Manali Tour Package, 5 Nights 6 Days with Atal Tunnel and Kullu
Easy

Manali Tour Package, 5 Nights 6 Days with Atal Tunnel and Kullu

6 days / 5 nightsStarts Manali
From ₹30,490 · See pricing
6 days
5 nights
Manali
start point
41 km
by road

March to June for green valleys and Rohtang (it opens between mid-May and the end of May). Late November to early February for snow in Manali. Mid-September to November for clear skies. Avoid July and August, when landslides and floods close roads.

best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
Trustedby travellers worldwide
Local repsIndia + overseas support
No prepayfree customisation · GST invoice

Overview

Tour overview

This Manali tour package gives you 5 nights and 6 days in the Kullu valley, starting in Manali. You reach Manali by the overnight Volvo from Delhi, by flight to Bhuntar, or by private car. You see Hadimba Devi, Vashisht and Old Manali, cross the Atal Tunnel to Sissu, go up to Rohtang Pass when it is open, and end with Naggar, Manikaran and Lord Raghunath in Kullu.

What does this Manali tour package include?

This is a 5 nights and 6 days Manali tour package. It starts in Manali and ends in Kullu. You spend four nights in Manali and one night in Kullu. Every day you have a clear plan, and every plan has a backup for snow, closed passes and sold-out permits.

You see the places your family wants to see: the Hadimba Devi temple, Vashisht, Old Manali, Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. You also cross the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul. Most packages leave out the lower valley. This one gives you a full day there: Naggar Castle, the Parvati valley and the hot springs of Manikaran. The last morning is for darshan of Lord Raghunath in Kullu.

Where does the tour start, and how do you reach Manali from Delhi?

The tour starts in Manali. You can reach it in three ways, and we plan your first day around the one you choose.

  • Overnight Volvo from Delhi. This is how most families travel. Manali is about 530 to 570 km from Delhi by road. Volvo buses leave Delhi in the evening and reach Manali the next morning, in about 12 to 14 hours. Book early in season, as the good seats go fast.
  • Flight to Bhuntar. The Kullu Manali airport is at Bhuntar, about 50 km below Manali and 11 km from Kullu. It is a small airport in a narrow valley, with flights from Delhi. Keep a spare day at the end of your trip in case your flight changes.
  • Private car from Delhi or Chandigarh. Chandigarh is about 260 to 300 km from Manali, depending on the road you take. A car gives you freedom, but it is a long day of hill driving. Start early and stop for meals on the way.

If you fly in from abroad, land in Delhi, rest one night, and then take the Volvo or the Bhuntar flight. Do not try to land and catch the same evening's bus. One delay will spoil the whole start. If you want the whole trip to start and end in Delhi, see our Kullu Manali tour package from Delhi.

Do you need a permit for Rohtang Pass?

Yes. Every petrol and diesel vehicle needs an online permit to go to Rohtang for tourism. The permit system runs on the official Kullu district portal, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. It started on 17 May 2016, after the National Green Tribunal capped the number of vehicles. The original order allowed 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles a day.

Here is what this means for you, in simple words. The permits are few, and they sell out fast in May and June, so you must apply as soon as you can. You can apply only for the next two days. For the permit you need a valid ID and the vehicle's pollution certificate, and the vehicle must not be more than 10 years old. Carry a printout, because it is compulsory. The fee and a congestion charge are paid online at the official rate, so please confirm the current rate on the official site.

In past seasons the pass stayed closed to tourists on Tuesdays for road repair work. In May 2025, one report said Tuesdays were open and another said they were closed. So we check the closed day on the portal for your dates before we fix your Day 4.

What happens if Rohtang is closed or the permits are gone?

Rohtang is a summer pass. Heavy snow closes it in late November, and it usually opens again in May. In recent years it has opened to tourists between mid-May and the end of May. So for about half the year, a Rohtang visit is simply not possible.

That is why Day 3 of this trip goes through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. The tunnel is 9.02 km long and sits at about 3,000 m. It opened on 3 October 2020 and links Manali with Lahaul all year. You get high mountains and snow views without the Rohtang permit queue. Even if Rohtang fails, your family still gets a day in the high mountains, and in the cold months a day in the snow. On those days we turn Day 4 into a slow Manali day, with Nehru Kund, Kothi village and the Mall.

Is the Atal Tunnel open in winter, and what about snow closures?

