Manali is the resort town situated in the hearts of the Himalayas in the Himachal Pradesh, providing different experiences to the travelers and also being one of the most beautiful grazed towns in the Himalayas. As the diverse landscapes of Manali pass through, you can feel the crisp air of the surroundings soothing your soul. From snow-capped mountains to lush valleys, Manali offers it all.
Adventure seekers can indulge in activities like paragliding, skiing, horse riding, quad biking and trekking in places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. The town itself is filled with a plethora of attractions like Hadimba Temple, manu temple and old manali known for its vibrant cafe and backpacker vibe.
Kasol is often labeled as the "mini Israel of India", is a pristine hamlet along the Parvati River, Kasol is famous for its picturesque beauty, tranquil surroundings. This backpacker-friendly destination in Himachal serves as the most exquisite place for sightseeing, nature lovers, and hiking. It is often termed as the best gateway for holidays with cool nights and mild temperatures. Kasol’s laid back atmosphere and abundance of cozy cafes offer the perfect setting to unwind and connect with fellow travelers, while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding lakes.
Places to Visit in Manali Kasol Trip
During a Manali-Kasol Trip, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, lush green valleys, charming villages and cultural attractions. Here are some must visit places during your trip:-
Hadimba Temple- This ancient Temple is dedicated to goddess Hadimba, set in the midst of deodar forests, it is famous for its architecture and peaceful surroundings.
Solang Valley- Solang Valley offers thrilling adventure activities like Paragliding, zorbing and skiing (in winters). It is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and mesmerizing views of snow capped peaks adds to the attractions.
Old Manali- Explore the vibrant streets of Old Manali, known for its bohemian atmosphere, aesthetic cafes and local handicraft shops. It's a wonderful destination to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.
Manikaran Gurudwara- Located near Kasol, Manikaran is popular for its hot springs and a sikh revered pilgrimage site Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. The area also has Temples and a beautiful riverside setting.
Kasol Nature Park- Kasol Nature Park is settled amidst the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene retreat known for its lush greenery, tranquil environment and scenic beauty. The park offers well maintained trails perfect for nature walks and birdwatching, providing a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts.
Parvati River- Spend some time by the shore of the Parvati river, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and enjoying leisurely walks along its scenic trails.
Kullu- Kullu is nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture and the famous Kullu Dussehra festival. This picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery serves as the gateway to numerous trekking, rafting and adventure activities.
Sissu Village- Sissu Village, located in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh is well known for its breathtaking landscapes and the majestic Sissu Waterfall. This pristine hamlet offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and serene rivers, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Atal Tunnel- Atal Tunnel, stretching 9 kilometers under the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, is the longest highest tunnel in India. It offers year-round connectivity between the Manali and The Lahaul-Spiti Valley, significantly reducing travel time and improving access.
Mall Road- Mall Road in Manali is the bustling heart of the town, surrounded with shops, restaurants and cafes, making it a favorite spot for tourists. This vibrant street offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and local culture making it ideal for shopping and leisurely strolls.
Things to do in Manali Kasol Trip
Adventure Sports in Solang Valley- Indulge yourself in thrilling adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, skiing and snowboarding in places like Solang Valley.
Trekking near Manali- Explore the picturesque trails surrounding Manali like the Beas Kund Trek, Hampta Pass Trek and the Trek to Bhrigu Lake providing stunning views of the Himalayas and pristine alpine landscapes.
Hot Springs at Vashisht- Relax and rejuvenate your senses by taking a dip in the natural hot springs at Vashisht, known for their therapeutic properties and serene ambiance.
Nature Walks in Kasol- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes, take a leisurely walk along the shore of Parvati River, while enjoying the moments of peace and tranquility.
Exploring Villages in Parvati Valley- Explore nearby villages like Tosh and Chalal and experience the local way of life, interact with friendly strangers and gape at the traditional architecture and cultural heritage.
Paragliding in Kullu Valley- Paragliding in Kullu Valley offers an exhilarating experience amidst the breathtaking Himalayan scenery, with operators providing safe and thrilling flights for adventure enthusiasts. The skies of Kullu Valley provide a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable paragliding adventure.
Shiva Temple in Manikaran- The Shiva Temple in Manikaran nestled amidst the stunning Parvati Valley, is a revered pilgrimage site known for its hot springs and spiritual significance. Devotees flock to this ancient temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek blessing in the holy surroundings.
Cafe Hopping in Kasol- Kasol is famous for its laid back vibe and several cozy cafes serving delicious food and beverages. Spend leisurely hours sipping chai, enjoying Israeli delicacies and soaking in the bohemian ambiance.
Shopping in Manali Mall Road- Shopping in the Mall Road of Manali offers a delightful array of local handicrafts, woolen and souvenirs amidst the charming mountain backdrop. From vibrant shawls to intricately crafted handicrafts, Mall road is a bustling hub for travelers seeking authentic Himalayan treasures.
