How to plan a budget friendly trip to Manali

One of the most well-liked tourist spots in India is Manali. Everyone enjoys visiting Manali at least once in their lives. Whether on a lone quest for inner peace and adventure, a backpacking trip with your besties, or a honeymoon getaway with your significant other, Manali and its mountains will never cease to captivate you. The budget-friendly trip to Manali will ensure you get a taste of the area's well-known tourist attractions, and its friendliness will compel you to return. It is the most popular vacation spot for first-timers and regular tourists who frequently travel here use the Manali taxi service. Here is a budget-friendly travel itinerary for Manali.

Budget friendly travel option

By Bus: This is the least expensive and fastest way to get to Manali. The greatest time to take a bus is after 9 PM because you won't miss the light of day. An average state bus will only cost you Rs. 800, but you will have to make some compromises in terms of comfort. A Volvo luxury bus will cost you between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1500 per person.

By Air: The closest airport to Manali, Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar), is reachable by direct flights at reasonable rates, and you can generally find discounts on flights. Since there aren't any commuting services like Ola and Uber in this area, you can rent a car in Manali when you get there to get to your accommodation.

By Rail: There is no direct rail that goes to Manali. Manali's closest railway station, Jogindernagar, connects the mountain town to several significant cities. You can also go to Manali by train from Chandigarh and Ambala. From the railheads, you can opt for either buses/taxi services in Manali.

Tips and tricks for an unforgettable budget trip to Manali!

Hostels staycation



When travelling on a budget to Manali, it is best to stay in hostels because hotel rates will be higher. You will get the opportunity to engage with other guests while staying at the hostel and be amazed by the cultural diversity and ethical standards. Any hostel stay would start at Rs. 250.

Food

To make your 3 to 4-day vacation to Manali on a budget more enticing and refreshing, you must try the local cuisine. You will pay INR 400 daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out these Manali specialities to awaken your taste buds: khatta, sidu, babru, trout, patande, bhey, aktori, and tudkiya bhat.

Rent a vehicle for travelling

One of the best options is to rent a bike because it is less expensive. Depending on the sort of bike, you'll pay anywhere from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1500 a day. Alternatively, you can pay between Rs. 1500 and 2500 per day OR about Rs. 400 for a one-way trip from Old Manali to New Manali from an affordable Manali taxi service (approximately 2 to 3 km).

Budget friendly tourist attractions for Manali trip

Mall Road



Manali's Mall Road is the busiest tourist destination for visitors to Himachal Pradesh and is frequently referred to as the city's centre. There is plenty to keep you busy for the day on Manali's Mall Road, which is well-known for its street shopping explorations and is bustling with a variety of activities.

Visit the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple before continuing down the Mall road. It has the ideal fusion of architectural styles and vibrant tones to capture on camera. The main shrine's focal point is the Sakyamuni shrine. The Tibetan-style crafts on display are simply amazing, and they make the ideal gift that will fit the bill and not detract from your low-budget trip to Manali.

Winter Carnival

How about an affordable carnival? You're correct, of course! Winter Carnival is one of the best destinations for your inexpensive trip to Manali. Manali, one of the most exciting tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, gets ready to ring in the new year with aplomb and celebrations each year around New Year's Eve.

Himachal Winter Carnival is the event's official name and is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and exciting cultural experiences. The Manali Winter Carnival, the biggest tourism occasion in Himachal, promotes regional culture and winter activities to draw visitors during the slow winter season.

Old Manali

The tourist path crosses the Manalsu River bridge into Manali's "Old Manali" neighbourhood to see a different side of the town. The village's unusual charm will make you feel like you've entered another world. Visitors, especially lone travellers, who frequently praise the city as a place to unwind and relax. Old Manali is among the best places to visit on a limited-budget trip to Manali.

