Manali is one of the rare tourist destinations, which despite being a most cliched tourist spot in India, has still retained its charm. The snow-clad mountain ranges, the towering pine forests, the magnificent Beas river, quiet old woods and the narrow streets of Manali make you want to live there. Manali proffers a fine blend of connectivity, remoteness, nature, amenities, local and world travelers, making it a matchless destination to plan a workation in hills.
Whether you want to indulge in adventure activities or need a quiet space to work, here’s everything you need to know about planning a workation in Manali in 2021.
How to plan a Workation in Manali
1. Mobile network in Manali
There are no major network availability issues in Manali. Almost all the networks work in Manali (main town). If you are staying away from the main town, check the network availability with your property owner.
Airtel and Jio network works the best everywhere in Manali and almost all properties provide Wi-Fi.
2. Traveling in and around Manali
Manali is a small town, everything in the town is accessible on foot. But if you want to avoid walking, you can rent a scooter/bike for the long term. The rent for a scooter in Manali is between 400-1200 depending on your scooter/bike. Book a scooter for a longer duration to cut down on the cost. You can also rent a bicycle/mountain bike in Manali. Several places rent out bicycles on a monthly basis.
3. Food options in Manali
The entire town is a buffet of diverse cuisines, from traditional Himachali food to world cuisines, from Tibetan to North Indian, you can find everything you wish to eat. The most commonly available dishes here are Tibetan (Momos, Thukpa, Thenthuk), North-Indian (Rajma Chawal, Dal Makhni, Chicken Curry), Pahadi food (Dham, Madra, Chha Gosht), Chinese (Noodles, Fried Rice, Chow mein), and bakery products (Cakes, Fresh bread, Desserts). Other specialty cuisines available in Manali are Italian, Korean, Israeli, and Japanese.
4. Temperature in Manali
| Weather Conditions in Manali | March- June | July- September | October- February |
| Temperature | 10 to 25℃ | 10 to 16℃ | 5℃ to Below -1℃ |
5. Best time to plan a staycation in Manali
Peak Season – The peak season is from March to June. The Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C in the peak season. The weather is pleasant and sunny, with occasional light showers. It is the best time for outdoor activities, sightseeing and for traveling around Manali.
Shoulder Season – October to February is the Shoulder season for Manali. October is the onset of winter. The weather is pleasant during the day but it gets chilly at night. December to February is peak winter, with heavy snowfall and negative temperature.
Low Season – Manali experiences heavy rainfall from July to August. It is difficult to travel around during this period due to the high risk of road blockage and landslides.
6. Things to pack for a Workation in Manali
While almost all the amenities are easily available in the town, in these uncertain times, being prepared can prove quite handy.
Keep essential personal medication for emergencies. Carrying woollen thermals and rain gear is a must, as the weather in Manali is very volatile. Keeping a stash of dried food items can be especially useful in case of sudden lockdowns. Power banks, internet backup, and chargers with extra wires along with work-specific stationary items (pen, notebooks, etc) are essential.
Where to stay in Manali for a Workation
1. The Culture Nation Hostel
Accommodation Type: Bunk bed in a mixed dormitory room
Cost per month: 12725 ($173)
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Dining area, Workspace, Seating area, Rooftop, Garden
Address: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/3bdZGJq
2. C6 Manali
Accommodation Type: Backpack Community House
Cost per month: 8930 ($121.5)
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Meal plans, Kitchen, Outdoor terrace,
Address: Hadimba Temple Road, Dhungri Village, near DPS School, Nasogi, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/3xZIvFf
3.La Luna Nueva Manali | cottage
Accommodation Type: Private room in a cottage
Cost per month: 13296/ $181 (For two)
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Kitchen, Dedicated workspace, Patio
Address: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/2Swj7GP
4.House Overlooking the Valley, Waterfall, Mountains
Accommodation Type: Private room in a house
Cost per month: 11349/ $154.5 (For two)
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Kitchen, Dedicated workspace, Patio
Address: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/3ezs8aI
5.Vamoose Rangri Homestay
Accommodation Type: Family double room
Cost per month: 15000/ $204 (For two)
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Balcony
Address: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/33vyq55
Budget for a 1-month Workation in Manali
Accommodation
Finding long-term stays in Manali is very easy. Post pandemic, almost all properties in Manali are offering long-term plans for travelers.
As the Work from Mountains trend is growing, homestays and hotels are furnishing properties to suit your staycation needs.
You can find a single/double room for around ₹8000 per month with amenities including a kitchenette & utensils, Wi-Fi, workspace, private bathroom, and more.
There are community hostels, travelers hostels, homestays, guest houses, hotels, resorts, and retreats in plenty. Plan your budget, list out your requirements, and select the property that serves your preferences.
Food
From street food stalls to fine-dines, Manali has something for everyone. There are numerous cafes on every street for you to find your go-to place to work, eat, relax and chill.
Try to save money on food by preparing one meal at home. You can get a meal for as cheap as ₹100 per person. Ask for meal plans in your regular restaurants to cut down your everyday food expenses.
Cost for a 1-Month Workation in Manali, India
| Items | Cost for 1 month (Per person) |
| Accommodation | ₹8000- ₹10000 ($109- $136) |
| Food | ₹6000 ($82) |
| Scooter/Bikes rent | ₹5000 ($68) |
| Miscellaneous cost (Groceries, Fuel, etc.) | ₹4000 ($55) |
| Adventure activities | ₹2000 ($27) |
| Total | ₹24000 ($327) per month |
Off-beat places to explore in Manali on a Vacation
1. Rumsu Village and Naggar Castle
Rumsu village has withstood time and the mountain way of life. From Naggar, the trail past Roerich’s cottage leads to Rumsu. There is a motorable road to Rumsu, but the trail is shorter, with breathtaking views of the valley and the Himalayas.
