Nestled in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a dream destination for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, adventure, and a peaceful escape from the hustle of city life.
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway with friends, a romantic trip with your partner or a solo adventure, understanding the trip cost is key to making the most of your vacation.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the cost, provide a travel budget, and offer practical tips to help you plan an affordable trip without compromising on the experience.
Let’s dive into the details of trip expenses and explore how much a 3-day trip to Manali might cost you !
Why Choose Manali for a 3-Day Getaway ?
Manali, with its snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and vibrant culture, is an all-season destination that offers something for everyone.
A 3-day trip is the perfect duration to explore its key attractions, indulge in adventure activities, and soak in the serene Himalayan vibes.
But how much does a 3-day trip cost ? The answer depends on factors like your travel style, accommodation preferences and the activities you choose.
Whether you’re looking for a budget trip to Manali or a more luxurious vacation, this guide will help you plan effectively.
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
To give you a clear picture of the cost, let’s break it down into the main categories: transportation, accommodation, food, sightseeing and activities.
Below is a detailed cost breakdown based on a moderate travel budget. These estimates are flexible and can be adjusted depending on whether you’re aiming for a economical trip or a more upscale experience.
1. Transportation Expenses
Getting to Manali is the first step in the trip planning process, and your transport cost will vary based on your starting point and mode of travel.
Here’s a look at common options:
From Delhi (Most Common Route):
Delhi is about 540 km from Manali, making it a popular starting point for tourists.
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Volvo Bus: A comfortable overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali costs between ₹ 1,200 and ₹ 1,500 per person one way. For a round trip, expect to spend ₹ 2,400–3,000 per person.
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Private Taxi: Hiring a cab from Delhi to Manali costs around ₹ 8,000–10,000 for a round trip (shared among 4–5 people).
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Self-Drive or Bike Rental: If you’re driving or renting a bike from Delhi, fuel costs and rental fees could add up to ₹ 4,000–6,000 for the trip.
Local Transport in Manali:
Once you’re in Manali, getting around is affordable.
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Auto-Rickshaws/Shared Cabs: Short trips within Manali (e.g., Old Manali to Mall Road) cost ₹ 50–100.
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Private Taxi for Sightseeing: A full-day taxi to places like Solang Valley or Rohtang Pass costs ₹ 2,000–3,000.
For a 3-day Manali trip, transportation expenses could range from ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 6,000 per person, depending on your choices.
2. Accommodation Cost in Manali
Your accommodation cost in Manali will significantly impact your trip expenses. Manali offers options for every budget, from economical hostels to luxury resorts.
Here’s what you can expect for a 3-day stay:
Budget Hotels/Hostels:
Dormitories or basic rooms in Old Manali or near Mall Road cost ₹ 400–800 per night. For 3 nights, that’s ₹ 1,200–2,400 per person.
Look for best budget hotels in Manali for a 3-day stay like Zostel or small guesthouses.
Mid-Range Hotels:
Comfortable hotels with good amenities (e.g., Treebo Celebriti or Hotel Vintage) cost ₹ 1,000–2,500 per night.
For 3 nights, expect ₹ 3,000–7,500 total, or ₹ 1,500–3,750 per person if shared.
Luxury Resorts:
For a more upscale vacation, resorts like Snow Valley Resorts charge ₹ 3,000–10,000 per night. For 3 nights, this could be ₹ 9,000–30,000 total.
For a budget-friendly itinerary, opt for affordable accommodations for a 3-day trip in Old Manali, which offers a laid-back vibe and proximity to attractions.
3. Food
Manali’s food scene is diverse, with options ranging from street eats to fine dining. Here’s a look at food expenses for 3 days:
Budget Eateries:
Local cafes like Cafe 1947 or roadside dhabas serve meals (e.g., thalis, momos, or Maggi) for ₹ 100–200 per meal. For 3 meals a day over 3 days, that’s ₹ 900–1,800 per person.
Mid-Range Cafes/Restaurants:
Popular spots like Johnson’s Cafe or Chopsticks offer hearty meals for ₹ 300–500 per person. For 3 days, this adds up to ₹ 2,700–4,500.
