I went to Manali in June and knew I’d be there for the peak travel season. I went in prepared for crowds and traffic, but I wasn’t prepared for how my itinerary would be changed. I got to Manali, but once I was there, I had a lot of trouble getting anywhere without being stuck in traffic or waiting in long lines.
When I got to Solang Valley on the second day of my trip, I was stuck in traffic for most of the day with an endless line of honking cars. I had a great time at Manali despite my experiences. However, if I could go back, I would do a lot of things differently than I did when I went.
What peak season in Manali actually looks like
Manali is located at approximately 2,050 metres in Kullu Valley. During April, May, and June, Manali enjoys pleasant weather that provides a welcome retreat from the intense heat experienced across many lower-altitude regions of India. As a result, large numbers of travellers head to Manali for their summer holidays, making this the town’s peak tourist season.
It doesn’t take long for the town to fill up with tourists. By the time Mall Road was closed for the evening, it’s packed with tourists. By the time you get to one of the other nearby attractions, you spend all morning stuck in traffic. I knew going on vacation to Manali was the peak travel season. However, I had no idea how significantly all of this was going to impact how I spent my time in Manali.
Old Manali: Where I should have stayed instead
Old Manali is a quieter part of town, just across the river from the main market. It has cafés, guesthouses, and a noticeably slower pace than the centre of Manali.
I stayed near the main Mall Road area, mostly for convenience. Unfortunately, the noise and traffic made evenings less restful than they should have been. Old Manali, just a short walk away, had none of that. Next time, I am staying there instead.
Solang Valley: Go early or skip the drive entirely
The Solang Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Manali – a huge open meadow, a cable car ride, plus the beautiful mountains surround it. Unfortunately, it is also one of the busiest routes to take during peak season in the entire valley.
I thought leaving for Solang at 10 a.m. was fine, but it wasn’t. There were backups on the road for kilometers, and the 40-minute travel time turned into a nearly two-hour drive. If I had left before 7 a.m., I would have had a much more enjoyable time. Otherwise, I will find a quiet alternative to Solang next time.
Hidimba Temple: Early morning changes everything
Located in the heart of Manali within a cedar forest, Hidimba Temple is dedicated to the goddess Hidimba from the Mahabharata. Being one of the most popular tourist sites in Manali, it is extremely busy by the time you get there in the late morning.
I went around noon, and with all the crowd, I found it difficult to appreciate the temple. I was told by a local that the mornings before 9:00 a.m. are much quieter, and I believe them. Next time, I will go to the Hidimba Temple as the first tour stop of the day rather than the third tour stop.
Jogini Waterfall: The walk I should have prioritised
Jogini Waterfall is a moderate trek starting from Vashisht village, leading through forest and farmland to a waterfall that stays relatively uncrowded compared to Manali’s bigger attractions.
I almost skipped this trek because it was not on my original list. A fellow traveller mentioned it on day three, and I am glad I listened. The trail was peaceful, even in peak season. Next time, I will definitely plan this early rather than discovering it by accident.
What I’d do about the traffic
Traffic was the single biggest frustration of the trip. Roads to Solang, Manikaran, and even short trips within town moved slowly during midday hours.
Next time, I would build my days around this reality instead of fighting it. Early starts for anything requiring a drive. Walking-distance plans for the afternoon. Saving longer drives for very early morning or post-sunset, when the roads are noticeably freer.
The bottom line
Peak season in Manali is not a bad thing. It’s just a different trip experience in the way that planning around chaos can be rewarding vs not planning around chaos.
Visitors who stay in hotels in Manali learn very quickly that the town offers lots of flexibility in where to go, and that sometimes the best experiences are away from the main busy roads and the most crowded viewpoints.
Next time, I will stay in Old Manali, get up early every day to start sightseeing early, take midday rest, and schedule in more unplanned walking, because the most memorable parts of my trip were not what I was told to expect.
