How Much Does a Manali Trip Cost?
Manali, located in the Himalayas, is a popular hill station in India. Planning the cost of your Manali trip will help you decide whether you are going on a short getaway with friends, on a romantic honeymoon, or to take your family on holiday. Knowing how much a Manali trip might cost will help with planning the trip more effectively and enjoying a stress-free trip.
We will discuss the various travel expense approximations per type of traveller, popular travel packages to Manali, and how to be smart with your travel planning so your trip will be memorable and will not break your pocket.
The cost of a Manali trip will typically vary from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 per person for a trip of 3-5 days. Dependent on how you plan your trip. The factors that contribute to the expense of a trip to Manali are essentially fourfold -
Here is an estimated breakdown -
The above prices often include their transport (Volvo bus or train) to and from Manali, hotel accommodation, meal options, breakfast & dinner (often), and basic sightseeing.
By Bus - The most common way to go to Manali from Delhi is by bus, an overnight Volvo bus. An approximate trip costs 1,500 to 2,500 per person.
By Train - There is no straightforward train to Manali, with the nearest station being either Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh. From either station, you would need to hire a cab or a bus.
By Flight - The nearest airport is Bhuntar (50 km from Manali). A one-way flight from Delhi will cost between ₹2,500 - ₹6,000, but flights tend to be unreliable due to weather conditions.
Private Cab - If you're with family, a private cab from Delhi to Manali for 4-5 days round trip will cost between ₹12,000 and ₹18,000.
Manali is a destination that has options for every audience, and these are -
Budget Hotels - ₹500 - ₹1,200 per night (in a basic room, with basic facilities)
Mid-range Hotels - ₹1,500 - ₹3,500 per night (with good facilities and breakfast included)
Luxury Resorts - ₹4,000 - ₹10,000 per night (with a view and good services)
Most hotels also arrange pampering for honeymooners with hotel room decorations, candlelight dinners and so on. Honeymoon packages usually have great value as many hotels club all the extras at discounted rates.
Most packages include breakfast and dinner at the hotel. When venturing out for the day, you can expect to pay between ₹200 - ₹400 for lunch and drinks at a local cafe or restaurant.
If you decide to hire a cab for local sightseeing, you can expect to pay between ₹2,000 - ₹3,500 per day, depending on how far you travel and what sites you visit.
If you're a budget traveller and want to get around just as cheaply as the locals, you could also catch a shared cab or local bus.
Many travel agencies offer packages for Manali ranging from ₹5,500 per person for 3 nights, 4 days, including transportation, stay, meals, and local travelling.
The honeymoon packages include a decorated room, cake, candlelight dinner and local sightseeing, which generally start from ₹ 8,500 – ₹15,000 per person.
When doing your costing, do not forget to include your adventure activities and entry fees as well. Some of the attractions and respective costs are -
Solang Valley - Paragliding ( ₹1,000 – ₹3,000), skiing ( ₹500 – ₹1,500)
Rohtang pass - Permit and taxi ( ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per cab)
Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road - Entry is free or nominal
Naggar Castle, Vashisht Hot Springs - Entry fee is usually free or within ₹50
For adventure lovers, river rafting in Kullu is about ₹500 – ₹1,000 per person.
Your trip cost also depends on the season.
Peak Season - April to June and December to January, as hotel rates increase, spots get crowded.
Off-Season - July to September (monsoon) and February to March (pleasant weather with fewer tourists, and you can get good deals on hotels and cabs).
If you want to find snow, go there from December to February, or if you want affordability, then plan to go there in late March or October-November.
Book Ahead - During peak season, and honeymoon trips.
Opt for Volvo Packages - These generally include transport, stay, meals, and local sightseeing at reasonable prices.
Travel Off Season - Hotels and cab rentals are heavily discounted in the offseason.
Dine Local - Try local dhabas for good and cheap authentic Himachali food.
Compare Packages - Get quotes from 2-3 travel companies before booking.
So, how much does a trip to Manali until your expectations in mind? It depends on how you travel, when you travel, and how you plan it. From budget backpacking to luxury honeymooning, Manali covers all styles of travellers.
Are you ready to pack your bags? It’s time to plan and book a quality trip with cheap prices using the best Manali packages. Visit booking sites, compare prices and hopefully make your next Himalayan getaway memorable! For informative itineraries, travel plans, hassle-free bookings and recommendations to receive good value, check out Dream Travel Yaari. Let them plan your best Manali adventure at affordable prices with their Manali tour packages.
What’s the minimum cost for a 3-day Manali trip?
A budget backpacker can make a 3-day Manali trip for approximately ₹5,000 – ₹7,000, provided you take a bus, stay in budget accommodation, and eat basic food.
Is Manali an expensive honeymoon destination?
Manali is one of the cheapest honeymoon destinations in India. A good honeymoon package quotes approximately ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per person for a 4-5 day trip with private cab, deluxe hotel and a decorated room with local sightseeing.
What is the cost of visiting Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass?
While Solang Valley is free to visit, adventure sports such as paragliding or skiing have prices ranging from ₹500-₹3000. Rohtang Pass does require a permit and a cab (usually in the range of ₹3,000-5,000 for the trip).
Can I plan a Manali trip with a budget of ₹10,000?
Yes! There are many group packages for both students, friends, and solo budgets that can be booked for around ₹10,000 for 3-4 days. Package deals that include Volvo fare, accommodation, meals provided and local excursions can often be found.
