Manali & Chandratal Family Tour 2N/3D

Day 0: Delhi – Manali (540 km / 10 hrs | Overnight Journey)

Board your Volvo/AC Semi-Sleeper bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi, and begin an overnight journey towards the mountains of Himachal. The route follows smooth national highways, passing through Panipat, Chandigarh, and Bilaspur en route to Manali. Settle comfortably in your bus, enjoy the night views, music, or rest as you travel closer to the Himalayas. Overnight on board.

Next Day:-

Route: Hotel - Hadimba Devi Temple -  Club House / Tibetan Monastery -  Vashisht Hot Springs - Old Manali - Solang Valley (15 km from Manali town) -  back to hotel

After a relaxed breakfast, start a full-day family exploration of Manali and the stunning Solang Valley. Begin with the peaceful cedar-forested Hadimba Temple, then visit Vashisht for a quick dip in natural hot springs. Have lunch in Old Manali and head to Solang Valley – a wide open meadow with 360° mountain views, a ropeway to the top, and plenty of gentle adventure options perfect for families and kids. Return to the hotel by evening for dinner and an overnight stay in Manali.

Highlights:-

• Serene walk inside the ancient cedar forest at the Hadimba Devi Temple.

• Natural sulphur hot water springs at Vashisht (separate pools for men & women).

• Old Manali’s charming cafés and colourful streets.

• Breath-taking views of snow-capped peaks from Solang Valley.

• Ropeway ride to the top of Solang (1,500 m cable car, panoramic mountain & valley views).

• Wide green meadow perfect for family photos and a picnic vibe.

Food:-

• Breakfast at the hotel or Johnson’s Café – fresh trout omelette, aloo paratha, pancakes.

• Old Manali lunch: – Café 1947 (riverside) – wood-fired pizzas, riverside seating.

• Drifters / Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted – waffles, Nutella pancakes, cold coffee.

Solang Valley:

• Ropeway top café – hot maggi, veg sandwich, ginger-lemon-honey tea.

• Valley base stalls – sweet corn, momos, thukpa, hot chocolate · Evening back at the hotel.

• Himachali siddu with ghee or buffet dinner.

Activities:-

• 20-minute peaceful forest walk around Hadimba Temple.

• Hot spring dip at Vashisht (30–40 minutes, very relaxing).

• Solang Valley Ropeway ride (₹600–700/person return, 10–12 min each way).

• Short & safe zorbing for kids & adults (₹300–400/ride).

• Horse/pony ride in the meadow (₹200–500).

• ATV ride (family 4-seater option available, ₹800–1500).

• Ziplining – A perfect adventure for Kids & Adults.

• Paragliding – short 1–2 min tandem flights for kids above 10 yrs & adults (₹1500–2500).

• Photography with traditional Himachali/Kashmiri dress against snow peaks.

Shopping:-

Manali Mall Road & Old Manali (morning/evening)-

Woollen shops – Kullu shawls, Himachali caps, hand-knitted socks & gloves.

Tibetan Market – singing bowls, prayer flags, turquoise jewellery, dreamcatchers.

Dry fruit stores – almonds, walnuts, saffron, spiced apricot & kiwi jam.

Solang Valley stalls & shops-

• Local woollen jackets, colourful mufflers, monkey caps.

• Souvenir shops –  T-shirts, keychains, fridge magnets.

• Homemade fruit products – apple & plum pickle, seabuckthorn juice, rhododendron squash.

• Handicraft corner – wooden artefacts, small brass bells, mini yak figurines.

Route: Manali – Atal Tunnel – Sissu Viewpoint – Kokhsar – Chhatru – Chota Dhara – Batal – Kunzum Base – Chandratal Parking – 1 km Trek to Lake

Start early, around, to avoid slush, water crossings, and rough traffic. Cross the Atal Tunnel and enjoy the beautiful morning light at Sissu Viewpoint. Drive to Kokhsar, where you halt for breakfast—the huge parathas and hot tea served here are famous among bikers. After Kokhsar, the rough off-road patch begins toward Chhatru, with bumpy roads, waterfalls crossing the route, and mountain cliffs—exactly like shown in the transcript.

