup, Parking.
Snow Valley Resorts [22] (http://www.snowvalleyresorts.com), Log Hut Area, +91
1902 253 228, 253-027, 098160-03027 (24 Hrs) E-mail:
info@snowvalleyresorts.com . This is a handsome place sprawled over the most posh
area in Manali log hut area and is sorrounded by apple orchards and deodhar forest .
All rooms have facilities like 32" LCD TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee maker, wooden
flooring. Email : info@snowvalleyresorts.com
website :http://www.snowvalleyresorts.com
Himachal Cottage Villa, Village Bashkola, Kullu-Manali, +91-9417150502
Email:himachalcottagevilla@gmail.com
Website:http://himachalcottagevilla.blogspot.com Set of three cottages near orchards.
Himkund Cottages Rangri. 09817094200, A collection of three cottages 2-3 rooms
in each cottage, which are well decorated.
Honeymoon Inn, Left Bank, info@hotelhoneymooninn.net. 59-room hotel with
extensive lawns and indoor facilities.
Manali Heights, Log Hut Area, 9316101103 E-mail: manali_hts@satyam.net.in,
Manali Heights is a resort set near the Dhungiri forest, amidst ancient Deodars.
Shingar Regency,[23] (http://www.shingarregency.com), +91 09816921378 . 44
rooms, walking distance from the main market, in very pristine surroundings around
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Hadimba Temple.
SunPark Resorts, Left Bank Aleo New Manali, 01902253037, [24]
(http://www.sunparkresorts.com/). checkout: noon. 3 star property with facilities such
as discotheque, coffee shop. 2000. edit
Tree House Cottages, Village Jong, Katrain, Dist. Kullu (H.P.), +91-1902240365, +91-98160-78765, info@manalitreehousecottages.com, [25]
(http://www.manalitreehousecottages.com).
HP Tourism Log huts Excellent log huts in picturesque Log Hut area.
http://www.hptdc.gov.in/cir0203.htm#hhami [26]
(http://www.hptdc.gov.in/cir0203.htm#hhami)
Hotel Snow Bird is situated at prime location of Left Bank Road Aleo New Manali which is
just 1km away from Manali.It is budget hotel with all modern facilities having 28 well
furnished rooms ranging from @INR1100 TO INR1800/Night. For further details log on to
www.hotelsnowbirdmanali.com please feel free to contact management at +91-01902253973, +91-9816238023,9418095425

Splurge
The Himalayan Resort & Spa http://www.thehimalayan.com Email:
info@thehimalayan.com Telephone: +91 1902-250999/250777, 8894005999 The
Himalayan is an exclusive boutique resort located 1.5 kms. from Manali town centre
on Hadimba Road. Tucked away amidst an apple & cherry orchard are 8 luxurious
guest rooms in the Gothic Revival style Castle (all with four-poster beds & antique
armoires) and 8 cottages (each with 2 Bedrooms complete with en-suite bathrooms,
dining & drawing space with working fire place). All cottages have their own private
gardens, balconies & mountain views. Bar, Restaurant & In-room dining is available.
Gymnasium, Croquet, Trampoline & Table Tennis provided. Refectory restaurant
serves Continental & Indian cuisine. The Dungeon bar is atmospheric with pews &
chesterfields. Manali's only al-fresco Swimming Pool is open to Non-residents at a
charge. Quiet understated luxury with stellar views.
The Manali Inn [27] (http://www.manaliinn.com) Situated across the bank of Beas
River, away from the noise and the disruption of the Mall Road, Manali Inn offers
traditional hospitality combined with 60 elegantly furnished rooms that are wellequipped. Contact: 09811118694, E-Mail:manaliinn@manaliinn.com,
Mapple The River Crescent Resort 09816921378 E
Mail:reservations@mapplehotels.com URL [28] (http://www.mapplehotels.com)
Manali's latest 4 star addition situated at Rangree on banks of the River Beas. 50 AC
rooms, centrally heated with all amenities.
Manu Allaya http://www.manuallaya.com
Johnson Lodge Tastefully done up property with a popular Bar and Restaurant.[29]
(http://www.johnsonslodge.com), 01902-251523, rooms @ Rs 4000.
Rock manali
Span report
Holiday inn
Solang Valley resort

Home Stay
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Himalayan Cottages / Homestay

Naggar, +91 9418002606
(ankushbhardwajj@gmail.com). edit
A bed and breakfast or a Home stay. It
is located on the Nagger overlooking the
Mountain View. As far as the eye can
see, you only see lush green mountains
with only a few structures scattered in
between

An overview of Ramgarh Heritage Villa

homestay, with views of the Dhauladhar
range.

Nature Treat Hut +91 9816056934 E

Mail:magicmountain41@hotmail.com
URL [30]
(http://www.magicmountainadventures.com/hut.html) Nature treat hut is situated 6kms
south of Manali. Place called Jagat Sukh a small Village with Traditional Wooden
Houses of Himachal Pradesh also near to Gayathri Temple which is one among two
temples in India. It is surrounded by Apple orchard and wide view of Himalayan
mountain range. It is far from crowd and in the lap of Peacefull Nature and the kullu
local food can be tasted.
Ramgarh Heritage Villa [31] (http://www.indiauntravelled.com/ramgarh-heritagevilla.html) Located in the small town of Raison, midway between Kullu & Manali. A
heritage bungalow built in 1928, during the British era, with high ceilings, spacious
bedrooms and fireplaces, and surrounded by apple orchards & kiwi plantations. It is
managed by the descendants of the same family that built it. Behind the home-stay is
the village of Benchi, who's residents work on the orchards. The village offers a
glimpse of the Himachali countryside with its by-lanes overlooking the Beas and the
Dhalaudhar range. Advance booking is required & can be done via India Untravelled
at untravel@indiauntravelled.com.
Bharhka Countryside Located near Sarsai,on the Rangri road, midway between
Kullu & Manali, overlooking the Pir Panjal mountains of the middle himalayas. A
countryside resort with home-like 5 star service facilities, bedrooms,conference
rooms, suites, fireplaces, and surrounded by apple orchards. It offers a true picture of
the Himachali culture and countryside experience. Kindly reach us via phone at +91
94595 18200 or email: dashal@live.in.
Bam & Bhole B&B, +41 41 534 27 37 (info@td-photoscout.com). edit [32]
(http://td-photoscout.com/contact/) Located near Jagatsukh,on the Kullu-NagarManali Road, 10 minutes from Manali, with great views. Very simple home-stay
offering insights to Himachali culture and countryside experience.

Get out
Travelling northward from Manali is the breathtaking region of Lahaul and Spiti across the
Rohtang Pass. The "highway" crosses the pass and forks at Gramphoo (12km) the left one
goes to Lahaul and is the Manali Leh highway and the road on the right leads to Spiti via
Kunzum La. The Rohtang pass also marks the boundary between the fertile Kullu valley with
its lush greenery and the sparse vegetation Lahaul and Spiti. The Ladakh, Zanskar and
Changthang areas further on are even more barren.
Hamta Pass
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Deo Tibba
Indrasan
Friendship Peak
Beas Kund

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