Solo Trip to Manali – An Unplanned Adventure
As you already know from my last blog, I was on an unplanned solo trip, traveling from Haridwar to Shimla and then continuing my solo trip to Manali.
A Quick Recap
I started my unplanned solo trip from Haridwar to Shimla, and I shared my entire experience of Shimla in my previous blog. My days in Shimla were amazing, and after that, my excitement to explore Himachal Pradesh only grew stronger. If you haven’t read my previous blog yet, do check it out after this one!
Hello or Namaste, all travelers! I’m the adventurous person behind Travel Piq, a traveler and storyteller residing in the vibrant land of India. In the last blog, I shared how I traveled from Haridwar to Shimla. Now, let’s continue the journey as I move ahead from Shimla towards Manali on my solo trip.
Leaving Shimla – The Journey to Manali Begins
After checking out of my hotel in Shimla, I spent my day wandering around the local markets before heading to the New Bus Stand to catch a bus to Manali. My heart wanted to go to Ladakh, but an unplanned trip shouldn’t be so unplanned that I end up unprepared! My budget and time constraints didn’t allow it, but my mind wasn’t ready to give up so easily. I inquired about buses to Ladakh or Leh, but there was no direct bus from Shimla.
So, I decided to take a bus to Manali, which would depart at 10:00 PM and reach Manali early in the morning. This way, I could save money on one night’s stay and travel comfortably overnight.
Having already gained experience from my previous night journey, I knew exactly how to sleep and keep my belongings safe. Since I had plenty of time before the bus departure, I had dinner at a local dhaba near the bus stand and explored the New Bus Stand, which I hadn’t seen properly when I first arrived in Shimla.
The Night Bus to Manali – A New Connection
Reaching early had its perks—I easily got a window seat again! But this time, the seat next to me wasn’t empty. A guy about my age was traveling to Mandi, and he noticed my large tripod in my Rucksack Bag. Curious, he asked about my solo travel to Manali and why I was visiting.
That conversation turned into an interesting exchange about Himachal Pradesh and his hometown, Mandi. He shared fascinating stories and facts about the place, making the journey even more enjoyable. By the time we reached Mandi at 3:30 AM, I didn’t even realize how quickly time had passed. We bid each other farewell, and after that, I finally got some sleep.
At 5:00 AM, I reached Manali, but as soon as I stepped out of the bus, the freezing cold hit me hard!
Early Morning in Manali – Finding Shelter
The bus didn’t drop us off exactly at the bus stand but a little before that. I confirmed the way to the Manali bus stand with the conductor and walked there in the biting cold.
Since it was early morning in winter, the sun hadn’t risen yet, and the chill in the air was unbearable. I found a small bonfire nearby and tried warming my hands, but the wind was so cold that it took 10 whole minutes to feel any warmth.
I hadn’t booked a stay in advance, just like in Shimla. But at 5 AM, there weren’t many options for hotel inquiries. I decided to find a hotel near Mall Road, specifically in Model Town, and luckily, I got a good deal. They even allowed an early check-in at 7 AM.
After experiencing such cold winds in Manali, the first thing I did was rest so that I could explore without feeling exhausted.
Exploring Manali – The First Day
After sleeping for three hours, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to explore Manali.
A Hearty Breakfast
I stepped out of my hotel and spotted a dhaba nearby. Breakfast in the mountains is always special, and I ordered Aloo parantha with tea. The parantha was so big and stuffed that just one was enough to fill my stomach!
Walking Through Mall Road
With my hunger satisfied, I decided to explore Mall Road on foot. Even though the sun was out, the cold was still intense. Walking is the best way to discover a city, and I wanted to soak in every bit of Manali’s charm.
Visit to Hidimba Devi Temple
As I walked around and asked for directions, I reached Hidimba Devi Temple. This temple is dedicated to Devi Hidimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
(For a detailed history of the temple, Click Here)
The temple’s unique architecture and the surrounding lush green forest made it look even more beautiful.
Dungri Van Vihar – A Hidden Gem
After visiting the temple, I explored Dungri Van Vihar, a beautiful green forest with a small lake inside. The lake had very little water, maybe because it was winter, but the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect spot for meditation and relaxation.
Local Attractions & Street Artists
Coming out of the forest, I saw tourists wearing Himachali dresses and holding rabbits for photos. Nearby, kids were riding yaks, and local artists were hand-painting wooden souvenirs. Unlike printed paintings, I watched them craft these with their own hands, which was impressive.
A Simple & Satisfying Lunch
By now, I was starving. Near the temple, I found a small dhaba run by an elderly couple. They served simple Dal-Rice with chapatti, which felt just like homemade food. After thanking them, I continued my journey.
Planning the Next Adventure – Meeting Pyaar Singh Ji
While strolling through the markets of Mall Road, I noticed a bike rental shop. I stepped inside and was shocked to see posters of my favorite travel You Tubers on the walls!
The shop was owned by Mr. Pyaar Singh Ji, and I immediately recognized him from YouTube videos. When I told him that I had seen him before, he appreciated it but treated me just like any other traveler—which I really respected.
Renting a Bike – The Rohtang Pass Dilemma
I asked about renting a bike for Rohtang Pass, but they told me that bike rentals require permits which were not available at the same time. I could have biked to Solang Valley. Instead, they suggested a shared car tour for a full day tour:
- Solang Valley
- Atal Tunnel
- Rohtang Pass
- Vashisht Temple
Apart from this, we also visited many other places. Since renting a car alone was out of budget, I joined a shared group tour.
The Next Day – Rohtang Pass & Atal Tunnel
The next morning at 9 AM, I met my two co-travelers, and we left for Rohtang Pass. The snow-covered peaks at Rohtang Pass were a dream comes true. I even met two South Indian travelers who were great photographers and helped me click some awesome pictures.
On the way back, we had lunch at a mountainside dhaba and saw beautiful waterfalls. The Atal Tunnel was another incredible experience—it reduces travel distance by 45 km, making winter travel much easier.
FAQs
The best way is to plan your itinerary, budget, and accommodation in advance. You can explore Manali on foot, visit popular places, and enjoy its natural beauty.
The cost depends on your travel style, accommodation, and activities. A solo trip can range from budget to mid-range costs, excluding special tours like car rentals or guided trips.
Some must-visit places include Hidimba Devi Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the Atal Tunnel. Exploring Mall Road and local markets is also highly recommended.
Yes, you can travel solo from Haridwar to Manali by bus or car. Buses run regularly, and the journey offers scenic views of the mountains.
Yes, Manali is generally safe for solo travelers. However, always be cautious and secure your belongings, especially in crowded areas or during the night.
You can travel from Shimla to Manali by bus, taxi, or shared vehicles. The bus journey is affordable, and the route offers stunning views of the mountains.
Pack warm clothes (even in summer), a comfortable backpack, camera, power bank, personal toiletries, and trekking shoes for exploring the areas around Manali.
Farewell to Manali
After returning, I explored Monastery in Model Town, which I had missed earlier. Then, I collected my luggage and took my 8 PM bus back home.
But one thing is certain—I will visit Manali again, for a longer stay!
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