Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful.
Manali also shares a piece of history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit.
Having said enough about the terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies. Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature, wildlife and tranquillity.
All this grace makes up Manali for a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines. However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for buying unique stuff like singing bowl, woollen clothing, Dorje, prayer wheels and other souvenirs. These lit roads at night and gleaming valleys in the morning give picture-perfect backdrops for their honeymoon photos. Even photography enthusiasts can capture these frames along with flora and fauna of the city.
Manali is no less than a box full of an array of sweets. You can dig in it and collect as many gems as you want. And by gems, it means ‘memories’. Wait no longer and pack all that you need for a fun-filled trip. Grab your laptop to book your tickets and head off to this lovely place to have some experiences to cherish throughout your life.
Entry is open from all domestic states. All tourists are required to present a negative RT-PCR test report.
Thrillophilia recommends you to follow all safety guidelines issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to stay safe.
The local government has removed the submission of an RT-PCR report to enter any district of Himachal Pradesh.
Manali will under go a 10 days long curfew from 6th of May to 15th of May due to rising covid cases.
With a considerable rise in the Covid situation in the state, the Himachal Cabinet has imposed night curfew in the four districts of Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Kangra.
Inter-state travel to Himachal require a Covid-19 negative certificate. However, if the report is negative, there is no need for home/ institutional quarantine.
After remaining closed for months, the Volvo bus service has started in Himachal. Tourists can now travel to Himachal from Chandigarh and Delhi by Volvo buses.
A quintessential location and a high altitude roadside bar is Zingzing situated on the road from Manali to Leh. Travelers come here to refresh with a sip of coffee or to have food to energize the body and soul to resume their journey to Leh. The multi-purpose shacks can be availed to stay overnight as well.A space where you will love to roll a joint and smoke it up to escape from the extreme cold. Located at an altitude of 4270 meters above the sea level, the place is recognized to be the most suitable one to take rest. Peaceful ambience and the silence prevailing would leave everyone addicted to it.The fame of ZIngzing Bar was enhanced because of Baralacha La pass also; the starting point of Baralacha La, one of the most loved passes in Ladakh is Zingzing Bar. Thus it cannot be missed during one’s journey to Leh. The temperature level at the bar will be crazily as low as -2* Celsius and as you ascend from a different temperature from the base, chances to feel altitude sickness and fluctuations in the body are quite higher.Height: The highest roadside bar in the world is located at an elevation of 4270 meters above the sea level before the steep Baralacha La roads starts.Location: From Manali, Zingzing Bar is situated at a distance of 193 kms and a drive of about 3 hours will take you to the bar and from Leh it is about 337 kms away.Best time to visit: Zingzing Bar is found the most scenic during the months of December, January and February when the winter hits at its peak. For those who are searching for peace over a joint, Zingzing bar during winter would be the best option.
Baralacha La, better known as Baralacha pass is situated in the Zanskar range. It is a high mountain pass located along the Leh-Manali highway that connects Leh district in Ladakh and Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh. The barren sceneries without any obstructions of shops or hotels here look truly beautiful to the onlookers. Just a few kilometres away, you can also see the Bhaga river that amplifies the breathtaking sceneries around the pass. Baralacha loosely translates to a summit that has several crossroads. Some of them are Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh, and Spiti. It is a vital location that mountain bikers never seem to miss out on their adventures. This 8 Km long pass is also loved by trekkers who are on their way to further climb up to Chandratal lake. It acts as a great pit stop for them.