The tunnel itself is built for all-weather travel. But the road to it can close after fresh snow. In December 2020, for example, after heavy snowfall, the police stopped traffic beyond Manali towards Solang and the tunnel for safety. This happens a few times every winter.

So in snow months, we keep Day 3 and Day 4 flexible. If the road to Solang is closed in the morning, we swap the days. Your driver checks the road status at breakfast. Please do not push the driver to go past a police barrier. They close the road for a reason.

When is the best time for a Manali tour?

Choose your month by what you want to see on your trip. Our Manali travel guide has more on each season.

  • March to June: pleasant days and green valleys. Rohtang opens between mid-May and the end of May. This is also peak season, and Manali gets very crowded from mid-April to mid-July.
  • July to early September: the monsoon. On 26 August 2025, the Beas flood washed away the Kullu to Manali highway at many points. That road stayed closed for 21 days. Avoid these months if you can.
  • Mid-September to November: clear skies and fewer people, except around Dussehra. Read our Kullu Dussehra festival guide if you want to see it. In November, prices come down, though some cafes close.
  • Late November to early February: snow in Manali and heavy snow at Solang. Nights go well below freezing. Pack proper warm clothes and expect road closures.

How do local taxis work in Manali?

Local sightseeing in Manali is done in taxis of the local taxi union. A car with a private number plate cannot be used as a taxi to carry paying tourists. The Manali administration fines such vehicles, and the fine is heavy. In February 2024, taxi union members even stopped private cars carrying tourists to Solang beyond Nehru Kund.

For you, this means one thing. You should book your sightseeing car through a proper operator, and get the vehicle number before you arrive. We book a union vehicle for all sightseeing in this package, so nobody stops your car on the Solang road.

Is Manali safe for elders and children at high altitude?

Manali town is at about 2,050 m. Sissu is at about 3,120 m and Rohtang is at about 3,980 m. Doctors say altitude sickness can start from about 2,500 m. So Manali itself is fine for most people, but the high days need care.

  • Rest on the first day. Do not go up to Rohtang on the day you arrive.
  • Drink enough water, and avoid alcohol before the high days.
  • Headache, dizziness or vomiting at Rohtang means you stop going higher. If it gets worse, come down at once.
  • If anyone in the family has heart or lung trouble, ask your own doctor before you travel. Ask the doctor about medicine for altitude too.

This trip has no long walks or treks. Elders can do every temple from the car park with a short walk. The Vashisht and Manikaran springs are very hot, so let elders and children test the water slowly.

What should you eat and buy in Manali and Kullu?

Try siddu, the steamed Himachali bread made of fermented wheat dough. It comes stuffed with lentils, poppy seed or walnut, and you eat it hot with ghee. The Kullu valley also farms rainbow trout, and you find it on the menu at some Manali restaurants.

For shopping, you should buy a Kullu shawl. The Kullu shawl is a registered Geographical Indication (GI), so look for the GI mark. Cheap powerloom copies made outside Himachal are sold as Kullu shawls. Buy from Bhuttico, the weavers' cooperative started in 1944 in Bhutti village near Kullu, or from a government shop. Do not buy saffron or shilajit from street sellers. Much of it is fake.

How is this package different from other Manali packages?

Most Manali package pages list places and a price. They do not tell you about the permit, the Tuesday question, the taxi rules, the snow closures or the altitude. We put all of it on one page, so you know the real plan before you pay.

This package also adds what most others skip: the Atal Tunnel and Sissu as a sure high-mountain day, a full day for Naggar and Manikaran, and darshan of Lord Raghunath in Kullu. Want Shimla too? See our Shimla Manali tour packages. Want to go on to Leh? See our Manali Leh tour. Travelling as a couple? See the Manali tour package for couples from Delhi or our Himachal Pradesh honeymoon package. For a longer trip across the state, see our Himachal tour package.

