15 Best Places to Visit in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali: An escape to life!

Mention Manali and the next thing your mind pictures are the adventures the resort town offers. Manali is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its stunning natural beauty, thrilling adventures, rich culture, and warm hospitality, this charming hill station is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with lasting memories. Nestled in the Beas River Valley and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and gurgling streams. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town is also known for its vibrant culture and traditions, which are reflected in its colourful festivals and events. In addition to its natural beauty and adventure activities, Manali is also known for its delicious food and warm hospitality. The town has a vibrant culinary scene that offers a range of local and international cuisines, including traditional Himachali dishes, Tibetan food, and popular street food.

The hill town in Himachal Pradesh is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist destinations in India, but let’s travel it the right way!

Here’s the list of the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Manali with their exploration time:

Most Popular Manali Himachal Tour Packages

Hadimba Temple

Also known as Dhungri Temple, the Hadimba Temple brings the epic, Mahabharata to life. Dedicated to Hidimba Devi, one of the wives of the Pandava Prince Bhima, the temple is nestled among tall deodar trees.

The temple is built in pagoda style and its sanctum is a cave shrine believed to house the actual footprints of the deity. The temple without any doubt is one of the best places to visit in Manali with the snow-clad Himalayas in the backdrop.

Also Read: Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal

Solang Valley

An open valley of meadows, cobalt blue skies and spectacular vistas is the most popular tourist attraction in Manali. Solang Valley is a great melange of nature surrounded by the heavenly ranges of Himalayas.

The valley bustles with tourists all year round. During summers, tourists enjoy adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing, camping, rock climbing and gondola ride among others while in winters, the valley turns into a snow territory with exciting snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Various state and national level ski-championships are also organised in the valley every year.

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Rohtang Pass

On a winding mountain road, located on the Pir Panjal Range is the most touted tourist attraction of Manali, Rohtang Pass. A personal favourite of all nature lovers, artists and photographers the pass offers access to Lahaul and Spiti in summers.

Due to immense snowfall, the pass remains closed during winters from the month-end of November. Tourists can also enjoy thrilling adventures like skiing, paragliding and trekking here.

To protect the delicate beauty of the pass, alpine ecosystem and small creeks, the Government has restricted overcrowding of the destination by enforcing regulated access of tourists. While in Manali, you cannot afford to miss out on this tourist attraction at all!

Also Read: Popular Trekking Destinations in Himachal

Old Manali

Old Manali is a land of the by-gone era when Manali used to be a quiet pilgrimage town before the travelers found it. The town offers quiet local settlements with old mountain houses surrounded by apple orchards with snow-clad mountains in the backdrop, an ideal setting for a dream summer holiday.

You can also find rustic temples, river-side cafes and small trekking trails to enjoy Manali as you should. The local markets sell hand-made products as souvenirs and life slows down in this part of the hill town only to let you breath and relax in the bliss of nature, i.e., Old Manali.

Also Read: Top 20 Hill Stations in Himachal for Summer Vacations

Manali Gompa

If you are searching for a place to fill you with spiritual bliss, Manali Gompa is where you need to be. Also known as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, this Buddhist monastery was built by the Tibetan refugees in 1960.

The exquisite architecture with the pagoda-style yellow roof and magnificent murals depicting the ethics of Buddhism make this Buddhist temple a top tourist attraction in Manali.

Travelers visit Manali Gompa to put their lives on a stand still and take in all the beauty and spirituality offered by the complex. The stalls in the premises sell unique Tibetan handicrafts and rugs as souvenirs.

Also Read: Top 5 Treks to Do in Himachal in Summer

Hampta Pass

Hampta Pass is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali. Adventure junkies visit Manali to roll over and relish the challenging opportunities it throws amid their way.

Hampta Pass is located on the Pir Panjal Range and a trekker scales the maximum altitude of about 14000 feet on their trek to the pass. The pass has a journey of river crossings and lush-green meadows with pine and deodar forests.

The pass offers stunning views and is an unbeatable arena for nature lovers. The pass is a must-visit on your trip to Manali.

Check out: Hampta Pass Trekking Itinerary

Manikaran

Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley is a land where two different Gods live together making it a top tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh. A pilgrimage centre for both Hindus and Sikhs, Manikaran is where India’s religious diversity comes alive.

Located just 79.3 km away from Manali, the town houses the pious shrine of Sri Gurunanak Dev called Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. According to the legend, while traveling amid the Himalayas Guru Nanak Dev’s disciples were hungry and there was no food. Guru Ji sent his friend, Bhai Mardana to collect food for the langar.

