Hey everyone! 👋 Planning a Manali trip and wondering what to do once you get there? Whether you're coming with family, friends, or a corporate group, Manali has something for literally every type of traveller. We've put together the complete rundown of must-do activities in Manali from snow adventures to serene temple visits — so you don't miss a thing.
We regularly take groups from Delhi to Manali by tempo traveller, and over the years our guests have tried everything on this list. Here's what actually deserves your time. 👇
🌊 Water Adventures
1
River Rafting on the Beas — The most iconic Manali activity. The 14 km stretch from Pirdi to Jhiri has Grade II–III rapids — thrilling but safe for first-timers. Best in June when snowmelt fills the river. Cost: Rs 1,000–2,500/person.
2
River Crossing — Cross a fast-moving stream on a rope harness. Simple, heart-pounding, and a great group activity at Solang Valley. Cost: Rs 350/person.
🪂 Air Adventures
3
Paragliding at Solang Valley — Hands down the most popular activity. You fly tandem with a certified pilot over the valley — Dhauladhar peaks ahead, Beas River below. No experience needed. Medium flights last 15 minutes; longer ones from Kothi go up to an hour. Cost: Rs 600–1,800/person.
4
Zorbing at Solang Valley — Roll down a snow slope sealed inside a giant transparent inflatable ball. Sounds weird, feels amazing. Everyone ends up laughing — great for all ages. Cost: Rs 500/person.
❄️ Snow Activities
5
Skiing & Snowboarding — Solang Valley is the main slope. January–February is peak season. Instructors available for beginners — a short 10-minute lesson gets most people moving. Snowboarding is a step up in difficulty but absolutely worth it. Cost: Rs 500–2,000/session.
6
Snow Scooter Rides — Snowmobile rides across the white landscape at Solang or Rohtang Pass. Great for kids and anyone who wants the snow experience without the effort. Cost: Rs 300–700/ride.
🏔️ Land Adventures
7
Trekking — Manali is one of India's best trekking bases. The Jogini Waterfall trek (2 hrs, easy) is perfect if you have limited time. Beas Kund (2 days, meadows + glacial lake) is the most scenic moderate option. Hampta Pass (4–5 days) is the big one. Cost: Rs 2,000–8,000/person guided.
8
Quad Biking / ATV — Ride across rocky riverbed trails and forest paths near the Beas. The Kiwi Trail and Rocky River Trail are the go-to routes. No experience needed. Available year-round. Cost: Rs 800–1,500/ride.
9
Bungee Jumping at Bahang — 5 km from Manali. You leap into a deep forested gorge — nothing but deodar trees below. Mentally the hardest thing on this list. Absolutely unforgettable. Cost: Rs 2,500–3,500/jump.
10
Mountain Biking — From easy forest trail rides to hardcore rocky descents near Old Manali. Rentals available in town. Best between May and October when roads are clear.
🛕 Culture & Sightseeing
11
Hadimba Devi Temple — The most iconic landmark in Manali. A 16th-century pagoda-style wooden temple surrounded by cedar forest. No idol inside — only the goddess's footprints are worshipped. Architecturally unlike anything else in India. Free entry.
12
Rohtang Pass — At 13,050 ft, this is where most groups get their first proper snow experience. Glaciers, Himalayan views, and the dramatic landscape of the Pir Panjal range. Permit required — book in advance. Rs 550 permit fee.
13
Atal Tunnel Drive to Sissu — Drive through Asia's longest highway tunnel (9.02 km) to reach the Lahaul Valley. The landscape on the other side is completely different — arid, dramatic, almost otherworldly. Free to drive through.
14
Vashisht Hot Springs & Temple — 3 km from Manali. Natural sulphur springs believed to have therapeutic properties. Soak your feet after a full day of trekking or skiing — one of the most relaxing things you can do here. Free.
15
Old Manali Café Crawl — The backpacker quarter of Manali has some genuinely great cafés — good coffee, Himachali food, mountain views. Lazy mornings here are one of those Manali experiences that sneak up on you. Budget Rs 200–400/person.
🌿 Offbeat (Most Tourists Miss These)
16
Naggar Castle Day Trip — 22 km from Manali. A 15th-century stone castle converted into a heritage hotel, perched above the Beas Valley. The views from the terrace are extraordinary. Worth a half-day excursion.
17
Jana Waterfall & Maniram's Dhaba — A short detour from Naggar. Maniram's Dhaba serves an authentic Himachali thali at one of the most scenic spots near Manali. Almost no tourists know about it.
18
Trout Fishing on the Beas — Angling for rainbow trout on the Beas, Manaslu, and Raison rivers. Peaceful, slow, and completely different from everything else on this list. Permits available locally.
📌 Pro tip for groups: If you're coming from Delhi in a tempo traveller, you can cover Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass and Old Manali in a well-planned 3-day trip. Add one more day for the Atal Tunnel drive to Sissu it's the most underrated thing you can do in the region. Check our Delhi to Manali tempo traveller packages for group bookings.
Hope this helps you plan! Drop a comment below if you have questions about any specific activity or need help figuring out the itinerary for your group size. Happy to help 🙏
