Major city · India
Manaliमनाली
Give Manali 3 nights: one for the town and Hidimba temple, one for Solang or Vashisht, one spare for weather. Rohtang access rules and permits: check before you go.
Manali sits at 2,050 m at the head of the Kullu Valley, 570 km and a 14-hour overnight bus from Delhi. It is a base, not a sight: the town itself is a mall road and a temple, and the reason to come is the side valleys, the treks and the snow line above. Three nights covers the core; four or five if you trek.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides), late Dec–Feb (snow closures, -15 °C (5 °F) nights)avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides), late Dec–Feb (snow closures, 5 °F (-15 °C) nights)
- Airports
- KUU · DEL
- Nights
- 3
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.
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 Manali112 ▾
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 Manali, 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
- SafetyManali is a small, busy hill town and generally safe for tourists.
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 numbers112 All services · 108 ambulance (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 (Kullu) Airport (50 km (31 mi), about 1 h by road; small aircraft, weather-dependent, few daily flights).KUU Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport (31 mi (50 km), about 1 h by road; small aircraft, weather-dependent, few daily flights).
- Getting aroundLocal buses are cheap but infrequent and start around 07:00–08:00; ask at the bus stand for times.Local buses are cheap but infrequent and start around 7:00 AM–8:00 AM; ask at the bus stand for times.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealChai at a roadside stall₹10–30 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, full day sightseeing₹1,800 (≈ US$25)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per room₹2,800 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per room₹7,000 (≈ US$80)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) · Mid ₹4,000 (≈ US$50) · High ₹9,000 (≈ US$110)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
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 (Kullu) Airport (50 km (31 mi), about 1 h by road; small aircraft, weather-dependent, few daily flights) · DEL Delhi Indira Gandhi International (560 km (348 mi); the usual gateway, then a 14-hour overnight bus or a taxi)KUU Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport (31 mi (50 km), about 1 h by road; small aircraft, weather-dependent, few daily flights) · DEL Delhi Indira Gandhi International (348 mi (560 km); the usual gateway, then a 14-hour overnight bus or a taxi)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
Feb
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (71°F)71°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (80°F)80°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
26°C (78°F)78°F (26°C)
Aug
Avoid
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
Sep
Best
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
Nov
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
Avoid*
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (26°C (80°F)80°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Aug (15 rain days), driest Oct (3). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Manali: 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
11°C (51°F)51°F (11°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
6 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0°C (33°F)33°F (0°C)
7 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (38°F)38°F (3°C)
8 rd
Apr
21°C (71°F)71°F (21°C)
6°C (44°F)44°F (6°C)
6 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (49°F)49°F (9°C)
5 rd
Jun
26°C (80°F)80°F (26°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Jul
26°C (78°F)78°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
14 rd
Aug
25°C (78°F)78°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
15 rd
Sep
24°C (76°F)76°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Oct
22°C (71°F)71°F (22°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
3 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
3 rd
Dec
14°C (56°F)56°F (14°C)
0°C (33°F)33°F (0°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
Local buses are cheap but infrequent and start around 07:00–08:00; ask at the bus stand for times. Taxis run about ₹1,800 a day, less per day if you book three days together. Motorbike rental is ₹800–1,500 a day in peak season, cheaper off-season. Auto to Solang is about ₹200 against ₹10 on the bus.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Solang Valley
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Local bus every hour, or taxi; 13 km (8.1 mi)Local bus every hour, or taxi; 8.1 mi (13 km)
Ski lift ₹400 per person; go early, the valley fills by 11:00.Ski lift ₹400 per person; go early, the valley fills by 11:00 AM.
Vashisht
goDoor to door: About 15 min
Taxi or a 3 km (1.9 mi) walk across the BeasTaxi or a 1.9 mi (3 km) walk across the Beas
Sulphur hot springs and old stone temples; watch your bag in the bathhouse.
Naggar
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus toward Kullu, about every 1 h 30 min
Castle and the Roerich art gallery; a half day.
Rohtang Pass
cautionDoor to door: 2–3 h each way in traffic
Taxi from Manali; the road is closed at Manali bridge on Tuesdays, 09:00–18:00, and the pass is shut in winterTaxi from Manali; the road is closed at Manali bridge on Tuesdays, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, and the pass is shut in winter
3,979 m, cold even in summer. Beyond Snow Point in heavy snow only 4WD is allowed and local operators may charge up to ₹2,000 per person.