The Jogini Falls

Jogni Falls, another name for this magnificent cascade, is located 7.5 kilometres from Manali's bus terminal and 4 kilometres from Vashisht Temple. From the Vashisht temple, a 1.5-hour climb will take you to the waterfall. The entire stroll is gorgeous, offering breath taking vistas of Manali.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the incredible places to visit in Manali on a tight budget and is located between Beas Kund and Solang Village, 13 kilometres from Manali. The adventure activities in the Solang Valley, such as skiing, river rafting, and paragliding, are truly unique experiences.

Temple of Vashisht and Hot Springs

This 4,001-year-old temple, which lies 5 kilometres from Old Manali, is devoted to the ancient Indian sage Vashisht, who served as Ram and Lakshman's guru. This temple is well-known for its hot springs, which are revered and said to have healing effects on the skin. Both men and women have their own private, Turkish-style bathing cubicles.

Temple of Hidimba

Three kilometres from Old Manali, in the cedar-covered Dhun Giri Forest, you'll find a historic cave temple constructed in 1553. It is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata and the wife of Bhima. This temple is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, and there is no entrance fee.



Make sure to find a package deal for river rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, and so on, rather than a single one if you're feeling adventurous or wish to try some of the sports. When compared to paying for individual sports, package deals give you more for a lower price. Manali's lush green valleys and adventure sports will elevate your mind and soul and are worth every penny.

Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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12 Top Motorcycling Routes in the Western Himalayas for the Die Hard Adventure Enthusiast

Summers can be sweltering and sultry in the plains and coastline of India, but this same season signals a vibrant change in life in the Himalayas. The melting snow, the increasing temperatures and the bright sunshine gives the entire mountainous region a makeover. Greys, whites and browns are replaced by lush green and vivid colours. The bottom half of the landscape is made up of gurgling snow fed streams and rivers, a sea of greenery interspersed with colourful flowers and a rich array of active bird and animal life. And the upper half of this landscape is dominated by the mighty mountains and their snow capped peaks. Add to this rarefied air, a pleasant nip, longer days, clean blue skies and bright sunshine and you have a heady concoction.



With the high mountain roads in the Western Himalayas being re-opened, this exhilarating experience now becomes accessible to all of us. Motorcycling enthusiasts, cyclists and road trippers…be ready as the time has come to act on your travel bucket-list for the mountains and to conquer some of the highest mountain roads in the world.



Here is a list of the 12 best motorcycling routes in the Western Himalayas. These routes are high on adventure, spectacular when it comes to panorama and absolutely surreal when it comes to overall experience. While some of these take you to the highest villages, polling stations and post offices of India, the others take you to cold deserts, gorgeous high altitude lakes, stunning high mountain passes, India’s highest astronomical observatory, serene monasteries and temples and last, but not the least, some of the highest motorable roads in the world.

Some words of wisdom before you embark on this adventurous journey:

1) Do plan for proper acclimatization or be ready for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

2) Dare devilry is a one way track to hell in the mountains. Remember that and plan your trips accordingly

3) Mountain weather is very unpredictable. Be prepared for snow or very cold weather at all times

4) Certain high mountain passes can get blocked at times due to inclement weather. Do ensure your trip itinerary has enough buffer

5) Some areas are perilously close to our international borders. Hence, you might require inner line permits and there can be periodic checks

1) Leh –> Khardung La –> Nubra Valley –> Turtuk



This is possibly the mecca for all motorcycling aficionados. At 17,582 feet above MSL, Khardung La, which is about 45 kilometres from Leh, is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. A steep ascent from Leh takes you to this high mountain pass and on the other side of it exists Nubra valley, one of the popular Ladakh tour places and that is famous for its double humped bactrian camels and scenic views of the Shyok river. A little beyond Nubra valley is the very remote village of Turtuk that shares more similarities with Central Asia than South Asia.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: Usually open throughout the year unless there is heavy snowfall at Khardung La

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)

