Manali

From Manali, breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges are a perennial specialty. This is the place where mountain adventures takes on a new dimension. A haven for tourists, Manali is replete with scenic quotients offering trekking enthusiasts an experience of its own kind.

Attracting visitors from all over the world all year round, this is a place for backpackers to explore the serene settings of the Himalayas. It is also the place where adventure tourists can enjoy exhilarating activities such as paragliding, rafting and skiing while on Manali to Leh Road trip.

Also known as the ‘Pool of Gods’, Bhrigu Lake is a majestic an picturesque water body that is located at a distance of about 43km from the town of Manali. Each year, the lake attracts thousands of trekkers and visitors who come here to appreciate the serene, crystal clear blue pools of the lake as a part of their itinerary to visit Manali tourist places. 

Rising to a height of about 14,100ft it is located on the eastern courses of the Rohtang Pass. One of the many glacial lakes of the Kullu Valley, it makes up for being a perfect weekend outing on your next trip to Manali. 

 The lake is bordered by snowy peaks of the Himalayas on all sides and is a moderate to difficult trekking escapade.  Also nearby is the Nehru Kund, which is a natural water spring that is fed by the waters of the Bhrigu Lake and is truly picturesque. 

The trekking route to Bhrigu Lake starts either at the village of Gulaba or Vasishth Temple, either ways it perches you up at a height of almost 14000ft right on the second day, making it one of the most captivating treks of the Pir Panjal Ranges.  Locals of the village believe that this lake has been blessed by the sages and Gods which is why, it never freezes over completely even in the times of harsh winters.

Distance from Manali: 18 Kms

How to get there: Follow the Kullu-Naggar-Manali Road through the village of Gulaba

Best time to Visit: May to June 

Attractions/Activities: Trekking

Type of destination:  Trekking and religious

Built in 1460 AD, the Naggar Castle has a unique architecture that comprises of stones and wood. About a century ago, this castle of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu was converted into a rest house, and presently it is being taken care by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation.

In its rechristened avatar, the castle is now The Castle Heritage Hotel. Naggar Castle came into the limelight after a bollywood movie was shot here. A grand Tibetan carnival dance was shot here and hence this castle grew in touristic prominence.

One of the most frequent places to visit in Manali, the Van Vihar National Park attracts visitors mainly because of its ideal location, which is bang on the Mall road in Manali. The park is a welcome respite from the crowds and the pollution with its tall and shady groves of Deodar, birch and pine. There are a number of wooden and concrete benches within the park, which provide rest, relaxation and recreation to its visitors.

Take off your shoes and take a leisurely walk across the garden paths of this wonderful haven of nature. You could also have fun cruising around in a boat that sails in the small pond within the vicinity of this park. Set amidst beautiful and verdant environs, the park is a perfect respite for anyone who chooses to visit it and makes up for a great place for a spontaneous picnic or simply a long walk!

Timing:

08:00 am – 07:00 pm (summer)

08:00 am – 05:00 pm (winter)

Entry Fee: 10 INR per Person

Photography Allowed: Yes

Located atop the Kullu Valley, the Solang Valley is ideal for adventure sports such as parachuting, skating, zorbing and paragliding. The slopes of this valley also provide ski lovers an ideal destination to enjoy this activity on a trip to Manali. During the summer months, the snow on these slopes evaporates, resulting in ideal ground for zorbing, where a person hurls down a slope in an indestructible bouncy ball.

Solang Valley is definitely a playground for people looking to lose themselves in an assortment of exciting activities. Be it a honeymoon vacation or a family outing, a thrilling and engaging experience is guaranteed.

The lands that hold the strongest relics of adventure are often not spoken about, and that is why you need to head to the mysterious hills of Malana for an adventure you can never forget! Malana is an ancient village that lies to the north – east of the Kullu Valley and this solitary village is located at an altitiude of 9,938ft above sea level. The village of Malana is connected to Kullu by three mountain passes. Many trekkers have traversed these mountains in search of adventure and discovered wonders that they have brought back home with them.  So grab your gear and head to this oldest democracy in the world and trek up the famous and intimidating Chanderkhani Pass and Rashol Pass.

Distance from Delhi: 543km

Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Attractions: Chandrakhani Pass, Kais wildlife sanctuary, Parvati Valley, Shiv Mandir, Hot Springs

Activities: Trekking, Sightseeing and Hiking 

Located in the Parvati valley between the hill stations of Bhuntar and Manikaran, Kasol is a idyllic valley rich with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks Kasol is one of the most popular weekend getaways from Delhi, located at a distance of about 528km from the capital. 

The untouched beauty, quiet surroundings, low population and a relatively moderate climate throughout the year, attracts backpackers to Kasol year after year. It is also the start point of various treks such as Sarpass, Pin Parvati and Khirganga. The Youth Hostels of India have a very strong presence here and are usually the ones organizing the treks in and around Kasol.

Distance from Delhi: 528km

Best time to visit: October to June

Attractions: Quiet and serene Valleys

Activities: Trekking, Nature Walks, Culture

Thrillophilia Recommended Offbeat Experiences: 

Cascading from a height of 8,500ft, the Rahalla or Rehala Falls as they are called as one of the most stunning natural places to visit in Manali. They are located at a distance of 16km from the town on the way to the Rohtang Pass and are must stop over on your way to visit this haven of snow. The falls are formed by glaciers as they melt on their way down from the mountains. It is one of the best places to enjoy photography or just sit peacefully by and admire the natural beauty. 

The more adventurous can go trekking up the mountains behind the waterfall cascades. The waterfalls are set amidst dense thickets of Deodar, birch and pine trees, making it one of the stunning places for photography. The sight of the place and the gentle rhythm of the falls gives instant peace and harmony to anybody who chooses to visit it.

Timing: The waterfalls are best visited in the months of March and November

Entry Fee: None

Photography Allowed: Yes