One of the most popular hill stations in Himachal, Manali offers the most magnificent views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges covered with snow for most parts of the year.
With the Covid-19 pandemic going on, Manali has evolved to be a place loved by young people looking for longer stays for workation. With ambient cafes, good wifi availability, small eateries, and convenient shops, Old Manali are among the favorite neighborhood for such people. There are many homestays and hostels offering dorm beds for cheap for longer durations.
Manali has many trekking options around it, making it a great base for exploring this side of the Himalayas. River Beas provides great rafting options in the nearby town of Kullu. Adjoining the Parvati River, lies the Parvati Valley with Kaslo, Manikarna, Tosh, and small villages attracting travelers for longer stays. Atal Tunnel now allows travelers to reach Sissu within a few hours making Spiti way more accessible.
It snows the most in the months of January & February followed by December and March. If you’re very lucky, you might find some snow in April.
Tourists flock to Rohtang Pass & Solang valley for various adventure activities including skiing, paragliding, horse-riding & zorbing. Rohtang Pass is almost always covered with snow and can often get overcrowded and see traffic jams.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Manali
1. Hadimba Temple
Also known by the names Hidimba Devi Temple and Dhungari Temple, this ancient shrine was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh way back in 1553. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bheema. The wooden architecture of the shrine is very distinct from most Hindu temples you will come across in the country. There’s another shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi’ son Ghatotkacha in the premises. Surrounded by thick cedar groves and with snow-capped mountains serving as the backdrop, the temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali.
- Location: Old Manali
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; every day
2. Solang Valley
A mini valley located at about 8400 feet above sea level, Solang Nala is a short drive away from Manali. It is a haven for adventure and sports lovers and while here, you can try your skills on a pair of skis or go for a snowmobile exploration. When the weather warms up, people flock here for zorbing and paragliding. You can also hop onto a cable car and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. If you are looking for snow-based activities and sports, winters are the best time to visit while the months of summer are ideal for other adventure sports.
- Location: Burwa, Manali
- Distance from Manali: 14 km (approx.)
3. Jogini Waterfalls
The rushing cascades of Jogini Falls are a short and invigorating trek away from the main town of Manali. The trail that leads to the waterfall is scenic and gives you a glimpse of the River Beas and the snow-capped peaks of Rohtang. Apart from the serene setting, Jogini is also an important place of pilgrimage and you can visit many old shrines around the pool at the bottom. An early start is recommended so that you can spend more time at this picturesque natural spot, which is one of the top trekking as well as picnic places in Manali.
- Location: Vashisht Village, Manali
- Timings: 24×7
4. The Manali Gompa
The ornate design and the quintessential Tibetan architecture make the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, more commonly referred to as the Manali Gompa, one of the finest landmarks in Manali. Built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, this monastery allows you to enjoy quiet settings and unmatched spiritual vibes. Some of the key highlights of the Manali Gompa include exquisite murals that depict important events of Buddhism in vivid colors and roofs built in the Pagoda style. The stalls in the complex are a good place to pick up some souvenirs and Tibetan handicraft items.
- Location: Old Manali Road, Manali
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; closed on Sundays
5. Hampta Pass
Take a moment and think of postcard-perfect alpine meadows and evergreen tree forests near a serene high-altitude water body. Well, you have just now pictured Bhrigu Lake, one of the best trekking destinations around Manali. A bit of acclimatization is needed if you are going for the trek as the lake is located more than 4000 meters above sea level. The scenery and panoramic views of the Pir Panjal Range are what draws most visitors to this place.
- Location: Kullu District, Manali
- Distance from Manali: 19 km (approx.)