As a part of the adventure itineraries travelers follow on their tour of Ladakh, they will choose to halt in Jispa, a mesmerizing village 20 km north of Keylong and 7 km south of Darcha along the most explored Leh-Manali Highway and on the banks of Bhaga River. At a height of 3200 meters, Jipsa is located and it is the major village in Lahaul district. In the backdrop, the lofty Himalayan Mountains create alluring images.There are 78 households in the village and the population is calculated as 332 including 235 males and 97 females. Travelers take a stop over here to stay one night during their travel to Leh. There are camping grounds and many other stay options. The village is occupied with a helipad, post office and a monastery. The small houses shimmering in the multiple colours of nature would leave everyone stunned. Jispa is simply adorned by the rugged mountain terrains in the background and the village seems so small when you see it from a distance as the towering Himalayas play the dominant role.Height: Jispa is located at an altitude of 3200 meters above the sea level.Location: Jispa Village is a main stop for Leh travelers and it is located 120 kms away from Manali. Keylong is in the north of Jispa about 20 km away and Darch is in the south about 7 km away. You can come to Jispa if you take the Manali-Leh Highway. The nearest airport to Jispa is Kullu that is situated at a distance of 180 kms.Best time to visit: The peak tourist season is starting in May and continues till October. After that the roads will be covered by heavy snowflakes.
Darcha is a recurring name when you pack your bags for Padum trek as it is the base camp for the moderate yet adventurous trek in the Lahaul region. Darcha is a small village on the bank of Bhaga River in Lahaul in Spiti Lahaul District in Himachal Pradesh situated at an elevation of 3360 meters. In the northern most part of Himachal Pradesh along the Leh-Manali Highway is Darcha, a secluded permanent settlement. Many have described the village as a “lonely cluster of dry stone huts and dingy tent camps”. The total population of the village is 298 among which 152 are men and 146 are women. Travelers going to Leh from Manali take an overnight stay at Darchu. The river nearby causes the nature to be soft and calm especially at night so that the travelers would find better sleep during their tiresome journey.The popular Padum trek ends at Darcha and there are many stalls and shops on the street to just relax and have food. The village is surrounded by Naggar Tehsil, Spiti Tehsil, Bharmour Teshil. The nearby cities to the village are Keylong, Dharamshala, Mandi and Chamba. There is a check-point set up by the police to check the passport of all passing people and vehicles.Height: Sarchu is located at an elevation of 3360 meters above the sea level.Location: Darch is on the border of Himchal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The nearest railway station is Shimla Railway station only that is 174 km away. Buses and jeeps would be available in plenty to reach Darcha.Best time to go: Anytime is suitable to visit Darcha but during winter the cold climatic conditions may pose difficulty to stay there.
Kuthar Fort is placed in the undying serenity of the Himalayas. The fort spans over an area of about 52.8 square kilometers and is located in the middle of the exotic background, pools as well as the beautiful gardens. Location: Kuthar Fort is located at a small distance from both Arki and Subathu that are both an hour away from the Shimla airport, Jubbarhatti. Situated in Solan, the fort is one of the key attractions here. Highlights: Some sectors of the forth are as old as 800 years however there are some new sectors that have been built and are a mere 8 decades old. Stretched in the large area of the region, there are a number of fresh-water springs flowing through here. It is surrounded by different picturesque locations such as the Gurkha Fort from Subathu, Kunihar, and Kasauli hill station. Best Time: Open all year round.
Tucked next to the Leh Manali highway and connecting Lahul to Ladakh is the striking and stupendous Baralacha Pass. A mecca for adrenaline junkies, the pass is a starting point for many famous treks including Suraj Tal lake trek and Chandratal trek. Because it is perched at a 16000 feet high plateau, Baralacha offers an exquisite view of three different mountain ranges - Pir Panjal, Zanskar and the Great Himalayas.So, pick up your camera and go crazy capturing the indescribable natural beauty around. Whether you cover the pass on foot or go mountain biking – the outstanding journey will stay with you your entire life!Location: Leh Manali highway.Best time to visit: April to October.
