Manali a hill station in Himachal Pradesh is one of the popular hill stations in India. Due to its vastness, a well-planned Manali itinerary for 3 days is important. The Manali trip plan must cover all major attractions along with some offbeat places that can help visitors make the most of their visit. With a pre-planned and structured Manali itinerary, you can explore its scenic beauty, enjoy adventure activities, and experience cultural significance.
Know How to Plan Manali Itinerary for 3 Days
This Manali 3 days itinerary covers the best of Manali, ensuring a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. 3 days is enough to cover a lot of Manali turning it into a happy Manali trip plan. Let’s know about all 3 days in Manali.
Day 1: Exploring Old Manali and Nearby Attractions
Your day 1 in Manali will be about visiting the popular attractions and visiting Old Manali. After checking into your hotel, relax and enjoy the property and then head out to tick on the first-day plan out of the Manali trip plan for 3 days. Now let us see how you can plan your day.
Morning
| Places | What To Do |
| Hadimba Devi Temple | In the morning, visit this ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Hadimba. The temple is famous for its unique wooden architecture. Getting here early means fewer crowds. This place on your Manali 3 days itinerary is a peaceful retreat as it is surrounded by cedar forests. |
| Old Manali Market | Spend some time visiting the market’s famous food its cafes, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Try local snacks like trout fish or Siddu, a popular Himachali delicacy. It is a great place to buy woollen clothes and handicrafts from local artisans. A perfect activity for the first day in your Manali trip plan for 3 days. |
| Manu Temple | A short uphill walk from Old Manali leads you to the Manu Temple. The temple is dedicated to Sage Manu, the creator of human civilization, as per Hindu mythology. This visit would be nicely added to the first-day itinerary of the Manali trip plan. Follow this with exploring nearby attractions to keep the schedule relaxing. |
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Afternoon
| Vashisth Hot Water Springs | Situated 6 km from Manali, Vashisht village has natural hot water springs and ancient temples. You should bring an extra pair of clothes for bathing in the hot springs, which are thought to be therapeutic. Manali 3 days itinerary is balanced with some local attractions, followed by a relaxing visit. Time spent here gives travellers a glimpse into the traditional practices of the region. |
| Jogini Waterfalls | A short 3 km trek from Vashisht, this place is an exquisite waterfall location with picturesque views. Great place for a picnic. The hike is beginner-friendly and lasts about an hour. This place is an important waystation on the Manali itinerary for 3 days, injecting some adventure into the plan. Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience. |
Evening
| Mall Road | Return to Central Manali and explore Mall Road. Do shopping, try local food, and have a leisurely evening. Taste Himachali dishes at a local dhaba and buy souvenirs such as Kullu shawls or Tibetan artefacts. Strolling on Mall Road evenings makes one feel the pulse of the town. |
| Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa | This is a Tibetan monastery situated close to Mall Road. Check the well-spent first day of your Manali 3 days itinerary visiting here. immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and art. They are a serene and meditative place with prayer wheels. You can also speak to monks to learn about Buddhist traditions. Adding this destination to the Manali itinerary gives an idea about the religious and traditional background of Manali. |
TIP: Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
PRO TIP: After spending the first day according to the Manali trip plan you will get to know a bit about the daily life of locals and their culture. Head back to your hotel and take a rest to start your next day with rejuvenation.
Day 2: Adventure and Scenic Beauty
The second day in the Manali itinerary for 3 days will be the day of adventure and exploring the beauty of the place. Have a full-fledged breakfast and prepare for the day full of activities ahead. Now, let’s look at how you can plan your day.
Morning
| Solang Valley | Visit Solang Valley on the second day of the Manali trip plan. It is 13 km away from Manali. Known for its adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing in winter. During summer you can go for ATV rides or go trekking. The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and covered with greenery. So this detour combines adventure with scenic panoramas. Upon visiting Solang Valley, you can move ahead on the same route to visit several other places. |
| Anjani Mahadev Temple | This Shiva temple is located near Solang Valley and is a short trek away surrounded by beautiful landscapes. It is recommended to visit in the morning for solitude. If you plan this Manali 3 days itinerary in winter, you can see the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam. The hike isn’t difficult, nor is it a long one so can fit into a morning schedule before heading to the next destination. |
Afternoon
| Nehru Kund | A natural spring with clear glacier water, a perfect stopover on your Manali trip plan for 3 days. A good photo spot and a nice restroom break before moving on. Travellers visiting Nehru Kund can head over to the higher-altitude places with minimal diversion. |
| Gulaba | Situated 20 km away from Manali, Gulaba serves as an alternative to the Rohtang Pass and is famous for its snowy land and trekking trails. In winter enjoy snow activities. This place is enclosed by the Deodar forests. Gulaba is part of the Manali itinerary so you get to see snow without special permits. Come early in the day for a more enjoyable experience before the crowds arrive. |
Evening
| Naggar Castle | Explore this ancient castle during a Manali trip plan for 3 days. The Naggar Castle provides views and a gallery showcasing works by the Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. For something more leisurely, enjoy tea at the castle’s cafe. You can soak up some of the cultural significance of the castle before venturing into nature-centric destinations. |
| Hallan Valley | A lesser-known valley near Manali that is perfect for those seeking peace and breathtaking landscapes. If you visit be sure to go before sunset, the views are stunning. It also is terrific for short nature walks and bird-watching. But adding Hallan Valley to the Manali itinerary for 3 days makes it a good place to unwind before ending the day. |
With the first two days of your Manali itinerary coming to a close, you will have witnessed both the adventure and splendid greenery that the place has to offer. Head back to your hotel, relax, and recharge for one more day of exploring.