Tour highlights

You take darshan at the Hadimba Devi temple of 1553, a wooden temple with three wooden roofs and a brass cone, in a deodar forest
You bathe in the Vashisht hot springs, with separate baths for men and women, beside the temple of Lord Rama's guru
You walk the Old Manali lanes to the Manu temple, with riverside cafes for a slow afternoon
You play in the snow at Solang Valley, and ride the ropeway or go paragliding if you wish, only with a registered operator
The 9.02 km Atal Tunnel under the Pir Panjal takes you to Sissu in Lahaul, your sure high-mountain day
You go up to Rohtang Pass at about 3,980 m on an official online permit, when the pass is open on your dates
At Naggar you see the castle of the old Kullu kings and the Roerich art gallery
You have langar at Manikaran, with its hot springs, the gurudwara and the Shiv Parvati temple in the Parvati valley
On your last morning, you take darshan of Lord Raghunath in Kullu, the deity at the centre of Kullu Dussehra
Our team helps you with the things that spoil most Manali trips: permits, snow closures, taxi rules and altitude

Destinations covered

ManaliSolangSissuNaggarManikaranKullu

Best Time

March to June for green valleys and Rohtang (it opens between mid-May and the end of May). Late November to early February for snow in Manali. Mid-September to November for clear skies. Avoid July and August, when landslides and floods close roads.

Ideal For

Families with children and elders, first-time Himachal visitors, couples, NRI and OCI families on a short India trip, and devotees who want Hadimba Devi, Vashisht, Manikaran and Lord Raghunath of Kullu in one easy trip.

Difficulty

Easy

Route & distances

Your journey, stop by stop

Accurate distances and travel times for every leg: 41 km by road. Road times include a traffic buffer; distances marked “aerial” are straight-line for flight, helicopter, ropeway and water legs.

  1. 1Manali
  2. 2Kullu41 km · ~45m est.

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

Today you arrive in Manali. If you came by the overnight Volvo from Delhi, you reach Manali in the morning, after about 12 to 14 hours on the road. If you flew to Bhuntar, our driver meets you at the airport. The drive up to Manali is about 50 km along the Beas river, about an hour or a little more in traffic.

Check in and rest. This is important. Manali is at about 2,050 m, and your body needs a few hours to settle. Have a light lunch and sleep for a while.

In the late afternoon, go to the Hadimba Devi temple, about 2.5 km from the Mall. Maharaja Bahadur Singh built it in 1553. It stands in a deodar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar. The temple is about 24 m tall, with three square wooden roofs and a brass cone on top. Inside, the goddess is worshipped at a large rock with her footprint. The temple is open from about 8 am to 6 pm, so reach before 5 pm. About 70 m away is a small shrine of her son, Ghatotkacha.

In the evening, walk slowly on the Mall Road. For dinner, Il Forno near the Hadimba temple is known for wood-fired pizza in an old stone and wood house. If you want Himachali food, ask for siddu with ghee.

  • Distance and drive time: Volvo from Delhi about 530 to 570 km (about 12 to 14 hours), or Bhuntar to Manali about 50 km (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
  • Best time today: Hadimba temple between 3 pm and 5 pm on weekdays, when the morning crowd has gone.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Woollen caps and socks on the Mall. Check the price at two shops before you buy. Do not buy saffron or shilajit from street sellers.
  • A fact few people know: Goddess Hadimba belongs to all of the Kullu valley. Every year she travels to Kullu for Dussehra, and the Dussehra rites there wait for her arrival.
Special Tips for This Day: Keep a warm jacket in your hand bag, not in the suitcase, because the Volvo gets cold at night. Remove footwear outside the Hadimba temple, and carry socks, as the floor stays cold. Elders should rest today and not climb any slopes. For photos, the deodar trees look best in the soft light before 5 pm.

Today you stay close to town, so the day is easy. After breakfast, drive about 2 to 3 km to Vashisht village, across the Beas. The temple honours Sage Vashisht, the guru of Lord Rama, with a granite idol of the sage. Next to it are the natural hot springs. The baths are separate for men and women. The temple opens at about 7 am, and the baths run from about 7 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 9 pm.

Go in the morning, before the tourist crowd. Keep your wallet and phone with a family member while you bathe. Pickpockets do work here.

After lunch, go to Old Manali, across the Manalsu stream. The lanes have old wooden houses, apple trees and small cafes. Climb up to the Manu temple, about 1 km from the Mall. It is dedicated to Rishi Manu. Tradition says the name Manali comes from Manu.

If the children want some fun, stop at the Club House, run by Himachal Tourism, about 2 km from town. It has games like roller skating and billiards. In the evening, sit at Cafe 1947, a riverside cafe on the Old Manali side.

