Old Manali – Cafés, Nightlife, Riverside Walks & Travel Guide 2025

Old Manali is one of the most vibrant and charming parts of Manali, known for its hippie culture, riverside cafés, live music, boutique shops, apple orchards, and peaceful mountain scenery. Located just a few kilometres above the main town, Old Manali feels like a completely different world – slow, artistic, youthful, and deeply connected to nature. For backpackers, couples, content creators, and café lovers, Old Manali is often the highlight of their trip.

The area is famous for its European-style cafés, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas, fresh bakery items, Israeli cuisine, live music nights, open mic events, and mountain-view dining setups. Popular cafés such as Café 1947, The Lazy Dog, Sunshine Café, and Drifters Inn have become iconic spots for travellers seeking a relaxed and creative atmosphere. The sound of the Beas River flowing nearby adds to the charm, making Old Manali a perfect place to unwind.

Walking through Old Manali’s narrow lanes, you’ll find handcrafted woollens, leather goods, boho clothing, handmade jewellery, dreamcatchers, and local art pieces, sold by both Indian and international travellers. This fusion of cultures gives the area a unique global vibe rarely seen in other hill stations. The neighbourhood is also home to the historic Manu Temple, one of the most sacred temples in Manali, adding a strong spiritual character to the region.

For those who enjoy exploring slow and scenic destinations, Old Manali is ideal for riverside walks, photography, sunrise views, and peaceful café hopping. Travellers staying here often prefer boutique homestays, wooden cottages, and stream-facing rooms that offer a cosy and authentic mountain experience. Whether you spend a few hours or a few days here, Old Manali always leaves a lasting impression with its creativity, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights of Old Manali

• Bohemian Vibes: A fusion of Indian and international cultures, art, music, and creativity.
• Café Culture: Famous for riverside cafés, wood-fired pizzas, live music & nightlife.
• Scenic Beauty: Apple orchards, mountain views, wooden houses & charming lanes.
• Shopping Street: Trendy shops offering woollens, jewellery, boho outfits & souvenirs.
• Riverside Walks: Peaceful trails along the Beas River perfect for photography.
• Historic Attraction: Home to the sacred Manu Temple.

Best Time to Visit Old Manali

The best season to explore Old Manali is from March to June and October to December. These months offer pleasant weather, active cafés, and ideal walking conditions. Summer months attract backpackers from all over the world, making the place lively and culturally rich.

Winter (December – February) transforms Old Manali into a snowy village, perfect for cosy stays, fire-side cafés, and winter photography. However, some cafés may remain closed due to heavy snowfall.

Monsoon (July – September) brings lush greenery and quieter streets, ideal for travellers who prefer peaceful surroundings and rainy Himalayan vibes.

Things to Do in Old Manali

• ☕ Café hopping – Café 1947, Lazy Dog, Sunshine Café & more
• 🎶 Enjoy live music nights & performances
• 🏞️ Take riverside walks along the Beas River
• 🛍️ Shop for boho clothing, jewellery & handicrafts
• 📸 Street photography & mountain views
• 🙏 Visit Manu Temple
• 🚴 Explore nearby trails & offbeat viewpoints

How to Reach Old Manali

Distance from Mall Road Manali: Approximately 2–3 km

• By Cab / Auto: Easily available, quick ride uphill.
• On Foot: Many travellers prefer walking through scenic lanes.
• By Bike/Scooter: Rentals are popular with young travellers.

The roads are narrow, so morning and late-afternoon visits are smoother with less traffic.

Places to Visit Near Old Manali

• Manu Temple: Historic temple dedicated to Sage Manu.
• Mall Road Manali: Shopping, food, local culture.
• Hidimba Devi Temple: One of Manali’s most iconic attractions.
• Beas Riverside: Peaceful sitting points & nature trails.
• Van Vihar: A nature park with boating & walking paths.