Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali is a beautiful Himachal Pradesh resort area. In the majestic laps of the Himalayan mountains, it lies. It is a centre of harmony & tranquilly with a population of just about 8000. December is coming and a blanket of soft white snow is covering the whole town with its immense defensive arms. What makes Manali distinct from the other hill stations of its type, however, is its ability to keep at its very core glaring adventures. So while you can take your date out into the lush green lanes of Manali’s surrounding apple orchards, you can also take them for trekking along the Rohtang Pass or rafting in the Beas River, if your partner is more of an adventure seeker.
Manali is also a paradise for all lovers of nature. Moving through the old Himalayan villages on a mountain bike is easiest. Not only does the bike give you a closer look at the simple lives of the people of the mountains, it also helps you to abandon your cars and breathe in the mountains’ soothing air. Manali is a balanced mixture of modernity and traditions and we have the mall road on the one side and the ever-present Hidimba devi temple on the other, to show the same. Constructed in 1553, it is a living reminder of the glorious architectural heritage of India. You have to visit old Manali if you want to get into the heart of the place. This is the spot where the new meets the old. Even though you’re not going to be able to use all the modern comfort facilities here, yet, one step inside the city and you find yourself standing in a whole new ancient world. If you are a history lover, Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali will act as your medicine.
Having said enough about Manali’s terrain, it is an adventure sports centre. The venue offers a broad range of adventurous activities to satisfy the adrenaline appetite of thrill seekers, such as paragliding, hiking, trekking and river rafting. It also has rural villages and backcountries that call for the memories of the hippies. These junkies also visit places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. Backpackers enjoy visiting here to get a fun meal of excitement, nature, wildlife and tranquilly.
For a romantic honeymoon with a subtle mix of adventure, all this grace constitutes Manali. In the midst of the fresh meadows and white streams of water, newly married couples choose this place to begin their new love life. Striding at night around the mall road is also a very fun choice where they can try distinct local cuisines together. However, Punjabi and Tibetan tadka are primarily influenced by the regional cuisines, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for purchasing special items such as singing cup, woollen clothes, Dorje, prayer wheels, and other souvenirs. For their honeymoon pictures, these illuminated roads at night and gleaming valleys in the morning offer picture-perfect backdrops. These photos can also be shot by photography enthusiasts, along with the city’s flora and fauna Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali.
Hidimba Devi Temple
Established in the 16th century, Hadimba Temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali and is situated on top of a hill in Manali, amid a beautiful deodar forest. For the locals and even the tourists who visit the pilgrim spot frequently to seek blessings from Goddess Hadimba, the temple holds great significance. The temple is dedicated to Hadimba, the goddess who was also the wife of Bhima, the strongest of the Pandava brothers. In this area, according to Hindu mythology, the giantess Hadimba meditated as an apology for her sins. Thus, by the most powerful Goddess Durga, whose 10 centimetre footprint is preserved at the entrance to the temple, she was assigned the position of Goddess.
Within the confines of the temple, the Goddess Hadimba used to meditate, where a stone idol of the deity that rises to a height of 60 centimetres is installed. This temple was designed in a distinctive architectural style by Raja Bahadur Singh. The temple premises have a Ghatotkacha temple, the son of Bhima and Hadimba, and a Mahabharatha war hero, whose idol is made predominantly of wood and is situated 70 metres from the temple of Hadimba.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is famous for hosting many winter sports, including skiing, parachuting, paragliding, trekking, mountaineering, and much more, also known as the ‘Snow Valley.’ These snow games are taken over when the snow melts by other adventure activities such as zorbing. Zorbing is another popular Solang Valley tourist attraction with a huge transparent ball with two people rolling down the slope during the summer months, taking advantage of the slopes you are likely to spot. Zorbing is as hilarious as it sounds. One of the most lively and delightful locations is Solang valley in Manali.
One of the most stunning sights in Manali is this splendid valley. It is one of the most popular tourist trekking locations in Manali. Between Solang village and Beas Kund, the Solang Valley is underwater, offering stunning views of glaciers and snow-covered mountains. The winter skiing festival is organised every year in Solang Valley and adventure activities such as Zorbing, Horse Riding & Snow Motorbike Riding are organised for tourists to enjoy.