Take a pit stop at Roerich’s art gallery and museum. Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist, arrived in the Himalayas after the revolution of 1917. The artist’s private rooms have been preserved in the museum along with his original works.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (except Monday)
Must eat: Aloo Paratha at the food stall outside the gallery.
What to see in Rumsu:
- Jamlu Temple: The main deity of Malana, Jamlu Devi temple in Rumsu is a marvellous structure. Outsiders are not allowed in the temple. You can see it from the outside.
- Rumsu School: The school is a beautiful wooden building with children studying the courtyard. It takes you right back to the past.
- Traditional Shawls: The handloom shawls made by locals are woven in traditional weaving styles and patterns.
Rumsu is also the starting point of the trek to Malana (the most ancient democracy in the world).
The Naggar Castle is a picturesque spot for lunch with spectacular views of the valley. Visit the Jagatipatt temple to admire intricate architecture.
2. Jana Falls
The Jana Falls is enveloped by deodar trees, pine trees, and apple orchards. The waterfall is hidden amidst the thickets of forest and opens up from a cluster of rocks. Take a dip in the icy waters or go for a swim in the small pools of the fall.
You can also trek up to the top of the hill for a magnificent view of the fall and vistas around it.
The authentic Himachali food served near the waterfall is the highlight of the trip.
September to June is the ideal time to visit the falls, when it flows in all its glory.
Must eat: Himachali Thali at Maniram’s Dhaba
Distance from Manali: 32 kms
How to reach:
You can get a direct bus from Manali to Jana Village or go to Naggar and take a bus from there. There are 2-3 buses between Naggar and Jana village. The first bus is at 8:30 a.m. After reaching the nearest road point, you will have to trek for 15-20 minutes to reach the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall is through the woods of serene pines and deodars.
3. Nyingmapa Monastery
Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is a Buddhist monastery in Manali. It is one of the most famous monasteries of India for its religious significance. The architectural intricacy and tranquillity of the environment draws tourists from all over the world. The most prominent feature of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is the towering statue of Sakyamuni in a seated meditation pose.
Located very close to the Mall road in Manali, you can take a local bus ride or rent an auto rickshaw or a taxi to reach the monastery.
4. Jagatsukh and Sajla
Jagatsukh, famous for its ancient temples, houses a Shikhara style built Shiva temple, also known as Jagatsukh Shiva Temple. This temple is set amidst the picturesque valleys and magnanimous snow-clad mountains
Jagatsukh is only 6 km from Manali, at the north end of the Kullu Valley, and can be easily accessed by bus or taxis.
Sajla is a small village on the Manali-Naggar road and the Vishnu Temple in Sajla is designed in wood with intricate designs and carvings. There’s another old stone temple dedicated to Shiva-Parvati just outside the Vishnu temple at Sajla.
5. Hot springs in Vashisht, a hidden waterfall, and Vashisht Temple
While the Jogini waterfalls near Vashisht are frequently visited by tourists; Vashisht waterfalls are still untouched and offbeat. The path going upwards from Rama Temple goes up to the waterfall. After a worthy climb, rejuvenate in the hot springs of Vashisht. The sulphur from the water cures ailments and revitalises your body.
The Vashisht temple is dedicated to Sage Vashisht. The temple is built in Himachali architectural style with wooden carvings on the walls and pillars.
How to Reach Manali
Reach Manali By Air:
Bhuntar Airport (KUU), approximately 50 km away, is the nearest airport to Manali. You can book a direct taxi to Manali from the airport or take a bus from the Bhuntar bus stop (1 km away from the airport).
Although Bhuntar is the nearest airport, it is much simpler to take a flight to Chandigarh (IXC), which is 300 km from Manali. Chandigarh is a major airport and well-connected to all the major Indian cities. Traveling from Chandigarh to Manali is very convenient. You can get a shared cab or a bus.
Reach Manali By Bus:
The easiest way to travel to Manali is by bus. There are plenty of buses from all the major north Indian cities. There are regular HRTC buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Ambala, and Pathankot. You can also book luxury buses with HPTDC and private tour operators.
Reach Manali By Rail:
Reaching Manali by train is the hardest. The nearest railroad is the narrow-gauge track up to Joginder Nagar (145 km from Manali). Joginder Nagar (JDNX) is connected to several chief cities in the country, including Pathankot, Chandigarh, Ambala.
Workation Packages in Manali
Manali is one of the first places in Himachal Pradesh to adapt to the current times. There are a gazillion homestays, resorts, hotels offering long-term, workation packages. Though almost all the properties are equipped with essentials for a workation, opting for a package saves hassle in terms of food, connectivity, planning and managing. If you want to save time and resources in planning a long stay, arranging food and finding your space, here are some packages you can consider.
- Glampeco
- The Hosteller
- Workation package, HPTDC
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Himalayas, Manali hosts a motley of tourists every year. The surreal location, hospitable people, long-standing travel culture of the place makes planning workation in Manali a cakewalk.
From countless stay options to all kinds of cuisines, with endless things to explore and unending vistas of nature, Manali is a great staycation destination for solo travellers, partners, friends, and family.
Plan a safe workation amidst the uncertain times!