  • Distance and drive time: about 10 to 15 km in all, in short hops.
  • Best time today: Vashisht baths from 7 am to 9 am; Old Manali in the afternoon.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Apple juice, jams and fruit drinks at the government Himcoop counter on the Mall. Clothes and jewellery in the small Old Manali shops. Ask the price first.
  • A fact few people know: Sage Vashisht was the family guru of Lord Rama, and devotees believe he meditated here. That is why a small Himalayan village carries his name.
Special Tips for This Day: Carry a towel and a change of clothes for the hot springs. Do not let children jump in. The water is hot, so test it with your hand first. Old Manali lanes are steep and uneven, so elders should wear shoes with a good grip. Many cafes here close early in winter.

Today you go high, so leave early, by 7:30 am. The road gets crowded after 9 am. First you reach Solang Valley, about 13 km from Manali. In winter it is full of snow, and in summer it is green. This is the place for the ropeway, paragliding, zorbing and quad-bike rides. Ask the price at the official counter before you pay. Fly only with a registered operator, never with a tout on the road.

From Solang, the road climbs to the south end of the Atal Tunnel, about 25 km from Manali, at about 3,060 m. The tunnel is 9.02 km long, the longest highway tunnel in the world above 10,000 feet. It opened on 3 October 2020. Drive through slowly, at the speed the signs show. You come out near Teling and Sissu, in the Lahaul valley.

Sissu is about 40 km from Manali, about 1.5 hours away. It sits at about 3,120 m on the bank of the Chandra river. Across the river, a tall waterfall drops down the mountain. In winter the lake freezes and snow covers the fields. Walk around for an hour, have something hot to eat, and drive back to Manali before dark.

The air here is thin. Walk slowly, and keep children warm. If anyone feels a bad headache, start back down at once.

  • Distance and drive time: about 90 km round trip (Manali to Sissu about 40 km each way, plus Solang).
  • Best time today: Leave Manali by 7:30 am; be back below the tunnel by 4 pm in winter.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Snow suits and boots are available on hire. Rent only from a shop with a printed rate card, and check the zip and the sole before you pay.
  • A fact few people know: Before the Atal Tunnel, snow cut off Lahaul from the rest of Himachal for about six months every year. The tunnel also cuts about 46 km off the Manali to Leh road.
Special Tips for This Day: Carry sunglasses and sun cream. Snow reflects strong sunlight at this height. Keep dry socks in the car. In snow months, the police may stop traffic beyond Manali after fresh snowfall. If that happens, we swap today with Day 4. Elders can enjoy Sissu from the car and a short level walk.

Today is the Rohtang Pass day, if the pass is open and your permit has come through. Rohtang is about 51 km from Manali and sits at about 3,980 m on the Pir Panjal range. From the top you look down towards the Chandra valley and Lahaul.

Start very early, by 6 am. Your driver carries the printout of the online permit. The permit is checked on the way up, so keep it ready. Stay at the top for about an hour, not more. The air at this height has much less oxygen, and that is when headaches start. Drink water, eat something light, and come down if anyone feels unwell.

Rohtang is closed from about late November to May because of snow. If the pass is closed, or the day's permits are gone, we do not waste your day. You visit Nehru Kund, about 5 km from town on the Solang road, and Kothi village, about 12 km away, with mountain views. Then you see the Manali Gompa, a Tibetan monastery near the Mall built in the early 1960s, and shop in the evening.

For dinner, try Johnson's Cafe on Circuit House Road, known for its trout. Chopsticks near the bus stand serves Tibetan food like momos and thukpa.

  • Distance and drive time: about 51 km each way to Rohtang (about 100 km round trip); Nehru Kund and Kothi plan about 30 km.
  • Best time today: Leave by 6 am for Rohtang; aim to start down by noon.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Woollen shawls and caps at the Mall shops. Bargain politely. Buy Kullu shawls only with the GI mark.
  • A fact few people know: The online Rohtang permit started on 17 May 2016. It came after the National Green Tribunal set a daily cap on the number of vehicles going up to the pass.
Special Tips for This Day: Wear thermal inners, gloves and a cap, even in June. The wind at the top is very cold. Do not run or play hard in the snow at this height. Anyone with heart or lung trouble should skip Rohtang and enjoy the Manali plan instead. Check the permit date and the closed day the evening before.

Today you check out of Manali and go down the valley. Drive about 22 km to Naggar. For about 1,400 years, Naggar was the capital of the Kullu kings. Naggar Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh, and it survived the great earthquake of 1905. Since 1978, Himachal Tourism has run it as a heritage hotel. Nearby is the Roerich art gallery, in the old home of the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich.

