There’s a pattern every year in India’s travel calendar. Summer arrives, the heat becomes unbearable in Delhi and the NCR, and millions of people simultaneously make the same decision: Manali. The Volvo buses are booked out weeks in advance, hotel prices triple, Mall Road resembles Connaught Place on a Sunday, and the famous Solang Valley becomes a traffic jam at altitude. Sound familiar?
Here’s what most people don’t know: Manali is actually the gateway- not the destination. Within 30 to 150 kilometres of Manali lies a constellation of places so beautiful, so wild, so completely different from each other, that treating Manali as the entire trip is a bit like flying to Rome and spending the whole holiday in the airport lounge.
This blog is for groups planning their Himachal trip from Delhi in a Tempo Traveller- the most popular, comfortable, and economical group travel option for this route. We cover the journey itself, the best stops along the way, and every stunning hidden gem that should be on your itinerary beyond Manali. Pack your bags. The real trip starts after Manali’s Mall Road.
7 Amazing Places Near Manali that Make Your Trip Extraordinary
These are not tourist-brochure additions. Each of these places has something Manali’s main town simply cannot offer and all are reachable from your Tempo Traveller base in Manali.
Kasol- 75 KM from Manali
“The Mini Israel of India- riverside cafés, pine forests and global vibes”
Kasol is perhaps the most beloved offbeat destination in all of North India, and for very good reason. Nestled along the banks of the Parvati River in the heart of Parvati Valley, this tiny village has evolved into a full cultural experience: riverside cafes serving Israeli hummus and shakshuka, pine-covered trails stretching in every direction, and an atmosphere that feels more like the foothills of the Galilee than the Himalayas. Kasol attracts backpackers, trekkers, musicians, yoga practitioners and anyone who simply wants to sit by a river with a book and forget what city feels like.
Beyond the main village, Kasol is the launchpad for the entire Parvati Valley circuit: Chalal (30 min walk across the suspension bridge), Kheerganga, Tosh, Malana, and the Pin Parvati Pass for serious trekkers. The famous Kheerganga Trek begins here. The Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara (5 km) with its sacred hot springs is another anchor. Spend at least two nights in Kasol- one night is simply not enough.
Key Highlights:
- Parvati riverside café culture
- Kheerganga trek base
- Chalal village walk (30 min)
- Israeli food
- Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara
- Camping by the river
Kheerganga: 70 Km +Trek- From Manali
“Trek through oak forests, soak in a Himalayan hot spring at the top”
If there is one trek in the Parvati Valley that every traveller talks about for years afterward, it is Kheerganga. Starting from Barshaini (near Kasol), this 12 km moderately challenging trail winds through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, past the thundering Rudra Nag waterfall, through tiny shepherd settlements, and finally emerges onto the high meadow of Kheerganga at 2,960 metres- where a natural hot spring pools await you. After hours of trekking, soaking your tired muscles in steaming natural spring water while looking out over the Parvati Valley is an experience that borders on the spiritual.
The meadow is also one of the finest camping spots in Himachal Pradesh. Camp overnight, wake up at dawn before any other trekkers stir, and watch the first light hit the peaks across the valley in total silence. Basic food and tents are available from local vendors at the top, but carry your own if possible, for a better experience.
- 12 km moderate trek from Barshaini
- Natural hot spring soak
- Overnight camping at meadow
- Rudra Nag waterfall
- Dawn valley views
Tosh: 90 Km +Trek from Manali
“Where serious trekkers go when Kasol feels too crowded”
Tosh sits at the far end of the Parvati Valley at 2,400 metres- a small, beautiful village that has quietly become the favourite base for Himachal’s most discerning travellers. Surrounded by snow peaks and alpine meadows, connected to Kasol by a 6 km rough road from Barshaini (plus a short uphill walk), Tosh offers breathtaking panoramic views that arguably beat anything Kasol or Manali’s main town provides. Homely guesthouses perched on the ridge with glass-walled rooms looking out at the Dhauladhar range have become Tosh’s signature, and the village cafes- Bhoj Café is the most famous are warm, genuine, and serve excellent Himachali food alongside reasonable continental options.
Tosh is also the base point for the Animal Pass and Pin Parvati Pass treks for the more adventurous. Budget homestays here start from ₹300 per night- making it one of the most affordable places to experience genuinely spectacular Himalayan scenery anywhere in India.
Highlights:
- 360° Himalayan views
- Bhoj Café (legendary)
- Budget homestays from ₹300/night
- Animal Pass trek base
- Pin Parvati Pass route
Malana- 80 km + trek
“India’s most mysterious village- ancient democracy, strict customs, and magic views”
Malana is unlike any other place in India. Perched at 2,652 metres between the Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba peaks in a side valley off the Parvati, this ancient village of perhaps 1,500 people operates by its own set of laws and traditions that predate any modern legal system. The Malanese do not vote in Indian elections. They do not use India’s legal system. They follow the rulings of their own god, Jamlu Devta, whose temple sits at the centre of the village. Outsiders are subject to strict rules: do not touch anyone, do not touch any walls or structures, walk only on designated paths. These rules are enforced genuinely and with good reason- they come from a culture that has maintained its distinctiveness for centuries.
