Day 1: Arrival in Manali & Local Sightseeing
Arrival: Reach Manali by road from Delhi (12-14 hours), Chandigarh (8 hours), or by air via Bhuntar Airport (50 km).
Check-in: Arrive at your hotel or homestay and relax.
Afternoon:
Hadimba Temple: Start your Manali tour with a visit to Hadimba Temple, located in a serene deodar forest. The temple is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Manali Mall Road: Explore the lively Mall Road for shopping and enjoying local snacks. It’s a great place to buy woolen clothes, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Evening:
Old Manali: Wander around Old Manali, a peaceful area with cozy cafes and stunning views of the mountains. You can enjoy a nice dinner here while soaking in the atmosphere.
Overnight: Stay in Manali.
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Day 2: Solang Valley & Rohtang Pass
Distance: Manali → Solang Valley (14 km) → Rohtang Pass (51 km)
Morning:
Solang Valley: After breakfast, head to Solang Valley, known for its adventure sports. Activities like paragliding, zip-lining, horse riding, and skiing (during winter) are popular here.
Afternoon:
Rohtang Pass (Seasonal): If visiting between May to November, take a trip to Rohtang Pass, which offers amazing snow views and opportunities for snow sports like sledging, skiing, and snowboarding.
Evening:
Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs: After returning from Rohtang, visit the Vashisht Temple and the nearby hot springs, believed to have therapeutic properties.
Overnight: Stay in Manali.
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Day 3: Visit Atal Tunnel & Sissu
Distance: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Sissu (About 100 km round trip)
Morning:
Atal Tunnel: After breakfast, drive to Atal Tunnel (located at Tandi, around 50 km from Manali). The tunnel is an incredible feat of engineering, connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti Valley and reducing the travel time to the valley significantly. It is the world’s longest tunnel at high altitude (9.02 km), situated at 3,000 meters above sea level. Enjoy the breathtaking drive through the tunnel, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon:
Sissu: After exiting the tunnel, you’ll arrive in Sissu, a scenic village in the Lahaul Valley, known for its pristine beauty and peaceful ambiance. Take a walk along the Chandra River, and visit Sissu Waterfall for a short hike and stunning views.
Lunch in Sissu: Enjoy a traditional Himachali lunch at one of the local cafes.
Evening:
Return to Manali via the tunnel and enjoy the scenic drive back.
Overnight: Stay in Manali.
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Day 4: Naggar & Local Culture
Distance: Manali → Naggar (21 km)
Morning:
Naggar Castle: Drive to Naggar, a charming town known for its Naggar Castle, a 16th-century structure offering panoramic views of the Kullu Valley and surrounding mountains. The castle is now a heritage hotel and a popular tourist spot.
Afternoon:
Roerich Art Gallery: Visit the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, dedicated to the works of the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. His paintings, inspired by the Himalayas and Tibetan culture, are displayed here.
Gauri Shankar Temple: Explore the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, offering a serene environment and beautiful views of the valley.
Evening:
Return to Manali and relax. You can visit the Manali Tibetan Monastery or take a peaceful walk along the Beas River.
Overnight: Stay in Manali.
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Day 5: Departure and Last-Minute Exploration
Morning:
Beas River Walk: If you have time before departure, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Beas River. The peaceful environment will help you unwind before your journey.
Shopping at Mall Road: You can also visit Mall Road for some last-minute shopping of woolen clothes, handicrafts, and other souvenirs.
Afternoon:
Departure: Check out from the hotel and take a taxi or bus to Bhuntar or your onward destination.
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Key Highlights of the Manali Tour with Atal Tunnel:
1. Atal Tunnel: The highlight of your tour, Atal Tunnel connects Manali with Lahaul-Spiti Valley, providing spectacular views and an engineering marvel.
2. Rohtang Pass: A high-altitude pass known for snow activities and breathtaking views.
3. Solang Valley: A hub for adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, and zorbing.
4. Naggar Castle & Roerich Gallery: A 16th-century castle with stunning views and a rich art gallery.
5. Sissu Village: A serene village near the Atal Tunnel with picturesque landscapes and waterfalls.
6. Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs: Relaxing in hot springs believed to have therapeutic properties.
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Best Time to Visit Manali with Atal Tunnel:
Summer (March to June): Ideal for sightseeing, adventure sports, and visiting places like Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Naggar.
Autumn (September to November): Great for enjoying the landscapes without the summer crowds.
Winter (December to February): Perfect for snow sports at Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley, though Atal Tunnel is accessible year-round.
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Additional Tips for the Trip:
1. Altitude: Manali is at an altitude of 2,050 meters, and Atal Tunnel is at 3,000 meters. Stay hydrated and take it slow, especially if you are not used to high altitudes.
2. Packing: Bring warm clothes (even in summer, as it can get cold in the evenings), comfortable shoes for walks and treks, and sunscreen.
3. Booking in Advance: Atal Tunnel permits are required for some vehicles. It’s advisable to book your trip in advance.
4. Transport: You can rent a bike or taxi for local sightseeing or use private vehicles to explore remote areas like Sissu and Naggar.
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This 5-day Manali tour itinerary ensures a perfect blend of adventure, scenic exploration, and cultural immersion, with a special focus on the Atal Tunnel, one of India’s most significant infrastructure achievements. Enjoy the beauty of the Kullu Valley, Lahaul-Spiti Valley, and the local Himachali culture.
