Nestled in the lap of the beautiful green Beas Valley, Manali is an all season destination. It throws an open invitation to honeymooners, backpackers or trekkers to breathe the heavenly mountain air and taste the snow.
Once famous as the ‘the end of the habitable world’, Manali is the home of Zanskari people, Nepali porters and Buddhist monks. Hence the area is full of Monasteries and adventure sport options like mountaineering, skiing, hiking, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Whatever is your liking or interest; options in the Valley of Gods are endless. No matter what time you visit here, you will never be disappointed.
Hadimba Temple
Dedicated to the Mahabharata demon goddess Hidimba and the wife of Bhima, this temple was built in 1553. The temple has carved wooden doors and a 24 metre tall Shikhar. The complex also has a monument dedicated to Bhima and Ghatotkacha.
Solang Valley
The beautiful Solang Valley amid awe-inspiring views of Rohtang Pass is the perfect place for skiing, parachuting, paragliding and horse riding. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports organises winter skiing festival each year.
Rohtang Pass
A beautiful amalgamation of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, Rohtang pass attracts people from all over the world for skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, snow biking. A great place to appreciate the beautiful mountain views and fresh snow!
The Great Himalayan National Park
Sprawling over 452 sq. mi, the park is home to some of the rare fauna species like blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. Amid the snow-capped mountain peaks, this UNESCO World Heritage Site also has 31 mammals, 181 birds, 3 reptiles, 9 amphibians, 11 annelids, 17 mollusks and 127 insects.
Manu Temple
Dedicated to the legendary Sage Manu, this historical Hindu temple is of great religious significance to Hindus. Pilgrims flock here every year and spend some peaceful time in the soul pleasing environment.
Arjun Gufa
About 5km from Manali, the cave of Arjun is a popular offbeat place shrouded with folklore and tales. Full of natural rock formations and beauty, this is the place where Arjun performed penance and received the Pashupati Astra.
Gadhan Thekchholing Gompa
Also known as Manali Gompa, it was built by the Tibetan refugees in the 1960s. The architecture of this temple is in pagoda style and the exteriors describe the culture and teachings of Buddhism. Marvel at the Kaal Chakra that depicts the life of Buddha.
Jogini Waterfall
Flowing over the hills behind Vashist, this waterfall is a perfect place to take a chilly dip. The entire area is full of small restaurants and guesthouses to plan a vacation.
Manali Nature Park
A beautiful area to stroll around, the nature park is full of thick cedar trees that form a shield from the polluted world.
Rafting in Beas River
A refreshing snow sport, the place is a heaven for active, zip-lining (flying fox) and rafting. River rafting enthusiasts can try out the 15 kilometer stretch of Grade II and III rapids from Pirdi (near Kullu town) to Jhiri. The rafting season is mid-April to June, and mid-September to October.
The beautiful Manali has its own festivals and culture that is celebrated with zest and devotion. Of all, Dussehra in Kullu is a festival which attracts people from all over the country to take part enthusiastically. Let us know the other festivals in detail:
Winter Carnival (February)
During this time base camps are organized in Manali and adventure lovers from all over the world throng in the ski slopes of Kufri, Narkanda, and Manali etc. Programs begin at night till morning.
Hadimba Devi fair (May)
Also known as Doongri Fair, dedicated to the deity Hadimba, has colourful events accompanied by folk dances of local women. During this time, the entire Manali valley is spilling with colourful flowers.
Doongri Forest Festival (May-June)
Organized by the women of Manali, during this fair the women dance in colourful traditional dresses to please the local goddess of Manali. The occasion attracts people from all over the city.
Dussehra (October)
A little far from Manali, the valley of Kullu is internationally famous for its renowned grand Dussehra celebrations; triumph of good over evil. The week-long festival begins with a procession of Lord Raghunath, accompanied by other deities, carried on a Ratha (chariot) across the town.
One of the most exciting parts of Manali is roaming around the city and shopping your favourite products. Manali has a good number of shopping places which are good options for budget shopping:
Old Manali Market
T-shirts, stylish woollen clothes and accessories.
Himachal Emporium
warm shawls and pashminas, decorative items for the home, handmade range of slippers and shoes, toys for kids.
Tibetan Market
Bamboo items, Buddhist painting cloth which is known as thangkas, jewellery, decorative items, and apparels.
Manu Market: Books, clothes, footwear, handloom items, utensils, crockery, artificial jewellery, home appliances, etc.
The Mall Road
Kashmiri shawls, sarees, books, antique items etc.
Bhuttico
Trend jackets and other winter wear.
Winter
(October to February): As the temperature goes down to 1°C, this is a great time to view the snow capped mountains. Woollens are a must for trekking and sightseeing.
Summer
(March to June): With temperature between 10°C to 25°C, it is a great time to do do camping, trekking and white-water river rafting in Raison and Solang Valley.
Monsoons
(July to September): A heavy rainfall can create landslides; hence this season should be avoided.
By Air:
Bhuntar airport, 50 km from Manali connects Delhi and Chandigarh. From airport, shared taxi or cab can be hired.
By Bus:
Manali connects Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by state-run and private buses. Air-conditioned Volvo coaches are also available.
By Road/ Self Drive:
A breathtaking journey, the route offers scenic glimpses of the mountains and valleys in every turn and twist. It is advisable to hire a taxi, if you are not confident of mountain driving.
