Manali – Flying high and chill!
Manali was on our bucket list and it fulfilled all expectations! Indeed, it had been on the list for 25 years, so we were delighted to finally get there. Manali is a high altitude resort town in the Himalayas, in Himachal Pradesh.
Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway to Solang Valley, as well as a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.
Unfortunately, for this trip we had to pass on Rohtang and another destination on our list, Leh in Ladakh. However, Manali had plenty to keep us occupied over our 3 night stay.
How we got there
We would be hiring a driver again on this trip. Unfortunately, its not feasible to hire your own car here, especially on a one way trip, and it would be the same throughout this North India tour.
After contacting a few, we used Rajputana cabs, costing 5000 INR, including tolls. The car was beat up, with a cracked window screen. No wonder, the driver was a tad manic on the scary mountain roads.
I (Knox) had my eyes peeled for the whole 7 hour + journey as it was impossible to relax. At one point it looked like he was about to fall asleep! Thank god we got there in one piece.
Accommodation
We opted for an Airbnb in Old Manali called Woodstone Homestay.
It was a simple place, homely, and a fantastic location. The cost was about £75 for the 3 nights, but to us it was nothing as we had an Airbnb voucher to use.
Weather in Manali
A shock to the system. Cooler, at a mere low to mid 20 degrees, which was even colder when we explored higher in the mountains in Solang.
Completely different to the Mumbai sweats. However, we coped as it was much closer to Belfast summer weather.
Indeed, the weather could change in an instant, just like Ireland, completely Erratic! It was also very lush like Ireland and we really appreciated the scenery. Fortunately, we only got a few short showers over our stay.
Things to do in Manali
Vibrant Manali has plenty to keep one occupied from strolling the Mall Road shops and eateries, to thrill seeking adventure, relaxing in Old Manali cafes, temples, and much more. Certainly, Manali is a cool destination to escape the summer, lowland, heat.
Hire a scooter in Manali
Hiring a scooter in Manali is a must to get around. Especially if you want to get somewhere, at least a little quicker. And, just like Shimla and Rishikesh, two wheels are better than four. Due to the narrow roads, traffic jams are frustratingly part of life here, especially in the summer holiday rush. You could be sitting in jams for at least an hour. Having a moped makes it so much easier, scooting past traffic.
We hired the bike from Bigg Bike Rentals at 600 INR, plus returnable deposit of 1000 INR, which was a very competitive price compared to others.
As with any rental around the world, take photos. Indeed, all the places on our trip encouraged customers to take video as well. Apart from a few minor scratches, the bike was in good condition and did the job well.
Solang Valley
Known as the ‘Adventure Valley’, it offers skiing, snowboarding, (in winter when its snowing obviously) paragliding, Ziplining, rafting and more! From the top the views are magnificent.
Our adventurous spirit came alive in Manali
Got a head for heights? Not usually, and depends on style , but we gave it ago. Thats what its all about in Manali / Solang! The free spirit in us is alive and kicking.
We organised our activities through the professional Solang Valley Sports Centre. Manish was communicative and very helpful.
3500 INR for High fly Paragliding, including cable car.
750 INR for Miko’s cable car.
500 INR each for the Zip-line. However, 1 free with the Paragliding.
2 x GoPro @ 500 INR each experience.
Paragliding
We had chosen a couple of different things to do in Solang. I (Knox) really wanted to experience paragliding. Indeed, once booked, I was so excited. First we had to get up to the jump point.
Cable car
We had to first take a cable car all the way to the top. This was a great experience in itself. Sitting in the car, ascending up the mountain, the excitement built as we took in the magnificent views.
It was a smooth ride but high! Nerves were jangling a bit as we reached the 3200 Metres up Mount Phatru! A quick trip to the loo and we treked round to the jump point about 100 metres away.
Getting ready to fly!
The pilot was in ‘auto pilot’ as he put all the get up on, but still conscientious to ensure all was in good order. You could tell he’d done that loads of times. Indeed, when I chatted with him during the flight, he explained that he had been Paragliding for 11 years. A super job to have.
And we are off!
I really didn’t know what to expect for the take off until I saw the few before me go. The harness that one gets into is like a seat. However, you are instructed not to sit at this point. Once buckled up, we go together for the take off team to attach the sail, which have been sat prepared at the top. Then, we run downhill in tandem until the air catches in the sail. Once airborne, I then had to sit.
In the mean time, Miko made her way back down the cable car.
Up, up and away!
We were flying, like a bird, high in the sky. I found the feeling calm and relaxing. The unbelievable views surrounding us, feeling of freedom, and putting complete trust in my guiding pilot. I sat back and enjoyed. Furthermore, I had the GoPro (500 INR extra) to capture the 5 or 6 minutes of flight. A fantastic experience and so worth the payment.
In the air, you feel that you are flying at quite a slow speed. In big wide circles, the pilot lowered us towards terra firma. However, it is only on the final approach, and just before touch down, that one appreciates the speed that we have. Following instructions, I raise my legs and allow the guy to make a perfect landing. WOW, what an experience!
A Zip line too high?
500 metres from the Paragliding landing area was the zipline that we would do together. However, it was almost a no go for me (Miko) as the light head from the night before hung in the air. No safety demonstration, you were half assed strapped in, told to sit, with legs stretched, then pushed on the wire. It took them a while to get me going lol
They wanted us to hold on to each others side straps so that we would travel together. Yet, I decided to hang on for dear life on the centre rope connecting the pulley to the line. Therefore, I went my own speed way behind Knox. It was a blast but would I do it again? I had to as there were two runs for this experience, as well as a lot of steep stairs to climb for the second zippy!
River ziplining in Manali!
