Manali, valley of the gods is a colourful hotspot for tourists and nature lovers, tucked in the hills of the upper Himalayas. A picturesque place to spend some time away from the humdrum of the cities, the town offers something for every kind of traveller. The town is located about 270 KM from the state capital of Shimla, and 544KM from the national capital, Delhi. We recommend booking a cab from Delhi to Manali to experience the wonderful Himalayan vistas at this hill-station.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Manali
- About Manali
- How to Plan a trip to Manali
- Hotels and Resorts in Manali
- Nearby roadtrips from Manali
- Useful links
Things to do in Manali
Manali tour is not limited to popular tourist places. For a complete vacation, you can take part in exciting activities and experience the town like a local. With a travel package, you can do adventures, sightseeing, and more and have a wholesome trip.
Adventurous Things to Do
- Trekking is one of the best things to do in the town and also a great way to explore the hills and valleys of the Himalayas. The town serves as a base for some of the most exotic trek routes like the Beas Kund Trek, Chandrakhani Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Deo Tibba Trek, Kheerganga Trek, and other shorter treks through Parvati Valley.
- Go camping. Camping in this town is one of the most incredible experiences to have. You can camp in the alpine meadows, in pine forests, by the lakes, or at the base of snowy mountains. Beas River, Tirthan Valley, Solang Valley, Bhuntar, Sarai and Kothi village are some of the most scenic camping spots.
- Trek through the Rohtang Pass – A legendary mountain pass, this road connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti Valleys and offers incredible views of the snow-capped peaks and slopes of the Pir Panjal Range.
- Enjoy adventure sports in Solang Valley. About 12 KM north of the town, Solang Valley is the best destination for mountain sports. Depending on the time of the year, you can try skiing, paragliding, snowboarding, zorbing, cable car riding, and snow sledging.
- Ride a Yak at Wildlife Sanctuary
- Go for Mountain Bike Riding at Rohtang Pass and Solang Ski Pass
- Delve into River Rafting in Beas River
Offbeat Things to Do
- Meditate and relax at Pandava King Arjun Cave.
- Visit Gulaba Village to experience its lush green valleys.
- Visit cafes located on the Beas River
- Practice some yoga at Shri Hari Yoga Ashram
- Take a bath at Vashist Hot Water Springs
Religious Things to Do
- Take a sulphur water bath at Manikaran Gurudwara
- Pay a visit to the Tibetan Monasteries
- Visit Lord Shiva’s, Gauri Shankar Temple
- Visit Manali Gompa and experience the Buddhist Architecture
Things to Do for Couples
- Visit Naggar Castle and see the great art pieces
- Visit Van Vihar Park and experience its lush greenery
- Visit Apple Orchards
- Walk amongst The Cedar Trees located on the land next to hadimba temple
- Visit Pin Valley National Park and see beautiful flora and fauna
- Dip your feet in the water of the beautiful Nehru Kund
- Attend the Winter Carnival and participate in various activities
Places to visit in Manali
With abundant natural beauty, ethnic flavours, and adventure options, it offers endless options for sightseeing. Here are some of the best places to visit –
- Hadimba Temple – The 15th-century temple is located inside a pine forest and is dedicated to Hadimba, a local deity who is also a significant character in the epic Mahabharata. The temple also hosts native festivals to commemorate her powers.
- Manali Gompa – The local Buddhist monasteries are some of the most sought-after places to visit and reflect the Tibetan influence on the local culture. Of all, the Manali Gompa is the most iconic and popular. You can also do a complete monastery tour by also visiting Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa.
- Vashist Temple and Hotsprings – This tourist spot is known for both its religious and natural significance. The temple is an ancient pilgrimage site that houses a natural hot spring. The spring water rich in glacial minerals is considered holy and has medicinal values, so people flock there to cure ailments and diseases.
- Van Vihar – A small nature park in the middle of the town, with abundant greenery and towering alpine trees. Sitting amidst cedar and pine groves, there’s a small man-made lake, which is open to boating for visitors.
- Mall Road – The busiest and the only commercial hub of the town, Mall Road is dotted with shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes, making it a popular neighbourhood to shop, dine, or just explore on foot.
