There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi various kinds available, which takes you around to all the sight seeing spots in and around Manali Rohtang, Manikaran etc. It costs about Rs. 1800 per day, or little over Rs. 3000 if you book together for 3 days in the peak season. Dress for Rohtang cost around Rs. 150 for each set including boots and sking set will cost you around 200. These detail are mentioned at a board at Mall Road. Be sure to bargain.
The second most common way is to hire a motorbike. There are many places where you can hire a motorbike easy to find if you ask around, and is the most common mode of transport for foreigners. Both cruiser bikes like Bullet and sport bikes from Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha etc are easily available, though Bullet is the most commonly seen one on the roads. Rates hover around Rs. 500-600 per day in the peak season, but much discounted at other times. A good place worth a look will be in Bike rentals Manali office in Vashisht 9816044140, have a good selection of Royal Enfields and Pulsars. Also 'Tinku' Bike mechanic near old Manali bridge is an honest shop for bike rentals.
Public transport is not so good. There are cheap bus services, but they are not so frequent. Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as other modes of public transport are exorbitant compared to bus. For e.g., auto rickshaws take Rs. 200 from manali mall road to Solang valley, while the bus will cost you just Rs. 10. The buses are not punctual specially because they seem not have a written schedule. The best option is to ask about timing at the bus terminal. Buses starts to run at 7-8 am. Frequent a bus can be cancelled or late. You can get in / out almost at any place on the route just waive the driver.
Public bus routes
Kullu - Manali. Price Rs. 40. Every 15 min
Manali - Naggar. Every 1.5h
Manali - Solang. Every 1h
