Manali

What You Should Know More About Manali

• About The Destination

  Manali is surrounded by high peaks in the splendid lush green valley of the River Beas. With mountain adventures gesticulating from all directions, Manali is a year round magnet for tourists from across the country. Backpackers come here to hang out in the hippie villages encompassing the main town; Indian families and honeymooners come here in warm months to enjoy the cool mountain air and get a taste of snow on a day trip to the Rohtang La and the adventure seekers come here for thrilling activities such as mountain biking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, skiing, trekking and paragliding.  

  Manali is also the significant jumping off point between the months of June and October for Spiti and Ladakh. It makes complete sense for travelers to unwind and feed up here for some days before finally ascending towards the mountains.

  Over the years, Manali has become so crowd pleasing that this once agrarian retreat now has about 800 to 1000 guesthouses, hotels and resorts in the town and the outskirts of Manali. During the months of April to mid July, September to mid October, and from Christmas to New Year, the place is overwhelmed with tourists. Most of the tourists visting Manali plan a stay in the Old Manali or villages of Vashist which has a pretty laid back vibe along with a myriad of services available. However, this place is semi close during the winter months from November to early April.  

  
  

• Travel Advice

  • The foreigners or the locals here who may be seen in dirty outfits can be drug addicts or drug peddlers, stay away from them.

  • Do not eat anything from the hand of a stranger or a person you don’t know enough.

  • Don’t trust anyone with your cash here.

  • Keep your valuables in safe.

  • Never flash huge amount of cash or valuables in public.

  • The food in the Manali’s local or street stalls is good however a little check on the quality may seem helpful.

  • Since, the altitude is high, carry woolen clothing with you.

  • Always carry with you extra layer of clothing as you cannot trust the rains here.

  • If traveling during winter months, carry warm boots to be worn in snow.

  • Do not neglect your safety whenever you try some adventure sports or activities.

  • Do not get over friendly with any stranger or hotel staff.

  • Avoid lending money to people here. Sometimes, people may come up to you and share fake stories to exploit money from you. They make look from decent families and are usually asking for money to sponsor their drugs.

  • Always carry with you one ID proof.

  • Do not get in a verbal or physical fight with anyone.

  • Beware of fake liquor being sold here.

  • Always cross check the bills – hotel bills, restaurant bills, etc.

• Drinking Law

  The legal age for drinking in Manali is 18 years. For anyone aged below 18, alcohol consumption is prohibited. Do carry an ID proof whenever you buy alcohol in Manali.

  
  

• Our Recommendations: What you can’t afford to miss?

  The Rohtang Pass

  Rohtang Pass is situated about 50 km from Manali. It offers one of the most astonishing mountain views in the world. Situated at the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, the area is usually covered in snow from the months to October to the onset of May. This is a prominent destination for all nature enthusiasts and thrill seekers who come here in large numbers. You can enjoy snow scooter riding or skiing here. Rohtang Pass is indeed one of the rarest places for a thrilling family adventure. 

  
  Naggar Castle

  Naggar castle is the very place where you see an amalgam of the Himalayan and the European culture. The two come together and produce an eccentric castle that was once the home of Raja Sidh Singh. Built in the year 1460, the castle is filled with staircases, fireplaces, woodwork and stonework that could give competition to any castle in Europe. For every art lover, there is so much more on offer accredited to the many art pieces on display. The castle is situated close to the banks of river Beas and this only accentuates the majesty of the place. No trip to Manali can be complete without a trip to this place.  

  
  Hidimba Devi Temple

  This is an ancient temple in Manali that was built in the year 1553 in reverence to Goddess Halima. Comprising of a three tiered square tower that is 24 meters high, the cedar forest lying at the foothills of the Himalayas encompasses the temple. It is indeed one important place that is full of ancient architecture and history. 

  
  Solang Valley

  Manali has always been praised for its pristine beauty. Solang Valley is one important places in Manali that well amplifies its beauty. It offers breathtaking views of the mountain tops and glaciers and is definitely one of the best best skiing slopes here. In winter the valley is the key attraction for skiers while in summers the activity is replaced by others like horse riding, paragliding and parachuting. There is simply no wrong time to visit this place.  

  
  Manali Sanctuary

  A visit to Manali simply wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Manali Sanctuary. Expect an unforgettable experience here in the midst of the lush green pastures and the alluring glaciers. If you are lucky, you can spot monal, brown bears, musk deer and snow leopards. For the daring ones traveling up into the glacier zone, a herd of ibex too can be spotted. It is a nice place that well represents the experience you wouldn’t want to miss.    

  
  

• What you will like there?

  Mountain Biking

  If you are searching for a place in the world, where you can enjoy mountain biking then Manali it is. Why do you want to be stuck in a bus when you can ride through the fresh mountains on a bike and gulp in you the majestic beauty of mountains of Manali? Amidst this, you can take a stoppage and plan a visit to the traditional villages of the Himalayas and the idiosyncratic carved wooden houses as well as the different temples that bring about the rich cultural history of the place.  

  
  Old Manali

  Old Manali is the place where the two worlds unite. On one hand is an exotic village that has a rare charm which is hard to find elsewhere while on the other end, it has all the conveniences needed in the modern times. Despite this unison, Old Manali manages to keep its old world charm intact. Shopping and cuisines here account for an unforgettable journey. 

  
  Rafting

  For people who are truly adventurous, rafting is an absolute delight in Manali. Sadly, this activity is not for the faint heart. The currents of the River Beas are the strongest here and the rapids created are something that thrill seekers enjoy the most. White water rafting in Manali is something that you’ll cherish for the rest of your lives. 

  
  Hot Sulfur Baths

  Sounds luxurious? It absolutely is! In the Vashisht Village and Manikaran, you can find hot Sulphur springs to take a calming dip to relax and rejuvenate. It is a high altitude beauty that is worth all the effort.  

  
  

• Recommended reads for destination (govt. websites, travel forum articles)

  Forum: 

  Manali TripAdvisor Forum

  
  

  Website: 

  Manali Website