Major city · India
Mandi
Spend a half‑day to a full day in Mandi: explore the Sunken Garden and several historic temples, then head to nearby Prashar Lake if you have extra time.
Mandi is a small hill town in central Himachal Pradesh, known for its cluster of stone temples and the Sunken Garden. It sits on the road linking Dharamshala, Manali and Shimla, so it works as a quick stop on a longer Himachal itinerary. One day covers the main sights; a second day lets you add a nearby trek or lake.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides)
- Airport
- KUU
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Mandi100 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mandi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyMandi is generally safe for tourists; keep an eye on road conditions in monsoon and winter, and store valuables securely.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers100 police · 101 fire/ambulance · 112 All‑India emergency (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKUU Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) (60 km (37 mi) north, flights from Delhi, Chandigarh).KUU Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) (37 mi (60 km) north, flights from Delhi, Chandigarh).
- Getting aroundAll travel is by road.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KUU Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) (60 km (37 mi) north, flights from Delhi, Chandigarh)KUU Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) (37 mi (60 km) north, flights from Delhi, Chandigarh)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
not flagged
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Care
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Aug
Care
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mandi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
4 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
4 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12 rd
Jul
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
4 rd
Dec
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
All travel is by road. Regular buses connect Mandi to Chandigarh (5–6 h), Shimla (≈4 h, departs ~9 am, ₹300) and Manali (≈4 h). Private taxis are common; roads can close in winter or after landslides.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Prashar Lake
goDoor to door: ≈3 h each way
Bus to Mandi‑Prashar road, then local taxi, about 2 h total
Lake at 2,730 m, moderate trek (7.5 km (4.7 mi)) from parking; best in summer.Lake at 2,730 m, moderate trek (4.7 mi (7.5 km)) from parking; best in summer.
Barot
cautionDoor to door: ≈2 h each way
Bus to Jogindernagar, then taxi 40 km (25 mi), ≈1 hBus to Jogindernagar, then taxi 25 mi (40 km), ≈1 h
Adventure activities (trout fishing, trekking) but limited services.
Janjehli trek start
skipDoor to door: ≈4 h round trip
Road to Janjehli, 67 km (42 mi), bus or taxi, ≈2 hRoad to Janjehli, 42 mi (67 km), bus or taxi, ≈2 h
Long trek to 3,300 m, requires good fitness and guide.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Gurudwara (guest rooms)
₹300 per night, basic facilities, 24 h langar
Comfort Hotel
₹500, fan, private shower
Hotel Sangam
₹1,000, AC or non‑AC, city view
Snow City Farms
₹1,500–2,500, forest setting, mountain‑bike facilities
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹800–₹1,200 (≈ US$10–14) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹1,200–₹2,000 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- High
- ₹2,000 (≈ US$25)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Tea with snacks (chai stall) | ₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Meal (dal, rice, roti) | ₹80–₹150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Budget room (guest house) | ₹300–₹500 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Bus to Shimla | ₹300 (≈ US$4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter snow can block mountain passes; check road status before travel.
- Landslides in monsoon season may delay buses.
- Limited Wi‑Fi in budget lodging.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 100
- Fire/ambulance
- 101
- All‑India emergency
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
MandiMandi
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
इस पते पर ले चलेंTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police100
- Fire/ambulance101
- All‑India emergency112
Embassy
US consulate in Chandigarh; Indian visa via e‑visa portal.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Mandi → Shimla: ₹300 (≈ US$4), departs ~9 am (check schedule)
- Taxi from Bhuntar Airport → Mandi: ≈₹1,200–₹1,500 (check)
Say or show
- माफ़ कीजिए — Excuse me / Sorry (maaf kijiye)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- यह कितना है? — How much is this? (yeh kitna hai?)
- बस स्टॉप कहाँ है? — Where is the bus stop? (bas stop kahaan hai?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mandi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- secondaryWikidata – Mandi
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mandi, revision 5274754 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Mandi
Loading…