[Also Read: #60DaysOfSummer – Paragliding in Manali]
Popular Places to visit nearby
Besides the popular visiting places, you can also explore other scenic locales nearby. With a tour package, you can make a combined trip of Shimla-Kullu-Manali or visit these places standalone –
- Kullu, 42 KM – Manali’s sister town, Kullu, is the nearest major district and an equally popular destination. The town offers the base for treks to Mandi and Prashar Lake. It is also famous for Great Himalayan National Park, the Bijli Mahadev Temple trek, mountain resorts with views, outdoor adventures, and local bazaars.
- Naggar, 24 KM – A sleepy historical town set against majestic mountains and greenery, Naggar is amongst the most beautiful places to visit nearby. The town is famous for the ancient Naggar Castle which is also a popular destination for local treks, along with village tours of Soil, Sajla etc.
- Gulaba – One of the most gorgeous locales to explore around Manali, the quaint village of Gulaba is a must-visit. You can just drive through the picturesque highways or explore the villages, walk the nearby trails, ride a yak or simply soak in the mountain views.
Best Places to eat
Here are some of the top-rated restaurants you must try out on your trip –
- Chopsticks, Mall Road.
- Lazy Dog, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali
- Café Nirvana, Old Manali.
- Drifter’s Café, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali.
- People Art Café &Lounge, Manu Temple Road.
- Johnson’s Café, Circuit House Road.
- Café 1947, Near Nehru Kund, Bahang.
Things to Do at Night
- Walk through the streets at night and try café/pub hopping. The mix of a native and international crowd in the town makes for a mystical and vibrant collage of cultures. Or walk through the ethnic bazaars and flea markets and shop for trinkets, souvenirs, and other keepsakes to carry back home.
- Visit Manu Market and shop to your heart’s content.
- Walk through the Manali Mall road
- Enjoy The Nightlife in Old Manali
Shopping in Manali
Manali offers a vibrant and diverse shopping scene, with numerous markets and shopping areas to explore. Here are some popular shopping places in Manali:
- Mall Road – Located in the heart of Manali, Mall Road is a bustling hub for shoppers. It offers a wide range of shops, including clothing boutiques, handicraft stores, jewellery shops, and souvenir stalls. You can find traditional Himachali shawls, woollens, Tibetan artefacts, and various other local products here.
- Old Manali Market – Situated in the quaint Old Manali area, this market is known for its bohemian and hippie vibe. It’s a great place to find unique clothing, accessories, and handmade jewellery. The market also has cosy cafes and bakeries where you can relax and soak in the ambience.
- Tibetan Market – Located near Mall Road, the Tibetan Market is a must-visit for those seeking Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs. Here, you can find colourful Tibetan carpets, thangka paintings, prayer wheels, Buddhist artefacts, and trendy clothing with a Tibetan influence.
- Bhuttico – For those interested in purchasing high-quality woollen products, Bhuttico is a renowned store in Manali. It offers a wide range of woollen garments, including shawls, sweaters, stoles, and blankets. The products are known for their craftsmanship and warmth.
- Manu Market – Situated near the Manali Bus Stand, Manu Market is a local market where you can find a variety of goods. It offers clothing, footwear, accessories, electronics, and household items. It’s a great place to shop for everyday essentials and local products.
- Himachal Emporium – If you’re interested in authentic Himachali handicrafts, visit the Himachal Emporium. It showcases a collection of traditional artefacts, wooden carvings, metalwork, and handwoven textiles. It’s an ideal place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Khara Bazaar – This market, located near the Hadimba Devi Temple, offers a mix of local products and everyday essentials. You can find spices, dry fruits, handmade soaps, and other local food products here. It’s a great place to explore the local flavours and ingredients.
About Manali
Manali sits northward from the Kullu Valley, formed into a fertile basin by the Beas River that cuts through it. Once a trading town, the region evolved into a prosperous community. It is the starting point of the ancient trade that goes over the Karakoram Pass, cutting through Lahaul and Ladakh, and ending in Yarkand and Hotan in the Tarim Basic in China. The hill town also serves as an entry point into the Lahaul and Spiti districts and the Leh city of Ladakh. While travelling to Manali, you can also experience exciting things to do in Ladakh.
