Travel

Manali Trip Notes

Initial notes from my Manali trip.

Trip Dates: May 6 - May 10, 2026

Day 1: Arrival and Old Manali Walk

  • Arrived in Manali from Delhi (overnight journey).
  • Explored the local Mall Road.
  • Walked into Old Manali. We stayed near Jackhill, so we walked a lot into the Log Huts area, Old Manali, Hidimba Temple, and the surrounding areas.

Day 2: Vashist and Naggar Castle

  • Traveled from Manali to Vashist to visit the Vashist Temple.
  • Took a ride to Naggar, mostly to see the Naggar Castle, but unfortunately, it was closed.
  • Tried various local foods, including:
    • Siddu
    • Momos
    • Laphing
    • Rajma Chawal

Day 3: Koksar and Aleo Exploration

  • Route taken: Manali -> Solang -> Atal Tunnel -> Koksar -> Gramphu. On return, visited Sissu and finally back through the tunnel.
  • Explored Aleo in the night where most of the resorts of Manali are located. It was an exhilarating bike ride trip.
  • Food experiences:
    • Breakfast at a local Manali dhaba.
    • Lunch at a local dhaba in Koksar on the return from Gramphu.
    • Dinner at Manali Mall Road (Sa-Ba fresh dough pizza).

Day 4: Shinkula Pass Tour

  • Went on a pre-booked Himachal Roadways government tour to Shinkula Pass (16,580 feet).
  • Route taken: Manali -> Atal Tunnel -> Sissu (breakfast) -> Keylong -> Jispa -> Darcha -> Shinkula Pass.
  • Food experiences:
    • Breakfast at Sissu.
    • Lunch at Darcha on the return from Shinkula Pass.
    • Dinner at a local Old Manali dhaba.

Day 5: Trekking, Paragliding, and Cafe Hopping

  • Went on a trek to Anjani Mahadev.
  • Did paragliding at Solang Valley.
  • Spent the evening at the Manali Clubhouse, sitting beside the river.
  • Went cafe hopping in Old Manali (Manu Temple Road).
  • Food experiences:
    • Local Himachali thali at the Clubhouse.
    • Cafe hopping, with a notable stop at Sabali.