Top 5 best quad bike (ATV) rentals in Manali

How to rent a quad bike in Manali

While self-drive ATVs are not available in Manali due to terrain sensitivity and regulatory restrictions, guided quad tours operate on private land and permitted forest buffer zones — primarily near Aleo, Prini, and the lower Solang foothills. These are not desert romps; they’re controlled, low-impact excursions designed to showcase the valley’s raw beauty: riverbeds carved by glacial melt, laterite cliffs overlooking the Beas, and pine-forested ridges rarely seen by standard tourism.

Participants need only a standard B (car) driving licence. No motorcycle endorsement is required. A security deposit is collected before departure and refunded after vehicle inspection. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not typically mandated for guided tours, as all riding occurs off public highways — but some operators request it for insurance clarity. Always confirm requirements directly with the rental company.

The vehicles used are primarily automatic 4x4 ATVs (250–450cc) and side-by-side UTVs from brands including Polaris, Honda, Yamaha, Can-Am, and CFMOTO. All units feature roll bars, seat belts (UTVs), and low-range gearing for steep inclines. Helmets and goggles are provided and mandatory — mountain wind and dust make eye protection non-negotiable.

Tours are strictly guided by local operators certified in off-road safety and environmental stewardship. Routes rotate seasonally to prevent soil erosion — monsoon (July–Sept) tours are suspended entirely. Standard durations are 2.5 hours (including 30-minute safety briefing and gear setup) or 5-hour full-day options with packed lunch and extended route coverage.

What sets Manali’s ATV experience apart is context. You’re not just riding — you’re learning. Guides explain the geology of the Himalayan orogeny as you cross a glacial moraine, point out medicinal herbs used in local dham cuisine, or share stories of the 2013 floods that reshaped the valley floor. It’s experiential, not adrenaline-driven.

Ten permitted zones currently in use include: the Aleo riverbed dry channels (winter only), Prini orchard periphery tracks, Solang foothill gravel spurs, Marhi lower plateau (pre-Rohtang), Naggar forest service roads (eco-approved), Kothi valley floor, Manikaran geothermal margins, Sissu approach buffer, Atal Tunnel southern ridge (non-construction zones), and the Beas left bank conservation corridor.

Extra services may include GPS navigation for photo waypoints, gloves, full insurance, hotel pickup from central Manali or Old Manali, and professional photo/video documentation. Fuel, guide fees, and safety equipment are included in the base price.

On our website you can compare ATV providers, read verified reviews, and book with the Guaranteed Best Price. Have a nice trip!