A 4-day Kullu–Manali itinerary

This is an unhurried four days based in and around Manali, in the Kullu valley. It mixes easy sightseeing with one full day in the mountains and one heritage day down the valley, and leaves an optional overnight trek at the end.

Day 1 — Old Manali and the temples

Arrive and take it slow. Walk up to the Hidimba Devi Temple, a 1553 wooden temple in a cedar grove above the town, then the nearby Manu Temple in Old Manali. Spend the evening on the Mall or among the cafés of Old Manali. If you have arrived from the plains, an easy first day also helps with the altitude.

Day 2 — Solang Valley and the Atal Tunnel

Drive up to Solang Valley for the ropeway and, in season, snow activities or paragliding. Continue through the Atal Tunnel to the Lahaul side for lunch and the views around Sissu before turning back. Start early — traffic towards Solang and Rohtang builds through the morning.

Day 3 — Naggar and the left bank

Take the quieter left-bank road towards Kullu and stop at Naggar Castle, the former seat of the Kullu kings, built in the interlocking stone-and-timber kath-kuni style. The Nicholas Roerich art gallery and the old temples in Naggar village are a short walk away. This is a relaxed day with a lot of history in a small area.

Day 4 — The Great Himalayan National Park, or leave

If you have a fourth day and want a walk, drive to the Tirthan valley and do a day hike in the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Base yourself around Gushaini or Jibhi. Otherwise, use the day to travel home.

Adding a trek

To extend the trip, add the Kheerganga trek in the Parvati valley — a moderate one-night walk to a meadow with a hot spring, starting from Barshaini past Kasol and Manikaran. Allow two extra days for it.