2) Leh –> Chang La –> Tangtse –> Phobrang –> Marsimik La –> Pangong Tso



You might be mistaken if you think Khardung La is the highest motorable road in India. There is a slightly offbeat mountain pass called Marsimik La or Marsimek La that is even higher than it. At 18,384 feet, it is higher than Khardung La and hence owns the title of the highest motorable road in India. But, the road here is not in as good a shape as the one at Khardung La and hence only experienced motorcyclists should attempt to scale this pass. This route takes you through lovely Ladakhi countryside, beautiful mountain passes and authentic villages before arriving at the iconic Pangong Tso lake.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


3) Keylong –> Gramphoo –> Batal –> Kunzum La



This has to be one of Western Himalayas’ most treacherous routes. It is made up of boulders, stones, pebbles and gushing mountain streams. This route tests the true grit and mettle of the motorcycle and its rider. Connecting the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh with Spiti, this route takes you to the absolutely stunning Chandra Taal lake and the heady Kunzum pass, before descending into the villages of Spiti.

Level of difficulty: Difficult (the roads are really poor) with many boulders and water streams

Approximate number of days: 4 days (one way)

Accessible months: March to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh)


4) Leh –> Upshi –> Chumathang –> Hanle –> Tso Moriri –> Tso Kar



For most of this route, the mighty Indus river flows next to you and that too in the middle of the Changthang cold desert, where horses, Ladakhi kiangs, nomadic tribes and spectacular mountains keep you company. Apart from spectacular views, this ladakh road trip offers you the chance to visit the second highest astronomical observatory in the world at Hanle, a rich wetland in Tso Moriri and a lovely salt lake in Tso Kar.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year round unless there is heavy snowfall on the high mountain passes

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


5) Manali –> Rohtang La –> Tandi –> Barlacha La –> Sarchu –> Tanglang La –> Leh



When someone talks of a Ladakh bike trip, this is what they would referring to in all probability. One of the most iconic motorcycle trips in the world, this adventure packed route takes you through some of the highest mountain passes in the world, sensational valleys, beautiful landscapes and roaring mountain rivers. If you are a motorcycle lover, this route definitely has to be on your bucket list.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir) depending on which way you opt for this route


6) Kaza –> Ki –> Kibber –> Tashigong –> Thinam



Home to the world’s highest polling station at Tashigang and colorful gompas in harmonious surroundings, this route in Spiti valley takes you to some of the highest villages in the world. Rapidly ascending roads, steep curves and hairpin bends and heavenly vistas greet you here. I would go here to stay in these high villages and to meditate in its tranquil monasteries.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


7) Kaza –> Langza –> Hikkim –> Komic –> Dhemul –> Chorden



While the previous route takes you to high mountain villages, this route takes you even higher. India’s highest post office at Hikkim, India’s highest village in Komic and an absolutely gorgeous village located at the base of mighty snow capped mountains in Langza are some of the treats of this route. The roads can be bad to worse, but the panoramas will more than make up for it.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


8) Kaza –> Dhankar –> Mud –> Pin Valley



This has to one of Spiti valley’s prettiest routes. Connecting Pin valley national park with the main Spiti highway, this route is full of pristine river views, cute villages and lush nature. At Dhankar, this route also offers one of the best river confluence views in the Himalayas where the pin and the spiti rivers meet. Trekking enthusiasts will love this route as it allows them to indulge in the high altitude Dhankar lake and the various treks leading towards Pin Parbati peak and the Great Himalayan National Park.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December

Nearest airport: Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) or Chandigarh


9) Leh – Alchi – Lamayuru - Kargil – Zozi La – Sonmarg



The notorious Zozi La can be found on this bike trip to Ladakh. Running perilously close to the Pakistan border, a lot of military action can be seen on this route. It is home to two tranquil monasteries in Lamayuru and Alchi, it has the gorgeous confluence of the Zanskar and the Indus rivers, it has the unique magnetic hill and stunning valleys. While the roads till Kargil are good, do expect some back breaking conditions after that, especially as you near Zozi La pass.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: April to December unless there is heavy snowfall on the high mountain passes

Nearest airport: Leh (Jammu and Kashmir) or Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir)


10) Shimla – Sarahan – Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa

This is apple terrain. Sarahan and Sangla are famous for their apples. Chitkul is considered the last village on the Hindustan – Tibet highway. And Kalpa is home to the Kinnaur Kailash mountain view. Located in the Sutlej and the Baspa river valleys, these villages offer everything from pretty riverside to ripe apple orchards and from lovely mountain vistas to a pretty mountain holiday.