Continue towards Batal, stopping at the iconic Chacha–Chachi Dhaba for lunch (Rajma Chawal & Kadhi Chawal are must-try). From here, the roads get very tricky with strong winds, loose rocks, and big water crossings. After reaching the Chandrataal parking point, take the 1 km trek to the lake. Spend the evening soaking in the mountains' silence and reflections. Overnight stay in Chandratal Camps.

Highlights:-

• Scenic ride through the Atal Tunnel and the Sissu waterfall views.

• Breakfast at Kokhsar dhabas with giant parathas, popular among bikers.

• Off-roading adventure from Chhatru to Batal with waterfalls & slush patches.

• Lunch at legendary Chacha–Chachi Dhaba in Batal.

• Short trek to Chandratal Lake with stunning landscapes.

• Sunset at Chandratal with crystal reflections and icy winds.

• Star-gazing experience at Chandratal Camps (zero light pollution).

Food:-

• Kokhsar (Breakfast)-

• Giant Aloo Paratha with curd/butter.

• Maggi, omelet, chai & herbal tea.

Chhatru – Quick Snack:

• Biscuits, juice, and tea.

• Homemade chocolate bars (seasonal).

Batal (Lunch at Chacha–Chachi Dhaba)-

• Rajma Chawal.

• Kadhi Chawal.

• Veg/Plain Maggi.

• Lemon tea, black tea.

Chandrataal Camps (Dinner)-

• Hot soup.

• Veg thali (dal–sabzi–rice–roti).

• Sweet dish (kheer/sewai, depends on camp).

Activities:-

• Scenic photo stops at the Atal Tunnel South Portal.

• Waterfall crossings and off-road riding adventure.

• Trekking around Chandratal (1–1.5 km trail).

• Sunset + golden hour lake photography.

• Drone shots (only in allowed zones).

• Campfire (subject to wind & permissions).

• Night-time star-gazing & Milky Way photography.

• Early morning lake walk for mirror-like reflection.

Shopping:-

Koksar & Sissu roadside stalls:

• Local apples.

• Dry apricots & nuts.

• Woollen caps & gloves.

• Tibetan-style mufflers.

Batal small stalls:

• Stickers (Spiti/Chandratal/Batal).

• Keychains.

• Warm gloves.

Route: Chandrataal Camps – Batal (Chacha–Chachi Dhaba) – Chhatru – Chota Dhara – Atal Tunnel – Manali

Wake up early around 5:30–6:00 AM to witness the beautiful morning glow on Chandrataal. Take an optional short walk to the lake if the weather is clear. After a light breakfast at the campsite, begin the return journey by 7:00 & drive back to Batal for chai or a quick paratha if needed. The rough patches begin again from Batal towards Chhatru with adventurous water crossings, slush, and narrow mountain curves. Stop at Chhatru for a simple lunch (Dal–Chawal/Kadhi–Chawal), popularly enjoyed by trekkers and bikers.

Continue towards Sissu and enjoy the sudden change of scenery—from rocky Spiti terrain to lush green Lahaul valley. Cross the Atal Tunnel to reach Manali by late afternoon or early evening. Proceed to Manali Bus Stand to connect you onward journey.

Highlights:-

• Early morning serenity & soft golden light at Chandrataal Lake.

• Scenic drive back through Batal, Chota Dhara & waterfalls.

• Crossing Pagal Nallah before peak water flow (as recommended by Harish Bali).

• Lunch with mountain views at Chhatru.

• Sudden transition from barren landscapes to lush green Sissu Valley.

• Drive through the iconic Atal Tunnel.
  

Food:-

Chandrataal Camps (Breakfast):

• Bread–butter–jam

• Porridge & tea

• Poha or upma (camp style)

• Hot lemon water

Batal Stop (Tea/Snack):

• Masala tea

• Paratha/Maggi (optional quick refill)

Chhatru (Lunch):

• Dal–Chawal

• Kadhi–Chawal

• Boiled potato sabzi

• Curd (seasonal)

• Lemon tea

Optional Excursions:-

• Sissu Waterfall Visit (2 – 3 Hrs): Beautiful photo point, especially for families & kids.

• Kunzum Pass (18–20 km / 2 - 3 Hrs)Best For: First-time visitors, families, photographers.