I visited Manali in April 2025, and I can share my experience about ATMs and digital payments there—it’s definitely easier now compared to a few years back, but there are still a few things to keep in mind.
🏧 ATMs in Manali
Around Mall Road and New Manali, ATMs are quite easy to find—SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and even PNB are there.
The only issue I faced was during the weekend rush when some ATMs either had long queues or ran out of cash. So, it’s always smart to withdraw money in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (May–June or Dec–Jan).
In Old Manali and Vashisht, ATMs are fewer, and sometimes they’re empty, so don’t rely on them too much.
💳 Digital Payments in Manali
The good news is that UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm) is widely accepted in most cafés, restaurants, and shops in both Mall Road and Old Manali.
I even used UPI in small roadside dhabas, which was surprising.
However, when I went to Naggar, Solang Valley, and Jana Village, the network was patchy and many shops preferred cash only.
💡 My Tip as a Traveler
Carry at least ₹3,000–₹5,000 in cash for emergencies, adventure activities (like paragliding in Solang Valley), or when traveling to remote villages.
Use UPI wherever possible in the main town areas—it’s smooth and hassle-free.
Don’t depend entirely on ATMs—withdraw a decent amount at once so you don’t waste time looking for working machines.
✅ My Verdict
For a 4–5 day Manali trip in 2025, you’ll be fine with a mix of UPI and some cash. Stick to digital payments in the main areas, but always keep cash for offbeat places or transport.
