Best Sightseeing Tours in Manali

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

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

Each time around the dawn of New Year, Himachal Pradesh gets ready to welcome the oncoming year with aplomb and festivities and makes up for one of the most exciting Manali tourist places.  The festival is called Himachal Winter Carnival and it is surely one of the most unique and exciting cultural experiences.

The tradition of celebrating the festival goes way back to 1977, and over the passing years the festival has assumed a bigger and more glorious role and look. The Himachal Winter Carnival, that once promoted the culture of the hills with folk dances and music; has now become varied as other activities like Bazaar, Street plays, band competitions and food festivals have been added. 

Usually celebrated on the mall road, which is one of the busiest areas of Manali, it is surely a festival that cannot be missed. You will get to see colourful dancers, upbeat music of the hills, yummy food and most of all get to know what the pulse of the people of Manali really is!

Ideal dates to travel: Jan 02 - Jan 06, 2016            

Attractions: Cultural extravaganza           

Activities:

-Folk Dances

-Music

-Bazaars