The trek to Malana (via Jari on the Kullu-Kasol road, or via Chanderkhani Pass from Naggar) is scenic and moderately challenging. The view from the village itself- looking out over the deep valley with peaks all around is extraordinary. Malana is a place that rewards genuine curiosity and respectful engagement.
Ancient self-governing villageStrict cultural rules- read before visiting
- Trek via Jari or Chanderkhani Pass
- Panoramic peak views
- Jamlu Devta Temple
Manikaran Sahib- 80 Km from Manali
“Sacred hot springs where Guru Nanak meditated — faith and steam in equal measure”
Manikaran is one of those rare places where the spiritual and the geological fuse into something genuinely extraordinary. Located just 5 km from Kasol up the Parvati Valley, the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara rises dramatically from the gorge floor surrounded by mountains, with natural hot springs bubbling at temperatures so high that the Gurudwara’s langar (community kitchen) actually uses them to cook rice and vegetables for the thousands of pilgrims who visit daily. The entire experience- the steam, the chanting, the community meal shared with strangers from across India is deeply moving regardless of your religious background.
The sacred site is significant to both Sikhs (Guru Nanak is said to have visited and meditated here) and Hindus (the hot springs are associated with Lord Shiva and Parvati). Beside the Gurudwara stands the ancient Ram Mandir. The hot spring baths are open to all visitors and the healing properties of the sulphur-rich water are well-known locally. It’s an essential stop on any Parvati Valley itinerary.
- Free langar (community meal)
- Natural hot spring baths
- Guru Nanak sacred site
Naggar Castle & Village- 22 Km from Manali
“A 1,500-year-old castle overlooking the Beas River- now a heritage hotel”
Naggar is the old capital of the Kullu kingdom- a medieval hill town just 22 km south of Manali on the left bank of the Beas River, that most Manali visitors simply drive past without stopping. The centrepiece is the extraordinary Naggar Castle, built in the 15th century by Raja Sidh Singh using a distinctive earthquake-resistant construction technique (log-and-stone interlocking called kath-kuni), which has kept it standing for over 500 years. The castle is now a heritage hotel and even if you don’t stay, you can walk through its courtyards, explore the small museum of artefacts, and take in the panoramic valley views from its terraces.
Below and around the castle, Naggar village is worth exploring on foot: the Tripura Sundari Temple (a fine example of Himachali architecture), the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery (the Russian painter spent years in Naggar and his studio is preserved here), and the Gauri Shankar Temple. The overall atmosphere- medieval stone walls, apple orchards, mountain views, total absence of tourist noise makes Naggar feel like Manali’s quieter, wiser older sibling.
- 500-year-old castle (heritage hotel)
- Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
- Tripura Sundari Temple
- Panoramic Beas Valley views
- Ancient kath-kuni architecture
Sissu — Through the Atal Tunnel- 70 km (Atal Tunnel)
“Drive through India’s longest road tunnel and emerge in another world”
The Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) at 9.2 km, India’s longest road tunnel has transformed the previously seasonal Lahaul Valley into a year-round destination. Drive through it from Manali and in 20 minutes you emerge into Sissu: a small village in the Lahaul Valley where the landscape is completely, startlingly different- drier, more alpine, high-altitude cold desert with the Chandra River racing through it and peaks over 6,000 metres framing the horizon. The Sissu Waterfall, cascading directly into the Chandra River from a great height, is one of the most dramatic waterfall settings in Himachal Pradesh.
Beyond Sissu lies Keylong, Jispa, and eventually the route to Leh- one of India’s great road journeys. Even if you only drive to Sissu and back in an afternoon, the experience of passing through the Atal Tunnel and emerging into the cold, clean, magnificently empty Lahaul Valley is worth every rupee and minute of the detour.
- Atal Tunnel (9.2 km- India’s longest)
- Sissu Waterfall on Chandra River
- Lahaul Valley landscape
- Gateway to Spiti & Leh route- Year-round accessible now
“The people who find Manali disappointing are the ones who never left it. The people who find it magical are the ones who used it as a starting point. The valley opens up the moment you start driving away from the town centre.”- Overheard at a riverside café in Kasol
Suggested Read: Hidden Gems of Himachal for a peaceful vacation
Start Right: Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Manali
For a group of 9 to 20 people, a Tempo Traveller is hands-down the smartest way to do this trip. No juggling multiple cabs, no strangers on a Volvo, no luggage divided between vehicles. One vehicle, your whole group, full flexibility to stop wherever you want- at Murthal for parathas, at Chandigarh for lunch, at a waterfall on the mountain road because you just felt like it.
