One of the most popular hill stations in Himachal, Manali offers the most spectacular views of the Bir Panchal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges, which are covered with snow for most of the year.
There are many trekking spots around Manali, making it a great base to explore the other side of the Himalayas.
Kullu, the nearby town of River Beas, offers excellent rafting experiences. Adjacent to Parvati River, Parvati Valley with its villages of Kasol, Manikaran, Dosh and smaller villages attracts travelers for extended stays.
December and March have the most snow in January and February. You’ll be very lucky and may even see some snow in March and April.
There are many things you must see in Manali, but here we have listed the top ones!
Solong Valley
Located at an altitude of about 8400 feet above sea level, Solong Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. It is a haven for adventure and sports lovers.
When the weather warms up, people come here for surfing and paragliding. You can ride the cable car and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. If you are looking for snow-based activities and sports, winter is the best time to visit, while the summer months are ideal for other adventure sports.
Hidimba Temple
Also known as Hidimba Devi Temple and Dhungari Temple, this ancient temple was built in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh.
As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Bhima’s wife Hidimba Devi.
The wooden architecture of this temple sets it apart from most temples you will find in the country. Nestled behind thick cedar groves and snow-capped mountains, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali.
Jogini Falls
Jogini Falls is located 3 km from the bustling city of Manali and 2 km from Vasishtar Temple.
The trail to the waterfall is filled with natural beauty. And gives you a view of the river Beas and the snow capped peaks of Rohtang.
Apart from the peaceful setting, Jogini is also an important pilgrimage destination. You can visit many old temples around the pond below.
Rohtang Pass
Leave a day in your Manali itinerary to visit Rohtang Pass, you won’t regret it.
Located at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, this high pass is immersed in the Bir Panchal mountain range. Rohtang Pass is a favorite destination for nature lovers, artists and photographers for generations and is also a haven for adventure activities like mountain biking and skiing.
Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple
Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is a Buddhist monastery located in Manali and is one of the most famous monasteries located in North India.
Its religious significance is a must for devotees, but tourists are drawn for its architectural beauty and tranquility in the environment.
Rahala Falls
Rahala Falls is a well-known tourist spot for locals and tourists traveling from Manali to Rohtang Pass. The water found in Rahala Falls is usually cold because the water comes from a melting glacier located in the Himalayas.
Exploring the area through dense cedar and silver birch trees is a great experience.
Great Himalayan National Park
One of the best places to visit in and around Manali, the Great Himalayan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is home to over 1000 species of plants, 209 species of birds and 31 species of mammals.
Rare animals like Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bears can be spotted here.
Birhu Lake
Bhrigu Lake is a high altitude lake located in Kullu district, 40 kilometers from Manali. The path to the lake passes through enchanting meadows. A must-see is the beautiful Birgu Lake, which can be compared to alpine meadows found in high altitudes like Switzerland.
Also Hampda Pass, Arjun Kufa, Beas River, Gulaba, Nakkar Fort, Manali Sanctuary, Chandraghani Pass, Manu Temple, Vasisht Hot Spring and Temple, Van Vihar and Kothi are must visit places in Manali.