Day 3: Offbeat and Cultural Exploration
On the last day of the Manali itinerary for 3 days, you will initiate an excursion of exploring the offbeat destinations while experiencing the culture. This being the last day of your Manali trip plan to be it a relaxing yet enjoyable day. Now, how can you go about planning your day?
Morning
| Jana Waterfall | To start the last day of your Manali itinerary for 3 days drive 32 km from Manali. It will take you towards the scenic waterfall. Visiting in the morning is the right decision to avoid the crowd. And the village around the waterfall still has its old-world feel. Add this to your Manali itinerary for a dose of nature accompanied by local culture, with a taste of Himachali hospitality and food. |
| Kasheri Village | Located close to Jana Waterfall, this is one of Himachal’s village destinations. Communicate with locals to gain insights into their culture. The apple orchards and untouched natural beauty have to be a part of the Manali 3 days itinerary. |
Afternoon
| Bhirgu Lake Trek | If you are an adventure enthusiast, this lake is 14,000 feet high. A shorter trek can also be done to its base. It requires a guide and a moderate fitness level. The trek provides breathtaking vistas of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. |
| Sethan Valley | A quiet Buddhist village, popular for snow trekking and camping and igloo stays during winter. Add an overnight stay in an igloo in your Manali itinerary if you visit during the winter. The valley is less explored and it gives an exhilarating Himalayan experience. |
Evening
| Van Vihar National Park | Head back to Manali, and unwind at this park with a lake where boating is available. This place on Manali 3 days itinerary is ideal for families with kids. Tall deodar trees fill the air with coolness and freshness. |
| Him Valley Amusement Park | A must-visit place on your Manali 3 days itinerary. This amusement park features rides and cultural performances for families and groups. Best for closing out the trip in a fun way. You can try local food stalls at the park that serve Himachali delicacies. |
After exploring the lesser-known, cultural and historical spots over the past days following the best Manali trip plan, you will leave Manali with a greater appreciation. Finally, wrap up your journey and head back with memories.
Additional Tips For Manali Itinerary
- Best Season For Manali Itinerary: March to June for good weather and October to February for snow and winter sports.
- Transportation: Rent a bike for flexibility or use a local taxi for added convenience on your Manali trip plan. Public buses also run on the main routes.
- Must pack: Woolens, trekking shoes, sunscreen, and rain gear if you are planning a Manali itinerary during the monsoon.
- Local customs: Be respectful, especially in temples and monasteries.
- Safety Measures: Carry necessities if trekking and your route.
- Recommended Food: Dham (a festive meal), chana madra and babru (a local snack)
A Manali 3 days itinerary is an ideal blend of adventure, nature, and cultural experience. Planning, including transportation and accommodation, can make the travel experience even better. It’s also good to carry cash since many places in remote areas will not accept digital payments and always check the weather before venturing into treks or high-altitude areas.
FAQs On Manali Itinerary
Is 3 days sufficient for Manali?
For sure, a Manali itinerary for 3 days is sufficient to explore the beauty of Manali, experience the culture of locals, and indulge in all the adventurous activities.
How to plan a trip for Manali?
A trip to Manali can be planned according to your convenience. The Manali itinerary for 3 days is a good period to plan a memorable trip.
Is Manali better than Kullu?
Both Kullu and Manali have their charm. People who want to experience river activities, valley views, and milder weather conditions must visit Kullu. On the other hand, Manali is for people who enjoy colder temperatures, snowier conditions, and winter sports.
How much is the Manali trip plan for 3 days?
The average price for 3 days Manali trip plan for one person can be around Rs. 10,000 – Rs.12,000.
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