Things to do in Manali

Some of the famous things in Manali for shopping include different kinds of woolen products and local handicrafts. You can find warm and comfortable woolens like mufflers, gloves, cardigans, and stoles in Manu Market. Tourists also love purchasing warm and colorful Kinnauri and Kullu shawls and caps. Thangkas, dorjes, prayer wheels, and other Tibetan and Himalayan handicrafts like Mohras are must-buys. Kesar or saffron is also a great purchase when exploring Manali’s markets.  

Old Manali is a hub of cultural, historical, and spiritual experiences. You can reach the destination after a short three-kilometer trek from New Manali. You can visit the iconic Hidimba Temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Another famous attraction to visit is the Vashisht Temple, which is said to be thousands of years old. Shop at the Old Manali Market and have a relaxed time at the cozy cafes here.

There is a lot to do and explore near Manali, including visiting nearby destinations like the Solang Valley, Kullu, Parvati Valley, and Rohtang Pass. Among the most popular things to do near Manali is to go on treks like Hampta Pass, Kheerganga, and Patalsu Peak. You can participate in exciting adventures like paragliding, zorbing, quad biking, and camping in Solang Valley or go across the famous Atal Tunnel.

While planning a Manali trip, carry essentials like layers of warm clothing as there is always a chill in the town’s air. Pack a pair of comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that are waterproof in case you see snow. Take sunglasses, sunscreen, moisturizer, important medications, and travel documents along. You must also take a backpack, water bottle, caps, gloves, extra pair of socks, and toiletries with you for the vacation.

The best things to do in Manali for couples include strolling down the Mall Road, exploring the local markets, and spending time in cafes. Some popular attractions to visit in the hill station include the Jogini Waterfalls, Hidimba Temple, and the Tibetan Monastery. If you want to add some thrill to the trip, try exciting activities like trekking, camping, rock climbing, and white water rafting here.

The top Manali famous things to do with a family range from exploring attractions like Vashisht Temple to wildlife safaris at Manali Wildlife Sanctuary. When traveling with young children, you must include a visit to Van Vihar National Park and the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art. For a more adventurous holiday, opt for a trek to the Jogini Waterfalls or head to Solang Valley for paragliding and zorbing adventures.

Manali and its surrounding areas like Solang Valley and Kullu are a paradise for snow adventures in the winter months of December to February. The top activities include skiing, snow biking, sledding, ice climbing, snowboarding, and camping. You can also go quad biking, heli-skiing, rafting, and even paragliding above the snow-covered valleys here. Another popular activity is hiking and trekking through different passes, valleys, and meadows around Manali.

When you visit Manali in winter, you can play around in the snow even on Mall Road and other prominent places in the town. If you are looking for specific adventures, Solang Valley and Gulaba Village are the most popular destinations for different snow activities. You can go skiing, sledding, ice climbing, snowboarding, rafting, and biking here. Another exciting experience around Manali is trekking in the snow-covered trails of Hampta Pass, Kheerganga, Deo Tibba, and other popular routes.

Manali in December is completely covered in snow, making it a perfect destination for a long winter holiday. Play around in the snow or enjoy warm beverages at the cozy cafes and restaurants in the town. It's also fun to shop for warm woolen and local handicrafts at Mall Road and local shops in Manali. For those looking for thrills, December is perfect for participating in activities like skiing, paragliding, rafting, and trekking in Manali.

Manali is very popular with tourists for its scenic trekking routes. So naturally, camping is a very popular activity here. One can camp beside the Beas river or in the hills for a scenic and unique view of Manali and its surroundings. Camping in Manali lets one enjoy a stunning view of the mountains and the lush, green valleys around here. The best time to go camping in Manali is from mid-July to the first week of October before the winter sets in. Some of the popular camping sites are-

• Beas River
• Solang Valley
• Kothi

Paragliding in Manali is an exhilarating experience, and there are several fantastic sites where you can enjoy this thrilling adventure. Solang Valley is one of the most popular destinations for paragliding in Manali, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys as you glide through the sky. Additionally, you can also experience paragliding at Marhi, which is known for its scenic beauty and excellent flying conditions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paraglider, Manali offers an unforgettable paragliding experience that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty.

You can enjoy canyoning in Manali at the beautiful Vashisht village. With its stunning natural landscapes and rugged terrain, Vashisht offers an exhilarating canyoning experience for adventure enthusiasts. The area is known for its cascading waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and narrow gorges, providing the perfect setting for a thrilling canyoning adventure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced adventurer, exploring the canyons of Vashisht will surely leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in Manali.

Manali offers some incredible river rafting experiences, and there are a few fantastic sites you can explore. The Beas River is the main hub for river rafting in Manali, providing thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery. The most popular stretch for rafting is from Pirdi to Jhiri, offering a mix of moderate and challenging rapids suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Skiing is quite a popular activity in Manali with skiing enthusiasts visiting it from all over the country. The slopes of Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley offer perfect skiing conditions for amateurs to learn and professionals to test their skills. With the help of a professional trainer, an adventure lover will have the time of their life here. There are some safety precautions to check like one must get themselves medically checked to test if they are fit for skiing or get themselves checked for altitude sickness. Good footwear is a must for skiing to avoid frostbite.