Manali Vs Sikkim: A Detailed Guide That You Must Check Out!

Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, while Sikkim is a state that is filled with mesmerizingly beautiful places. Though both Manali and Sikkim have one thing in common. They are both surrounded by magnificent mountains. The beauty of Manali lies in the thick greenery of alpine forest and river Beas. Whereas Sikkim is the state where you can view the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga. To clear all your doubts about your next destination for a grand vacay, here is a Manali vs Sikkim guide that you must check out.

The experience of viewing Kanchenjunga is insurmountable. Sikkim has several tourist spots that are quite popular among tourists all over the world, including Gangtok, and many more. Manali, on the other hand, is the home to some of the most popular trekking trails, including Chandratal, Rohtang pass, and Solang Valley. To get out of all this confusion and without wasting time, go through this intricate guide!

Natural Landscape

Sikkim is divided into east, north, west, and south Sikkim, and every part of the state has natural landscapes that differ from one another. If you visit Gangtok, the subjective view will be quite city-based and quite different from that of Namchi or Ravangla. Sikkim is genuinely blessed to be naturally diverse. Not only will you get to view the highest saltwater lake located out there, but the mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga from most places situated in the state. Some of the sites even snow for the entire year.On the other hand, Manali is one of the most-visited places in India because of the gorgeous mountains and thick alpine forest surrounding the entire area. This hill station not only has mountains but the majestic river Beas is another reason that it is so immensely popular among tourists of different nationalities. In the winters, Manali also receives heavy snowfalls that attract a lot of winter-loving travelers.

Must Read: Camping In Manali: A Guide On 8 Best Places For An Adventurous Experience Beyond The Call Of Mountains!

Manali Vs Sikkim: Main Highlights

While listing the highlights of Manali, Rohtang pass and Solang valley take a considerable part of its identity. Apart from that, Manali is quite famous for hot springs and temples as well. It is a massive part of Mahabharata that has the mention of Manali in several parts of it. Many people even visit Manali to get started on some trekking trails and also stay there for some nights to travel to Lahaul and Spiti valley. Other attractions of Manali include river rafting, paragliding, parasailing, and different adventure infused activities.

Sikkim, on the other hand, has no shortage of spots and towns that are worthy of becoming the highlight for your trip. The state has something for everyone. From monasteries to lakes, from temples to snow-capped mountains, Sikkim never ceases to surprise. Places like Nathu La Pass, Baba Mandir, or other areas that are close to the Chinese border requires special permission for tourists to visit. Other sites like Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, and other religious institutions will mesmerize you not by their spirituality but by their enthralling architecture. Sikkim is also the home to several trekking trails and also allows you to take part in several adventures infused activities.

Suggested Read: Top 7 Things To Do In Sikkim In 2024!

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Best Time To Visit

Both Manali and Sikkim are located in hilly regions, and both places are trendy among tourists. That is why they are visited around the year. But if you genuinely want to explore Sikkim comfortably, you should visit there between March and May or else, between October and December. It depends on what you prefer- winter or spring. Because in the spring, you will get to view a variety of orchids in Sikkim, and in the winter, you will be able to get snowfalls. Manali, on the other hand, is perfect for visiting between April and June, and if you want to enjoy the snow, you should visit between November and February.

Ideal Duration

You will be able to explore every corner of Manali within four days. If you want to explore other places like Lahaul or Spiti, more days will be needed.
To explore most of Sikkim, you will need a minimum of twenty days. That is why most people visit Sikkim several times in their lives as there are so many places to visit there.

Currency: Manali Vs Sikkim

Both Manali and Sikkim are located in India. Before visiting either of these places, you will have to convert your money to Indian currency that is INR.
For helping you understand, the conversion rate between popular currencies and Indian rupees are given below.
1 USD = 70.86 Indian Rupee or INR.
1 Euro = 78.87 INR.
1 pound = 92.29 INR.

Average Cost

In case you are planning a trip to either Manali or Sikkim, you will have to schedule the tour according to a strict budget. Depending on your lifestyle, the budget may vary, but you will have to take into account the different essential elements of the trips. Though the budget does not include extra expenses that include adventure activities or other excursions.
For your better understanding, an estimate of the trip is included in the following section of the blog. You will be able to plan the budget of the trip on different aspects like transfers, hotels and accommodations, food, and other expenses. In this way, you will not be lost while planning the trip and choosing between Manali and Sikkim.