Many people donated food but the only problem was that there was no fire to cook food. Then, Guru Nanak Dev lifted a rock and a hot spring appeared from the place on which the food was cooked later.

Even till this date, the hot spring exists and the Sikhs cook food using the holy water. Thus, Manikaran is your escape to a spiritual experience filled with serenity and knowledge.

Also Read: Hot Springs in Himachal Pradesh

Great Himalayan National Park

Famed as one of the best places to visit in Manali, the Great Himalayan National Park is a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. The great alpine grasslands with dense pine and deodar forests hide wild creatures of the Himalayas.

The park itself houses some of the endangered species with 1000 plants, 209 species of birds and 31 species of mammals. Wildlife photographers relish in the wildflowers spotting shy and fierce creatures among them.

The ferocious snow leopard is the apex predator of the park. Tourists can indulge in hiking and camping in the allowed zones of the park.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Jogini Waterfalls

With many small shrines at the base of this waterfall, Jogini is considered sacred by the locals. The white cascading beauty on the rocks steal your heart at the very first sight.

If you are looking for a serene spot untouched by many, Jogini Falls is your paradise. Just 3 km from Manali city center, the falls offer a short trek through wild orchards, small creeks and pine woods making it one of the top things to do in Manali.

Also Read: Popular Hill Stations in Himachal

Bhrigu Lake

A gift of the Himalayas, Bhrigu Lake is located at the base of Bhrigu peak. It is one of the best trekking trails of Manali. The lake is surrounded by snow-clad peaks on all sides like in an attempt to protect it from the world.

According to local folklore, Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the seven great sages of Indian history used to meditate here. This is why the lake is rendered sacred and even when the temperature goes down to sub-zero, the lake never freezes completely.

The locals also believe that all the Gods and Goddesses from heaven come down to take a dip in this holy lake. Well, if not for the trek or the nature’s pristine beauty, you ought to visit it for its mysterious past!

Also Read: Popular Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

Manu Temple

Explore the roots of mankind while visiting the ancient Manu Temple with a great past. According to belief, an apocalypse in the form of a great flood attacked Earth. Then, Lord Vishnu took the Matsya avatar to warn Sage Vaivasvata Manu to save mankind.

Acting on his advice, sage Manu built a big ship enough to house his family, nine types of seeds and animals and birds to establish mankind after the apocalypse. It is believed that after the deluge, sage Manu meditated on the earth at the very place this temple is located. This temple is the only temple in the world dedicated to the great sage making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manali.

Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art

The Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Located in the picturesque town of Manali beside the River Manalsu, this museum is a treasure trove of rare artefacts, traditional costumes, and ancient weapons used by the people of the region since 1990.

The museum also showcases the unique lifestyle, customs, and beliefs of the local communities through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors can learn about the history and evolution of the region’s art, music, dance, and festivals, making it an enriching experience for all.

Nehru Kund

Nehru Kund is a natural spring located on the way to Rohtang Pass from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is believed that the spring was a favourite spot of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who used to drink water from the spring during his visits to Manali.

The water in the spring is crystal clear and is said to have medicinal properties. It is a popular tourist destination and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle is a historic castle located in the Naggar town of the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It was built in the 15th century by Raja Sidh Singh, who was the ruler of Kullu at that time. The castle is a significant cultural and architectural landmark in the region, attracting tourists from all over the world. The architecture of Naggar Castle is a unique blend of Himalayan and European styles, reflecting the cultural influences that have shaped the region over the centuries.

It was originally built as a palace for the rulers of Kullu, and it served as their residence until the 17th century. Naggar Castle was then taken over by the British, who used it as a headquarters for their administration in the region. Today, it is maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple

The Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple in Manali is a serene and peaceful place that offers a glimpse into the Buddhist culture and religion. The temple is adorned with beautiful prayer flags and traditional Buddhist paintings, and the sound of prayer bells fills the air.

Visitors can participate in prayer ceremonies or simply sit and meditate in the calming atmosphere. The temple also offers a stunning view of the surrounding Himalayan mountains, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

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Manali is a gift of the Himalayas to the world and it would be a sin to miss out on all the beauty and adventures this resort town offers to the explorers. Head down to this blissful town and do not forget to explore and view all of the above tourist attractions to get in-depth with the history of Manali.

Other Himachal Important Tourism Links

• Complete Himachal Travel Guide
• Himachal Tour Packages

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