Encapsulated with lush tropics and rich species of wildlife creatures, the Manali Sanctuary is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Manali. Built and proclaimed as a sanctuary for wildlife under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933 in the year 1954, the Manali Sanctuary holds a number of reptiles, mammals, birds, and various other animal culture. The sanctuary also homes a trekking route and various camps inside its premise making it an instant attraction for adventurers and thrill-seekers.Spread in a massive 3180 hectares of area, the top tourist magnets in the area includes a series of endangered wildlife creatures like Kashmiri Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten, Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Himalayan Palm Civet and more. Surrounded by a dense tropics of a varied kind, the Manali Sanctuary is also embedded with picturesque natural magnificence adored by nature-lovers. Walking around the sanctuary tourists are able to relish these bewitching hills set in the backdrop.Trees like willow, pine, poplar and Robinia, maple, deodar, fir are few of the many species of the tropics the sanctuary is decorated with. Additionally, visitors here enjoy a series of activities like bird watching, natural tails and walking amidst the true essence of nature, the hills, among other adventures like hiking and camping. All in all, the adorable beauty of the Manali Sanctuary packed with a host of wildlife species, dense towering trees and hills, the place is a must-visit among tourists who tour Manali for a holiday with family and friends.
Partitioned by the river Beas from New Manali, Old Manali resides at an amazing height of more than 6000 feet above sea level. Quiet and peaceful yet mesmerizingly beautiful, the city is vastly preferred by tourists, quite specifically by solo travelers, as a place to relax and unwind. The small city is also a fraction of the pancake banana track that trails through southeast Asia. Additionally, Old Manali is a place much enjoyed by walking through the city and taking delight in the lush green tropics.Apart from the bewitching natural retreat that Old Manali is, it is also fashioned for a wide array of restaurants and cafes. Looking at the spike in tourism the localities, throughout the years, have been able to garner the skills to curate various national and international cuisines, serving dishes from across the globe. Visitors can also shop at the local markets here for various ornaments, traditional costumes, artifacts, Music CDs, T-Shirts and jewelry among other things. The town also holds an ancient temple, Hadimba temple which lies amidst the dense tropics and travelers and devotees from around the country are known to visit the place. All in all, with a calm and soothing atmosphere, extraordinary nature delight and delicious delicacies, Old Manali provides for the perfect place to holiday away from the hustle-bustle of city life. Adventurers can also find themselves at home in Old Manali with activities like river rappelling or they can just hire a cab or a scooter and ride along to unexplored territories of the town and discover new fascinations including grabbing the perfect spot to enjoy the gorgeous sunset. So, remember to carry your cameras!
Manali is probably the first city that comes into the minds of amateurs and pros alike when it comes to trekking. Click here to see the list of best treks in Manali with upto 30% Off.
1. Hampta Pass Trek at Flat 30% Off
2. Bhrigu Lake Trek at Flat 18% Off
3. Beas Kund Trek at Flat 15% Off
4. Kheerganga Trek With Camping at Flat 13% Off
Tourist places in Manali never cease to amaze with their picturesque serenity and the wonderful charm typical of mountain regions. Click here to check out the places to visit in Manali.
1. Hidimba Devi Temple (This ancient 15th-century temple, is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba who was the wife of Bheem, one of the Pandavas)
2. Solang Valley (The elevation of Solang Valley is such that it offers a perfect place to play in the snow and go skiing on the slopes)
3. Rohtang Pass (You will see panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and flower-covered patches all around)
4. Manu Temple ( the views of tall hills blanketed with lush green forests this temple offers make spectators gasp for breath)
5. Old Manali (The idyllic village setting will make you feel like you have walked into the happy and hippie 1960s)
6. Manali Sanctuary (See dense thickets of trees like poplar, willows, horse chestnut, deodars, and thickets of blazing red rhododendrons)
Manali is a true paradise for those who wish to get close to the magical snowy hills, With a vast bucket of things to do in Manali, a trip to this alluring hillock will definitely be a memorable one.
1. Skiing In Manali Solang Nallah Flat 23% Off
2. Bhrigu Lake Trek at Flat 18% Off
3. Paragliding In Kullu Manali, Flat 13% Off
4. Adventure Camp In Manali With Rafting, Flat 17% Off
5. Downhill Cycling In Manali Flat 23% Off
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.
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.
These are some of the best things to buy in Manali. You can pick out these very extraordinary things to keep as souvenirs or gift to your loved ones.
