How much does it cost for a Manali trip for 5 days?

Are you looking to escape the heat and hustle of the city for a few days? Why not head up to the hills and spend 5 fabulous days exploring Manali? This charming hill station in Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. With its cool climate, stunning mountain vistas, adventure activities, and charming cafes and restaurants, Manali is the perfect place for a short getaway. If you agree with this part then read the rest of the blog. 

In this blog, I’ll give you a breakdown of how much a 5-day Manali trip could cost, including accommodation, food, sightseeing, bike rental in Manali, and getting around. I’ll also share some tips on how you can plan a trip to Manali on a budget. So read on to find out everything you need to know. 

Accommodation – The Biggest Expense

Without a doubt, accommodation will be your biggest expense on a Manali trip. Tourist demand is high year-round, which pushes hotel rates up, especially during peak seasons. Budget hotel rooms start from Rs. 800 per night, but decent places with good amenities will cost upwards of Rs. 1500-2000 per night.

I’d recommend budgeting Rs. 6000-8000 for a comfortable 4-night stay for two people. You can find good deals by advance booking and in the off-season months of July and August. Hostel dorms are another affordable option, costing around Rs. 500 per night.

If you want to splurge, luxury resorts in Manali can cost a pretty penny, with nightly rates going up to Rs. 10,000. But keep in mind that staying in the main Manali town is more convenient than resorts further out.

Transportation Costs

The mode of transport you pick to reach Manali and get around will impact your trip budget significantly.

Reaching Manali

The nearest major airport is in Bhuntar, which is around 50 km away from Manali. To get to Manali from the airport, your options are:

• Taxi: Rs. 1200-1500 one way
• Bus: Rs. 150-200 one way
• Manali Bike rental: Around Rs. 1000/day

If you’re traveling from Delhi, then a Volvo AC bus costs around Rs. 1400 one way and takes 14 hours. Or you can hire a Zoomcar or self-drive rental car, which will work out to around Rs. 4000 for a one-way trip plus fuel costs.

Getting Around Manali

For sightseeing in and around Manali, here are the common transport options andaverage  rates:

• Bus: Rs. 10-50 depending on distance
• Auto rickshaw: Rs. 50-100 per short trip
• Taxi: Rs. 800-1200 for 8-hour sightseeing
• Bike on rent in Manali: Rs. 600-1000 per day

I’d highly recommend renting a bike or scooter to get around Manali. Not only is it the most convenient way to explore at your own pace, but bike rental in Manali is also quite affordable. You can find gearless scooters and Royal Enfield Bullets for rent from Rs. 600-1000 per day. Ensure you have a valid driving license to get a bike on rent in Manali: 

Rentnhop is a popular bike renting company that offers bike on rent in Manali at very affordable prices. Don’t forget to fill up the fuel tank before returning!

Sightseeing & Activities

The good part about Manali sightseeing is that most attractions here are natural landscapes or temples that don’t have an entry fee. But you may have to pay for adventure activities, which are a major tourist draw here. Here are the average rates:

• River rafting: Rs. 700-1500 per person
• Paragliding: Rs. 1500-3500 per ride
• Zorbing: Rs. 700-900 per ride
• Skiing: Rs. 400-500 per session
• Trekking: Rs. 1200-1500 per day with guide & equipment

To cut costs, I’d recommend prioritizing free sights like Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Springs, and Solang Valley. For paid activities, look for deals being offered by tour operators during the off-season.

Food or Meals 

Manali has cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets. Here’s an estimate of what you might spend on food:

• Budget meals: Rs. 300-500 per day per person for basic Indian meals
• Mid-range cafes: Rs. 700-1200 per day per person for international cuisines
• Fine dining: Rs. 1500-2000 per person per meal at fancier restaurants

By eating local Himachali thalis at small joints, sticking to street food snacks, and cooking basic meals at your hotel, you can easily manage a budget of Rs. 500 per person per day. But do try out the yummy bakeries, pizzerias, and cafes in Manali town at least once.

Total Trip Cost Estimate

Now that we’ve covered the major trip expenses, let’s estimate the total trip costs:

• Accommodation: Rs. 6000 for 4 nights
• Local transportation: Rs. 2000
• Food: Rs. 3000 (Rs. 500 x 5 days x 2 people)
• Sightseeing: Rs. 3000
• Flights/bus: Rs. 4000

Total for 2 people: Around Rs. 18,000-20,000

By planning your Manali trip in the off-season, staying in budget accommodation, using public transport, and limiting paid activities, you can bring the total cost down to Rs. 12,000-15,000 per person. A shoestring budget trip would cost Rs. 8000-10,000 per person.

Tips for Saving on your Manali Trip

Here are my top 5 tips for getting the best value on your Manali holiday:

1. Visit in the off-season: Hotel rates drop drastically in the rainy months of July and August. You’ll avoid crowds too. 
2. Travel by bus or train: Flights and cabs cost a lot more. The journey is part of the experience.
3. Cook your own meals: Stock up on supplies from local shops and cook basic meals to save on food costs.
4. Stay in budget hotels: Plenty of decent options under Rs. 1000/night even in peak season.
5. Bike on rent in Manali: Hands down the best way to explore Manali, and rates are reasonable. Go for Royal Enfield

Conclusion

So there you have it friends – a comprehensive budgeting guide and tips to plan an affordable 5-day trip to Manali. Let me know if you have any other questions! I hope this blog helped you to give you a direct idea about how you can plan your trip. Drop down any questions in the comments below. Happy travels.