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Introduction
Manali, set in the heart of Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, is a scenic mountain town where the Beas River flows amid snow-capped Himalayan peaks. With a history rich in legends and a vibrant mix of Himachali and Tibetan cultures, Manali is especially magical in late January—covered in fresh snow, with crisp mountain air and cozy cafés.
Winter in Manali is perfect for traveling with friends on a budget. You can enjoy snowball fights at Solang Valley, try affordable snow activities, and explore bustling Mall Road for great food and local crafts. Friendly guesthouses and lively markets make it easy to experience Manali’s charm together.
Customized for these preferences:
Travel StyleTravelling with friends
Dates28-31 January 2026
BudgetAverage budget
AccommodationHotel, apartment or house, homestay
Interests and Activities:
arts and culturesightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment
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Key Facts
Location
Himachal Pradesh, India
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Religion
Hinduism
Population
8,096
Language
Hindi, English, Pahari
Electricity
230V, 50Hz, Type C/D
Time zone
UTCIST (UTC+5.5)
Country code
+91
Internet access
4G available; Wi-Fi in hotels, moderate speed
Climate
Cool summers, cold winters, snowfall
Language:
Hindi
hello
नमस्ते (na-mas-tey)goodbye
अलविदा (al-vi-da)yes
हाँ (haan)no
नहीं (na-heen)how much
यह कितने का है? (yeh kit-nay ka hai)please
कृपया (kri-pya)thank you
धन्यवाद (dhun-ya-vaad)excuse me
माफ कीजिए (maaf ki-jee-ye)
Map
Logistics
Getting to Manali is easiest by road, with regular Volvo and deluxe buses running overnight from Delhi and Chandigarh—these are popular and affordable options for groups of friends. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (about 50 km away), but flights are limited and can be pricier for budget travelers; taxis from Bhuntar to Manali are readily available.
There’s no direct train to Manali, but you can take a train to Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh, then complete the journey by bus or taxi. From January 28 to 31, weather conditions may include snowfall, which can affect road travel—carry warm clothing and check for possible road closures or travel advisories due to snow or landslides.
Weather
Manali enjoys a cool, pleasant climate most of the year, with summer temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Monsoon (July to September) can bring heavy rains, while autumn offers clear skies and vibrant cultural festivals. Winters, from December to February, are cold, often below freezing, attracting snow lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Between January 28 and January 31, expect chilly days and freezing nights, with temperatures often between -5°C and 8°C. Snowfall is highly likely, covering the landscape in white and creating a magical setting for arts, culture, and nighttime entertainment. Extreme weather events like heavy snowfall can occasionally lead to roadblocks and travel delays, so check local forecasts before planning activities.
Food & Drink
Manali’s cuisine features hearty Himachali dishes like Siddu (steamed bread), trout fish, and Chana Madra. You’ll find momos, thukpa (noodle soup), and local apple cider, especially in bustling cafes. Don’t miss sampling Tibetan fare and hot teas, perfect for cool mountain evenings.
For friendly, budget-friendly spots, try Johnson’s Café (famous trout), Café 1947 (riverside ambiance), and The Lazy Dog (vibrant music scene). For local snacks, visit Old Manali’s small eateries or Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted for coffee. Alcohol is available at licensed venues, but not everywhere.
A 5–10% tip is appreciated in restaurants, though not mandatory. Vegetarian options are widely available, and some eateries offer vegan or gluten-free dishes. During peak season, reserving popular places is wise since crowds are common.
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Accommodation
In Manali, popular neighborhoods to stay include Old Manali for its lively cafés and backpacker vibe, and The Mall Road for easy access to shops and restaurants. Mid-range hotels like Snow Valley Resorts and The Himalayan Hotel are comfortable picks, and you’ll find plenty of apartments and cozy homestays on Hotels.com, which covers most properties.
For a group of friends, consider renting an apartment or homestay for a more communal experience—Manali Meadows and Shingar Regency offer spacious options. Book early for January 28-31, as this is a busy winter season; accommodations fill quickly due to snow lovers and holidaymakers. Always review recent guest ratings on Hotels.com for the best choices.
Itinerary
Kick off your journey by diving into Manali's rich cultural and artistic fabric. Immerse yourself in its historic vibes, connect with the local arts scene, and start building shared memories with friends.
Heritage Walk at Old Manali Village
Begin your Manali adventure with a guided heritage walk through Old Manali. Discover traditional Himachali architecture, wooden houses, and ancient temples. It’s a delightful way to bond with friends while learning about the region’s roots.
