Naggar's charm is its calm, but every so often you might fancy a change of pace, and Old Manali, with its riverside cafes and buzzy traveller energy, makes the perfect contrast for a day out. It is an easy hop up the valley, and you can be back in quiet Naggar by evening.
Getting there from Naggar
Old Manali sits about 25 km up the valley from Naggar. The simplest route is to first reach Manali; local buses run frequently and take around an hour, or a taxi will do it in 30 to 45 minutes. From the main Manali town, Old Manali is roughly 3 km further uphill along the Manalsu river, so you can take a short taxi ride or, if you are feeling energetic, walk up in about 15 to 20 minutes.
What to do in Old Manali
Old Manali is all about slowing down in a different key. The lanes are lined with cafes tucked among apple orchards, many with terraces overlooking the river, ideal for a long breakfast, some journaling, or simply watching the day go by. Beyond the cafes:
- Manu Temple: A peaceful old temple dedicated to the sage Manu, at the top of the village.
- Riverside walks: Follow the Manalsu and the forest trails that branch off the main street.
- Browse and shop: Little stores sell woollens, jewellery, books and music.
- Hadimba Temple: The famous cedar-shrouded temple is a short ride away in Manali proper, easy to fold into the same trip.
Tips for the day
- Best time: March to June and September to November for pleasant weather. Old Manali quietens down in deep winter when some cafes close.
- Start early: Leaving Naggar in the morning gives you a full, unhurried day and an easy return before dark.
- Carry layers: Even in summer, valley evenings can turn cool.
The beauty of basing yourself in Naggar is that the whole valley is within reach, yet you always come home to peace and quiet. Ghar in the Hills is a cozy homestay in Naggar village, the perfect launchpad for day trips like this one and a restful place to return to afterwards.