Level of difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Approximate number of days for return journey: 3 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year around unless the roads are blocked due to heavy snowfall or landslides

Nearest airport: Chandigarh


11) Leh – Padum



Recently opened, this route takes you to the heart of Zanskar valley, one of the remotest regions in Ladakh and certainly a new addition to a leh ladakh bike trip plan. This route will be cold, as offbeat as possible and will offer you some of the best views of the Zanskar river, the one that freezes to become a ‘chadar’ or carpet in the winter months.

Level of difficulty: Difficult

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: May to July

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)


12) Leh – Chemrey – Chang La – Pangong Tso



From lush Indus valley to mustard fields to high mountain passes and a massive salt water body, this charming route takes you through some of the most diverse landscapes of Ladakh. The offbeat Chemrey monastery, the beautiful Chang La pass, the quiet Tangtze village and the absolutely jaw dropping high altitude Pangong tso lake are its main highlights. Camping by the lake and watching the starlit Himalayan night sky is an experience to die for.

Level of difficulty: Moderate

Approximate number of days: 2 days (one way)

Accessible months: All year round unless the roads are closed due to heavy snowfall

Nearest airport: Leh, Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir)

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The Frozen River Trek of Ladakh

It is that time of the year when the world rushes to the Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh in India in spite of it being extremely cold and hostile. Temperatures can drop to as low as minus 35 degree Celsius and oxygen levels can be abysmally low due to lack of any green living matter. Now, you might think, ‘Why do people want to travel here in such hostile weather’. The reason is one of nature’s best spectacles and experiences, wherein, you get to walk on a frozen river and experience a cold and icy atmosphere.


The Zanskar river that flows through one of the remotest regions on the planet freezes every year from around the 3rd week of January to the 2nd week of February. Historically, this was the time of the year when the people living in the remote villages of the Zanskar region used to walk on the frozen Zanskar river to collect supplies from Leh. What was historically a path for survival is quickly turning into a adventure sport where a lot of tourists are interested in trekking two to three weeks on the frozen river.


The trek begins at Padum, one of the larger villages in the Zanskar valley and ends at Chilling, where the road connectivity to Leh begins. The frozen river trek can take any where from between 15 to 22 days depending on prevailing weather conditions. Since, the treks take place in testing circumstances, one has to be decently fit to embark on this journey. A lot of trekking outfits provide packages for the frozen river trek. Such packages include most of the gear, insurance, guide, food, tents, et al.


If you are young, decently fit and have a streak of adventure in you, then this is one trip you have to undertake. It is rarely that you get to live in a world of white, walk amidst towers of ice, walk on ice and live (eat and sleep) on ice. And once you finish this trek, you can also go on a Leh Ladakh tour to see a different side of Ladakh and so unlike from the summer months.


If this trek is not your thing, but you want to explore the other side of Ladakh, look up the other options you have at Ladakh Tourism.

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Top 6 Day Trip Ideas from Leh, Ladakh

The Himalayan kingdom of Ladakh has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers. It simply doesn’t matter whether you a motorcycling enthusiast, holidaying family, adventure traveler, photographer or out on a simple vacation, Ladakh has a lot to ensure you always stay captivated with its beauty. I have been to Ladakh many times and in different seasons and here is a list of the best day trip ideas from Leh that should help you enjoy your Ladakh holiday to the fullest.