When going to Manali for vacation, Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are two important spots in the guidebook. It is located on the way from Manali to Rohtang and faces a large number of tourists every year.
Jogini Waterfall
Jogini or Jogni waterfalls are a beautiful waterfall situated near Vashisht Village in Kulla Manali, at a distance of 4 kilometres from Vashisht Temple and 7.5 kilometres from Manali Bus Stand. A stream that is then blended into the Beas River is assembled by the Jogini waterfalls. You can also reach the waterfall by hiking from Vashisht Temple. Among the best mini treks near Manali is the trek to this waterfall. Next to Vashisht temple, the trekking path passes through a narrow road and goes through the apple farm, tall pine trees, and tiny streams of water.
Jogini Falls is situated on the northern edge of Vashisht Village, pointing to the edge of the village. The waterfall deluge flows down into the different levels from a massive height of almost 150 feet. At the base assembled by the waterfall, there is also a small pool and visitors can take a dip in the water and spend some great time there. During monsoon months, the flow of the water is heaving and recommended not to adventure into the water during these months. At the bottom of the waterfall is Jogini Mata temple. For the nearby villages, it is a sacred spot. The locals are taking their children for their first tonsure here. Among the most popular places to visit in Manali is this waterfall. This is also one of the top tourist attractions that Manali Tour Packages must include.
Old Manali
Just take a walk across the Manalsu River Bridge and cross over into the part of Manali that is also known as ‘Old Manali’ if you want to see the other side of Manali and the tourist area. The village’s exotic beauty can make you feel like you’ve reached a whole new world.
The city has somehow carved out its own niche and managed to maintain the elegance of the old world, where you have the distinctive world traveller, In its wake, the hippie vibe has the rituals of the remnants of older cultures as well Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali.
The idyllic setting of the village will make you feel like you have joined the peaceful and hippy 1960s. The pathways are lined with swaying Eucalyptus trees and the tiny roads pass through greenery-rich valleys. Just the twittering of birds and the gush of the River Kullu disturb the calmness of the surroundings.
Tibetan Monastery
Near the Mall in Manali, the Tibetan Monastery is located. One of the oldest and most prominent locations in Manali is the Tibetan Monastery. Tibetan monasteries have been founded due to the large number of Tibetans living in the region of Kullu & Manali. One of the famous sightseeing places in Manali is the Tibetan Monasteries.
Manali has many colourful monasteries reflecting the rich culture and history of the Kullu and Manali-settled Tibetan people. In Manali, there are two major monasteries that attract a large number of tourists: the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Nyingamapa Gompa of the Himalayas.
Several small shops selling beautiful handicrafts and carpets, made by Tibetans living near these monasteries, surround these monasteries. A Thanks School of Arts and a Carpet-weaving Center are also run by the Tibetan monasteries to conserve ancient Tibetan art. Within these houses, the paintings portray events from the life of Lord Buddha and Kalchakra, i.e., the wheel of life fixed on the monastery wall depicts the cycle of human life. The Buddhists believe that you get salvation by spinning these wheels.
Nehru Kund
For photography, nature lovers, spectacular scenic views, adventure seekers, Nehru Kund is an ideal location. This place offers suitable natural lighting where you can get some amazing shots of the setting. Tourists are seen doing photo shoots all over the place when the weather is good here. The Nehru Kund water is crystal clear and has a sweet flavour.
The city of Manali is renowned for its stunning surroundings and peaceful environment, far from the life of the city. The Nehru Kund also balances the surroundings with its unspoiled, well-preserved, sublime beauty and is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations. It is a perfect place to have a nice time with family and friends in a silent and peaceful atmosphere.
The Nehru Kund is an important tourist destination in the beautiful Manali Hill Station. A variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars fill the place where visitors can taste the delicacies. Some pocket-friendly food stalls close to the Nehru Kund can also be found.
Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
Manali Sanctuary in the northern part of the world is a worth-visiting wildlife sanctuary situated in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. For all those who love nature and are extremely fond of it, the Manali wildlife sanctuary is a sort of paradise.
It is stunning, except for its high-range mountains, as it has various other things to roam around. It is a well-known protected area for the region’s wildlife. In the Shelter, there are different animal groups. It is one of Manali‘s most-visited locations. In order to look at the animals of this beautiful city, many visitors around the world come and visit this place.
The Manali Sanctuary consists of animals of various kinds. It consists of a deer, fox, black bear, hyena, etc. There is protection for all the animals in the sanctuary. Every animal is taken very good care of. It is also made up of endangered species. Such species are well protected and protected by legislation and by the government as well. The Sanctuary of Manali is 2km from the main city. With any chosen mode of transport, anyone who wants to visit this location can easily access it.With the assistance of your car, there is a decent way to reach there. There are also local buses that are one of the best ways of public transportation to access this sanctuary of wildlife through the government or a private organisation. There may also be other nearby means of transportation that could be inexpensive as well as less time consuming as well, Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali.
Rohtang Pass Manali
Rohtang Pass is near Manali and a popular layover en-route to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, a charismatic snow clad bliss. Located on the Manali-Keylong road at an altitude of 3,978 metres above sea level, it offers a beautiful landscape and plenty of snow sports to enjoy, such as skiing, sledging, paragliding, etc.
For trekkers, it is an ideal location. It is an absolute spectacular trail with enchanting glaciers, breathtaking waterfalls, formidable mountain peaks and a magnificent view, despite being difficult. The Manali-Lahaul pass, which is 117 km long with Bhrigu lake and sulphur springs on your way, Gulaba to Bhrigu Lake and Batal to Rohtang and Jalori pass, are some of the famous trek routes.
Enjoy an unforgettable exciting experience of snow activities such as wooden toboggan sledding, hiking, mountain biking, snow scooters, river rafting, paragliding, zorbing, etc.
At the price of Rs. 550, a Rohtang Pass permit is a compulsory prerequisite for any visitor to travel to Rohtang and beyond. In 2016, online permits were implemented by the Himachal state government to restrict the number of vehicles to 1,200 (800 petrol cars + 400 diesel cars) to reduce pollution in the city. As you pass by the picturesque sweeping landscapes draped in white blankets of snow, the drive up to the Rohtang Pass is of great pleasure, leaving you spellbound by the mesmerising natural beauty of nature.
The Sonapani Glacier and the peaks of Gaypan, known for its spectacular views and peaceful atmosphere, Rahala waterfall, 32 km by road, stunning glacial rivers Bhaga and Chandra, and the famous holy site – Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River, can also be visited along with Rohtang Pass.
Beas Kund Trek
One of the most common treks in Manali is the Beas Kund trek, which takes one to the origin of the Beas river at an altitude of 3700 mts. And to many of the nearby ancient glaciers. Mythology has it that here, Beas Rishi was meditating and writing the epic Mahabharata. Beas kund is a magical place surrounded by Hanuman Tibba peak, Ladakhi peak, Manali peak, Muker beh, Sheti Dhar peak, and Friendship Peak, which is well known. On the way, cascading waterfalls and a crystal-clear lake called Beas Kund are present. Near Solang nallah, the path to Beas Kund begins. From Solang Nallah, the trail to Beas Kund is about 15 km long. From Solang Nallah, a jeep road goes up to Dhundi, where SASE, Manali, has a study unit. The path to Beas Kund is an average trek of three days, which will take us through snow fields, moraines, meadows, boulders and glaciers (in winter).
Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali It takes a leisurely walk of 2-3 hours to reach Bakar thatch, which is a highland meadow. The road travels to alpine pastures via coniferous trees. With few ascents in between, the trail is moderate. One could see snow-capped hills, rocky mountains, glaciers and moraines as we approached Bakar Thach. The base for all the expeditions and trekking undertaken in this mountain range is Bakar thach. Beas Kund, a holy lake situated in the lap of vast mountain ranges, is the next stop on this trek. After two hours of gradual trekking, as we had begun, the trail goes uphill for a short distance to the moraines, and then crosses the glacier field to the Beas Kund. Beas Kund is a serene lake concerned with spiritual values. For the locals, it is a sacred place and is kept clean by each tourist. Legend has it that the weather changes drastically and often costs people’s lives if anyone pollutes the spot. The lake is sacred and polluting around it, after all, may be an act of foolishness. Spend some quality time at Beas Kund in the tranquilly of pure nature. Then, trail back to the camp at Bakar Thach the same way. Trail down to the road heading for Dhundi the next morning.
Great Himalayan National Park
One of the most protected areas in the Himalayas is the Great Himalayan National Park. It is home to nearly 350 flora species and 800 fauna species, some of which are endangered. Four of the world’s endangered mammal species (Snow Leopard, Serow, Himalayan Tahr and Musk Deer) and three of the world’s threatened bird species are housed in the park (Western tragopan, koklass, cheer pheasants). A significant part of the green cover of the park is made up of three oak varieties: ban, mohru and kharsu. This park provides an excellent opportunity for camping and trekking to be experienced across serene alpine pastures. During the summer and fall, the best time to visit the park is In 1999, it was listed as a national park.
The park is spread over 1,171 sq km and shares its boundaries with many other natural reserves, such as the Pin Valley National Park, The Wildlife Sanctuary of Rupi Bhaba and the Wildlife Sanctuary of Kanwar in Parvati valley. As it covers many sub-Himalayan areas, it can be reached from Bhunter, Manali and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. For wildlife and adventure lovers, the park is a hotspot because it provides the opportunity to arrange a wide variety of treks, ranging from easy to challenging, In the different park sub-regions. As many villages have also been included in its expansion since 2004, tourists have the opportunity to experience the local people’s symbiotic relationship with their climate.
Hampta Pass Trek
For all those who love mountains and want to have an adventure in the lap of the giants, Hampta Pass Trek is the perfect destination. The relatively high elevation that makes it ideal for novices and beginner mountaineers is the enticing thing about this trek. In this trek, the highest altitude that a trekker scales is around 14000 feet. No profound acclimatisation requirement exists.
The tour begins from the scenic spot of Manali and brings the tourists to the first stop of the excursion through distinct and beautiful places such as Chikka. The trek brings the trekkers across the immense Rhododendron, Oak, and Pine fields as well. The Hampta River comes along the way, too. This river acts as the bridge to meet Lahaul and Spiti Valley for the natives of Hampta. The Hampta Pass Ranges’ starting point is Prini Village. The trek then goes uphill to bring about a panoramic transition. The trail is full of lush greenery and landscapes that are spellbinding.
This itinerary of 8 nights and 9 days is a detailed Hampta Pass Trek schedule. The tour involves discovering nature’s beauty at its best. In a few words, for nature lovers with an eagerness to fulfil the adrenaline rush, it’s a great trek.
Manu Temple
Manu Temple, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most wonderful temples in Manali, has a well-documented past that goes back to the sages. In the name of Manu, the Temple is dedicated and honoured. The sage Manu was the founder of this universe, according to the legends, and also the writer of Manusmriti. The temple is situated in the Old Manali near the main market, just three kilometres if we were to denote it in numbers. The temple is also on the list of any Manali visitor, and how highly regarded it is shows the number of tourists visiting the temple.
It is unique to the temple, since it is the only temple dedicated to the sage Manu. A legendary tale of how it was formed is in the Manu temple. Lord Vishnu came over when a great flood was about to wash the earth and suggested Manu, In order to build a giant ship to save humanity, the first king to rule this planet. He did so and then took his family and 9 seeds and animals with him to repopulate the world when the floods came to an end. King Manu then climbed onto the earth and meditated there after the flooding had ended. The Manu temple became that location. Later on, he also founded Manusmriti.
In later times, the same laws of Manu or Manusmriti became the basis for Hinduism. Then King and sage Manu later presented the same to other Rishis who helped make the world a better place to live Top 12 Places to Visit in Manali.