From Naggar, drive down past Kullu to Bhuntar, and turn into the Parvati valley. Pass Kasol, and reach Manikaran, about 35 km from Bhuntar, at about 1,760 m. The springs here are very hot, about 64 to 80 degrees Celsius. Food is cooked in them.

Manikaran is holy for both Hindus and Sikhs. Sikh tradition says Guru Nanak came here with Bhai Mardana, and a hot spring came up for the langar. Have langar at the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, and cover your head. Then take darshan at the Shiv Parvati temple and the Ram temple. Devotees believe Goddess Parvati lost an earring in this river.

In the evening, drive about 45 km back to Kullu for the night.

  • Distance and drive time: about 125 to 135 km in all (Manali to Naggar about 22 km, Bhuntar to Manikaran about 35 km, Manikaran to Kullu about 45 km).
  • Best time today: Naggar by 10 am; Manikaran for lunch at the gurudwara.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Buy nothing in a hurry today. Keep shawl shopping for Kullu tomorrow. At Manikaran, take prasad only from the gurudwara and temple counters.
  • A fact few people know: The 1905 earthquake damaged the old Shiva temple at Manikaran, and it still leans a little. Locals say that before that earthquake, the hot water rose about ten feet high.
Special Tips for This Day: This is the longest driving day, so carry snacks, water and motion sickness tablets. Cover your head inside the gurudwara; a scarf or handkerchief is fine. The hot spring water can scald, so keep children away from the edges. The Parvati valley road is narrow, so do not ask the driver to rush.

Today is your last day. After breakfast, go to the Raghunath temple in the Sultanpur part of Kullu town. Raja Jagat Singh founded it in the 17th century. Tradition says Damodar Das, the disciple of a sage, brought the idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Hanuman here from Ayodhya. Lord Raghunath is the chief deity of the whole valley.

Then see the Dhalpur ground. Every October, Kullu Dussehra starts here on Vijayadashami and goes on for seven days. Hundreds of village deities come, and Lord Raghunath's rath is pulled across this ground.

Before you leave, buy a Kullu shawl for your family. Go to a Bhuttico showroom or a government emporium, and check the GI mark on the shawl.

Then we drop you as planned. Bhuntar airport is about 11 km from Kullu. If you go back by the evening Volvo, we take you to your pickup point at Kullu or Manali. Confirm the pickup point when you book the ticket.

  • Distance and drive time: Kullu to Bhuntar airport about 11 km; Kullu to Delhi by road about 475 to 500 km.
  • Best time today: Raghunath temple in the morning, before your departure.
  • What to buy, and how not to be cheated: Kullu shawls and caps from Bhuttico or a government shop, with the GI mark. Do not let anyone take you to a shop of their choice.
  • A fact few people know: The Kullu shawl got its GI registration in 2005. Copies made on powerlooms outside Himachal are cheaper, so the GI mark is your best check.
Special Tips for This Day: If a taxi driver or guide insists on a certain shop, say no politely. Some shops pay commission for bringing buyers. Keep a light jacket in your hand bag for the flight or bus. If you fly from Bhuntar, keep some spare time, and do not book a tight connecting flight in Delhi.

Travel tips

A family guide to Manali, Lahaul and the Kullu valley

Manali, the Atal Tunnel and Kullu

On this trip you take darshan of Hadimba Devi and Lord Raghunath, bathe in the hot springs of Vashisht and Manikaran, cross the Atal Tunnel to Sissu, and go up to Rohtang Pass when it is open. Here is everything you should know before you go, and while you travel.

5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYSSTART: MANALIROHTANG ABOUT 3,980 MBEST: MARCH TO JUNE

The shrines

Swipe →
01
Hadimba Devi
Manali
A wooden temple of 1553 in a deodar forest
02
Vashisht
Manali
Hot springs beside the temple of Lord Rama's guru
03
Atal Tunnel and Sissu
Lahaul
9.02 km under the Pir Panjal, open all year
04
Rohtang Pass
Kullu district
About 3,980 m, on an online permit
05
Manikaran
Parvati valley
Hot springs, langar and the Shiv Parvati temple
06
Lord Raghunath
Kullu
The chief deity of the valley and of Kullu Dussehra
01Season

When to go to Manali, and what each season gives you

The easiest months are March to June. Snow in Manali town usually comes from late November to early February. Avoid July and August, when floods and landslides close roads.

