Manali is one of the best destinations to spend your vacation, especially during the winter season. Manali’s scenery and atmosphere are both highly unusual.
Manali is a town in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu area that attracts couples and visitors from all over India and other nations. Solo travel has become the norm these days and I believe there is a reason for that.
The calmness, the freedom, and the personal growth you experience while traveling solo, you might not get when you travel with a friend, group, or family.
If you also intend to travel solo to Manali soon, this article will tell you how to plan a solo trip to Manali.
How To Plan a Solo Trip to Manali & How to Reach?
Delhi and Chandigarh are the central hubs for the nearby places of Himachal and Uttarakhand. And the easiest mode of transport you will get is bus only. In the winter season, there is heavy snowfall in the upper regions of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Consider that when you are planning your itinerary.
You can take a bus directly from Chandigarh ISBT 43 to Manali. The buses ply regularly and leave the stand at its pre-decided time. You can either take a government bus or a Volvo. The cost will vary according to the bus. Volvo usually costs around 1000 INR per person.
From Chandigarh to Manali the approximate time taken is around 9 hours. The bus stops in Mandi for snacks and tea. After that, the bus leaves for Manali.
If you are coming from Delhi, remember that the distance from Delhi to Mananli is around 540 km and the journey will take around 12-13 hours. Book the ticket online or directly at the bus counter at Kashmiri Gate.
From Volvo bus stand, Mall road Manali is approx 3 km distance and can be covered by walking or local taxis. If you take an ordinary bus then you reach directly to Mall Road as the bus stand is adjacent to Mall Road.
Best Places To Stay in Manali
Manali is a popular tourist destination, and the rates are naturally high owing to the snow season. Staying in Manali will be expensive if you book a hotel through an agent, so try to find lodgings on your own. Mall Road provides numerous stay options for all kinds of travelers.
If you want to do Manali on a budget, choose to stay in a hostel. Hostels like Hosteller cost as low as 1000 INR for three nights and provide ample opportunities to make new friends.
But if you want to experience the culture more closely and be more connected to the traditional roots of the place, you must choose to stay in homestays. Make sure to check the hotel location and Google reviews and ratings before finalizing the booking.
Where To Eat in Manali?
Although all of the hotels supply food, it is recommended that you eat outside so that you can enjoy the local delicacies and the atmosphere of Manali.
There are many modest hotels on Mall Road, and if you are non-vegetarian, you have lots of options. You can also try one of the many hawkers selling sweets on Mall Road.
How To Plan a Solo Trip to Manali & Places to Visit?
Places in Manali
If you are considering a trip to Manali, it will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. A solo journey to Manali will be more enjoyable if you plan ahead of time. Decide your itinerary in time but do not be too rigid with your plan. Be flexible if you want to have unexpected adventures.
One of the most common places to visit in Manali is “Old Manali”. There is a bridge across the river. On that river, you can go ziplining or do other adventure activities. The ancient monument present there is the Manu temple. You may get there by walking, and the temple is composed of lovely wood architecture.
Hadimba Temple is another famous place of worship in Old Manali. Hadimba temple is located at a good height and is accessible via stairs, with the major feature being evening art.
In the dev data forest, we discovered a snow-covered temple rooftop. You’ll find yaks here. The Yaks’ handlers and Rabbit owners will charge 200-300 INR for the photoshoot.
The Vashist temple is another famous place you can visit in Manali. It is famous for its hot spring which is said to have medicinal properties. Mall Road will provide you with several options in terms of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Places Around Manali
In places around Manali, the most visited locations include Rohtang and Solang Valley. Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are the main attractions for travelers. Many sports and thrilling activities are available in Solang Valley, particularly during the winter.
Solang Valley has significantly more snow. On the white carpet, you can go skiing, paragliding, riding a snow monster truck, and other activities. The distance between Mall Road and Solang is around 15-16 kilometers, and you can take a taxi from either Mall Road or Old Manali.
The cost of a taxi can vary depending on the season as well as the weather conditions of the place. In winter, the prices can rise to 8000-10000 INR, which is high. You may also need to acquire a permit in advance to visit some of these places.
Cost Of Solo Trip To Manali
Manali is quite expensive because it receives visitors from all over the world. If you are traveling alone, you can save money by staying in a hostel rather than a hotel. Outside the main area, there are eateries where you can eat. The average daily spend would be 1500-2000 INR, with the remainder up to you.
Also read: How Much Does A Manali Trip Cost For Family?