Average Budget For Manali

Transportations:
Flights (economy): INR 8200 for a person. The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar airport. You can get flights from Delhi quite quickly.
Average Lodging cost:
Manali has a wide range of hotels that differ in their prices quite widely. But the average price for spending a night in Manali is around INR 2000. This price is for a room that can accommodate two people.
The average cost for meals:
For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the average price for meals in Manali is around INR 1500.
Transfers:
A car would cost you at least INR 1500 for allowing you to explore Manali for the entire day.
Miscellaneous:
The miscellaneous cost in Manali depends from person to person. So, the average can be estimated at INR 300.
The average cost of exploring Manali per day for one person:
Without including the flight fare, the average price of spending a day in Manali is around INR 5300 or 74 USD.

Average Budget For Sikkim

Transportations:
Flights (economy): INR 2200. Note that there is not an airport in Sikkim. You will have to get a rented car or a bus from Bagdogra airport to travel there.
Average Lodging cost:
INR 1500.
The average cost for meals:
INR 1000 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a person.
Transfers:
INR 2500 for renting a jeep for a day.
Miscellaneous:
INR 200.
The average cost of exploring Sikkim per day for one person:
INR 5000 or around 72 USD.

Visa

For reaching to either Manali or Sikkim, you will have to get a visa to India since both the places are located in India. In case you belong from neighboring countries of India like Nepal or Bhutan, you would not require a visa at all. Otherwise, you can get an e-visa online that will allow you to travel within India for up to ten years if you belong to countries like the USA, Canada, or Japan. In case you are not from the said countries, your visa will be expired after three or six months.

Places To Visit On Your Vacation

Here is the list of places that you should visit on your vacation. So, before deciding one spot look at these mentioned in this Manali vs Sikkim guide!

Top Places To Visit In Manali

Manali has a lot of sites that are quintessential to your trip out there. In the following section, you will get to learn about some of those places.

Maa Sharvari Temple: Dedicated to Lord Raghunathji, this temple is quite sacred to many people in India. Maa Sharvari temple is located in the Shaminallah village that is situated 5 km from Manali. The view from the temple is spectacular.
Solang Valley: If you visit Manali in the winter, you will have to visit Soland Valley because it is the paradise for ski lovers. Not only is there a ski lift located out there, but it offers tourists the magnificent views of the majestic glaciers and snow-capped mountains located out there.
Jana Falls: Though this spot is located 35 km from Manali, it is worth the journey. Not only is the falls gorgeous, but if you visit there, you will be amazed by the natural landscapes surrounding the falls.

Top Places To Visit In Sikkim

Sikkim has several towns that are quite spectacular and visited by people from not only India but from all around the world as well. The following places are some of the mostly-visited places located out there.

Tsongmo Lake: Tsongmo Lake is one of the most visited lakes in Sikkim because it is located quite close to the Nathu La pass and Baba Mandir, but it is one of the few oval lakes in India. If you visit the lake between December to March, you will get to witness the frozen the lake.
Gurudongmar Lake: Located at an altitude of 5150 meters, Gurudongmar lake is a sight to behold. You will be dumbfounded by the clarity of the turquoise blue water and the majestic mountains surrounding the lake. Though the air pressure is pretty low out there, that does not stop the travelers from visiting there all year round.
Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery is located quite close to Gangtok, and it is not only famous for its architectural masterpiece, but it is renowned for the spectacular view it is surrounded in. Also, the monastery is over 400 years old and is quite essential for the history of Sikkim.

Shopping In Manali Vs Sikkim

The main shopping centers in Sikkim are located in Gangtok. Still, you will find authentic items like Thangkas, traditional dresses, prayer flags, woolen garments, and other items from several parts of the different town of the state.
On the other hand, you will find several shopping items like woolen garments, wooden artifacts, pieces of jewelry, and other items in the central city center of Manali quite easily.

How To Reach

Nowadays, you can find bikes that you can rent to get around Manali. But if you are not comfortable with that, you can always get a rented car that would allow you to explore every corner of the town quite easily.
Most people prefer to explore different parts of Sikkim by renting a jeep. If you are interested in trekking, you can always opt for that to go from one town of Sikkim to another.

Further Read: 5 Best Things To Do In Manali In June For A Soul-Satisfying Vacation

Sikkim has numerous monasteries since there are several Buddhist people living there. In contrast, Manali has a lot of temples and Gurudwaras as the people of the Hindu community mainly reside there. This Manali vs Sikkim guide has all the details that you must check our before you leave for you vacation. So, which is it Sikkim or Manali?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Manali Vs Sikkim

Where would you find more snow- Sikkim Vs. Manali?

There are some places in Sikkim, like Lake Tsongmo or Katwa, where you will be able to receive snowfalls from early November. Hence, the chance of getting snow is more in Sikkim.

Which place is cheaper- Sikkim Vs Manali?

Manali is way costlier than Sikkim.

Where are more trekking trails available- Manali Vs Sikkim?

Sikkim is a state. Hence it has way more trekking spots than Manali.

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Seema Gurnani

Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!