  • March to June: green and busyDays are pleasant, and in recent years Rohtang has opened between mid-May and the end of May. Manali gets very crowded from mid-April to mid-July, so book rooms and the Volvo early.
  • Late November to early February: snowSnow usually falls in Manali town in these months, and Solang gets much more. Nights go well below freezing. After heavy snow, the police may stop traffic beyond Manali towards Solang and the Atal Tunnel, so keep two days flexible.
  • Mid-September to November: clear and calmSkies are clear and crowds are thin, except around Kullu Dussehra in October. In November prices come down, though some cafes close for the winter.
The monsoon warning

On 26 August 2025, the Beas flood washed away the Kullu to Manali highway at many points, and that road stayed closed for 21 days. If your dates fall in July or August, please talk to us before you book.

02Permits

The Rohtang Pass permit, in simple steps

Every petrol and diesel vehicle needs an online permit from the official Kullu district portal, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in, to visit Rohtang for tourism.

  • Why there is a permitThe National Green Tribunal capped the number of vehicles going to Rohtang each day. The online system started on 17 May 2016. The original order allowed 800 petrol and 400 diesel vehicles a day.
  • When and how to applyYou can apply only for the next two days. You need a valid ID, the vehicle's pollution certificate and the registration details, and the vehicle must not be more than 10 years old. A printout is compulsory.
  • What it costsThere is a permit fee and a congestion charge, paid online. Rates can change, so please confirm the current rate on the official site. Never pay an agent on the road for a 'permit'.
  • The closed dayIn past seasons Rohtang stayed closed to tourists on Tuesdays for road work. In May 2025, two news reports differed on this. Check the closed day on the portal before you fix your date.
Our promise on the permit

We apply for the permit on the portal for your dates as soon as booking opens. If the permits are gone or the pass is shut, we tell you the same evening and switch to the Manali plan, so you do not lose the day.

03Your sure high-mountain day

The Atal Tunnel and Sissu, when Rohtang says no

The Atal Tunnel is 9.02 km long, at about 3,000 m, and links Manali with Lahaul all year. It opened on 3 October 2020.

  • Where it starts and endsThe south end is about 25 km from Manali, beyond Solang, at about 3,060 m. You come out near Teling and Sissu in the Lahaul valley, at about 3,071 m.
  • Sissu at the other endSissu is about 40 km from Manali, about 1.5 hours away, on the bank of the Chandra river at about 3,120 m. A tall waterfall falls down the mountain across the river, and the lake freezes in winter.
  • What it changedSnow used to cut off Lahaul for about six months a year. The tunnel also cuts about 46 km off the Manali to Leh road.
Plan for snow days

The tunnel is built for all weather, but the road to it can close after fresh snow. Your driver checks the road status at breakfast. If it is closed, we swap the day with another.

04Logistics

Volvo, flight or car: how to reach Manali

This tour starts in Manali. Choose the way in that suits your family.

Overnight Volvo from Delhi

Manali is about 530 to 570 km from Delhi by road. Volvo buses leave Delhi in the evening and reach Manali in the morning, in about 12 to 14 hours. Book early in season.

Flight to Bhuntar (Kullu Manali airport)

The airport is at Bhuntar, about 50 km from Manali and 11 km from Kullu, with flights from Delhi. It is a small airport in a narrow valley, so keep a spare day at the end of your trip.

By car from Chandigarh or Delhi

Chandigarh is about 260 to 300 km from Manali, depending on the road. Start early, and do not drive the hill roads after dark.

For NRI and OCI families

Land in Delhi, rest one night, and then take the Volvo or the Bhuntar flight. Trying to land and catch the same evening's bus often goes wrong after a long flight.

05Altitude

Altitude, elders and children

Manali is at about 2,050 m, Sissu at about 3,120 m and Rohtang at about 3,980 m. Altitude sickness can start from about 2,500 m.

  • Go up slowlyRest on the day you arrive. Never go to Rohtang on the first day. Drink enough water and avoid alcohol before the high days.
  • Know the signsHeadache, dizziness, a poor appetite or vomiting can be altitude sickness. Do not go higher until you feel better. If it gets worse, come down at once.
  • Ask your doctorIf anyone has heart or lung trouble, ask your own doctor before the trip, and ask about medicine for altitude too.
  • Hot springs need careThe water at Vashisht and Manikaran is very hot. Let elders and children test it slowly, and keep children away from the edges.
Paragliding and adventure

Fly only with a registered operator at the official counter, never with a tout on the road. Ask the rate before you pay, as rates change with the season.