Best Time to Visit Manali Kasol
Summer- Summer is considered as the peak tourist season in Manali and Kasol, the weather is mild and pleasant with clear skies with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C in Manali and slightly warmer in Kasol. It's the ideal time for outdoor activities such as trekking, paragliding, camping and sightseeing. The snow starts to melt at higher altitudes, making it easier to access places like Rohtang Pass and other high altitude trekking trails.
Monsoon- Monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the region in July and August. While the lush greenery and the gushing rivers create a picturesque landscape, trekking and outdoor activities might be limited due to safety concerns. Also landslides and road blockage are common during this season.
Autumn- Autumn is a breathtaking time to visit as the weather remains pleasant with temperatures ranging from 5 C to 20 C . monsoon showers have cleared leaving behind fresh green surroundings. Autumn provides excellent time for trekking and other outdoor activities. Experience the joy of exploring the natural beauty of the region with the rush of peak season.
Winter- Winter transforms Manali and Kasol into Winter Wonderland, especially from December to Manali. Temperatures can drop below freezing and heavy snowfall is common especially in high altitudes. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in places like Solang Valley.
How to Reach Manali Kasol
There are several convenient transportation options available to reach Manali and Kasol from delhi. Here's how you can reach these destinations:-
By Road: If you love driving, then the most flexible option is to drive from Delhi to Manali and Kasol. The approximate driving distance from Delhi to Manali is around 550 kilometers, which takes about 12-14 hours depending upon the chosen route, road conditions and traffic. From Manali, Kasol is around 75 kilometers away and takes around 3-4 hours to reach by road. Various private and state-run buses are available which operate between Delhi and Manali/Kasol. These buses offer both overnight and day services. The journey usually takes around 12-14 hours to reach Manal from Delhi and may include a brief stopover. Similarly, buses from Manali to Kasol are available, taking around 2-3 hours to reach.
By Train: Delhi is well connected to Chandigarh by train. From Chandigarh you can take a bus or hire a cab to reach Manali. The distance between Delhi and Manali is approximately 310 kilometers, which takes around 7-8 hours by road.
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport, also known as the Kullu-Manali Airport. Various airlines operate flights from Delhi to Kullu-Manali Airport. From the airport you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, which is approximately 50 kilometers away and takes around 1.5 hours to reach.
Assemble at boarding point in Delhi - Majnu Ka Tilla (near Vidhan Sabha Metro Station) and meet your Trip Captain.
Start an overnight journey to Manali and socialize with your co-travellers.
Inclusions
Transportation from Delhi to Delhi: AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo Bus or Tempo Traveler, Tempo Traveler/Cab at all other times.
3 Nights Accommodation on Sharing Basis: 2 Nights in Hotel (Manali), 1 Night in Hotel/Campsite (Kasol).
Experienced and cool Trip Captain.
Bonfire (if weather permits) & music only on any 1 Night during the stay (Manali) and local explorations as per itinerary.
6 Meals: Manali (2 Breakfasts+2 Dinners), Kasol (Breakfast+Dinner), starting from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 4.
Driver allowances, toll taxes, parking, state taxes.
Exclusions
Any extra meals and stay arrangements apart from the ones mentioned under inclusions as per the itinerary.
Travel Insurance, items of a personal nature like porterage, tips, laundry etc.
Any entry fees, extra expenses for optional activities or tickets, unless quoted in Inclusions.
Cost of snow-chained or 4*4 Vehicle if needed due to heavy snowfall.
Any other costing involved due to circumstances like natural calamity, weather conditions, riots, roadblocks, landslides or any other forced circumstances which are out of our control.
Anything which is not mentioned in the above inclusions.
Good quality rucksack (preferably 40-60 liters) & a small day bag pack (for hikes/treks purpose) with rain-cover is recommended, easy to carry trolley bag.
A pair of shoes (mainly trekking/sports) with good grip & waterproof, atleast 2 pairs of socks & floaters/sandals/slippers.
Heavy down jacket, light fleece, long track/cargo pants, long/short sleeves T-shirts, body thermal wears (as per season), sun cap/hat, woolen cap & gloves (as per season), hoodie, raincoats/ponchos.
Personal care items like cold cream & moisturiser, sunscreen (preferably SPF40), lip balm, sanitary pads, toothpaste & other toiletries, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, body spray.
Personal medication (as prescribed by the doctor) & first-aid, sprain relief spray, glucose powder, tablets for headache, fever, diarrhea, motion sickness, dettol & cotton/bandages.
Personal documents & ID's like aadhar card, drivers license, passport or any other valid Government ID proofs.
Sunglasses, charger, power bank, quick dry towel, adequate amount of cash, quick snacks/dry fruits/energy bars, trash & waterproof laundry bags, re-usable water bottle.