Where to Stay in Manali – a neighborhood guide

Manali’s the sort of place where you can relax for hours listening to travellers’ stories with a cup of chai to hand, or head out to the snowy mountains for some adventure sports. Plenty of hotels cater to the stream of backpackers heading to Old Manali or the other hillside villages, and there’s a selection of more upmarket accommodation options thanks to the town’s popularity with Indian tourists.Hotels in Mall Road

 

 

Mall Road is a good area for basic and mid-range accommodation. From simple guesthouses offering budget rooms with shared baths to hotels with ensuite bathrooms and steam rooms, you won't have much trouble finding a comfy nook to call your own.

 

Old Manali

 

 

Just a 30-minute walk from Manali bus station, Old Manali is a favourite among romantic couples, laid back travellers, and unashamed hippies. Its ancient core still retains traditional mountain village ambiance with timber and stone houses crammed against the hillside, and welcoming drinking dens decked out with bean bags and Tibetan trinkets.

 

Hotels in Old Manali

 

 

While it offers budget accommodation catering to travellers on tight, budgets, Old Manali hotels certainly provide plenty of comfort. You can expect guestrooms with balconies overlooking mountains, amenities including restaurants and WiFi connections, as well as bars where you can mingle with fellow travellers.

 

Vashisht

 

 

Another popular traveller hangout, Vashisht is a bit smaller than Old Manali, and exudes a similar mountain village atmosphere. If you fancy soothing your limbs after a hard day's hiking, you can head to Vashisht Springs to laze around in the indulgent, steaming thermal waters, before heading for chai at a local café, which will be brimming with backpackers.

 

Hotels in Vashisht

 

 

Similar to Old Manali in its hotel options, Vashisht has a good choice of budget hotels and guesthouses. Again, they tend to come with modern conveniences despite the low prices, whether you want to upload your holiday snaps using the WiFi or tuck into local dishes in the restaurants. Larger hotels also have steam rooms to bask in.

 

Manali outskirts

 

 

With views of jagged snowy peaks, orchards bursting with luscious fruit, and pine tree forests, the area surrounding Manali isn't just where you can get away from it all. It’s also perfect for outdoor pursuits, including rafting and canoeing, skiing in the snowy hills, and hiking through the wild Kullu Valley. The region is popular with domestic tourists who head to the mid-range guesthouses and upmarket hotels.

 

Hotels in Manali outskirts

 

 

Away from Manali’s central commercial and backpacker areas, you’ll find luxury resorts and cosy cottages awaiting you. This is the place to go if you feel like spoiling yourself. Popular with honeymooning couples, some of these retreats offer spacious, chalet-style suites with flat-screen TVs, as well as full service spas.