Manali Tour Package from Delhi — Himachal's Most Popular Hill Station Guide
Planning a Manali trip from Delhi in 2026? This complete guide covers Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley adventure sports, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, the road trip route, Volvo bus vs flight options, and everything in between.
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Manali Tour Package from Delhi — Himachal's Most Popular Hill Station Guide
Manali is the quintessential Indian hill station — dramatic snow peaks, forested valleys, the icy Beas River, and an energy that draws backpackers, honeymooners, adventure-seekers, and families in equal numbers. Sitting at 2,050 metres in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is accessible, scenic, and endlessly rewarding.
This guide by HMX Global Travels covers everything you need for a Manali trip from Delhi in 2026.
Top Things to Do in Manali
Rohtang Pass — Snow at 3,978 Metres
Rohtang Pass is the crown jewel of Manali — a high mountain pass on the Kullu-Lahaul border that remains snow-covered for most of the year. Standing at 3,978m, it offers a taste of the Himalayas that feels genuinely epic.
- Entry permits are mandatory — Rohtang requires a daily quota permit booked online at rohtangpermits.nic.in. Book 1–2 days in advance.
- Best months: May to late October (closed November–April due to snow)
- Access: Shared jeep or private cab from Manali (50 km, 2.5 hours each way)
- What to expect: Snow all year, panoramic valley views, yaks for photos, local Tibetan tea stalls
Solang Valley — Adventure Capital
Just 14 km from Manali, Solang Valley is where most adventure activities happen:
- Summer (May–Oct): Zorbing, paragliding, quad biking, horse riding, zip-lining
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Skiing (beginner slopes), snowmobile rides, snow zorbing
- Atal Tunnel (2020) now connects Solang Valley to Lahaul-Spiti, making the Sissu side accessible even when Rohtang is closed.
Hadimba Temple
The 16th-century wooden pagoda-style temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba (wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata) sits in a serene cedar forest at the edge of Manali town. Free entry. No photography allowed inside. Visit early morning before the crowds arrive (9 AM onwards gets busy).
Old Manali
Cross the Manalsu Nullah footbridge and enter a completely different world — Old Manali's labyrinthine lanes are lined with budget guesthouses, Israeli restaurants, baking cafes, and local shops. The Manu Temple here is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Manu (the progenitor of mankind according to Hindu mythology). Great for an evening stroll and café-hopping.
Vashisht Village
Just 3 km from Mall Road, Vashisht is a village with ancient hot sulphur springs (free to use in public tanks, or rent a private room for ₹150). The Vashisht Temple complex and the views over the valley from here are excellent.
Naggar Castle
A 55-km drive from Manali down the Kullu Valley, Naggar Castle is a 16th-century stone and wood fort built by Raja Sidh Singh. Now converted into a heritage hotel, the castle sits on a hill with views over the Beas Valley. The Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery nearby houses works by the Russian artist who lived here.
Delhi to Manali: Road Trip vs Flight
Option A — The Manali Road Trip (Recommended)
Delhi → Manali is ~520 km via NH44 and NH3. This is one of India's classic road trips.
- Volvo night bus (HRTC): Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Manali — 14–16 hours overnight. Fare: ₹900–₹1,400. Semi-sleeper and sleeper options. Most budget travellers prefer this.
- Private cab: Delhi to Manali in one long day (9–10 hours) or split at Chandigarh overnight. Fare: ₹6,000–₹8,000 for a full cab.
- Self-drive: Delhi → Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali. Chandigarh to Manali is the scenic stretch — plan 5–6 hours.
Highlights on the road: Chandigarh city (optional stop), Bilaspur dam, Kullu Valley (apple orchards and river views from Mandi onwards).
Option B — Fly to Bhuntar
The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU) at Bhuntar, 50 km south. Flights from Delhi: ~1 hour (Alliance Air/Vistara). Fares: ₹4,000–₹9,000. Then a 1.5-hour cab to Manali (₹800–₹1,000 shared, ₹2,500 private).
Note: Bhuntar airport flights are often cancelled due to weather — always book a refundable ticket and have a road backup plan.
Nearby Day Trips from Manali
- Kasol & Kheerganga — 85 km from Manali via Bhuntar; Parvati Valley's hippie haven with cafes, treks, and hot springs. Best combined with a 2-day extension.
- Sissu (Lahaul) — 65 km via Atal Tunnel; a high-altitude lake, dramatic mountain views, and far fewer tourists than Rohtang.
- Bir Billing — 65 km south of Manali; India's paragliding capital (tandem flights: ₹2,500–₹3,500).
Best Time to Visit Manali
| Season | Months | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–April | Snow on peaks, valley greening up, uncrowded |
| Summer | May–June | Peak season; Rohtang and Solang fully open; warmest |
| Monsoon | July–August | Rain, landslide risk on roads; scenic but risky |
| Post-monsoon | September–October | Clear views, best photography, fewer tourists |
| Winter | November–February | Heavy snow; Rohtang closed; Solang skiing; magical |
Manali Tour Cost from Delhi (2026)
| Package Type | Cost Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget (hostel + bus) | ₹8,000–₹12,000 | Volvo bus, guesthouse, no meals |
| Standard (3-star) | ₹18,000–₹28,000 | Volvo/flight, 3-star hotel, breakfast, Rohtang + Solang + Hadimba |
| Premium (4-star + private cab) | ₹35,000–₹50,000 | Flight, 4-star hotel, all meals, private cab throughout |
Book Your Manali Holiday with HMX Global
HMX Global Travels creates tailored Manali packages for families, couples, and groups. WhatsApp us at +918397904350 for a customised quote.
Book Rohtang permit 2 days before
Rohtang permits sell out the same day in peak season (May–June). Book online at rohtangpermits.nic.in the evening before or two days before your planned visit. Check vehicle type restrictions before booking.
Go to Rohtang by 7 AM
The Rohtang road gets extremely congested by 10 AM. Depart Manali by 6:30–7:00 AM. You'll be at the pass by 9:30–10 AM with clear views and minimal crowds, then back in Manali for lunch.
Rent heavy gear at Rohtang base
Snow gear (jackets, boots, gloves) can be rented right at the Rohtang base for ₹200–₹400. Don't buy or carry your own unless you plan to ski. Renting is faster, cheaper, and gear is well-maintained.
Visit Hadimba Temple before 9 AM
Hadimba Temple is in a cedar forest and deeply peaceful at dawn. After 9 AM it fills with tourists and vendors, and the experience diminishes. Make it your first stop on any Manali town day.
Trip Cost Breakdown
₹8,000–₹12,000 (Volvo bus, guesthouse, self-guided)
per person
₹18,000–₹28,000 (Volvo/flight, 3-star hotel, breakfast, Rohtang + Solang + Hadimba)
per person
₹35,000–₹50,000 (flight, 4-star hotel, all meals, private cab)
per person
Things to Carry
Avoid These Mistakes
- Visiting Rohtang without a pre-booked permit — vehicles without permits are turned back at the checkpoint
- Going to Rohtang after 10 AM — you will spend 2 hours in traffic jams both ways
- Skipping Old Manali — it is the best part of Manali for ambience, cafes, and the Manu Temple
- Underestimating distances — Solang Valley to Rohtang is another 36 km beyond Solang; plan separate days
- Booking the cheapest guesthouse without checking location — stay on Mall Road or Nasogi for best access
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