Manali Tour Packages

Manali has a way of slowing you down while also making you notice everything around you. Putting that feeling into words isn’t easy. But if you try, you can picture snow-dusted peaks standing above pine forests, the Beas River flowing at its own pace, and air that feels calm, quiet, and genuinely refreshing. 

It is a destination that you absorb, moment by moment. So, if you have decided to visit Manali, this guide tells you everything you need to know before booking a Manali tour package, like what to expect, when to go, how to plan your trip, and how much it will cost.

The Beauty of Manali: Something for Everyone

Manali is a beautiful hill station in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Northern India, located in the lush Beas River Valley of the Himalayas at an elevation of about 2,050 meters (6,725 feet) above sea level. Shopping in Manali is a big part of your Manali tour package because you can bring home a piece of the mountains, like handmade woollens, local artefacts, and little things that will stay with you long after the trip is over.

Its name comes from "Manu-Alaya," which means "the abode of Manu." According to Hindu mythology, sage Manu created humanity after a great flood and made the area sacred in ancient stories. Manali has everything a traveller could want:

• For Nature Lovers: The Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges surround the valley, which has many things to do, such as Solang Valley for alpine activities, Rohtang Pass for snowy landscapes, and the beautiful mountain stretches of Gulaba and Marhi.
• For Adventure Enthusiasts: Manali is a great place to go for people who like adventure. In the winter, you can go skiing, and in the summer, you can go paragliding, river rafting, and trekking.
• For Every Season: Manali is great for all kinds of travellers: snow lovers in the winter, nature lovers in the summer, and culture seekers all year round.
• For Spiritual Seekers: Manali and the nearby Kullu Valley are often called the “Valley of the Gods.” When you visit, you’ll see why. The valley is home to several old temples that still shape local culture and faith today. Start your day at the Hadimba Devi Temple, built in the 16th century. Next, head to the Vashisht Temple, which many people believe is over 4,000 years old. After that, you can add a few more stops nearby. Visit the Siyali Mahadev Temple and the Gauri Shankar Temple. If you’re exploring Old Manali, don’t miss the Manu Temple.

Whether you come to slow down, explore local stories, or just enjoy the scenery, Manali tends to stay on your mind long after you leave.

Top Places Covered in Manali Packages

Here are the core destinations usually included in most packages:

• Solang Valley

Solang Valley is the first place included in many Manali travel packages. It is known for its adventure sports and stunning mountain views. 

Located about 13km from Manali, the valley turns into a snowy playground with skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and tubing on shiny slopes in winter. In the summer, the snow melts and leaves behind green fields where people like to go paragliding, zorbing, riding ATVs, and taking ropeway trips.

• Rohtang Pass

Another common highlight of many Manali Tour packages is the Rohtang Pass is one of the most famous high-altitude passes from Manali (situated at an altitude of 13,050 feet). For most of the year, snow stays on the slopes here.

On clear days, the pass has wide views of glaciers, rough mountain ridges, and frosted valleys. However, due to its high popularity, you might need prior permits before visiting the valley, which tour operators usually arrange to avoid any problems in your trip. 

• Hadimba Devi Temple

Hadimba Devi Temple (locally called the Dhungri Temple) is an ancient wooden sanctuary dedicated to Hidimbi, a figure from the Mahabharata. It stands amidst deodar forests with a four-tiered pagoda roof that showcases traditional Kath-kuni architectural style, characterised by layered wood and stone construction without mortar. In spring, the Hadimba Devi Fair (Dhungri Fair) honours the presiding deity with colourful dress, traditional folk music, and rituals that unite faith and festivity. 

• Beas River

The Beas River, which courses through the Kullu Valley, is a natural oasis for travellers seeking relaxation after adventure-filled days. The riverbanks provide idyllic spots for picnics, gentle nature walks, riverside relaxation, and, for the more active, opportunities for white-water rafting and scenic trails that reveal the quieter side of the Himalayas.

