Short answer: Spend day one in town, day two at Solang, day three through the Atal Tunnel in Lahaul, day four at Naggar and on the left bank, and day five either at Kasol and Manikaran on the way out, or on a day hike before the evening bus.
The plan at a glance
| Day | Route | Night at |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Mall Road | Manali |
| 2 | Solang Valley | Manali |
| 3 | Atal Tunnel, Sissu and Lahaul | Manali |
| 4 | Naggar and the left bank | Manali |
| 5 | Kasol and Manikaran, or a day hike; depart | Overnight bus from Bhuntar or Manali |
Who this plan suits
Anyone who wants Manali at an unhurried pace, including families.
Day by day
Day 1: Arrive; Hadimba, Old Manali, Mall Road
- Rest, then Hadimba temple and Old Manali.
- Evening on Mall Road.
Day 2: Solang Valley
- Arrive before 10 am.
- Ropeway, paragliding or snow activities by season.
- Afternoon: Vashisht and Jogini falls walk.
Day 3: Atal Tunnel, Sissu and Lahaul
- Through the tunnel to Sissu waterfall and lake.
- Continue to the Chandra–Bhaga confluence at Tandi if time allows.
- Back by evening. In open season Rohtang Pass can replace this day, with a permit.
Day 4: Naggar and the left bank
- Naggar castle and the Roerich art gallery.
- Slow lunch; trout is the local speciality.
- Free evening.
Day 5: Kasol and Manikaran, or a day hike; depart
- Option A: drive down to the Parvati valley for Kasol and Manikaran, and board your bus at Bhuntar.
- Option B: a guided day hike near Manali, then the evening bus.
Best time for this trip
March to June and October to November. December to February suits snow seekers, with flexible plans. Avoid July and August if you can.
Practical notes
- Confirm with your bus operator that boarding at Bhuntar is possible.
- Rafting on the Beas runs roughly April to June and after the monsoon; use a registered operator.
- Keep away from the Parvati river at Kasol.
- Keep one spare day in hand for a blocked road or bad weather.
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We do not publish a fixed price: the cost depends on your dates, group size, vehicle and the standard of stays.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
- Manali 3-day itinerary
- Kasol and Parvati valley guide
- Lahaul valley travel guide
- Best time to visit Manali
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 five days too long for Manali?
No. It allows a day in Lahaul and a relaxed day, which shorter trips miss.
Can I include Kasol?
Yes, on the last day on the way out, or as a night stop if you extend.
Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel?
No. A permit is needed only for Rohtang Pass sightseeing.
What should I book in advance?
Buses, rooms in peak weeks and any Rohtang permit.
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.