06Rules on the ground

Taxi union rules, and how to avoid trouble

Local sightseeing in Manali runs on taxi union vehicles. A car with a private number plate cannot carry paying tourists as a taxi.

  • Private cars as taxis are finedThe Manali administration fines private-number cars used as taxis. In February 2024, taxi union members stopped such cars carrying tourists to Solang beyond Nehru Kund.
  • Your own car is fine for yourselfYou may drive your own car, but you still need the online permit for Rohtang, and you must not carry paying passengers.
  • Get the vehicle number in advanceAsk your operator for the vehicle number and driver's name before you arrive. This package uses a union vehicle for all sightseeing.
07Eat and buy

What to eat, what to buy, and what to avoid

Eat siddu with ghee and Kullu trout. Buy a Kullu shawl with the GI mark.

  • SidduA steamed Himachali bread of fermented wheat dough, stuffed with lentils, poppy seed or walnut, eaten hot with ghee. Ask for it hot, straight from the steamer.
  • TroutThe Kullu valley farms rainbow trout, and the Fisheries Department runs trout farms in the district. Johnson's Cafe in Manali is known for its trout.
  • Kullu shawlsThe Kullu shawl is a registered GI. Powerloom copies made outside Himachal are sold cheap. Buy from Bhuttico, the weavers' cooperative started in 1944, or from a government shop.
  • What not to buyDo not buy saffron, musk or shilajit from street sellers. Much of it is fake. If a driver insists on a certain shop, say no politely; some shops pay commission for buyers.
Easy food for families

Il Forno near the Hadimba temple is known for wood-fired pizza, Chopsticks near the bus stand serves Tibetan food, and Cafe 1947 sits by the river on the Old Manali side. Please check opening days in winter.

08Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra, when the deities come down to Kullu

Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami, the day Dussehra ends in most of India, and goes on for seven days at the Dhalpur ground.

  • Lord Raghunath at the centreLord Raghunath is carried from his temple in Sultanpur to Dhalpur, and his rath is pulled across the ground. Tradition says his idols came from Ayodhya under Raja Jagat Singh in the 17th century.
  • Hundreds of deitiesVillage deities from across the valley attend, about 200 to 300 in recent years, including Goddess Hadimba from Manali.
  • The last dayThe festival ends with Lanka Dahan on the seventh day, and the rath goes back to its place.
Booking for Dussehra

In 2024 the festival began on 13 October. It falls in October in most years. Kullu and Manali hotels fill up early, so book months ahead and confirm the date with the official Kullu Dussehra site.

The chant of the Kullu valley at Dussehra

Lord Raghunath's rath at Dhalpur

Siyavar Ramchandra ki jai

When the rath of Lord Raghunath moves across the Dhalpur ground, the whole valley says his name. Tradition says the idols came from Ayodhya in the 17th century to free Raja Jagat Singh from the sin of a wrong he had done. Since then, Lord Raghunath has been the chief deity of the valley. Take a moment at the Raghunath temple on your last morning, and you carry a little of that faith home.

What's included

What's included

Included

  • ✓Your 5 hotel nights: 4 nights in Manali and 1 night in Kullu, on twin or triple sharing
  • ✓Your daily breakfast at the hotel
  • ✓Your pick-up on arrival at the Manali Volvo stop or Bhuntar airport, and drop on departure at Kullu, Bhuntar or Manali
  • ✓All local sightseeing as per the itinerary in a Manali taxi union vehicle with a hill-trained driver
  • ✓Help with the online Rohtang Pass permit on your dates, when the pass is open and quota is available
  • ✓Driver allowance, fuel, parking and tolls for the sightseeing in this itinerary
  • ✓A WayToIndia trip briefing for you before you travel, with packing list and road-status check
  • ✓Phone and WhatsApp support for you from our team all through the trip

Not included

  • ✕Volvo bus, train or flight tickets to Manali or Bhuntar and back (we can book them on request)
  • ✕The Rohtang permit fee and congestion charge, paid at the official rate on the government portal
  • ✕Solang ropeway, paragliding, snow scooters, skiing, snow suits and boots on hire
  • ✕Lunch and dinner, unless you ask us to add a meal plan
  • ✕Entry tickets, camera fees and bath charges where they apply
  • ✕Temple offerings, langar donations and personal shopping
  • ✕Extra cost from road closures, landslides or snow, such as an extra hotel night
  • ✕Travel insurance and anything not listed in inclusions

What travellers say

What travellers say

4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 47 reviews
S
Shivani Gupta★★★★★
“Had a wonderful experience with way to india for my badrinath kedarnath yatra.everything was well organized-from travel accommodation to food. A special thanks to Ms. Neha who managed everything so beautifully n was extremely supportive n cooperative throughout the journey. They took great care of us n darshan was done very smoothly.”
3 weeks ago · Google
Y
Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”
4 months ago · Google
A
Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”
5 months ago · Google

Travelled with Way to India?

