BinoNestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is the perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The best part? You don't need a fortune to experience all that Manali has to offer.
With some smart planning and the help of Bino, my go-to WhatsApp assistant for finding rentals, recommendations, and hidden gems, I pulled off a dreamy 4-day trip to Manali without breaking the bank. Here's my itinerary for the ultimate budget-friendly escape.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Old Manali
Reaching Manali on a budget:
I took an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi, which cost ₹900 for a semi-sleeper seat. The scenic ride through winding mountain roads set the tone for the trip.
Affordable stay in Old Manali:
After reaching Manali in the morning, I checked into a quaint homestay in Old Manali. Bino helped me find a cozy room with a mountain view for just ₹1,000 per night. The area is peaceful, with charming cafés and lush greenery all around.
Exploring Old Manali:
I spent the afternoon wandering through the narrow lanes of Old Manali, lined with colorful shops selling handmade woolens, jewelry, and souvenirs. For lunch, I visited a café known for its wood-fired pizzas and had a delicious margherita pizza for ₹250.
Evening at Manu Temple:
A short walk from the main market brought me to the Manu Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Sage Manu. The views of the Beas River and surrounding mountains were stunning. Entry was free, and the peaceful vibe made it a perfect place to unwind.
Dinner with live music:
I ended the day at a café in Old Manali that hosted live acoustic performances. My dinner—a hearty bowl of thukpa—cost just ₹180, and the music added to the cozy mountain vibe.
Day 2: Adventures in Solang Valley and Vashisht
Morning in Solang Valley:
I started my day early with a trip to Solang Valley, about 13 km from Manali. Using Bino, I arranged for a shared cab for ₹300. Solang Valley is a paradise for adventure lovers. I tried snow tubing (₹500) and took a cable car ride (₹600), which offered breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks.
Lunch with a view:
I grabbed a quick lunch at a roadside dhaba in Solang Valley, where a plate of hot rajma chawal cost me just ₹100. Eating with a view of snow-clad mountains made it even better.
Relaxing at Vashisht:
In the afternoon, I headed to Vashisht Village, just 3 km from Manali. Famous for its natural hot springs, this little village is perfect for relaxation. I soaked in the hot water pools (entry fee ₹50) and felt all the mountain fatigue melt away.
Evening shopping:
On my way back, I explored the Tibetan Market in Manali. I picked up a warm shawl and a pair of handcrafted earrings for ₹300.
Dinner at a local eatery:
For dinner, I tried momos and chowmein at a small local eatery near the main market. The bill? A pocket-friendly ₹150.
Day 3: Rohtang Pass and Mall Road Fun
A snowy adventure at Rohtang Pass:
Rohtang Pass is a must-visit when in Manali. Using Bino, I booked a shared cab for ₹1,000 (round trip) and headed to this snow-covered wonderland. The views of glaciers, snowfields, and distant peaks were surreal. I rented snow boots and jackets from a roadside vendor for ₹250 and spent the morning enjoying snowball fights and sledding.
Lunch on the way back:
On my way back to Manali, I stopped at a roadside dhaba for a piping hot plate of parathas with butter, costing just ₹120.
Strolling along Mall Road:
The evening was all about exploring Mall Road, Manali's bustling hub. From quirky souvenirs to warm street food like roasted corn (₹30), Mall Road had something for everyone.
Dinner at a rooftop café:
For my last dinner in Manali, I splurged a little at a rooftop café, where I had a creamy butter chicken with naan for ₹350. The view of the twinkling lights of the town below was worth it.
Day 4: Goodbye Manali with Hidimba Temple
Morning visit to Hidimba Devi Temple:
Before leaving Manali, I visited the iconic Hidimba Devi Temple, set amidst a beautiful cedar forest. The temple's unique wooden architecture and serene surroundings were a perfect send-off. Entry was free, and I spent some time exploring the nearby trails.
Souvenir shopping:
I picked up some local Himachali handicrafts and snacks like dried fruits and apple jam from the local market. Thanks to Bino's recommendation, I found shops offering fair prices and spent ₹400 on thoughtful souvenirs.
Heading back:
By afternoon, it was time to catch my return Volvo bus to Delhi, which cost another ₹900.
Budget Breakdown:
- Travel (round trip): ₹1,800 (Volvo bus)
- Accommodation: ₹3,000 (₹1,000 x 3 nights)
- Food: ₹1,200 (₹300 per day)
- Activities (Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, etc.): ₹2,400
- Local transport and shopping: ₹1,300
Total: ₹9,700
Final Thoughts
Manali is one of those places where you can do as much or as little as you like. Whether it's thrilling adventures in Solang Valley, peaceful moments in Vashisht, or shopping sprees on Mall Road, this hill town has something for every kind of traveler.
What made my trip even better was Bino. From finding affordable stays to booking transport and even suggesting hidden gems, Bino (9800081110) was my go-to guide for everything. If you're planning a trip to Manali, don't stress about the details—just ask Bino and enjoy the mountains!
So, pack your bags, grab a warm jacket, and let Manali's charm sweep you off your feet. You won't regret it!
