🏔️ Ultimate 5 Days In Manali & Kasol Itinerary
Are you planning a trip for Manali and Kasol? Checkout for the 5 day itinerary for the perfect break and breathtaking scenery, spiritual retreats, adventures. Whether you are a first time visitor or a traveler this itinerary help you to explore the best of Himachal.
🧭 Why Trust This Itinerary?
I made this Itinerary after travel manali for 3 times with friends and Family. I try to share well balanced information, tips, best travel routes and authentic experiences to make your journey safe, memorable, and exciting.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” — John Muir (naturalist and environmental philosopher)
Day 1: Start from Delhi (A overnight Journey)
Start Point: Delhi (RK Ashram Marg or ISBT Kashmere Gate)
Mode: Volvo Bus or Private Cab
Distance: ~530 km and it will take around 12–14 hours
Departure Time: Between 5–6 PM, so you can reach manali by 8 AM
Travel Tip: HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) and HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) are reliable options. Book tickets in advance, carry snacks, and download offline maps, movies and web series so it will make your journey perfect.
Day 2: Explore Manali
Arrive in Manali by morning and check into your hotel or hostel. After breakfast and some rest, begin with local exploration. On this day explore Temples, Nature Walks & Cafe hopping
🌄 Sightseeing Highlights
- Hadimba Devi Temple – Surrounded by pine forests, perfect for photography
- Manu Temple – Dedicated to the sage Manu (First human and creator of the human race), offers peace and mythology
- Vashisht Hot Springs – Therapeutic hot water baths
- Beas River Walk – A calm riverside experience, great for reflection
- Mall Road – Local shopping, street food, and cultural interaction
☕ Recommended Cafes
- Cafe 1947 (Old Manali) – Riverside ambience with Italian fare
- Johnson’s Cafe – Ideal for a romantic dinner with mountain views
- The Lazy Dog – Popular for music, cocktails, and global dishes
- Drifter’s Cafe – A traveler favorite with books, coffee, and creative energy
🎉 Party Places
- The Buzz – Live DJ sets in Old Manali
- Johnson’s Bar – Great drinks and music near Mall Road
“He who climbs upon the highest mountains laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
Day 3: Solang Valley Thrill + Optional Visit to Sissu via Atal Tunnel
Set off very early for Solang Valley, This is one of Manali’s top popular destinations.
❄️ What to Do
- Paragliding, skiing (seasonal), ATV rides, and snow tubing
- Solang Gondola Ride – Panoramic views
Optional: Cross the Atal Tunnel to explore Sissu, famous for its lakes and waterfalls. and if you have one or two extra days you must visit for Chandratal lake
Travel Note: Rohtang Pass requires permits (open May–October). If unavailable, Sissu is a worthy alternative year-round.
Day 4: Travel to Kasol + Visit Manikaran Sahib + Chill Cafes
Head to Kasol, It will take around 2-3 hours depends how early you leave from manali. Kasol is a charming village along the Parvati River, known for its lively atmosphere, parties and natural beauty.
Distance: ~75 km | Time: 2.5–3 hours
Stopover: Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara – Known for its spiritual significance and hot springs
🍽️ Must-Visit Cafes in Kasol
- Moon Dance Cafe – German bakery, cozy interiors
- Jim Morrison Cafe – Artistic setting, peaceful vibes
- Evergreen Cafe – Oldest in Kasol, known for woodfire pizzas
- Bhoj Cafe – Famous for Israeli cuisine and psychedelic decor
🔥 Party & Chill Spots
- Panchtatva Lounge – Bonfires, psytrance, and casual crowd
- Baba Cafe (offbeat) – Often hosts secret forest jam sessions
Stay Options: Hostels like The Hosteller, Nomads Hostel, or boutique riverside cottages
I stayed at Kasol Heights and Zostel (strongly recommended)
Day 5: Explore Tosh OR Relax in Kasol Before Heading Back to Delhi
This day depends on your energy levels, choose either a peaceful final day, an adventurous trek or Head back to Delhi.
🥾 Option 1: Tosh Village Trek
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Kasol (drive or trek)
Known for panoramic views, cafes, and laid-back crowd
Popular spots: Stoned Age Cafe, Pink Floyd Cafe, Woodrose Cafe
🧘 Option 2: Slow Morning in Kasol
- Enjoy a riverside breakfast
- Shop for souvenirs: crystals, woolens, incense, and handmade crafts
- Depart by around 4 to 6 PM for your return journey to Delhi
✅ Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Carry enough cash: ATMs are limited in Kasol and Tosh
- Altitude Adjustment: on the first day stay hydrate and avoid heavy meals.
- Layer Up: Temperature shifts between day and night are drastically so carry woolen in all seasons
- Respect Local Culture: Especially near temples and Gurudwaras
🧳 What to Pack
- Warm jackets, thermals, gloves
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm
- trekking shoes
- Power bank, ID proof
- Reusable water bottle
Final Thoughts
This ultimate 5 day Delhi to Manali & Kasol itinerary is perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups looking for a break from the regular life and to balance scenic beauty with culture and nightlife. With these iconic spots like Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Manikaran Sahib, and the charm of Tosh, this trip offers something for every explorer/Traveller.
Ready to experience Himachal’s wild beauty, soul-soothing temples, and unforgettable cafes? Save this itinerary and start planning your escape from the city!
Also Read
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to visit Manali and Kasol?
The ideal time is March to June for pleasant weather, or October to February if you love snow.
2. Is 5 days enough to explore Manali and Kasol?
Yes, with proper planning, 5 days is perfect to explore the highlights and chill zones of both destinations.
3. Are there any direct buses from Kasol to Delhi?
No direct buses. Take a cab or local bus from Kasol to Bhuntar, and from there, you can catch a Volvo to Delhi.
Akash Agrawal is a Full Stack Software Engineer who writes about technology and travel. With hands-on experience in both frontend and backend development, he shares practical insights, tutorials, and stories that inspire fellow tech enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
