Slow Travel Weekend in Manali: Cafes, Waterfalls, and Community

Why Manali, why slow?

We wanted altitude, fresh air, and a plan that left room for serendipity. No 5 a.m. wakeups, no 10-stop itineraries.

Day 1 — Arrival + settle

• Land, chai, and a slow walk on Mall Road at golden hour.
• Quick gear check (layers, rain shell, power bank).
• Dinner: thukpa + momos at a local spot the host swears by.

Day 2 — Waterfall + cafes

• Jogini Falls: start by 8:30 a.m., easy-moderate trail, pack a light snack.
• Post-hike cafe crawl: try honey-lemon-ginger and keep it light on coffee if you’re not used to altitude.
• Evening board games + music back at the homestay.

Day 3 — Villages + views

• Slow drive towards Solang side, but skip the crowds by stopping in small villages en route.
• Short ridge walk for sunset photos; keep layers handy.

Packing list (carry-on friendly)

• Merino base, fleece, light puffer, rain shell.
• Trail shoes with decent grip.
• Power bank, refillable bottle, basic meds (altitude: consult your doc).

Budget snapshot (per person, indicative)

• Stay: ₹2.5–4k/night (homestay vibe).
• Food: ₹800–1.2k/day if you cafe-hop.
• Local transport: ₹1–1.5k/day if shared.

Pro tips

• Hydrate more than you think.
• Mornings are for movement; late afternoons for cafes.
• If it rains, embrace it—swap hikes for books and cinnamon rolls.