Places To Visit In Manali

Plan your next vacation in the beautiful destination nestled in the Himalayas in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. India’s honeymoon capital, Manali offers awe-inspiring views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow for most parts of the year. The marvellous mountains, snow-capped peaks, picturesque landscapes, scrumptious food, distinct culture, comfortable accommodations, spectacular places, yes, Manali is one of those places that surely make one’s Manali trip an exciting and memorable one.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in Manali:

1. Solang Valley

Solang valley is one of the loved places among adventure lovers. Situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali, Solang valley is one of the picturesque places in Manali. It is almost 14 km to the northwest of the main town of Manali. It is indeed a paradise for adventure lovers. Be it parachuting, paragliding, horse riding or a drive-in mini-open jeep, Solang valley has it all. During the winter season, Solang valley gets covered with snow and welcomes thrilling adventures, and skiing for adventure enthusiasts. As the snow melts, skiing is taken over by zorbing.

Entry fees - no entry fee but one needs to purchase tickets for different adventure sports.

Visiting Time - 9 am to 6 pm

Best Known - for serene nature, photography &adventure activities.

The best time to visit- April to June and December to January, is the peak time for snowfall and is the perfect time to enjoy snow activities.

Things to do – enjoy some thrilling activities here like- cable car rides, Helicopter rides, skiing, paragliding, trekking & zorbing.

Nearby attractions- The Great Himalayan National Park, Kothi, and Rohtang Pass.

Nearby Restaurants- Solang Holiday Restaurant, Manali Sweets, and Pizza Olive.

2. Manali Mall Road

Vacation in Manali is incomplete without exploring the exotic Mall road. Mall road is one such place that one cannot afford to miss exploring. One can find tourists leisurely strolling in the evening time. Enjoy ice cream in the winter, have a plate of sizzling momos or grab some pretty wooden handicrafts and woollen clothes. One can find numerous shops, family restaurants, & hotels lined up. One can even find guesthouses, Cafes, German bakeries and Tibetan people selling pretty handmade woollens. So on your next visit make sure to explore this fantabulous place for a memorable vacation.

Visiting Time - 9 am to 9 pm.

Best Known - as the heart of Manali, Mall road is famous for its street shopping, & local food.

Best time to visit - March to June and October to February.

Things to do- just sit on the benches here and capture the enchanting views of the mountains. Explore the Hong Kong market, dragon shopping complex and Snow lion underground market for some kitschy apparel and pretty jewellery. Try the local food and take a leisurely walk too.

Nearby attractions- Hidimba temple, Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Tibetan Monasteries, Vashisht temple, and Jogini Falls.

Nearby Restaurants- Mount View Restaurant, The Open Air and Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, Renaissance Manali, Rooftop Restaurant, Basil Leaf Restaurant.

3. Old Manali

Located just 3 km uphill from Manali, lies the beautiful town of Old Manali. The beautiful Old Manali is nestled 6589 feet above sea level. This destination is famous for its Hidimba temple. Manali is divided into old Manali and new Manali by the Manalsu river. The beautiful Old Manali is led by a bridge over the river. The swaying eucalyptus, gently winding roads, pristine waters of the Kullu River and marvellous hills of Old Manali make it a perfect natural retreat. Just spend some time in the lap of nature and experience the tranquil beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

Best Known - for offering a plethora of adventure activities, Rohtang Pass, and for Hidimba temple.

Best time to visit- May to September, and January to February.

Things to do-

Treat yourself the scrumptious cuisines at famous cafes. Rent a vehicle and explore places, enjoy water rappelling. Pay a visit to some of the beautiful ancient temples and monasteries. Enjoy tasting some delicious local wine at Old Manali.

Nearby attractions- The Hidimba temple, Manu temple, and Jogini Falls.

Nearby Restaurants- café 1947, Red House café, Drifter’s Café, Born Free café, The Lazy Dog, Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House

4. Gulaba

Head towards the beautiful village Gulaba, located around 20 km from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass. This fantabulous hamlet is surrounded by snow-peaked mountains that truly are worth capturing. Explore the region by trekking and just set up a camp and soak in Gulaba’s tranquil beauty. This place has also been featured in many Bollywood films. The tourists visit Gulaba, on their way to the Bhrighu Lake and set camps on the Gulaba Meadow to rest. A perfect place to escape from hectic Lifestyles, Gulaba is famous for hiking, camping, trekking & paragliding.