Visit to the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring this fascinating museum. See exhibits of antique objects, costumes, and ritual masks. Great for understanding Manali’s vibrant heritage with friends!
Exploring Hadimba Devi Temple
Experience the iconic Hadimba Devi Temple—a blend of spirituality, art, and history nestled in cedar forests. Admire the wood carvings and soak in the serene vibes, making it a memorable group activity.
Private 6 Days Shimla Kullu Manali Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
Himachal Pardesh one of the amazing tourist destination in India. Has been a naturally rich tourist place in India known for hill stations, pine and deodar forest ranges, valleys, lush green jungles, snow covered peaks, high rise mountain ranges and a number of historical places. With the best of Shimla Kullu Manali Tour Package one gets to be a spectacle to the untarnished charms of the colonial era, superlative natural vantages and simple town life. * Visit popular hill stations with perfect hill station Himachali taxi driver * Enjoy the nature in Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Rohtang Pass * Enjoy river rafting in Kullu * Enjoy daily breakfast and dinner Inside the hotels * 3 star & 4 star hotels in Shimla Manali. * Airport/Railway Station/Hotel pick up and drop off included. *3 Star Hotels- Shinng Star, Cedar Bliss Shimla, Avisi Green, Swasthik Grand, Morning Star Manali or similar. 4 Star Hotels- Grand White, Rocky Knob, River Pine View Resort, SVH Manali, Snowflake Resort or similar
Experiences
volunteering
volunteering
learning
teaching
learning
teaching
Attractions
5.0 (2 reviews)
Shimla Kullu Manali Private 6 Days Himachal Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
Himachal Pardesh one of the amazing tourist destination in India. Has been a naturally rich tourist place in India known for hill stations, pine and deodar forest ranges, valleys, lush green jungles, snow covered peaks, high rise mountain ranges and a number of historical places. With the best of Shimla Kullu Manali Tour Package one gets to be a spectacle to the untarnished charms of the colonial era, superlative natural vantages and simple town life. * Visit popular hill stations major landmarks with perfect hill station friendly chauffer. * Enjoy the nature in Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Rohtang Pass * Enjoy river rafting in Beas River Kullu.(own expense) * 3 star & 4 star hotels, accommodation in Shimla Manali Chandigarh (option) * Enjoy delicious morning breakfast and dinners inside the hotel. * All Toll Tax, State Tax, Parking Charges are included. *Pick up and drop off from New Delhi airport, New Delhi hotel are available on request with extra transport cost.
From $429 USD
5.0 (1 reviews)
Shimla Manali Manikaran Kasol 7 Days Private Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
This tour is a best private 6 night 7 days tour of Himachal Pardesh. Visit Himalya most popular cities like Shimla- Kullu Manali- Beautiful Kasol with Manikaran Sahib from Chandigarh. The tour starts with sightseeing of Shimla- One of the most popular city & most visited tourist destinations of India. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be memorable events of your life that you shall never forget. Manali will be next destination which is located an altitude of 1829 mtrs, which is one of the most popular hill stations of Himalayan range in the state of Himachal Pardesh. Experiencing the view of hill stations in & around Manali is an amazing experience. You have chance to visit World famous Rohtang Pass in this tour. *Visit all top attractions of Shimla, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran with driver. *Enjoy delicious breakfast & dinner inside the hotel. *Private tour with expert hill station friendly chauffer. *Pick up & drop off from New Delhi avilable on extra transport cost.
From $471 USD
4.9 (30 reviews)
Private 7 Days Shimla Manali Hill Stations Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
Himachal Pardesh one of the amazing tourist destination in India. Has been a naturally rich tourist place in India known for hill stations, pine and deodar forest ranges, valleys, lush green jungles, snow covered peaks, high rise mountain ranges and a number of historical places. With the best of Shimla Kullu Manali Tour Package one gets to be a spectacle to the untarnished charms of the colonial era, superlative natural vantages and simple town life. * Visit popular hill stations with perfect Himachali taxi driver * Enjoy the nature in Shimla, Kufri, Manali and Rohtang Pass * Enjoy river rafting in Beas River Kullu. * Night stay in 3 star and 4 star hotels (option) * You can also book this tour for 3 or 4 person. Like you have children or if you are 2 couples. *4 Star Hotels- Grand White, Rocky Knob, River Pine View, SVH Manali, Grace Resort, Snowflake, Serenity Resort or similar. *3 Star Hotels- Shining Star, Cedar Bliss, Avisi Green, Swasthik Grand, Sunrise Villa or similar.
