🏔️ Weekend Tour to Manali – Beyond Mall Road: Nature, Temples & Hidden Trails
Everyone knows Manali. But not everyone experiences it the right way.
If your idea of a weekend trip includes peace, mountains, and nature, this post is for you. Skip the chaotic crowds at Mall Road and dive into the real Manali — the one with ancient temples, hidden cafes, pine forests, and misty riversides.
Here’s how to make your weekend tour to Manali both refreshing and soulful.
🛣️ How to Reach Manali
From Delhi:
- Distance: ~540 KM
- Drive Time: 12–13 hours
- Option: Overnight HRTC Volvo (ISBT Kashmere Gate)
From Chandigarh:
- Distance: ~305 KM
- Drive Time: 8–9 hours
- Route: Chandigarh → Mandi → Kullu → Manali
🚍 Best Option: Board Volvo Friday evening, reach Manali early Saturday morning.
🗓️ 2-Day Weekend Tour Plan – Peaceful Manali
🟢 Day 1 – Saturday: Temples, Cafes & Forest Walks
🛕 Hadimba Devi Temple
- Ancient cave-style temple in a pine forest.
- Peaceful and powerful — ideal start to your trip.
🌲 Van Vihar Nature Park
- Walk under tall deodars.
- Quiet, shady, and perfect for reflection or photos.
🍽️ Lunch at a Hidden Café
- Try Café 1947 or Drifter’s Café for riverside or cozy mountain views.
📍 Optional:
- Visit Vashisht Hot Springs (natural bath with temple)
- Walk along Beas River trail from Old Manali
💤 Evening:
- Bonfire at your stay
- Stay in Old Manali, not Mall Road — it’s quieter and more scenic.
🟢 Day 2 – Sunday: Jogini Falls or Naggar Castle
Option 1: Jogini Waterfall Hike
- Easy 45–60 min hike from Vashisht village.
- Forest trail, birdsong, and a peaceful waterfall view.
Option 2: Half-Day Trip to Naggar Castle
- About 20 KM from Manali.
- Offers history, views, and a calm atmosphere.
- Visit Roerich Art Gallery nearby.
🍲 Lunch on the Way Back
- Try Johnson’s Café or Old Manali German Bakery
🚌 Departure:
- Volvo buses leave by 4:30–6:30 PM from Manali
- Reach Chandigarh or Delhi by early Monday morning
📍 Travel Summary Table
| From | Departure | Mode | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Fri 6:30 PM | Volvo Bus | Sat 8:00 AM |
| Chandigarh | Fri 10:00 PM | Volvo Bus | Sat 6:00 AM |
| Return | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| To Delhi | Sun 5:00 PM | Mon 6:00 AM |
| To Chandigarh | Sun 6:00 PM | Mon 2:00 AM |
🏨 Where to Stay in Manali
- Budget: Zostel Manali, Backpackers Panda
- Comfort: Old Manali Cottages, Orchard Retreat
- Peaceful: Homestays in Vashisht or near Naggar
🍛 What to Eat
- Local Dishes: Siddu, trout fish, red rice with rajma
- Cafes: Café 1947, Renaissance Café, Born Free
- Markets: Try Manali’s organic bakeries and teas
💡 Tips for a Peaceful Manali Trip
- Avoid Mall Road hotels — go towards Old Manali, Vashisht, or Naggar
- Book Volvo tickets early for weekend travel
- Wear comfortable shoes for forest walks or waterfall hikes
- Carry light winterwear, even in summer
🌿 Final Words
Manali isn’t just a tourist hill station — it’s a gateway to calm if you know where to go. Forget the noise and dive into the forests, temples, and old stone paths that hold Manali’s true charm.
A weekend in Manali can feel like a week of peace — if you travel with the right vibe.
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