Kullu Manali with Atal Tunnel

After picking you up from Delhi at about 6:30 p.m. we will be reaching Manali early, next morning. After checking in at the hotel, sightseeing is on the list to places like Hidimba Temple, Vashishth hot springs, and Jogini Falls. Overnight stay at Manali.

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Woo-hoo! The trip to Manali has officially begun! We can’t wait to meet you lovely folks all decked up, ready and excited to witness the amazing beauty of Manali. After a friendly exchange of HI’s and hello’s, we will quickly hop onto the bus in the evening taking us to our dream destination. Chattering the night away, we will be welcomed by Manali’s cool air and freshness the next morning as if ushering us for the upcoming fun we will be having. 

After checking in at the hotel and freshening up we will head straight to the most famous temple of Manali, the Hadimba temple! Its architectural brilliance is wonderful with its huge roof, shaped like a pagoda. Various sculptures of mythological Gods, Goddesses, and animals are carved along the magnificent doorways as if you have entered some forbidden, ancient kingdom that everyone is unaware of. The wooden structure although doesn’t host an idol, has a sacred rock inside which is known to possess magical powers and healing properties. The Van Vihar forest which surrounds the Hadimba temple gives you an unmatched sense of awe-inspiring scenic beauty! 

Next, after having a hearty lunch we will venture into the quiet and serene Vashisht village witnessing the gentle waters of the Beas river flowing peacefully in the palpable ambiance. Now, tighten your shoelaces as we are about to start our trek to the gorgeous Jogini falls. The walk to the Jogini falls is marked by picturesque views of the great pine trees, lush green meadows, colorful apple orchards, and the sound of the cascading falls beckoning you! The acute wilderness all around will rejuvenate your mind so that when you finally reach the falls you will be filled with ecstasy seeing the gigantic mountains, mighty valleys, and fantastic natural beauty! 

After the fun-filled trek, it’s time for some relaxation! Once we come down the Jogini falls let all the exhaustion drain from your body by dipping in the Vashisht hot springs. The steamy water will energize you instantly with the warmth seeping deep inside your skin making you feel refreshed. You can also visit the famous Vashisht temple nearby named after a great sage, carved entirely out of wood before we go back to the hotel. 

Post snacks we can head out on the streets of Manali to locate artsy cafes selling delicious local food like Sidu, Babru, Bhey, and other exotic cuisines like Israeli, Italian, American, and Himachali. If you wish you can even go street shopping along the lanes of Manali, selecting the perfect gift for your friends or family. At night there will be interesting games to play like mafia night and dumb charades to name a few after which we will retire to our beds with both our hearts and stomachs full, getting prepped up for the journey the next day.

The next day we set off to the world’s longest, Atal tunnel, (9.2 km) crossing the Solang valley and reaching Keylong to visit the Kardang monastery. On our way back via the Atal tunnel, we make a pit stop at the Tandi bridge and in the evening hike to Sissu waterfalls before calling it a day. 

DETAILED ITINERARY 
Time to wake up fellow travelers! Yeah, today we have to wake a little early otherwise, how are we to visit all the amazing places that Manali has to offer? So, after having a scrumptious breakfast we move forward to our first spot, which is the Atal tunnel via the mesmerizing Solang pass. Now, before you ask what’s so special about a tunnel, let me remind you, that the Atal tunnel is about 9.2kms long connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley, and is deemed to be of utmost strategic importance! Once you are going forward through the Atal tunnel, you will feel as though you are trapped in an endless time loop. You seem to be going on and on but the road never seems to end! 

With extreme safety measures like entry barriers placed at both portals, emergency telephone connections at a distance of every 150 mts, hydrant mechanisms available at a distance of every 60 mts, exclusive air monitors, lighting facilities, and CCTV cameras, this horseshoe-shaped tunnel has drastically reduced the distance between Manali and Lahaul valley by approximately 50kms! When in the curving roads of the Himalayas, the distance reduced is indeed huge. What took 4 to 5 hours will now be covered in just 15 minutes! What’s more, the Atal tunnel has even successfully boosted tourism at Manali like none other.

The Atal tunnel is surely a place of wonder no doubt which you can experience once you are inside its tapering walls! After crossing the tunnel, we reach the marvelous Keylong pass at an altitude of 3440m adorned with greenery and snow-clad mountains. You can also visit the grand Kardang monastery, which is situated just an arm’s length, and gaze upon the ancient murals, frescos, paintings, and rusted yet magnificent weapons and instruments kept with care inside the monastery. Roaming around the vast expanse of the Kardang monastery is truly a visual delight especially watching the intricate carvings and decorations, even on the ceiling! Photography lovers here’s your chance to click as many pictures as possible, as chances are that you won’t find such a beautiful monastery against the backdrop of lofty hills and glistening rivers ever!

Hungry yet? Because, before we head out from the Kardang monastery we will have our lunch at Keylong and take a little diversion to Tandi bridge where you can click photos with your gang and just admire the great surroundings.

Don’t let that energy drop peeps as it’s time to have a small trek to Sissu waterfalls appreciating nature’s wonder. The slightly rocky terrain to Sissu waterfalls is a treat to the eyes as you pass green vegetation baring the chilly winds, and if you are lucky, you can even spot tiny creatures like ferrets and yellow-billed weasels! The Sissu waterfalls are highly unexplored, but awe-inspiring nevertheless!

After we head back to our hotel, there will be a bonfire night post-dinner arranged especially for you guys, because who doesn’t need some laughter and booze after staying on their toes the whole day, right? Hence, after a fun session, and a wonderful experience we will have a peaceful sleep, calling it a day. 

On the last day of the trip, we take a stroll at Manali post-breakfast and en route, enjoy river rafting at Kullu before leaving Manali in the evening. We will reach Delhi the next morning.

DETAILED ITINERARY 
The day has come, when we have to say our goodbyes to Manali as well as to each other! But before heading back, we will make sure you take home memories, on your last day as well! Post breakfast, those who want a enjoy some time to themselves can take a friendly stroll around the town before moving towards Kullu where adventure lovers can opt for river rafting, braving the mighty and aggressive waters, completely drenched but the indomitable thrill still pulsing within and feeling the huge splashes of cold waves slapping against their face! The adrenaline rush you get after that is truly inexplicable.

Done with river rafting, we will have our final lunch together on the Manali trip and board the bus in the evening from Kullu which will be taking us back to Delhi, the next morning carrying with us a bunch of memories home, and making friends for a lifetime. Upon reaching Delhi, we will bid our adieu hoping to meet each other, once again, very soon!