Manali Experience: Its a fantastic location, but its becoming dirty by days. Nobody cares about this beautiful town. Hotels are being coming out in unplanned way. There is too much litter everywhere. The weather in Manali is more than excellent, its cool all the year and views are breathtaking.
Food, sight-seeing and shopping: Good place for shopping. Sightseeing options are plenty. Short and long treks could also be taken.
But food is fabulous. So many options. I am just overwhelmed.
Activities & things to do: Walk along, take a motorcycle ride or simply sit in hotel balcony. Must enjoy Himachali Apple Wine over dinner.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc: I think monsoon, mid-August to mid-September may be dangerous for sudden rains and cloud bursts. Otherwise its okay round the year.