Old Manali
The original village uphill of the tourist town — stone houses, apple orchards and long-stay cafés.
- Timings
- Open access · cafés typically 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Entry fee
- Free
- Time needed
- Half day
- Best time
- March – June, September – November
About Old Manali
Two kilometres above the Mall Road bustle, Old Manali is a different place: traditional Himachali houses in stone and timber, apple orchards, and the Manu Temple, said to be the only temple to Manu in India. Since the 1990s it has also been a backpacker enclave, with a strip of cafés along the Manalsu river where people stay for weeks. It largely shuts down in deep winter. The walk up from New Manali takes about 30 minutes and is the best way to arrive.
Insider tips
- Walk up rather than drive — the lane is narrow and the walk is the point
- Many cafés close November to February
- Manu Temple at the top of the village is worth the extra ten minutes
Old Manali — common questions
What are the Old Manali timings?
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Old Manali is open Open access · cafés typically 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
What is the entry fee for Old Manali?
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Entry: Free.
How much time do you need at Old Manali?
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Plan for roughly Half day.
What is the best time to visit Old Manali?
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March – June, September – November.
How crowded does Old Manali get?
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Medium crowd levels overall.
Nearby
More to see in Manali
TempleHadimba Devi Temple
A 1553 pagoda temple in a deodar forest, dedicated to Bhima's demoness wife from the Mahabharata.
AdventureSolang Valley
Manali's adventure playground — paragliding and zorbing in summer, snow and skiing in winter.
ViewpointRohtang Pass
A 3,978 m pass into Lahaul — snowbound and closed for much of the year, and permit-controlled when open.
SpiritualVashisht Hot Springs & Temple
Natural sulphur springs with free public baths, beside a temple to the sage Vashisht.