🪑Multiple Seating Options
9, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 26 seater Tempo Travellers available. Maharaja luxury Van rental with sofa seats and LED TV also available for premium groups.
❄️Full Comfort for 530 km
Pushback reclining seats, powerful AC, music system, USB charging points, ample luggage space, and curtains. Designed for long-distance mountain travel.
🧭Experienced Hill Drivers
Licensed drivers who know the mountain roads, seasonal conditions, and alternative routes. Non-negotiable for the winding Bilaspur–Mandi–Kullu–Manali stretch.
💰Shared Cost = Great Value
Split across 12–16 passengers, the per-person cost of a Tempo Traveller beats a Volvo bus while giving you 10x the flexibility, comfort, and control over the journey.
9–12 Seater: ₹23–₹25/km
Best for friend groups. Round trip 4 days ~₹38,000–₹42,000
16 Seater: ₹28–₹32/km
Most popular option. Comfort + group cohesion
20–26 Seater: ₹32–₹38/km
Large family, office groups. Economy at scale
Maharaja Luxury: ₹35–₹50/km
Sofa seats, LED TV, VIP interiors. Weekend getaway in style
Delhi to Manali Route- Key Milestones and Stops
🍽️ What to Eat Along the Way of Delhi to Manali
Murthal Paratha
Stop at Amrik Sukhdev or Gulshan Dhaba (60 km from Delhi). Famous across North India.
Trout Fish
Fresh Himalayan trout served grilled or curry- best in Kasol and Manali riverside eateries.
Siddu
Traditional Himachali steamed bread stuffed with poppy seeds and walnuts. Try with ghee.
Dham
The traditional Himachali thali served at local events- rice, dal, curd, rajma and khatta.
Israeli Food (Kasol)
Hummus, shakshuka, falafel wraps- Kasol’s Israeli café culture is genuinely excellent.
Café Maggi & Chai
The unofficial fuel of Himalayan trekkers. Available everywhere- always hit differently at altitude.
Langar at Manikaran
Free community meal cooked in natural hot springs. Wholesome, spiritual and completely unforgettable.
Kullu Apples
The freshest apples you’ve ever tasted from roadside orchards between Kullu and Manali.
The 7-Day Itinerary– Delhi to Manali & Beyond
Designed for a group of 10–16 travelling in a Tempo Traveller Rental in Delhi. Covers the best of both the main circuit and the Parvati Valley detour.
Day 1 · Overnight Drive
Delhi Departure- Through the Night
- 6–8 PMPickup across Delhi / NCR in Tempo Traveller
- 10 PMStop at Murthal- famous parathas before the highway
- MidnightCross into Haryana, then Punjab- NH44 night drive
- 6 AMChandigarh- breakfast and freshen up
🌙 En route overnight drive — no hotel needed Day 1
Day 2 · Arrival
Chandigarh → Kullu → Manali
- 8 AMChandigarh — Sukhna Lake quick walk, breakfast
- 10 AMDrive into Himachal — Kiratpur Sahib, Bilaspur
- 2 PMLunch at Mandi or Kullu dhaba
- 3 PMKullu — Raghunath Temple, Beas River view
- 6 PMArrive Manali. Check-in. Mall Road evening walk
🌙 Stay: Manali (Day 2 and 3)
Day 3 · Manali & Naggar
Hadimba, Old Manali & Naggar Castle
- 8 AMHadimba Devi Temple — cedar forest, wooden pagoda
- 10 AMOld Manali cafés and Manu Temple
- 1 PMDrive to Naggar (22 km, 40 min)
- 2 PMNaggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery
- 4 PMAtal Tunnel → Sissu Waterfall day excursion
- 7 PMReturn Manali. Beas River sunset
🌙 Stay: Manali
Day 4 · Parvati Valley
Drive to Kasol — The Valley Begins
- 8 AMDrive Manali → Kasol (75 km, ~2.5 hrs via Bhuntar)
- 11 AMArrive Kasol. Check in. River walk, Chalal trail
- 1 PMLunch at Jim Morrison Café or Evergreen Café
- 3 PMDrive to Manikaran Sahib (5 km) — hot spring bath + langar
- 6 PMReturn Kasol. Riverside café evening
🌙 Stay: Kasol (Days 4 and 5)
Day 5 · Kheerganga Trek
The Trek Every Group Must Do
- 6 AMDrive to Barshaini (trek start, 15 km from Kasol)
- 7 AMBegin Kheerganga trek — 12 km, ~4–5 hrs ascent
- 12 PMArrive Kheerganga meadow. Hot spring soak!
