India
Manali
Pine forests, river cafés and snow that lasts till May.
Overview
Set along the Beas in Himachal's Kullu valley, Manali is the easiest gateway to high-Himalayan beauty for travellers from Delhi or Chandigarh. Old Manali's wooden cafés, Solang Valley's snow play and the climb to Rohtang make it a four-season favourite.
Best time
October to March for snow; April to June for greenery.
How to reach
Overnight Volvo from Delhi (12h) or fly to Bhuntar (50 km).
Top experiences
- Solang Valley ropeway + paragliding
- Hadimba Devi temple in deodar grove
- Old Manali café crawl
- Vashisht sulphur springs
Local food to try
SidduTroutMadraThukpa
Planner’s tip
Carry warm layers even in summer — temperature drops at night.