A wet bottom was got when Knox got dipped in too much to the amusement of the zipline guy and me! This was down at the river crossing into Old Manali. Much bouncing in the middle of the line meant more than just his feet got dipped in the cool flowing river.
Flydining in Manali.
A table top, strapped into comfy leather chairs, hanging 60 or 70 metres in the air. What a place to eat your meal!
What fun (except for knox as he held on for dear life lol). Yes, I (knox) loved flying high over Salong valley, but dangling up in the air for 30 minutes was not my cup of tea!
Don’t expect fine dining while you swing about!
The processed sandwich, pale momos, and fizzy pop was a washout. However, the experience was what we were after and I (Miko) loved it!
Hadimba Devi Temple
A 16th-centuary Temple, hidden within a forest of cedar trees. The Hadimba temple stands as one of Manali’s most iconic landmarks.
Locally known as the Dhungari Temple, this magnificent wooden shrine has withstood the test of time for centuries. It remains a top attraction in Himachal Pradesh, drawing travelers with its unique history and peaceful, natural setting. There were long queues to get into the inner sanctum, so we enjoyed milling about outside.
There was also some funny dress up going on. Where you rent some local clothing and props!
Unfortunately, some of the sellars also had big white bunny rabbits as props for silly tourists to get photos with.
Old Manali
A scenic and hippie vibe with quaint cafes, Old Manali is a perfect escape from the bustling city center of Mall road. Although, it to can get bunged up with traffic jams on the way in and out to Mall Road.
It is very hilly and will work on those calf muscles.
We were glad we picked Old Manali as a location to stay. It has a good energy and ambience about it, with colourful buildings, relaxed dogs, and easy going summer lifestyle.
After the adventure of Solang, and the bustling sightseeing around Manali, this was our relaxing haven to sit and chill.
Jogini Waterfall
A scenic 150-foot waterfall reachable by a trek through pine forests and orchards.
The steps are high, and can get slippy if raining, so wear suitable shoes! Its a free activity
Make sure you give yourself a good couple of hours to get up and come back down.
Manu Temple, Old Manali.
At the top of the hill in Old Manali, The only temple in India dedicated to Sage Manu.
The shrine features traditional Himachal Pagoda style architecture, making it look similar to multi-tiered temples found in Nepal. Built out of wood and stone, it has beautifully carved wooden doors and pillars. The temple was rebuilt in 1992 to add steady marble flooring and high, arched ceilings, but it still keeps its beautiful, rustic charm
Buddhist Monastery, Manali.
Featuring traditional Tibetan architecture, the sanctuary boasts vibrant colours, detailed murals and a majestic golden buddah statue
There is a peaceful atmosphere, filled with the soothing soft chants and the fragrant aroma of incense.
This holy space offers a perfect haven for quiet reflection and meditation amongst the hustle and bustle of Mall Road.
Mall Road
The central shopping and dining area, Mall Road has some great views of the mountain peaks from the roof top restaurants.
Surprisingly, you could still see snow atop the higher peaks despite the relatively mild day down below. The Himalayas as such a vast range and we weren’t even near it’s most famous mountain, Everest.
Mall Road is such a popular main street name in North India. Indeed, pretty much all of our five stops had a Mall Road.
Dander down the narrow streets of the vibrant Manu Market. Lots negotiating going on to give one interest even if not buying.
Also a chance to get a shave!
Always a treat when in Palolem, Goa, (not Miko lol) I thought I would see if Manali was up to scratch.
Manali vs Goa
Well, Anil has been my Palolem barber for years and is great. Here, I asked a price before starting and was told 150 INR from one of the guys. I got in the chair and away we went. His haste caused a nick, not serious, but points dropped. At the end, he tried to charge 200 INR. Disappointing. The shave was generally good but not up to Anil’s standard.
Manali Nature Reserve
A beautiful park with beautiful old pine trees and views of the River Beas.
There is a ticket office on one entrance to the park (20 INR entrance fee), but that doesn’t stop people entering and exiting other areas of the park lol
The park is much more pleasant to walk through to the town, avoiding the crazy, built up, traffic and blaring horns.
We walked the road on our first afternoon and discovered you needed to have superhero moves to climb walls, like that of spiderman and wonder woman. Lol
Eateries in Manali
There are plenty of options in Manali, including the fly dinning experience noted above, and most will have great views and a colourful outlook. Here’s the selection we tried.
Corner House
We had a local delicacy called Momos at the Corner House. These are usually classic Tibetan street-style dumplings to modern Tandoori variations and authentic local steamed momos. Our spinach and yaks cheese momos were traditionally steamed and tasted good with a chilli dipping sauce.
Located on Mall Road, it had great views from the rooftop seating area. On tap, they had decent craft brew ales and cider.
Sunshine Cafe, Old Manali
We loved this place so much, we ate in it 3 times.
Its a happy vibe place with great fresh pizzas, (homemade sauce).
The Nepalese guys running it are so welcoming, friendly and funny.
Not forgetting, Hashish the big black dote of a dog, and the puppy are a bonus.
Live music every night stokes the atmosphere, creating an upbeat ambience where the audience is encouraged to join in and appreciate the musicians. The guys really thrive off the buzz created.
Highly recommended!
Healthy kitchen
Just a few doors down from our guesthouse, Healthy Kitchen does some tasty food. We had the falafel here. Homemade, reasonably priced and tasty. And a bonus, it is pure veg only.
Big Brother Cafe
Lovely breakfast avocado Bagels Delicious. And set us up for the day. This is the cafe related to Little Sister Bakery. Good food and service.
Would we recommend Manali?
Absolutely! It has to be in the top 1/2 of our North India trip. Manali offers everything, from adventure sports, relaxation and nature. Loved it and would love to see it in the snow.
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