Whether you are on your honeymoon with your beloved or backpacking across this hill destination, Manali has much to offer. Once a trading outpost, Manali is now a sought-after tourist destination, thanks to its location and weather.
Nestled among the snow-clad hills of Himachal Pradesh, this hill town is best visited during the summer months from April to July, though, if snowfall is what you want to enjoy here, December through February when you should plan a visit. Be it the summer or winter season, Manali is best explored during the mornings. Though there’s not much to do during the night here, we’ve happily complied a list of places that defy the obvious and provide you with options to make the most of the cold nights in Manali.
15 Places to Visit in Manali at Night
With sub-zero temperatures, tourists prefer staying indoors, all warm and cozy around a fireplace or electric heater. However, for those who seek adventure, there are a number of places in town to hang out during these chilly nights. Apart from great food and the choicest of beverages, you can shake a leg with and make the most of the night. Make note of these places to visit in Manali at Night.
1. Khyber
A popular restaurant cum bar on Mall Road, Khyber is the place to go to for tandoori food, trout dishes, delectable snacks and your favourite beverages. Often crowded, Khyber is a must visit for great food and alcohol, though the prices can literally burn a hole in your pocket.
However, it is totally worth it here as you get nothing but the best here at Khyber. Located opposite Himachal Information Centre, this foodie’s paradise serves Indian, Chinese and Continental food. This place is open until midnight.
Also check the Hotels near Beas River Manali| Hotels in Hadimba Road Manali
2. Chelsea Club
If you are looking for a place to shake a leg, Chelsea Club in Hotel Holiday Inn is your best bet in Manali. Apart from a well-stocked bar, this cool place has a discotheque and a DJ who plays popular party songs that promise to keep you grooving all through the night.
The club dishes out lip-smacking food and tasty cocktails. Tagged as the best in Manali, the ambience here is great and the service beyond expectations. However, the prices of items here are on the steeper side and hence we suggest carrying sufficient cash for a night of uninterrupted fun and entertainment.
3. Camping overnight at Solang Valley
Wouldn’t it be fun to spend a night camping out in the wilderness with nothing but the starry skies for company? Though biting cold, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and must be enjoyed. Solang Valley is approximately 14 km from Manali and there plenty of tour operators that organize such camping trips.
A word of advice before you embark on this adventure – be prepared. The nights can get extremely cold and temperatures can drop drastically. Therefore, carry enough woollens, mufflers, gloves, headgear and other such items of clothing to keep you warm and snug.
4. Stroll down Mall Road
Mall Road is the most happening place in Manali, be it during the daytime or at night. Crammed with tourists bargaining with shopkeepers and roadside hawkers, just the experience of this cacophony is fun in itself.
Home to some of the best restaurants and bakeries in town, the aroma of freshly baked goodies promise to lure you into buying confectionery items. If you enjoy ice creams, how about digging into your favourite flavour on a cold wintry night here. Yeah, it does sound crazy but trust us, you will enjoy the experience.
Also check the Hotels near Van Vihar Manali
5. Chopsticks
If you are a foodie, Chopsticks in Model Town is the place to be. Catering to an international clientele, the menu here boasts Chinese, Japanese and Tibetan dishes. Though open until 11:00 pm, some of the dishes to try here are ‘Thenthuk’ – flat noodles in served in a bowl of steaming soup loaded with veggies and meat (the choice is yours), ‘Momos’ – Tibetan dumplings, and Sichuan lamb.
The price of food items here ranges between INR 120.00 to INR 350.00. For those who drink, there is a separate alcohol menu. Have your fill of delicious Oriental cuisine at Chopsticks.
6. The Buzz
Looking for a place to let down your hair and dance the night away? Make your way to The Buzz. Open from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm all through the week, this discotheque is renowned for its selection of imported liquors.
The bar here is famous throughout Manali and you are sure to have one hell of an experience at The Buzz. Match steps with the music played here and enjoy lip-smacking finger food as you gulp down your favourite cocktail. It may be cold outside, but the temperature on the dance floor is scorching.
