Short answer: Use day one for Hadimba temple, Old Manali and Vashisht on foot; day two for Solang Valley and, through the Atal Tunnel, Sissu in Lahaul; and day three for Naggar or a forest walk before the evening bus.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Vashisht | Manali |
| 2 | Solang Valley and Sissu through the Atal Tunnel | Manali |
| 3 | Naggar or a forest walk; depart | Overnight bus home |
Who this plan suits
First-time visitors on a long weekend. Three days does not leave room for Rohtang Pass and Lahaul both; pick one.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Vashisht
- Rest after the overnight journey.
- Hadimba temple and the deodar forest around it.
- Cross to Old Manali for lunch and the Manu temple lane.
- Vashisht village and its hot-spring temple; evening on Mall Road.
Day 2: Solang Valley and Sissu through the Atal Tunnel
- Leave by 8 am. Solang is about 13 km away; arrive before the queues.
- Ropeway or paragliding if you want them; agree prices first.
- Drive through the tunnel to Sissu, about 40 km from Manali, for the waterfall and lake.
- Return before dark.
Day 3: Naggar or a forest walk; depart
- Naggar castle and the art gallery on the left bank, or the walk to Jogini falls from Vashisht.
- Lunch, shopping, evening bus.
Best time for this trip
March to June is the main season. In winter the same plan works for snow, but the road beyond Solang closes after snowfall. The monsoon months bring landslides.
Practical notes
- Rohtang Pass needs a separate online vehicle permit with a daily cap; the Atal Tunnel route does not.
- Stay in Old Manali or Vashisht for quieter evenings.
- Carry a warm layer for Sissu even in June.
- Start each day by 8 am; hill traffic and afternoon cloud both build later.
What it costs
We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays. Tell us those and we will send a written quote that states exactly what is included.
Read more
Check before you go
- India Meteorological Department — forecasts and warnings.
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism — official destination information.
- HRTC online booking — state bus timetables.
Want this itinerary planned for you?
Funtoor can adapt this plan to your dates, pace and starting city, and arrange transport and stays. Request a custom itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is three days enough for Manali?
Yes, for the town, Solang and one drive beyond the tunnel.
Can I visit Rohtang Pass in three days?
Yes, in place of Sissu on day two, if the pass is open and you have a permit.
Where will I see snow?
In winter, at Solang and near the tunnel; in summer, on the high passes and in Lahaul, depending on the year.
Is this plan suitable for families?
Yes. Skip the adventure activities for small children.
Compiled by the Funtoor team from published sources and official pages, last reviewed in October 2026. It is a sample plan, not a first-hand trip report or a fixed package: driving times are approximate, and rules, fees and road status change, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you travel.
Written by
Funtoor Travel Team
Travel planners based in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. We plan and arrange trips — stays, transport and experiences — across the Himalayas.