Manikaran
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus or taxi down the valley toward Kullu
Hot springs and a gurdwara; a full day with Kullu.
Hampta Pass trek
overnightDoor to door: 3–4 days
Trailhead near Prini, guided 3–4 day trek
Needs fitness and a licensed operator; not a day walk.
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.
Mall Road / Model Town
Walkable core, buses, taxis, shops. Noisy; best for a first night or a short stay.
Old Manali
3 km (1.9 mi) northwest, up the hill. Guesthouses, cafés, orchards; quieter, 20–30 min walk or a short taxi to Mall Road.1.9 mi (3 km) northwest, up the hill. Guesthouses, cafés, orchards; quieter, 20–30 min walk or a short taxi to Mall Road.
Vashisht
3 km (1.9 mi) across the Beas. Hot springs, cheaper beds, a village feel; a taxi or a steep walk to town.1.9 mi (3 km) across the Beas. Hot springs, cheaper beds, a village feel; a taxi or a steep walk to town.
Solang Valley side
13 km (8.1 mi) northwest; lodging suitability and services: check.8.1 mi (13 km) northwest; lodging suitability and services: check.
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
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 3 nights × ₹2,800 | ₹8,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × ₹4,000 | ₹24,000 |
| Delhi–Manali Volvo bus, one way2 × ₹1,800 | ₹3,600 |
| Taxi, full day1 × ₹1,800 | ₹1,800 |
| Motorbike rental, one day2 × ₹1,100 | ₹2,200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹4,160 |
| Trip total≈ ₹7,630 per person per day, bed included | ₹45,760≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in rupees; travel to Manali and trek fees excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Chai at a roadside stall | ₹10–30 (≈ under US$1) |
| Thali or momos, local café | ₹150–400 (≈ US$2–5) |
| Taxi, full day sightseeing | ₹1,800 (≈ US$25) |
| Motorbike rental, one dayPeak season; cheaper off-season. | ₹800–1,500 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Paragliding, 1-minute flight5 min about ₹1,500; 30 min about ₹2,500. | ₹450 (≈ US$6) |
| Solang ski lift | ₹400 (≈ US$5) |
| Snow gear hire (jacket, boots)Ski set about ₹200. | ₹150 (≈ US$2) per set |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Rohtang road closes at Manali bridge on Tuesdays, 09:00–18:00, for repairs; the pass itself is shut in winter.The Rohtang road closes at Manali bridge on Tuesdays, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, for repairs; the pass itself is shut in winter.
- Beyond Snow Point in heavy snow, only 4WD is allowed and local operators may charge up to ₹2,000 (≈ US$25) per person — confirm before you set off.
- Paragliding and rafting operators vary widely in safety standards; check gear and insurance, and skip it in rain.
- Pickpocketing is reported at the Vashisht hot-spring bathhouses; leave valuables with someone you trust.
- Monsoon brings landslides and road closures on the Delhi–Manali highway; build in a spare day.
- Ignore saffron sold cheap on the street; it is usually dyed substitutes.
Emergency numbers
- All services
- 112
- Ambulance
- 108
Pocket card
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Manaliमनाली
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
इस पते पर ले चलिएTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Ambulance108
Embassy
No embassies in Manali. Most have embassies in New Delhi; the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland all operate from Delhi (check the current address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Manali → Kullu: ₹60 (≈ under US$1), every 15 min
- Auto Manali Mall Road → Solang: about ₹200 (≈ US$3); bus ₹10 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, full day: about ₹1,800 (≈ US$25)
Say or show
- कितने का है? — How much is it? (kitne ka hai)
- बहुत महंगा है — Too expensive (bahut mehnga hai)
- बस अड्डा कहाँ है? — Where is the bus stand? (bus adda kahan hai)
- यहाँ रोकिए — Please stop here (yahan rokiye)
- मुझे डॉक्टर चाहिए — I need a doctor (mujhe doctor chahiye)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
Altitude 2,050 m: drink more water than usual and take the first day easy.
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 Manali. 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: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon landslides), late Dec–Feb (snow closures, -15 °C nights) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 6 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