Fine Dining:
Upscale restaurants (e.g., Khyber) cost ₹ 1,000+ per meal, totaling ₹ 9,000+ for 3 days if you splurge daily.
A moderate travel budget for food would be around ₹ 1,500–3,000 per person for a 3-day Manali trip.
4. Sightseeing Costs
Manali’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks are its biggest draws. Most attractions are free or low-cost, but some require transportation or permits.
Here’s a Manali sightseeing budget for a Manali 3-day itinerary:
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Hadimba Devi Temple: Free entry, just a short walk or ₹ 50 auto ride from central Manali.
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Vashisht Hot Springs: Free to visit, with minimal transport costs (₹ 50–100).
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Solang Valley: No entry fee, but activities like paragliding (₹ 1,500–2,000) or zorbing (₹ 500) add up.
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Rohtang Pass: A permit costs ₹ 500–1,000 per vehicle, plus taxi fare (₹ 2,000–3,000 round trip).
For a low-cost itinerary for 3 days, stick to free attractions and limit paid activities. Total sightseeing costs could range from ₹ 1,000–4,000 per person.
5. Adventure Activities Price
Adventure is a big part of the Manali travel experience. Here’s what popular activities cost:
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Paragliding: ₹ 1,500–2,000 per ride.
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River Rafting: ₹ 700–1,500 per person.
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Skiing (Winter Only): ₹ 500–1,000 per session.
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Snow Scooter Ride: ₹ 500–800.
If you plan one activity per day, expect to spend ₹ 2,000–4,500 over 3 days.
Average Budget for 3 Days
Now that we’ve covered the components, let’s calculate the average budget for a trip for 3 days:
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Budget Traveler:
- Transport: ₹ 3,000
- Accommodation: ₹ 1,200
- Food: ₹ 1,500
- Sightseeing/Activities: ₹ 2,000
- Total: ₹ 7,700 per person
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Mid-Range Traveler:
- Transport: ₹ 4,000
- Accommodation: ₹ 3,000
- Food: ₹ 3,000
- Sightseeing/Activities: ₹ 3,500
- Total: ₹ 13,500 per person
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Luxury Traveler:
- Transport: ₹ 6,000
- Accommodation: ₹ 15,000
- Food: ₹ 6,000
- Sightseeing/Activities: ₹ 5,000
- Total: ₹ 32,000 per person
For couples, the trip cost for 2 people for 3 days could range from ₹ 15,000–25,000 (budget to mid-range), while a group of friends might lower per-person costs by sharing taxis and rooms.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary with Costs
Here’s a 3-day itinerary cost example for a budget-conscious traveler:
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Day 1: Arrival & Local Exploration
- Bus from Delhi: INR 2,400 round trip
- Hostel stay: INR 400
- Food (cafe + snacks): INR 500
- Visit Hadimba Temple & Mall Road: INR 100 (auto)
- Total: INR 3,400
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Day 2: Solang Valley Adventure
- Food: INR 500
- Paragliding: INR 1,500
- Total: INR 2,000
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Day 3: Rohtang Pass & Departure
- Shared taxi to Rohtang: INR 1,000
- Food: INR 500
- Hostel: INR 400
- Total: INR 1,900
Grand Total: INR 7,300 per person
This itinerary keeps costs low while covering major highlights.
Budget Tips
Want to plan a budget-friendly trip to Manali ? Here are some tips:
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Travel during the off-season (July–September or late February) for off-season Manali trip discounts.
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Book transportation and accommodations in advance to lock in lower rates.
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Opt for cheap hotels or hostels.
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Eat at local dhabas or cafes to cut food expenses.
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Limit adventure activities to one or two to manage adventure activities price.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a Manali trip for 3 days can range from INR 7,000 to INR 30,000+ per person, depending on your preferences.
A budget trip is entirely possible with smart planning, while a more lavish vacation expenses can include luxury stays and extra activities.
Whether you’re backpacking or seeking a cost-effective vacation, this travel guide has you covered with a trip for 3 days on a budget.
So, start your trip planning today, set your budget, and get ready to explore the magic of Himachal Pradesh.