Visiting Time- 7 am to 7 pm

Best Known - for nature, photography, and a plethora of thrilling activities.

Best time to visit - November and February

Things to do - Enjoy skiing, Paragliding, and trekking.

Nearby attractions - Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Beas river, Solang Nallah, Beas Kund, Hidimba temple, and Rahala Falls.

Nearby Restaurants - Southern Souls Café, Ride Inn Café, The Corner House Restaurant and Bar, and Casa Bella Vista.

5. Hampta Pass

The picturesque Hampta Pass is located on the Pir Panjal range and is one of the most loved tourist attractions in Manali. This Hampta Pass trek has a journey of river crossings and lush green meadows with pine and deodar forests and is one of the most adventurous places to visit in Manali. Hampta Pass offers fantabulous views and is truly a paradise for nature lovers. It is the major part of the Manali and Kully valley. Discover the unique landscape of the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Hampta Pass on your next visit to Manali.

Entry fees - no entry fee.

Visiting Time - there is no specific timing for the trek but it is highly recommended that one must start the trek in the morning and end it by the evening.

Best Known - as a trekker’s paradise. This place is great for trekking. Oe can witness the small forests, pretty green pastures, rhododendron forests and soothing weather.

Best time to visit - Mid-June to mid-October

Things to do - Trekking, and camping. Witness the small forests on both sides of the road at the beginning of the valley. Experience the stream crossing. Hampta pass is popular for its stream-crossing experience. During your trek spot some beautiful wildflowers in the valley.

Nearby attractions - Kullu, and Mandi.

6. Beas Kund

Beas Kund, a holy lake is one of the most popular and loved trekking sites in Manali and is located in the Kullu Valley and is the source of the river Beas. It is believed that Rishi Vyas used to take his daily bath in the pristine water of this lake. It is indeed one of the most preferred visiting places in December for travellers who wish to spend some peaceful time away from the hectic schedule of their life. The trek to Beas Kund commences from Solang Nullah, a popular adventure sports destination majorly for paragliding and skiing. Capture the enchanting views of the peaks like- Hanuman Tibba, Ladakh Peak & Friendship Peak.

Entry fees - no entry fee

Visiting Time - sunrise to sunset

Best Known - as a trekking site. It is also known for its tranquil atmosphere.

Best time to visit - Mid May to mid-October

Things to do - Trekking, and Camping

Nearby attractions - Friendship Peak, Shitidhar, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang La, Hadimba Devi temple, and Bhrighu Lake.

Nearby Restaurants - Kawa Café, Renaissance, Ride Inn Café, Southern Souls Café, Café 1947, and Drifter’s Café.

7. Hadimba Devi Temple

Also known as Dhungri temple, Hadimba temple is devoted to Hidimba Devi, one of the wives of the Pandava, Bhima. Hadimba temple is nestled in the Dhungri forests and is beautifully surrounded by pine trees. It is indeed one of the fantastic tourist places in Manali. This temple is constructed in the pagoda style and its sanctum is a cave shrine that is believed to house the actual footprints of the deity. The prime attraction of this temple is the three-day HidimbaDevi festival which attracts devotees from all over the world and features colourful folk dance performances.

Entry fees - No entry fee

Visiting Time - 8 am to 6 pm

Best known - for its religious value and also for offering the visitors enchanting views of the surrounding areas.

The best time to visit - is the last weeks of August to the first weeks of July.

Things to do -

• Take blessing at the temple.
• Trek to the nearby valleys and passes.
• Set your camp out in the nearby villages to get an insight into the local culture.

Nearby attractions - Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Beas Kund, Parvati Valley, Vashisht Hot Water Springs.

Nearby Restaurants - Hotel Pine Valley, Utopia Resorts, Café 1947, Pizza Olive, The Lazy Dog, Richik’s Café, and Born Free Café.

8. Great Himalayan National Park

One of the fantastic places to explore, The Great Himalayan National Park in Manali houses some endangered species with 1000 plants, 209 species of birds & 31 species of mammals. Tourists can indulge in hiking and camping in the allowed zones of the park. In the year 1999, this national park received the status of a national park. One needs to obtain a permit to visit the Great Himalayan National Park. One can indulge in different levels of treks- moderate day-long treks to difficult multi-day treks are organised in all 4 valleys of the park including Tirthan, Jwar Nala, Parvati, and Sainj. 

