If there’s one journey that perfectly captures the backpacking spirit of Himachal, it’s the route through Manali, Kasol, and the Parvati Valley. This 7-day mountain escape blends lively hill towns, peaceful riverside villages, adventure activities, and scenic Himalayan drives into one unforgettable experience.
From exploring Old Manali’s cafe culture and the ancient Hadimba Temple to experiencing adrenaline in Solang Valley and driving through the iconic Atal Tunnel to Sissu, the journey slowly unfolds deeper into the mountains. As you move into the serene Parvati Valley, places like Kasol, Chalal, and Manikaran introduce you to riverside walks, sacred hot springs, and a relaxed backpacker vibe.
The trip continues toward the quiet beauty of Jibhi and Jalori Pass, where dense forests, hidden waterfalls, and the tranquil Serolsar Lake trek bring you closer to nature.
Designed for travelers who want a mix of adventure, culture, and slow mountain living, this backpacking expedition offers the perfect taste of Himachal’s most loved valleys.
Day 1 – Delhi to Manali (Overnight Journey)
The group assembles at Kashmere Gate around 7 PM, where you’ll meet your Driftmates trip leaders and fellow travelers. A quick briefing will cover the route ahead, travel expectations, and important safety notes before the journey begins.
Soon after, we board the overnight bus and start the long drive toward Manali. As the city lights fade behind, the road gradually leads into the Himalayan foothills.
Day 2 – Arrival in Manali
Arriving in Manali by morning, we check into our hotel and take some time to relax after the overnight journey. Later in the day, we head out to explore the town.
Our first stop is the Hadimba Temple, a 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, surrounded by tall cedar forests. Known for its unique pagoda-style architecture and peaceful setting, the temple is one of Manali’s most iconic landmarks.
Later, we visit Mall Road, the lively center of Manali filled with local markets, cafés, and street food. From there we continue toward Old Manali, a charming part of town known for its relaxed vibe, wooden houses, and riverside cafés. The evening is perfect for café hopping, enjoying live music, or simply soaking in the mountain atmosphere.
Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
Day 3 – Solang Valley Excursion
After breakfast, we drive toward Solang Valley, located about 13 kilometers from Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks and alpine meadows, Solang is one of Himachal’s most popular adventure hubs.
Here travelers can experience activities like ziplining and rocket bungee, offering thrilling views of the valley from above. Other adventure options such as zorbing, ATV rides, and skiing (seasonal) are also available.
The journey continues through the Atal Tunnel, one of the longest high-altitude tunnels in the world. Passing through this engineering marvel takes us into the dramatic landscapes of the Lahaul Valley. On the other side lies Sissu, a picturesque village known for its wide open valley views and a beautiful waterfall cascading down the mountainside.
After spending some time exploring the area, we return to Manali for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Manali to Kasol
After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey toward Kasol, a small Himalayan village located in the Parvati Valley.
Known for its laid-back atmosphere, pine forests, and the Parvati River flowing alongside the town, Kasol has long been a favorite stop for backpackers.
In the evening, we visit Manikaran Sahib, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the region. The complex houses both a temple and a Gurudwara, where natural hot water springs flow from the ground. These geothermal springs are considered sacred, and the langar prepared here is cooked using the natural heat from the water.
After visiting Manikaran, we return to Kasol to explore the lively local market and enjoy café hopping along the riverside.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kasol.
Day 5 – Kasol to Jibhi
The day begins with a short hike toward Chalal, a peaceful village located across the Parvati River from Kasol. The trail passes through forests and traditional houses, offering beautiful views of the valley.
After returning from the hike, we begin our journey toward Jibhi, a hidden Himalayan village in the Tirthan Valley known for its wooden cottages, dense forests, and quiet charm.
On the way, we stop near Jhiri village for a river rafting experience, where the fast-flowing mountain waters provide an exciting adventure before continuing the drive.
Upon reaching Jibhi in the evening, we explore the Jibhi Waterfall, a small but picturesque cascade tucked inside the forest. The village itself is known for its peaceful cafés and slow mountain life, making it a perfect place to unwind.
Dinner and overnight stay in Jibhi.
Day 6 – Jalori Pass & Serolsar Lake Trek
After breakfast, we drive to Jalori Pass, a high mountain pass located at around 3,000 meters. The pass offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and valleys.
From Jalori Pass, we begin a scenic trek to Serolsar Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake hidden within dense oak and pine forests. The trail gradually winds through alpine woods before opening into a peaceful clearing where the lake sits quietly beneath the mountains.
Beside the lake stands the Budhi Nagin Temple, an ancient shrine deeply respected by locals. The lake itself is known for its clear waters and tranquil surroundings, making it one of the most serene spots in the region.
After spending some time here, we trek back to Jalori Pass and drive toward Aut, where we board the overnight bus back to Delhi.
Day 7 – Delhi Arrival
We arrive in Delhi early morning around 9 AM, bringing the journey to a close.