1) Khardung La

Khardungla is like a mecca for motorcycling enthusiasts. To ride up to 18,380 feet and stand on one of the highest motorable roads in the world is no mean feat. Khardungla is about 60-80 minutes one way from Leh if you drive without any stops. You can stay for a maximum of 30 minutes on the top and explore the slopes on either side for magnificent panoramas. If you want a longer day trip, then you can continue towards Nubra valley, which is located on the other side.

Note of caution: Acclimatize well before going to Khardung La

Planning: Get you permits in advance from Leh

2) Nubra Valley and Khardung La

Nubra valley is perfect for the nature loving traveler. It’s sand dunes at Hundar, its monasteries at Diskit, it’s Nubra and Shyok river views and its double humped bactrian camels will ensure that you have a fabulous day trip. And the best part is that you can also do Khardung La as a pit stop. But, the point to keep in mind is that this will be a long day.with lots of travel in it. To reach Leh from the rest of the country, one can take the Go Air, Jetlite or other flights that operate daily from Delhi.

Note of caution: Acclimatize well before going to Khardung La

Planning: Get you permits in advance from Leh

3) Lamayuru Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Sangam and Magnetic Hill

This is one of the more popular day trips around Leh as it will allow to see the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, see the pulling effect of the magnetic hill and soak in the beauty of Ladakh’s two old Buddhist monasteries, each on either side of the Indus river at Lamayuru and at Alchi. Since this is a very easy trip with minimal walking, it is ideal for all kinds of travelers.

4) Hemis Monastery and Hemis High Altitude National Park

Hemis is the place where the richest monastery of Ladakh exists. Since Hemis is located primarily in the shadows of the mighty Himalayas, it is always colder than the rest of the places. Apart from the monastery, one can explore the neighboring Hemis High Altitude National Park, which is known for its snow leopards and its beautiful treks.

5) Pangong Tso

Pangong Tso is one of Ladakh’s prettiest lakes and can be visited on a day trip from Leh, though there will be lots of travel in the day. This is where the last scene of the ‘3 Idiots’ bollywood movie was shot. The place is so serene and beautiful that one can spend hours admiring its beauty. The plus points of this trip is that you can visit the high altitude Chang La pass and also see the Changthang cold desert up close.

Note of caution: Acclimatize well before going to Chang La and Pangong Tso

Planning: Get you permits in advance from Leh

6) Chilling (Zanskar Valley)

The Zanskar valley as such demands a longer duration to explore, but if you need to get a flavor of the place and get to see its beauty in a day, then Chilling is the place to visit. The trip will allow you to see to see the picturesque Zanskar valley and the fast flowing blue river and explore one of Ladakh’s most remote regions.

There are additional options for a day trip, namely the astronomical observatory at Hanle and the Tso Moriri Lake, but both these places would mean lots of traveling and hence I have not put them in my list here, though they will make ideal 2-day trips.

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Leh Palace: Rich Ruins that overlook the capital of Ladakh

The Leh Palace that was built in the 17th century by King Sengge Namgyal today exists in a semi dilapidated condition, but exudes the same aura as it looks upon the Himalayan kingdom of Leh. It is one of those places apart from Shanti Stupa and the monastery nearby that offers panoramic views of Leh town.


Reaching it is fairly easy. There are 2 options. One is to take a vehicle right up to it, but the one I recommend is to reach the main Leh market and climb the steep slopes to Leh palace. This climb should take you 10-15 minutes and passes through rows of Ladakhi houses and shops. In case you get lost, the locals will be kind enough to help you get back on track.


This palace, currently being restored by the Archaeological survey of India, is open to the general public. The best views can be seen from the roof of this palace, wherein you will see the Zanskar range to one side, the Ladakh range to the other and the bustling Leh town right below it.


This palace modeled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet is based on medieval Tibetan architecture. The main features of this style of architecture are massive buttressed walls and overhanging wooden balconies. One can visit the palace museum to see the rich collection of artwork, murals and jewelry that used to exist within the palace in its heydays.


This is one place you should visit if you are in Leh. For best views go during sunrise or sunset. For a full view of the palace, stop by the main parking lot in the market.

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