From $450 USD
5.0 (1 reviews)
Private 4 Days Kullu Manali Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
Himachal Pardesh one of the amazing tourist destination in India. Has been a naturally rich tourist place in India known for hill stations, pine and deodar forest ranges, valleys, lush green jungles, snow covered peaks, high rise mountain ranges and a number of historical places. With the best of Kullu Manali Tour Package one gets to be a spectacle to the untarnished charms of the colonial era, superlative natural vantages and simple town life. * Visit popular hill stations with perfect Himachali taxi driver * Enjoy the nature in Kullu,Manali, Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. * Enjoy river rafting in Beas River Kullu. * Enjoy your daily breakfast and dinner Inside hotel. *Please check the all three tour options before the tour booking. *3 Star Hotels- Sunrise Villa, Avisi Green, Swasthik Grand, Morning Star Manali or similar. *4 Star Hotels- River Pine View Resort, Grace Resort, Snowflake Resort, Serenity Resort, SVH Hotel Manali or similar.
From $380 USD
5.0 (1 reviews)
Private Shimla Manali Dharamshala 8 Days Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
This tour is a best private 7 night 8 days tour of Shimla, Kufri, Kullu Manali, Rohtang Pass, with Dalai Lama city of Dharamshala. It's complete Himachal tour package by car includes sightseeing of all most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pardesh within 8 days. This tour will be start from Chandigarh. Visit sightseeing of Shimla- One of the most popular city & most visited tourist destinations of India. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be memorable events of your life that you shall never forget. Manali will be next destination which is located an altitude of 1829 mtrs, which is one of the most popular hill stations of Himalayan range in the state of Himachal Pardesh. Experiencing the view of hill stations in & around Manali is an amazing experience. Dharamshala city is a very small and old city and popular destination in Himachal. Visit Shimla, Kufri, Kullu, Manali, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass and Dharamshala with local private expert hill station driver.
From $261 USD
5.0 (1 reviews)
Shimla Manali Dharamshala Amritsar 10 Days Tour From Chandigarh
INSTANT
This tour is a best 10 days private tour of Himachal Pardesh with Golden Temple, Amritsar. It's complete Himachal tour package by car includes sightseeing of all most popular tourist destinations of Himachal Pardesh within 10 days you will also explore Amritsar the famous holy city of Sikhism, Shimla, Kullu Manali and Dharmshala the city of Dalai Lama. The tour starts with sightseeing of Shimla- One of the most popular city & most visited tourist destinations of India. Also known as Simla, your travel to this place will be memorable events of your life that you shall never forget. Manali will be next destination which is located an altitude of 1829 mtrs, which is one of the most popular hill stations of Himalayan range in the state of Himachal Pardesh. Experiencing the view of hill stations in & around Manali is an amazing experience. Destinations covered in this tour- Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Amritsar (Golden Temple). *Pick up & drop off from New Delhi are available on extra cost.
From $287 USD
5.0 (1 reviews)
Explore Manali
INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation
Surrounded by majestic hills and woody forests, the quaint charm of Manali has captured the world's attention and has become one of the most visited destinations in India. The pristine River Beas flows right through the town, creating a mesmerising and spellbinding landscape. Nestled at one end of the Kullu Valley, Manali is a popular hill station with attractions such as the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley nearby. Highlights • Hadimba Temple • Tibetan monastery • Vashisht Temple
From $165 USD
4.0 (1 reviews)
Private 5-Day Shimla and Manali Tour from Delhi
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
4 Night 5 Days Shimla Kullu Manali Tour Package By Private Car Meals Sightseeing Enjoy Group & Family Tour Packages to Shimla Manali. Get Best Tour Packages for Collage Students. Himachal tour Incl. of Shimla, Kufri, Kullu, Manali sightseeing & more. Book now to avail. Special Online Discounts. Get Expert Travel Advice
From $350 USD
3.8 (6 reviews)
Shimla Manali Tour Package
INSTANT
Free Cancellation
Shimla Manali Tour Packages Ia a Papular Hill Station, take you to two of the most travel destinations in Himachal Pradesh. Tourist so Many attractions and activities. Best Option Shimla Manali tour starts from Delhi or Chandigarh, Shimla Manali tour package first takes you to your first beautiful destination - Shimla. Shimla, the erstwhile summer capital of the British India is known for its scenic views, pleasant climate and British Gothic architecture. The next destination takes you to Manali, which is as much well known as a scenic hill station as being a mythological city of Manu, the ancient lawgiver as per the Hindu Mythology.
From $352 USD
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