The group parts ways with memories of cedar forests, mountain roads, hidden villages, riverside cafés, and the quiet beauty of the Himalayas.
✔ Volvo / AC Semi-Sleeper Bus Tickets for Delhi-Manali and Aut-Delhi (as per itinerary).
✔ All Internal Transfers in Tempo Traveler / Private Vehicle for sightseeing and travel between Manali, Kasol, Jibhi, and Jalori Pass as mentioned in the itinerary.
✔ Accommodation for 4 Nights in hotels / guesthouses (Manali – 2 nights, Kasol – 1 night, Jibhi – 1 night) on triple sharing basis.
Double sharing available at additional cost (subject to availability).
✔ Meals as per itinerary:
✔ Adventure Activities in Solang Valley:
Zipline and Rocket Bungee (included as per itinerary).
✔ River Rafting Experience near Jhiri (as mentioned in the itinerary).
✔ Experienced Driftmates Trip Leader / Captain throughout the trip.
✔ All Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary, including Manali, Solang Valley, Kasol, Manikaran, Jibhi, Jalori Pass, and Serolsar Lake trek.
✔ Driver Allowance, Toll Taxes, Parking Fees & State Permits.
✔ Basic First Aid Support carried by the trip leader.
✘ Any meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions (Lunches are excluded).
✘ Personal expenses such as snacks, bottled water, cafe bills, shopping, laundry, tips, etc.
✘ Entry tickets to monuments, camera/video charges (if applicable).
✘ Adventure activities not mentioned in the itinerary (ATV rides, skiing, zorbing, etc.).
✘ Travel insurance and personal medical expenses.
✘ Any additional costs due to weather conditions, landslides, road closures, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
✘ Heater charges at hotels (if applicable and payable directly at the property).
✘ Any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary.
✘ Anything not explicitly mentioned in the “Inclusions” section.
✔ To confirm your booking, a minimum of 30% of the total trip cost must be paid at the time of booking.
✔ The remaining 70% of the total amount must be cleared at least 30 days prior to the departure date.
✔ In case the booking is made within 30 days of departure, 100% payment is required at the time of booking.
✔ Failure to adhere to the payment schedule may result in automatic cancellation of the booking without prior notice, and applicable cancellation charges will apply.
✔ The booking amount (30%) is non-refundable under all circumstances.
✔ Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the departure date will attract a cancellation charge of 20% of the total trip cost.
✔ Cancellations made within 30 days of departure will attract 100% cancellation charges (no refund).
✔ If the remaining balance payment is not cleared within the specified timeline, the booking will stand cancelled automatically and the amount paid will be forfeited without refund.
✔ No refund will be provided for unused services, no-shows, or early exit from the trip.
These destinations can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes with seasons. March to June offers pleasant weather and green valleys, making it ideal for sightseeing and café hopping. July to September brings lush landscapes after the monsoon, though occasional rain is expected. October to February is perfect for snow lovers, especially in Manali and Solang Valley, where temperatures drop significantly and warm clothing becomes essential.
Weather in the mountains can change quickly, especially in the evenings. It is best to carry layered clothing so you can adjust according to the temperature. Pack a warm jacket, sweaters or hoodies, thermal innerwear if traveling in winter, comfortable trekking pants, and full-sleeve t-shirts. Even during summer, nights in Manali and Kasol can get chilly, so a light jacket is recommended.
Since this trip includes walking around villages, exploring markets, and a trek to Serolsar Lake, it’s important to carry comfortable trekking or sports shoes with good grip. Avoid slippers or flat shoes for hikes. You can also carry a pair of casual sandals for hotel use.
Some small items can make a big difference during a mountain trip. Make sure you pack sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, moisturizer, a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack for day excursions. A power bank is also recommended as power cuts can occasionally occur in mountain towns.
Yes, it’s always advisable to carry personal medication, motion sickness tablets, basic pain relief medicine, and a small personal first-aid kit. Although the trip leader carries basic medical support, it’s better to have your personal essentials with you.
ATMs and mobile networks are available in Manali and Kasol, but connectivity can become limited in smaller villages like Tosh or Jibhi. It’s recommended to carry some cash for local cafés, small shops, or markets where digital payments may not always work.
Yes. This backpacking trip is designed for travelers who want to experience the Himalayas without extremely difficult trekking. The only trek included is the Serolsar Lake trail, which is moderate and manageable for beginners with basic fitness.
A 40-50L backpack or a medium-sized travel bag is ideal for this journey. Along with that, carry a small daypack to keep essentials like water, snacks, and a camera during sightseeing and hikes.
You may also consider carrying energy snacks, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra socks. During winter months, gloves, woolen caps, and thermal layers will significantly improve comfort.
From₹30,000.00 Original price was: ₹30,000.00.₹23,999.00Current price is: ₹23,999.00.
From₹30,000.00 Original price was: ₹30,000.00.₹23,999.00Current price is: ₹23,999.00.
(1+)
₹35,999.00From₹26,999.00
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