Manali, Himachal Pradesh, (North India)
Manali is a popular hill station nestled in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and gushing rivers, Manali offers a picturesque retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The town is known for its scenic beauty, thrilling outdoor activities like trekking and skiing, and attractions like the Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass. Manali also serves as a gateway to the enchanting valleys of Spiti and Lahaul.
Unlock the beauty of Manali with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Manali has it all
Sightseeing
Explore the traditional homes, cafes, and markets of Old Manali.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Traditional houses and markets
Religious Visit
Visit Manikaran to see the hot springs, and the Sikh Gurudwara.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 05:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Dress modestly as it's a religious place
Shopping
The main street of Manali, it's perfect for buying souvenirs, handicrafts, woolen goods, and trying local street food.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Wildlife
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's home to numerous species of flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit: April - June, September - November
Timings: 10:00-17:30
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 50.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Requires permit
Cuisine
Do try the local Himachali cuisine at various cafes and restaurants around Manali.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-10:00,12:00-14:00,18:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Sightseeing
Experience the scenic beauty of this high mountain pass. It offers stunning views of the Himalayas, and a chance to play in the snow.
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Timings: 06:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Tuesday
Price: Free
A permit is required to travel to Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, India. The permit costs ₹ 550, which includes a ₹ 500 permit fee and ₹ 50 congestion charge.
Experiences
Take a dip in these natural hot springs believed to have healing properties.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Natural hot water springs
Waterfalls
A hike up to these beautiful waterfalls is definitely worth it for the views and the serene environment.
Best Time to Visit: April - October
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Hike can be strenuous
Adventure
Experience the thrill of white-water rafting.
Best Time to Visit: April - June
Timings: 10:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1999.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Weather dependent
Experiences
It's a hub for adventure sports like paragliding, skiing, and zorbing.
Best Time to Visit: January - February, May - June, December
Timings: 09:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Best for adventure sports
Religious Visit
Visit this historical and cultural landmark, dedicated to the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Ancient temple
Trekking
Manali is a starting point for many treks like Beas Kund Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, and Hampta Pass Trek.
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 3000.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Health and fitness consideration
Wildlife
It's a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Must follow rules and guidelines
Cuisine
Visit local apple orchards and try some fresh Himalayan apples.
Best Time to Visit: March - June
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Seasonal availability of fruits
Hot Air Balooning
Experience the thrill of Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Best Time to Visit: May - June, September - October
Timings: 07:00-10:00,16:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1099.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Wildlife
It's a great place for a leisurely stroll amidst deodar trees and boating in the man-made lake.
Best Time to Visit: April - June, September - November
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 20.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Camping
Spend a night under the stars by camping in the beautiful landscapes surrounding Manali.
Best Time to Visit: May - June, September - October
Timings: 14:00-11:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Weather-dependent
Sightseeing
Located in Naggar Town, this ancient castle offers beautiful views of the Kullu Valley.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-22:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 15.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Museum
Here you can learn about the rich culture and history of Himachal Pradesh.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 10.0 (Price is for 1 people)
The museum is a must-visit for kids to learn about the art, culture and history of Himachal Pradesh
Travel Guidelines for Manali, Himachal Pradesh (North India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Manali, nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular hill station and tourist destination known for its breathtaking landscapes, snow-capped peaks, dense pine forests, and the gushing Beas River. It's a hub for adventure activities and also serves as a gateway to the Spiti and Lahaul valleys.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Manali is well-connected by road, with frequent bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, and other major cities. The journey offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu Manali Airport), approximately 50 km away from Manali. It's connected to Delhi and Chandigarh.
By Railway: The nearest major railway station is in Chandigarh, around 290 km away. From there, one can reach Manali by road.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Manali include Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea, and BSNL. Network connectivity is generally decent in the town but might be spotty in remote areas or higher altitudes.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Manali is a popular tourist spot and is generally safe for visitors. However, due to its mountainous terrain, it's crucial to be cautious while driving, especially in winters or during rainfall. The Himachal Pradesh Police website provides safety advisories.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
In Manali, taxis are the most common mode of transport for sightseeing. For short distances within the town, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. Renting two-wheelers is also a popular option among tourists.
7. Special Mentions
Rohtang Pass: Located at a high altitude, it offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a favorite among adventure seekers.
Solang Valley: Known for its ski slopes and paragliding.
Hidimba Devi Temple: An ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi, surrounded by cedar forests.
Manu Temple: Dedicated to sage Manu, believed to be the creator of the human race.
Old Manali: A serene part of the town with quaint cafes, old guesthouses, and apple orchards.
Vashisht Baths: Natural hot springs with medicinal properties.
Adventure Activities: Manali is a hub for trekking, paragliding, skiing, and river rafting.