Manali Travel Guide

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For tourists traveling in there own cars,Buses or in Taxi's must care that they do not park their vehicles on roads as there is less place for parking thus create traffic jams, Do not through garbage in the hills, and travelers going to Rohtang or beyond must fill their fuel tanks and carry extra safe fuel storage cans as there is no gas station on the way to Rohtang Pass and beyond till Keylong and also check your vehicle's tyres. air pressure, brakes, brake oil and shockers and horn, as the road to Rohtang is narrow, steep, curved roads has got lots of potholes, stones, Do not drink and overtake while on Rohtang road, always give way to upcoming traffic and always give horn at the blind curves, concentrate on driving as beautiful secenry might attract your attention, Elderly people or people having heart problem can take extra precautions as the Oxygen is less at Rohtang pass and u will feel little uneasiness while walking at Rohtang Pass, Climate at this road n area is unpredictable so it is advisable to have a good fog lamps fitted in ur vehicle for safe driving. Traffic jams on the narrow Rohtang area is a common site due to rains landslide or passing off army vehicles carrying supply to forward places, keep calm carry food items, water, biscuits n other snacks, carrying a thermos containing hot coffee or tea would be a boon traveling in that cold area as the food and snacks available at Rohtang height is very costly almost triple the cost of what you get at Manali due to transportation at that point. For safety reasons do carry medicines for vomiting, headache, spry or gel for sprain and anty allergy tablets for any mosquito bites after consulting your doctor. carrying a heavy woolens with caps and gloves and rubber shoes is advisable that items can be rented at any kiosk which you many find at very mile up to Rohtang do bargain. Always keep local police numbers for help in case of emergency with you. For further information you can contact Himachal Pardesh Tourist information center at Manali. If you going by Taxi always contact authorized Taxi stand point.

We took Manali taxi tour to Solang Valley for INR500, after 10 km or so, the road was blocked, and they said you have to go by pony or walk. If you want out at this point, you will have to pay the full amount. So make sure the roads are clear, and add a proviso in your agreement with the driver/ transport union.

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Travelers specially children's not to miss and can enjoy crossing river on a 100mtrs specially designed imported rope, daily checked and changed after one week, under the supervision of trained and well equipped persons at a very cheap price for INR 100/- per pax and you can bargain for that too. A fun filled adventure n memorable activity specially for Kids.

Equipment: nothing speacial your normal clothes will be fine. You will be tied up with a rope and safety bars n handles by a specially trained person operating this so no worries.

Favorite thing: A couple years ago i went to India for a second time and for the first time visited Manali. Manali was a fun spot.Way too many tourists for my liking but.. Needless to say, if you don't mind rubbing elbows with stoned Israeli youth and Euro kids who look more like homeless people than tourists, it is fine. I dont want to be mean but I say this because potheds take to india like fish to water, and I personally find it very distracting to be around people whose only motive in life, or at least on their vacations, seems to be to spend their time high...I feel the same about Spanish youth whose only goal also seems to be drunk on a 24 hour basis, and the Aussies, and the Irish, and on and on...

In any case, there is a great Tibetan restaurant that serves only Italian food, and its cuisine. Some of the best gnocchi I have ever had in my life, and the Tibetan couple who run it are very sweet. I for the life of me cannot remember the name but it is on Mission Road. The outside seating is very nice and quiet and a hundred or so feet from the road. Not far from the little bridge.

Fondest memory: Best memory was of the mountains which we could see from our hotel room. I miss the Tibetan shops and the lamas and the monks, and the nuns, and of course the Indian people and their varied cultures. I also miss the sound of my friend Yasu barfing in his room all day long...