Entry fees - Rs 100 for Indians with concession for students Rs 50, and Rs 400 for foreigners with Rs 250 for foreign students. There is an extra charge for videography. And no fixed charge for photography.

Visiting Time - 10 am to 5:30 pm

Best Known - for wildlife, nature, adventure, trekking and photography.

Best time to visit - March to June and Mid-September to November.

Things to do - Trek to the approved trails. There are four moderate to difficult trekking routes in this park- Sainjh Valley Gushaini to Parvati valley, Sainj to 6meadows. Enjoy bird watching and trout fishing.

Nearby attractions - Parashar Lake, Bijli Mahadev temple, Raghunath temple, Rupi Palace, and Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nearby Restaurants - Café Stories N more, Reverberate Café, The Himalayan Trout House Kitchen, Out House on the River, and Café Hp49

9. Bhrigu Lake

Bhrigu lake is located at the base of Bhrighu peak. This pristine lake is surrounded by majestic snow-clad peaks on all sides. According to the local folklore Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the seven great sages used to meditate here and thus Bhrigu lake is considered sacred. It is also believed that all the gods and goddesses from heaven come down to take a dip in this holy lake. The amazing thing about this lake is that even when the temperature goes down to sub-zero, the lake never freezes completely. So just trek to this place not only for its nature’s pristine beauty but also for its mysterious past.

Entry fees - No entry fee

Visiting Time - sunrise to sunset

Best Known - as the pool of God. Brighu Lake is named after Maharishi Bright. As per the legends, the sage used to meditate near this lake and thus is considered sacred thus there is a strong belief that this lake never freezes completely.

Best time to visit - May to June and October to November.

Things to do – Click some good pictures of the surrounding marvellous snow-clad peaks. Spend some hours here and get drenched in the serenity of this place.

Nearby attractions - Jogini Falls, Nehru Kund, Vashishtha temple, Manu temple, Hadimba Devi temple, and Rohtang La.

Nearby Restaurants - La Purezza Fast Food & Italian restaurant, Super Bake, Parvati café, Lazzez Kathi rolls and Malawach, Ats Garden Café & Restro, and The Himalayan Café Casa.

10. Kullu

On your next trip to Kullu Manali make sure to explore the nature lovers’ paradise, Kullu located on the banks of the Beas river. The beautiful Kullu is generally coupled with its sister town Manali which is at a much higher altitude and offers more picturesque views of snow-capped mountains. The beautiful Kullu is renowned for its Dusshera festival, temples like- Raghunath Temple, Jagannath Devi temple and yes for thrilling adventure- rafting.  This place holds treks that originate from here like- the Bijli Mahadev temple trek, & the Parvati valley trek. With panoramic views and marvellous hills covered with Deodar and pine trees, Kullu is truly a place that one cannot miss exploring.

Best Known - for its marvellous picturesque landscapes and for the Dussehra festival that attracts tourists from across the world. Kullu apple is another thing that is quite famous here for its crisp and tangy taste.

Best time to visit - March to June

Things to do –

• Enjoy photography at Kais Dhar, a small hamlet in the Kullu district.
• enjoy Trout fishing in Banjar.
• set your camp in Raison, a gorgeous hamlet situated on the banks of river Beas. Indulge in river rafting.
• Enjoy trekking in lush green nature and pretty valleys, and enjoy the Beas Kund trek.

Nearby attractions - Raghunath temple, Bijli Mahadev temple, Beas River, Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery.

Nearby Restaurants - Maitre Point, Bella River Banks, Tanishq Haweli, Rasoi Himachali, Malana Restaurant, Root, and Red Roof.

11. Manikaran

The beautiful Manikaran is located in the Parvati valley and is one of the prime destinations in Manali. A pilgrimage centre for Hindus and Sikhs, Manikaran is the place where India’s religious diversity comes alive. Manikaran is located around 79.3 km away from Manali and houses the revered shrine, Gurudwara Manikaran sahib. One can find three hot springs where one can take a bath- one inside the Gurudwara and the other two being privatized by the guesthouses. There are different sections for men and women made for bathing. It is believed that these springs contain sulfur that is capable of curing diseases.

Entry fees - for two-wheelers, it is Rs 50, for the car it is Rs 100. For all types of buses and trucks, it is Rs 500.

Visiting Time - 4 am to 7 pm

Best known - for its hot springs.

Best time to visit - April, May & June

Things to do – Take a dip in the hot springs & pay a visit to the gurudwara. Take a dip in the Vishnu Kund. It is believed that by taking a dip at Vishnu Kund one’s sins, anger and evil wash away.