• Atal Tunnel

The Atal Tunnel is an engineering landmark, the longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet in the world, that now links Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti region all year round. Driving through this remarkable tunnel is itself a unique experience, and it opens up access to a raw, rugged kind of beauty beyond the traditional Rohtang route, cutting travel time and offering many photo opportunities against rugged Himalayan backdrops.

• Manikaran

Manikaran is a small town known for its hot springs and spiritual ambience. Both Hindu temples and the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara stand beside steaming geothermal waters along the Parvati River, offering a soothing retreat. The intense heat of the springs (so strong locally said to cook food straight in the water) and the serene valley setting make this a compelling stop.

Best Time to Visit Manali

If you are visiting Manali, then you should book your Manali travel package during the following time:

• Spring & Summer (March to June): This is the most preferred season for Manali. The weather stays pleasant, the skies are usually clear, and the visibility is excellent for sightseeing. Day temperatures generally range between 10°C and 25°C, making it comfortable for families, honeymooners, and first-time visitors.
• Winter (December to February): The winter season adds a classic Himalayan charm to Manali. Cold but beautiful, it often snows in many of the surrounding areas with temperatures dropping below 0°C. This is the best period for skiing and winter photography.

It is better to be careful if you are planning your trip to Manali between July to September. The mountains get a lot of rain, the waterfalls get bigger, and the valley looks new. Heavy rain can sometimes cause landslides, road delays, and slippery roads, especially on highways and mountain passes. 

If you’re travelling during monsoon season, stay flexible with your plans. Build in extra time for delays. Check the local forecast often. Also, look up road conditions before you leave for the day.

Shopping in Manali

Here are some shopping places in Manali that your tour package should include: 

• Mall Road: The pedestrian-friendly street is lined with shops and boutiques offering a diverse array of goods from warm hand-knitted woollen (sweaters, scarves, socks) to traditional Kullu caps and Kinnauri shawls.
• Manu Market: Smaller but lively, this market is dotted with vendors selling Himalayan dry fruits and organic products (almonds, walnuts, locally made honey, herbal teas, or fragrant mountain saffron), aachar, spices, and handmade candles.
• Old Manali Market: Here you can find hippie-style clothes, bohemian accessories like beaded necklaces and tribal-inspired pieces, and hand-woven souvenirs like carved trinkets.
• Tibetan Market: You can buy things that show off Tibetan culture, like beautiful thangka paintings, prayer wheels, singing bowls, silver jewelry, and bamboo crafts, all made using traditional methods.
• Himachal Emporium: Handloom shawls, pashmina, wooden home decor and woven shoes made by local artisans are something that you should have. Prices are usually more consistent at this government-run store, so there's less need to haggle.

Food and Cuisine of Manali

At the heart of Manali’s cuisine are dishes that reflect the local landscape and climate: warm, wholesome, and rich in flavour. Here’s what the palette looks like:

• Siddu: One of the region’s most loved treats, this is a soft, steamed wheat bread. People often stuff it with spiced lentils, peas, or nuts. When you try it fresh, you’ll notice how light it feels and how rich the filling tastes.
• Tudkiya Bhath: A special Himachali pulao made with rice, lentils, and vegetables, yogurt, and a mix of spices.
• Dham: A festive vegetarian feast served on leaf plates during celebrations, comprising rice, dal, rajma, and seasonal accompaniments. 
• Trout: Known for its delicate, flaky texture and mild flavour, it is typically marinated with local spices and grilled or pan-fried to taste.
• Momos and Thukpa: Momos served with spicy chutney, and a bowl of hot noodle soup are reflective of Tibetan influence.

Book Your Manali Holiday With EaseMyTrip

Planning a Himalayan holiday should feel exciting. With EaseMyTrip, you can book confidently. You’ll see exactly what you’re getting before you confirm. You get clear itineraries, upfront pricing, and zero convenience fee on flights. If you need help at any step, you can rely on customer support that stays with you.

Browse the tour packages, compare your options, and pick the Manali holiday that fits you best. Plan your trip and book your Manali holiday with EaseMyTrip today.