Top 15 Places to Visit in Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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. From historical sites like Hidimba Temple to spiritual places like Manali Gompa, from Natural wonders like Manikaran to Himalayan marvels like Bhirgu Lake or Solang Valley, Manali is crammed with great places to visit.

The town is also known for its vibrant culture and traditions, which are reflected in its colorful 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 Devi Hidimba, one of the wives of the Pandava Prince Bhima, the temple is nestled among tall deodar trees. The setting of this temple is itself a site to admire. Professional photographers flock here to capture the subtle work of human creativity around pristine nature.

The temple is built in the pagoda style, which is a Chinese style of architecture originally. 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. Both morning and evening are the preferred time to witness this temple in an enchanting mood.

Also Read: Popular Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal

Solang Valley

An open valley of meadows, cobalt blue skies, and spectacular vistas just 14 km northwest of the main town, Solang Valley is among the most popular tourist attractions in Manali. The valley is a great melange of nature surrounded by the heavenly ranges of the Himalayas.

The valley bustles with tourists all year round. During summers, tourists enjoy adventure activities such as paragliding, zorbing, camping, rock climbing, parachuting, horse riding, and gondola rides among others while in winter, the valley turns into a snow territory with exciting snow sports such as skiing, mini-open jeep rides, quad biking, and snowboarding. The range of activities available for people of all ages in Solang makes it a perfect family-friendly destination.

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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. Often referred to as the ‘Goa of the North,’ Old Manali is a popular monsoon retreat for travelers escaping the heavy rains in southern India.

You can also find rustic temples and small trekking trails to enjoy Manali as you should. Old Manali is a favorite base for backpackers and tourists due to its abundance of funky riverside cafés, bohemian shops, restaurants, and lively bars. Local markets sell hand-made products as souvenirs and life slows down in this part of the hill town only to let you breathe and relax in the bliss of nature, this is the core of 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. The huge golden Buddha Statue and prayer wheels are the highlights of the Gompa.

Travelers visit Manali Gompa to put their lives on a standstill and take in all the beauty and spirituality offered by the complex. There are colorful murals and wall paintings illustrating Buddhist ideologies, small shops selling handicrafts, carpets, and rugs, and historical references to the Chinese occupation of Tibet.

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

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 favorite of all nature lovers, artists, and photographers the pass offers access to Lahaul and Spiti in summer. For its beauty, Rohtang Pass is featured in Bollywood movies like Jab We Met and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.

Due to immense snowfall, the pass remains closed during winter from the month-end of November. Tourists can also enjoy thrilling adventures like skiing, paragliding, snowboarding, mountain biking, and trekking to iconic destinations like Hmapta Pass, Bhirgu Lake, and Chadratal.

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 for tourists. Tourists must obtain a special permit to visit Rohtang La, which is available online or at local tourism offices. While in Manali, you cannot afford to miss out on this tourist attraction at all!

Also Read: Popular Trekking Destinations in Himachal

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. Due to its strikingly green landscapes covered in bloom and backed by mountains, Hampta Pass is often referred to as Himachal Pradesh’s Valley of Flowers.

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. While the trek starts with an easy hike through valleys, the terrain becomes challenging as trekkers approach the pass. This journey crosses rivers and lush-green meadows with pine and deodar woods.

On one side lies the lush greenery of the Kullu Valley, while the other side opens to the barren, rugged beauty of the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys making it 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 center 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.

Another legend says that the water here washed away the wrath released by Shiva’s third eye, thus staying hot. As the temperature remains above boiling point, villagers use it for daily activities like cooking rice by immersing them in it even to this date.

According to many, the water passes through hot rocks and has therapeutic properties for joint pains and ailments. Thus, Manikaran is your escape to a spiritual experience filled with serenity and knowledge.

Also Read: Hot Springs in Himachal Pradesh

Jogini Waterfalls

With many small shrines at the base of this waterfall, Jogini is considered sacred by the locals. It gets its name from the goddess Jogini and is considered one of the Shakti Peethas, a site of feminine power. The 160-foot white cascading beauty making its way through the rocks and merging into Beas River steals 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

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 is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding significance in biodiversity conservation.

The park itself houses some of the endangered species like the musk deer, western horned tragopan, and even the ferocious snow leopard along with 1000 plants, 209 species of birds, and over 30 mammal species. Wildlife photographers relish in the wildflowers spotting shy and fierce creatures among them. Meanwhile, snow-clad peaks, lush green mountains, pristine forests, waterfalls, and rivers enhance the beauty of every frame you capture.

Tourists are regulated in the park by GHNP. They can indulge in hiking and camping through permissions and guided treks in the allowed zones of the park.

Also Read: Wildlife Tourism in Himachal Pradesh

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.

It is a short trek but reaches an impressive altitude of 14,000 ft, providing a thrill of high-altitude climbs. Still, it is ideal for beginners and for families. 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!

Trekkers will start seeing endless alpine meadows akin to swiss alps within 10 minutes in this trek. Afterwards, Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges will be the constant part of the landscape.

Also Read: Popular Lakes in Himachal Pradesh

Manu Temple

Manu Temple is a unique attraction as it is dedicated to the first man on Earth according to Hindu Mythology. Visitors will explore the roots of mankind while visiting this ancient temple.

According to belief, thousands of years earlier an apocalypse in the form of a great flood attacked Earth followed by Lord Vishnu taking the Matsya avatar and warning 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 animals, and birds to establish mankind after the apocalypse.

The temple is believed to be built at the exact spot where Manu meditated for humanity’s well-being. 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.

Reaching this temple, traversing through narrow lanes, traditional Himachali houses, and scenic apple orchards, is an enriching experience on its own.

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 historical and cultural evolution of Manali and Himachal Pradesh.

Located beside the River Manalsu in Manali, this museum displays rare artifacts, traditional costumes, and antique weapons from the region and gives an in-depth look at the region’s diverse cultural practices, artifacts, and artistic expression. It 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.

The Museum building features traditional elements and local architectural features like wooden detailing and sloping roofs that blend with the natural surroundings.

Nehru Kund

Nehru Kund is a natural spring located on the eastern bank of the Beas River on the way to Rohtang Pass from Manali. This spring is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is believed that the spring was his favorite spot, and he used to drink water from the spring during his visits to Manali.

The crystal-clear water seeps into the Nehru Kund through the cracks of tall mountain rocks and quenches the thirst of travelers. The water is said to have medicinal properties and holds spiritual significance among locals. It is a popular tourist destination and a perfect place to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings or picnic.

Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle, or Old 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. This castle is featured in multiple movies including Jab We Met, Bang Bang, and Maachis.

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. You can now even stay in the castle and witness the intricately carved woodwork and incredible views from balconies up close.

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.

Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is built differently from the traditional Tibetan style. It has pagoda-style architecture backed by shades of bold colors like yellow, blue, and red.

Visitors can participate in prayer ceremonies or simply sit and meditate in the calming atmosphere. Devotees also revolve around the temple while spinning Prayer Wheels; an act which is equal to reciting prayers hundreds of times.

The temple also has a courtyard that 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
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