- Singing bowl
- Woollen clothing
- Kinnauri and Kullu Shawls
- Prayer wheels
- Kullu Caps
- Thangkas
- Dorje
- Bamboo souvenirs
- Turquoise and silver jewellery
- Buddhist paintings
- Nameplates and keychains
- Apples
- Fruit products, fresh fruit jams, pickles and jellies
Cost for Manali Trip could start from 5,000 INR and go as high as 20,000 INR. Manali has got places for sightseeing, adventure sports to experience and exotic locations around it. It depends upon you how do you plan your trip and what all things do you include or exclude from the trip.
Yes, you can go to Manali by car. In fact, it would be an excellent idea to travel by car. You can enjoy the hilly terrains, views of the mountains, waterfalls, valleys and a lot more on the way.
Stopping at small food corners and gulping in the beauty of the route would be a perk while going via road. It is 535 KM from Delhi, and it takes around 12 hours to reach Manali.
Manali is generally the most popular destination spot in India. Situated at a great height, snow-clad summits in the neighborhood harboring the fidgety river – Manali is an opulent destination spot. Hundreds of attractive things can be performed in Manali – like skiing, paragliding, rafting, trekking or simply sitting and relishing the fresh air are few things amongst the many.
Following are the things that travelers can do in Manali:
Yes, Manali is definitely worth visiting. The place is loaded with temples, valleys, waterfalls, monuments, rivers, views, flora-fauna and adventure sports.
You can be a fan of any of these, and you will fall in love with the place. It has the thrill of adventure as well as the calmness of mountains at the same it. You will never go home unsatisfying from this place.
Following are the Best resorts in Manali that the travelers can opt for:
Manali is a hill station delineating an amazing range of restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels that are there to take care of your desires, hunger, needs, and cravings. The travelers generally find a wide range of countless restaurants with a rich variant of delectable food set on their menu cards. You can also find Italian, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Continental, Vietnamese food variants or cuisine. Also, the cafes with rich parallel culture cater to the younger crowds. The cafes generally serve pizzas, momos, apple pies, banana pancakes and various other snacks. Moreover, the travelers relish the street food of Manali to the core like Aloo Tikki, Bread Pakoda, Paav Bhaji, Samosas and Gulab Jamun. Other than these, Manali also caters a rich platter of Himachal food and cuisine.
Following are the places which the travelers can visit to experience local cuisine in Manali:
Manali is famous for a lot of things. Here is the whole list of the elements:
Temples: The hill station has numerous temples with unique architecture, mythical stories and strong beliefs like Maa Vaishno Temple, Durga Mata Temple and Hadimba Temple.
Valley: Beautiful amalgam of mountains, vegetation, rivers, waterfalls and fauna makes up for valleys like Solang Valley, Kangra Valley and Lahaul Valley.
Sports: Manali has vigorously flowing river Beas which is excellent for river rafting and camping beside it. The mountains help arrange treks, hikes, paragliding, bungee jumping and more.
Shopping: You can buy singing bowls, Dorje, prayer wheel and more Tibetan stuff from the hill station.
You need around 3 to 4 days to cover the entire Manali. It has everything starting from sights, temples, museums, valleys, nearby tourist attractions and adventure sports. All these things need significant time to be covered. However, you may need to add a day or two to cover nearby exciting places like Kullu.
Transportation modes to commute around Manali is easily available. The best way to move from one place to another in Manali is through roads and local rails. For transportation within Manali, the travelers can hire a taxi and cab at a fixed period of time from individual hiring agencies. This is considered the best way of transportation in Manali as you can appreciate the various attractions of the city while traveling by road. Other ways of transportation are local buses, cars and train.
Yes, Manali is very much safe for the tourists. You can roam around the places carefreely. However, snow could be a danger there. Some spots get shut down due to snowfall and doesn’t open until April end, like Rohtang Pass.
One should abide by the rules and guidelines set by the authorities to protect oneself and the family from any mishappening.
With Manali’s quaint roadside stall and street markets, shopping is one of the most relishable things that tourist can do in Manali. From woven shawls to local handmade crafts, Manali offers various unique souvenirs at reasonable rates. Most of the things that you find here are of reasonable price, but however, some artifacts can be costly.