- 2 PMLunch at top. Rest. Soak again.
- 3 PMDescend to Barshaini (~3 hrs)
- 7 PMReturn Kasol. Well-earned dinner
🌙 Stay: Kasol (OR camp overnight at Kheerganga top)
Day 6 · Return Journey
Tosh Morning → Drive Back
- 7 AMOptional: early drive to Tosh for morning views (1.5 hr)
- 9 AMBreakfast at Bhoj Café Tosh (if visiting)
- 11 AMDrive back toward Kullu and Chandigarh
- 2 PMLunch stop at highway dhaba — Himachali thali
- 5 PMCross into Punjab. Relax in Tempo Traveller
- 7 PMChandigarh brief stop or continue to Delhi
🌙 Overnight drive or Chandigarh hotel
Day 7 · Return Delhi
Home — With Mountains in Your Memory
- 5–7 AMArrive Delhi / NCR — drop across all pickup points
- MorningRefresh, rest. Relive every mountain view from the Tempo
🌙 Home — and already planning the next trip
Planning trip to Manali from Chandigarh: Read this Guide
Pro Tips for This Trip
From the Tempo Traveller booking to the trek, these tips save you time, money, and regret.
⏰Leave Delhi Before 8 PM
Night travel clears the Delhi and Haryana highway traffic, gets you through Punjab smoothly, and puts you in Chandigarh by early morning- the most efficient timing for this route.
🍽️Stop at Murthal
Amrik Sukhdev or Gulshan Dhaba at Murthal (60 km from Delhi on NH44) is the mandatory first stop of any North India road trip. Fresh butter parathas at 9 PM is a ritual, not a detour.
💰Book Tempo Traveller at Least 2 Weeks Early
In May–June peak season, Tempo Travellers to Manali get booked very quickly. Book 2–3 weeks ahead for best rates and vehicle availability. Compare quotes from 2–3 operators.
🏔️Kheerganga: Start at Dawn
Begin the Kheerganga trek by 7 AM from Barshaini. This gives you time at the top, avoids the afternoon cloud build-up, and ensures you’re not trekking down in the dark.
💳Cash is King in Kasol & Tosh
ATMs in Kasol are unreliable and Tosh has none. Carry ₹5,000–₹8,000 in cash per person before leaving Bhuntar. UPI acceptance is inconsistent in the valley.
📋Rohtang Permit in Advance
If you plan Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel, book the permit online at rohtangpermits.nic.in at least 2 days before. Only a fixed number of vehicles are allowed daily.
🏕️Book Kasol Stay Before Arriving
In peak season (May–June and September), Kasol accommodation gets booked out. Book guesthouses or campsites at least a week in advance- especially riverside spots.
🌡️Pack for Cold Nights
Even in June, nights in Kasol, Tosh, and Kheerganga drop to 8–12°C. A light fleece and a windcheater are non-negotiable. Heavier woolens for October travel.
Do’s & Don’ts for This Circuit
✓ Do’s
- Book your Tempo Traveller at least 2–3 weeks in advance — especially for May–June travel
- Carry cash before entering Kasol / Tosh / Parvati Valley — ATMs are scarce and unreliable
- Start the Kheerganga trek early (7 AM from Barshaini) for the best experience
- Eat the langar at Manikaran Sahib — it’s free, it’s sacred, and it’s extraordinary
- Visit Naggar Castle — most groups skip it and always regret it afterward
- Book a hill-route-experienced driver for the Tempo Traveller — not a plains driver
- Carry waterproof gear for Kheerganga trek — weather can change fast
- Respect Malana’s cultural rules strictly — do not touch walls, structures, or people
✕ Don’ts
- Don’t assume Manali’s Mall Road represents all of Himachal — it doesn’t even begin to
- Don’t attempt mountain roads in the Tempo Traveller at night — drive only in daylight in hills
- Don’t visit Kheerganga during monsoon (July–August) — trails become dangerously slippery
- Don’t ignore altitude: Kheerganga top is at ~3,000 m. Go slow and drink water constantly
- Don’t litter in Kasol, Kheerganga, or Tosh — these places are clean because their communities fight to keep them that way
- Don’t skip the Atal Tunnel → Sissu excursion — it’s 2 hours and completely changes your understanding of the region
Stop Planning Only Manali. Start Planning Himachal.
Your Tempo Traveller from Delhi gives you the freedom to go wherever this valley takes you. Don’t lock it in at Mall Road. Give your group a trip they’ll talk about for years- hot springs, mountain villages, riverside cafés, castle walls, and one spectacular trek that earns its hot spring at the summit.
🚐 Book your Tempo Traveller early · 🏔️ Best season: April–June & September–October · 💰 Group of 12 can do this for ~₹4,000–₹6,000 per person including Tempo hire