Nearby attractions - Manikaran Sahib, Manikaran hot springs, Malana, Parvati Valley, Kulant Pith, Lord Shiva temple, Harinder mountain, and Kheer Ganga.

Nearby Restaurants - Buddha Place, Woodrose Café and Camps, Café rock N Roll Kasolinn, Wabi-Sabi Sushi Restaurant, and Evergreen.

12. Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is the stretch that connects Manali to Spiti and Lahaul. It is located around 51kms from Manali. Numerous tourists visit this place for trekking and to enjoy the snow. It is located at a height of 13000 ft. Owing to its fantabulous natural beauty, Rohtang pass is one of the favoured destinations in Manali. A few blockbuster movies are also shot here like- Jab we Met, Yeh Jawani hai Deewani. Due to heavy snowfall in the winter months, the pass remains closed that is from November to May and opens on the 1st of June every year.

Entry fees - no entry fee

Visiting Time to visit - it remains open from June to October.

Best known - for its picturesque beauty. It offers the fantabulous sights of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul Valley and the pristine Chandra River.

Things to do - trekking, and photography. Capture the astounding views of the peaks and twin peaks of Geypan from here.

Nearby attractions - Manali-Keylong highway, Lahaul and Spiti valleys.

Nearby Restaurants - Rose Garden Restaurant, Café Live, Mayur, La Plage, Whispering Valley Resort, Hangout, Born Free Café, and The Avalon Café.

13. Vashisht Baths

Vashist Baths or Vashisht springs is a hot water spring located inside the famous Vashisht temple in Manali almost 6 km away from Manali and is believed to possess medicinal values. It is visited by numerous tourists who visit to take a dip in the holy water to get rid of skin diseases and infections. The Vashisht Baths are accompanied by pretty sandstone temples. One can find separate arrangements for bathing areas for men and women. One can even find hundreds of small shops from where one can buy souvenirs and religious merchandise.

Entry fees - no entry fee

Visiting Time - 7 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 10 pm.

Best Known - as a hot water spring that is believed to possess medicinal values.

Best time to visit - March and November

Things to do - take a dip in the hot water spring

Nearby attractions - Vashishtha temple and Jogini falls.

Nearby Restaurants - Rainbow Café, The Hill View Restaurant & Pizzeria, Rangoli Rooftop café, Café Babushka, Seed Organic Café, and Family Rasoi.

14. Manu Temple

Pay a visit to the ancient temple, Manu temple in Manali, devoted to Sage Manu and is located just 3kms away from the Mall road of Manali. The revered temple lies in the Beas River valley in the Kullu district. This temple is said to be the only temple devoted to king Manu who was later known as the sage Manu. Manu temple is constructed in a pagoda style of architecture and offers a glimpse into history and spirituality through its beautiful architecture. So just plan a visit and get drenched in the serenity and calmness around the serene Manu temple.

Entry fees - no entry fee

Visiting Time - 5 am to 9 pm

Best Known - for serenity and religious belief

Best time to visit - April to June

Things to do – trek to this temple and capture the awe-inspiring views of the rich greenery and natural beauty of this fantastic place.

Nearby attractions - Hidimba Devi temple, Hampta Pass, and Rehala Falls.

Nearby Restaurants - the Corner House, Forno, Johnson Bar & Restaurant, Café 1947.

15. Nehru Kund

Located on the Manali Leh Highway, it is strongly believed that the water of Nehru Kund originates from Bhrighu Lake. Nehru Kund gets its name from the first Prime Minister of Inda, Jawaharlal Nehru who is said to have had water from this natural spring when he used to stay in Manali. This spring is renowned for its cold and pristine water running here and yes also for the fantabulous scenery of mountains and valleys all around. This place is an ideal place for photographers. So on your visit to Nehru Kund, carry your camera and click some great shots.

Entry fees - no entry fee

Visiting Time - sunrise to sunset.

Best Known - as a fantastic location to spend some peaceful time with loved ones. It is one of the scenic locations and is a fantastic photography spot.

Best time to visit - May to October

Things to do - indulge in camping, trekking, and hiking.

Nearby attractions - Solang Valley, Gulaba, Hidimba temple, Jogini Falls

Nearby Restaurants - Johnsons Café, The Lazy Dog, II Forno, Toasted and Roasted, and Pizzeria.