Also check the Hotels near Manali Bus Stand
7. Lazy Dog Lounge
Delectable food, foot-tapping music and the choicest of liquors to keep you company, Lazy Dog Lounge (close to Manu Temple) promises a wonderful experience. Offering views of the Beas river, this restaurant cum bar offers indoor and as well as outdoor seating (a riverside garden sort of set up) and a menu that boasts Korean, Thai and Japanese dishes along with Indian items (for the less daring).
As for drinks, you can indulge in some of the best wines, cocktails and beers while enjoying a live band playing soothing music. Why is it called Lazy Dog? Well, the ambience here allows you to just relax and enjoy.
8. La Plage
Around a kilometre from Old Manali, this eatery opens around noon and serves delectable French and Goan food till 11:00 pm. Considered as the top French restaurant in Manali, spend a night here gorging on delicious food and wash it down with glass after glass of wine (choicest international brands).
If you must know, the onion soup, smoked trout and chocolate thali desserts are best sellers here. The mushroom quiche and lasagne served here are heavenly and ought to be tried during your visit to this place. Prices here are a bit on the higher side and range from INR 400 – INR 700 for a dish.
9. Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant
For the best of European and Continental food, head to Johnson’s Bar & Restaurant on Circuit House Road. Open until 11:00 pm, the bar here boasts variety and so does its food menu. Must try dishes include apple crumble with ice-cream (preferably vanilla flavour), lamb served with a rich mint gravy and baked trout.
Adding to the charm of this place is a cozy fireplace which is ideal on a cold wintry night. Food and drinks are moderately priced here and as far as dinner mains are concerned, expect to pay anything between INR 300 to INR 550.
Also check the Hotels in Manali with Bar
10. Drifters’ Inn
Off Manu road, this lounge is a popular evening hangout for locals and as well as tourists. With live acoustic music played during the evenings, this place is always crowded and we suggest getting there early to enjoy a night of fun and food.
The food served here ranges from French to Thai – in short, International cuisine. Drifters’ Inn stays open till 11:00 pm (much to our disappointment) and prices here range between INR 250.00 to INR 400.00.
11. IL FORNO
Located on the road that leads to Hadimba Temple, this place is known for its succulent pizzas. II Forno is around a century and a half old and is made from stone and timber, making it cozy and beautiful. The pizzas here range from INR 180.00 to INR 500.00.
12. Zing Zing Bar & Restaurant
For great music and amazing ambience, Zing Zing Bar & Restaurant in Main Market, Model Town, is the place to be! This place serves amazing cocktails and lip-smacking finger food to compliment your drinking.
An added feature here is its rooftop bar that provides a panoramic view of the area and its surroundings. Expect to pay nothing less than INR 1200.00 for food and drinks here (this is for two people and subject to changes).
13. Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted
All-day-long breakfasts, gooey pancakes and sinful desserts, this is what makes Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted a hit among locals and tourists. Open from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm, this place is for those who love being pampered.
When it comes to pricing, this cafe is rather economical as items range between INR 50.00 and INR 170.00. Love chocolates? Then Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted is the place for you to visit!
14. Kathmandu Cafe
Yet another popular joint on Manu Road, Kathmandu Cafe is located near Old Manali bridge and overlooks a river. Now isn’t that exciting? Just while away the evening in peace and tranquillity while you order food from a menu that boasts Indian, Thai, Israeli, Tibetan, Continental, Mexican and Italian food. Kathmandu Cafe is open from 10:00 am and serves scrumptious food till 11:00 pm.
Also check the Hotels near Club House Manali
15. Rendez-Vous
Classy interiors, a beautiful front garden and exceptional food – these are what describe Rendez-Vous. Also located on Manu Temple road, this restaurant happens to be one of the best places to visit in Manali at night. While items on the menu range from INR 120.00 to INR 600.00, the food served is worth paying for.
Though Manali is not very famous for its nightlife, we hope that the list of places mentioned provide you with the fun, food and entertainment that you seek during the night. With this list of 15 places to visit in Manali to visit at night to guide you, do take a trip here. If you have been to Manali before or if we have left out any place, we would love to hear from you.