Following are the places from where you can shop in Manali:
No, Kullu and Manali are two different places settled on the edge of the same river. It would take around 1 hour to cover the gap of 40 KM between these two places.
Kullu has beautiful sights and religious temples, whereas, Manali has stunning views of mountain tops, free-flowing river, adventure sites and more.
With unbound beauty, Manali calls to be the most attractive destinations in India. Offering great scenic view of the city, the soulful place is brought to life by people. Manali can never let you down whether you are an adventure lover or nature lover.
Following are the famous trekking spots in Manali
Adventurous activities have always been a fancy against which one can challenge and put to test one’s caliber. While we talk about numerous adventure destinations in India, a multitude of names pop up, yet nothing matches the wide variety of adventure activities that are associated with Manali. Therefore, if you are still in the phase to decide upon which adventurous sports to do in Manali, then take a back seat and simply go through the below adventurous activities.
Yes, Manali is good for a honeymoon if you both love snow-capped mountains, splashing river, lush green vegetation, distinct flora-fauna and some adventure. The city will give you a unique blend of romantic and adventurous honeymoon. Do not overthink and book two tickets to the town.
There are a lot of things you can do at night in Manali. You can wander in the mall road and hit late-night places where you will get food, alcohol and some music. Or instead, you can plan for an overnight camping or night trek to some exciting corners of the town.
From exploring splendid valleys to stunning icy summit, there are scenic locations that are worth visiting and are exemplary destination for couples. Manali can definitely be an indelible and tranquil experience for the honeymooner as the place is home to a bundle of picturesque sights acting as a perfect backdrop for a romantic outing. There are a lot of places in Manali perfect for honeymooners which guarantee memorable experiences for couples who are on a constant lookout for a serene and beautiful destination in the midst of the mountains. Read through the following places in Manali for couples:
Beautifully embellished by stunning mountain ranges on one side and captivating cascading river on the other, Manali is said to be a destination spot that acts as a year-round magnet for travelers for all types. While the packers relish the neighboring or nearby village, adventurists find Manali as a captivating location to satiate all their adventure thirst. Following are the river rafting destinations in Manali with their respective cost affixed:
Following are the must-visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in or near Manali are:
Amongst being the most impressive hill stations, Manali is definitely the cherry on the top for delineating stunning meadows, snow-clad peaks and gripping valleys alongside showcasing famous camping destinations. This charming destination spot sits merrily on the banks of Beas giving way to options for camping in Manali.
Following are the famous camping destinations in Manali:
Enjoying the nightlife of Manali, though cannot be compared to other metropolitan cities of India, considerably with time the place has picked up over past few years. The places where the travelers can enjoy the night out in Manali are:
Old Manali has a lot to offer. The traveler can wander around the city from one restaurant to another. Moreover, The Drifters Inn has become one of the most famous hangout destinations in Old Manali.
Paragliding in Manali is an exciting and relishing adventure sports that are thoroughly relished by the travelers. Paragliding is a blend of skydiving and hang gliding and is referred to as an adrenaline rush giving way to a wonderful experience. In Manali, Solang valley is famous for paragliding. According to reports, paragliding in Manali is not hundred percent safe because there have been instances giving way to accidents. Paragliding can be dangerous if rules and regulations are not followed.
Top recommended temples of Manali are as follows:
The Rohtang Pass acts as an attachment between Lahul and Spiti Valley. Rohtang Pass is 51 kilometers far from Manali. Following are the things that can be performed in Rohtang Pass:
Solang Valley is located on the western bank of River Beas which is twelve kilometers away from Manali. The following things can be done at Solang valley:
Kullu is 40.1 kilometers away from Manali. It would take around 1 hour 16 minutes to cover the distance from Kullu to Manali via NH3.
Ladakh is around 476 kilometers far from Manali. By road, the total time that would take to reach Leh from Manali is 13 hours 23 minutes. Therefore, it would take half a day to reach Ladakh from Manali.
