Manali Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Essential Preparations

A chronological approach to planning supports timely completion of all required steps.

Detailed Planning Timeline

actions across three important periods for a well-prepared trip.

Months Before

Visa & Flights

Apply for Indian visa, book international flights.

Insurance & Health

Purchase travel insurance (World Nomads), consult doctor for vaccinations.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank about travel dates.

Month Before

Accommodation & Transport

Book major accommodation and long-distance buses/flights.

Permits & Driving

Research Rohtang Pass permits, organize International Driving Permit.

Packing & Gear

Start packing list, acquire necessary gear or clothing.

Week Before

Confirmations

Confirm all bookings: flights, accommodation, tours.

Digital Readiness

Download offline maps and useful apps.

Home & Documents

Arrange home care, make document copies, convert some INR.

Required Advance Bookings

Securing elements of your trip well in advance.

Pre-Trip Reservations

Indian Visa (e-Visa or regular visa).
International and domestic flights.
Accommodation for your stay.
Rohtang Pass Permit (seasonal).

Pre-Trip Research

Informing yourself for a smooth journey.

Research Areas

Read up on Himachali culture and etiquette.
Familiarize yourself with local scams and safety precautions.
Check current weather forecasts for Manali.
Review local transport options and routes.

Home Preparation Reminder

Preparing your home for your absence.

Security Measures

Secure your home by locking doors and windows.
Inform neighbors or security about your trip.
Arrange for mail collection or hold.
Set timers for lights for a lived-in appearance.

Financial & Utilities

Pay bills due during your absence.
Unplug non-essential electronics to save energy.
Adjust thermostat settings for energy savings.
Turn off main water supply if away for long periods.

Personal Arrangements

Arrange pet care if applicable.
Notify family or friends of your itinerary.
Provide emergency contacts to a trusted person.
Keep digital and physical copies of all important documents.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Manali define the tone for your trip; a checklist supports a smooth start.

Initial Steps

1
Immigration & Customs:
Clear immigration and customs with passport and visa.
2
Luggage Collection:
Collect your luggage from the baggage claim area.
3
Airport Transfer:
Locate your pre-booked airport transfer or the official taxi stand.

Orientation & Connectivity

Locate Accommodation:
Head directly to your hotel or guesthouse for check-in.
Familiarize Yourself:
Explore the immediate vicinity, including ATMs and pharmacies.
Local SIM Card:
Purchase a local SIM card for reliable connectivity. (NordVPN) can secure your connection.

Practicalities Upon Arrival

Currency Exchange

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs.

Use ATMs in Manali town for better exchange rates for larger amounts.

Initial Purchases

Purchase bottled water as a priority upon arrival.

Acquire any immediate essentials like snacks or toiletries.

Transportation from Entry Point

From Bhuntar (KUU) airport, a pre-paid taxi option is available to Manali.

From the bus stand, take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to your hotel.

First Day Focus

Focus on settling into your accommodation and getting oriented with your immediate surroundings for a relaxed start.

Departure Preparation

Smooth arrangements for your journey home.

Souvenir & Shipping

Pack souvenirs carefully to avoid damage during transit.
For large or fragile items, inquire about shipping services from the vendor.
Be aware of customs regulations and duty-free allowances for your home country.
Consider compact, easy-to-pack items. (Eagle Creek) helps with organization.

VAT & Timing

India currently does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund scheme for tourists.
Allow ample time for travel to Bhuntar Airport (1.5-2 hours).
Mountainous roads and potential traffic factor into travel duration.
For overnight buses, arrive at the bus stand 30-45 minutes before departure.

Return Trip Readiness

Final checks for your journey home.

Final Checks

Confirm your return flight or bus details.
Ensure all necessary documents are accessible.
Empty trash from your accommodation.
Pack responsibly, leaving nothing behind.

Responsible Departure

Recycle waste where facilities exist.
Leave your accommodation tidy for the next guests.
Consider tipping service staff as appropriate.
Capture memories respectfully, without disturbance.

Final Reminders

Ensure all travel documents are in order and easily accessible for your departure journey.

A responsible departure leaves a positive impression and a cleaner environment.

Manali Travel Checklist