Share your experience on Google — it takes a minute and helps fellow travellers plan with confidence.

Review us on Google

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Five nights and six days is the right length for a first Manali trip. It gives you one rest day on arrival, one day each for Solang and the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass and the Manali temples, and one day for Naggar, Manikaran and Kullu. Fewer days means you rush the high places, which is not safe for elders.

Most families take the overnight Volvo bus from Delhi. Manali is about 530 to 570 km away, and the bus takes about 12 to 14 hours, arriving in the morning. You can also fly from Delhi to Bhuntar, the Kullu Manali airport, which is about 50 km from Manali. A private car from Delhi is the third choice.

Yes. Every petrol and diesel vehicle needs an online permit from the official Kullu district portal, rohtangpermits.hp.gov.in. The number of vehicles per day is capped under National Green Tribunal orders, so permits sell out fast in peak season. You can apply only for the next two days. Carry a printout, and confirm the current fee on the official site.

In past seasons, Rohtang stayed closed to tourist vehicles on Tuesdays for road repair. In May 2025, news reports differed on whether Tuesdays were open. The rule is set by the Kullu district administration each season, so check the closed day on the official permit portal before you fix your Rohtang date. We check it for you at booking.

Go through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu in the Lahaul valley. The tunnel is 9.02 km long and links Manali with Lahaul all year, and Sissu is about 40 km from Manali at about 3,120 m. You still get snow and high mountain views. This package already includes the Atal Tunnel and Sissu day, so a closed Rohtang does not ruin your trip.

Manali town usually gets snow from late November to early February. Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel area get much more snow than the town. Snowfall is never fixed, so it can come early or late in any year. After heavy snow, the police may stop traffic beyond Manali towards Solang for safety, so keep your plan flexible.

March to June is the most comfortable time, with green valleys. Rohtang opens between mid-May and the end of May. Mid-September to November has clear skies and fewer people. Late November to early February is for snow. Avoid July and August, the monsoon months, when floods and landslides can close the Kullu to Manali highway for days.

Yes, Manali town at about 2,050 m is fine for most healthy elders. The high places need care: Sissu is at about 3,120 m and Rohtang at about 3,980 m. Altitude sickness can start from about 2,500 m, so rest on the first day, drink water and keep the stay at Rohtang short. Elders with heart or lung trouble should ask their doctor first.

You can drive your own car, but you still need the online permit for Rohtang. A car with a private number plate cannot carry paying tourists as a taxi, and the Manali administration fines such cars. This package uses a Manali taxi union vehicle for all sightseeing, so there is no trouble on the Solang road.

No. Solang Valley activities like the ropeway, paragliding, zorbing, quad bikes and snow suit hire are paid at the spot. Rates change with the season, so ask the price at the official counter before you pay. For paragliding, fly only with a registered operator and never with a tout on the road. Our driver will show you the official counters.

Kullu Dussehra starts on Vijayadashami, the day Dussehra ends in most of India, and goes on for seven days at the Dhalpur ground in Kullu. It falls in October in most years. In 2024 it began on 13 October with the rath yatra of Lord Raghunath. Hundreds of village deities attend. Hotels fill up early, so book months ahead.

Yes, especially if your family wants darshan and langar at one holy place. Manikaran in the Parvati valley has hot springs of about 64 to 80 degrees Celsius, where food is cooked for the langar. It is holy for both Hindus and Sikhs, with the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib and the Shiv Parvati temple. It is about 35 km from Bhuntar.

Before you book

Cancellation & Refund Policy

As per the cancellation terms shared at booking. Please ask our team for the full policy.

You may also like

Similar journeys

Ready to plan your Manali Tour Package, 5 Nights 6 Days with Atal Tunnel and Kullu?

Tell us your dates and group size. A WayToIndia travel expert replies within a few hours with a plan you can customise freely. Planning India journeys since 2010.

Chat on WhatsApp
✓ No payment now✓ Free customisation✓ GST invoice✓ India + overseas support