History
The history of Manali dates back to the Vedic age. The town is named after Manu – the archetypal man in Hindu mythology. The word Manali is a derivation of Manu and Alaya or translated as the abode of Manu. It is believed that Manu recreated human life after the great flood. In the present, there is an old temple here dedicated to Manu. The Kullu Valley, where Manali sits is also called the Valley of the Gods, owing to its association with mythological stories of ancient Hindu gods and goddesses, evidence of which can be found in its temples and shrines.
Interesting facts about Manali
Here are some interesting facts about Manali –
- Manali is situated in the Kullu district of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Beas River Valley.
- The name “Manali” is believed to be derived from the words “Manu-Alaya,” meaning “the abode of Manu,” as it is believed to be the resting place of the ancient sage Manu during the great flood.
- Manali is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities such as trekking, paragliding, skiing, river rafting, and mountaineering.
- Manali is famous for its lush apple orchards, producing some of the best quality apples in India. The surrounding hillsides are covered with apple trees, creating a picturesque landscape.
- The town of Manali is home to several natural hot springs, such as the Vashisht and Manikaran hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties and believed to have healing effects.
- The Old Manali area is known for its bohemian and hippie vibe. It offers charming narrow streets, cozy cafes, vibrant markets, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Located about 51 kilometers from Manali, Rohtang Pass is a popular tourist spot that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and serves as a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
- One of the prominent attractions in Manali is the Hadimba Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Hadimba. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is surrounded by a cedar forest.
- Manali has served as a filming location for several Bollywood movies due to its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty, attracting filmmakers from across the country.
How to Plan a Trip to Manali
By Train
Manali has no direct train services. The nearest railway station is in Kalka, near Shimla, about 280 KM away. From Kalka, you have to take the local bus or rent a cab to reach Manali. Alternatively, you can take the single gauge train from Kalka to Shimla and from Shimla, take the local bus or rent a car to Manali. You can read about Shimla in on our blog.
By Road
Manali is well-connected by roads from all parts of Himachal Pradesh like Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi, Kullu, and Naggar, via NH21, but most importantly from nearest cities like Delhi and NCR region, Chandigarh, Ambala, etc. via NH 1. There are regular state-run and private buses from these cities to Manali. But the best way to travel would be to rent a private car or hire a taxi from Delhi or nearby cities and do a road trip to Manali.
[Also Read: Delhi to Manali by Road – Distance, Time and Useful Travel Information]
By Flight
There is no direct flight to the hill station. The nearest airstrip is at Bhuntar Airport or Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU), about 50KM from the town. You can also directly book a taxi in Manali to reach your destination. There are some flights to Kullu from major cities and towns in north India. But these flights are not regular, so check for flight availability before planning your trip. You can also fly to Shimla airport, about 244 KM away. From Shimla airport, you can book a Shimla Airport Taxi to reach your destination.
Best time to Visit
The weather here can be defined as classic mountain weather, with chilly and snowy winters and pleasant, warm summers. The rainy season, between July and September, sees heavy rainfall and floods in the region, causing landslides and roadblocks. So, depending on your travel goals, you can visit Manali either in summer or winter. If you want to experience snowfall, then the period between December and February is the best time to visit. Otherwise, to enjoy all outdoor activities, the spring-summer months are better, when the temperature is very conducive. The snowfall time here can vary year on year, so check the forecast before travelling.
Best hotels and resorts
From upscale mountain resorts to budget hotels, hostels, and cosy cottages, you will find all kinds of stay options here. There are plenty of places in Old Manali but staying on the outer edges of the town will give you a more peaceful and scenic experience.
Check out some of the best resorts –
- Fog Hills
- Apple Country Resort
- The Blue Magpie
- The Manali Inn
- The Orchard Greens
Witness the beauty of Manali by booking a car rental to take you to all these places with a local driver. Install Savaari cab booking app for offers and discounts on outstation rentals.
Best Road-trips to Manali
| Route Name | Distance | Time |
| Delhi to Manali | 537 km | 12 hours and 13 minutes |
| Shimla to Manali | 245 km | 7 hours |
| Chandigarh to Manali | 309 km | 8 hours |
| Dehradun to Manali | 500 km | 11 hours and 35 minutes |
| Amritsar to Manali | 409 km | 9 hours and 42 minutes |
| Jammu to Manali | 398 km | 9 hours and 56 minutes |
Useful links
Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Swati Deol
