20

Places to Visit in Manali in December

Surrounded by deodar forests and often blanketed in snow, the Hadimba Temple becomes even more atmospheric in winters, making it a highlight of any Manali trip in December. This 16th-century shrine is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. The architecture here is a mix of wood and stone, with tiered pagoda-style roofs and intricately carved doors. During winter, its peaceful ambience is amplified by the surrounding silence, broken only by crunching footsteps in the snow. The Hadimba Devi Temple complex sees fewer crowds this time, offering you a calm and contemplative visit.

Location: Hadimba Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Best Experiences:

• Witness the snow-covered temple and tranquil winter surroundings.
• Enjoy peaceful photography with minimal crowds.
• Walk through the deodar forest trail leading to the temple for a serene winter experience.

Rohtang Pass itself usually closes by early December due to heavy snowfall. However, you can travel up to snow points like Gulaba, where white vistas and adventure opportunities await. Gulaba is a popular stop for snow activities such as sledging and short hikes, and snow gear is available for rent en route. On clear days, a drive to this place offers spectacular views of the Beas River meandering through ice-covered valleys. This stretch is often included in well-planned Manali tour packages, especially for families or groups eager to experience snow without extreme treks.

Location: Gulaba, on the Manali–Rohtang Pass route, Himachal Pradesh.

Timings: Typically accessible from morning until late afternoon, depending on weather and road conditions.

Best Experiences:

• Play in fresh snow and enjoy activities like sledging.

• Take short winter hikes with views of snow-covered valleys.

• Capture stunning vistas of the Beas River and surrounding peaks on clear days.

Solang Valley, just 13 kilometers from Manali, transforms into a snowy playground during December. With its powdery snow, gentle slopes, and accessible location, the valley ranks among the top places to visit on a trip to Manali in December. Popular among adventure-loving travellers, Solang Valley attracts skiers, snowboarders, and explorers alike. Local operators offer short lessons and equipment rentals for beginners, while a ropeway carries visitors to higher vantage points. The atmosphere is festive with street food stalls and friendly snowball fights. Even if you are not participating in winter sports, the views alone are worth the visit.

Location: Solang Valley, about 13 km from Manali on the Manali–Rohtang Pass route.

Timings: Usually open from morning till evening; ropeway and activity timings may vary based on weather.

Best Experiences:

• Skiing, snowboarding, tube sliding, and other winter sports.

• Taking the ropeway to enjoy panoramic snowy views.

• Strolling through the valley, enjoying local snacks and lively winter vibes.

Vashisht Village, located around 3 kilometres from Manali, offers a surreal contrast in December: steamy hot springs surrounded by snow-covered rooftops. The natural sulfur-rich waters are housed within a centuries-old temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht. Bathing facilities are simple but popular, and the experience of soaking in warmth while the air around you freezes is unmatched. The village lanes are quiet during winter, adding to its old-world charm. For anyone planning a relaxing Manali tour in December, Vashisht Kund is a must-visit spot where nature and spirituality blend seamlessly in a uniquely Himalayan setting.

Location: Vashisht Village, around 3 km from Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Timings: Hot springs and temple are generally open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Best Experiences:

• Taking a rejuvenating dip in the natural hot springs amid cold winter air.

• Exploring the peaceful village lanes and traditional Himalayan homes.

• Visiting the ancient Vashisht Temple and enjoying the serene spiritual ambiance.

The Manu Temple, located in Old Manali, is believed to be the only temple dedicated to Sage Manu. It is among the most spiritual and historical places to visit in Manali in December for those who enjoy mythology and quiet spaces. In December, the uphill walk to the temple becomes a little more challenging due to slippery paths, but the reward is a snow-covered sanctuary surrounded by apple orchards and village homes. The structure itself is made of wood and stone, blending naturally into the landscape. With fewer tourists around, the site feels serene and reflective to visit during this time.

Location: Old Manali, around 3 km from Manali town.

Timings: Typically open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Best Experiences:

• Enjoying the peaceful winter walk through Old Manali lanes and apple orchards.

• Experiencing the tranquillity of a snow-covered spiritual site.

• Observing the traditional wooden and stone Himachali temple architecture.

While the full Hampta Pass trek remains closed in December due to deep snow, lower stretches like Sethan village offer snow-covered trails suitable for short hikes. These day hikes take you through silent pine forests and open meadows dusted in snow. Snowshoes or trekking poles may be needed after a fresh snowfall. This side of the valley offers views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and is far less crowded than Solang. If you enjoy peaceful trails and raw winter landscapes, this is one of the lesser-known yet rewarding tourist places in Manali in December.

Location: Sethan Village, around 12–15 km from Manali, en route to Hampta Pass.

Timings: Best explored during daylight hours (approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) due to winter conditions.

Best Experiences:

• Taking short winter hikes through pine forests and snowy meadows.

• Enjoying uninterrupted views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.

• Experiencing a quiet, offbeat winter landscape with minimal crowds.

Mall Road remains lively throughout December with its string of cafes, souvenir stalls, and local clothing shops, capturing the essence of the season in a compact space. It is a central location for all things cultural and commercial in town and is considered among the most popular places to see in Manali in December. As snowflakes fall and fairy lights come on after sunset, the atmosphere feels especially magical. You can sip butter tea, shop for handmade woolens, or warm up with a bowl of thukpa. Local sellers often have festive discounts ahead of the New Year.

Location: Mall Road, Manali Town Centre, Himachal Pradesh.

Timings: Shops and cafes typically open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some stay open later during festive days.

Best Experiences:

• Shopping for woollens, souvenirs, and local handicrafts.

• Enjoying winter street food like momos and thukpa.

• Experiencing the magical snowfall and illuminated streets after sunset.

Beas Kund, a glacial lake and the source of the Beas River, is usually unreachable in winter. However, the trail up to Dhundi and the nearby meadows offers a snowy retreat for nature lovers. These trails are relatively flat and safe for short hikes with proper footwear. The Beas River flows beside snow-draped boulders, and the silence of the valley is only broken by the sound of water. The landscape is perfect for photography and peaceful walks. Dhundi ranks high among places near Manali to visit in December, especially for those looking to enjoy nature without undertaking high-altitude treks.

Location: Dhundi, around 20 km from Manali, on the way to Beas Kund.

Timings: Best visited during daylight hours (approximately 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) due to winter weather and limited visibility.

Best Experiences:

• Taking peaceful winter walks along the Beas River.

• Photographing snow-covered meadows, boulders, and mountain views.

• Enjoying easy, scenic hikes without the challenges of high-altitude trekking.

For those who like slow travel and local interactions, spending time in Old Manali is among the most comforting things to do in Manali in December. This part of Manali slows down beautifully in December, offering a relaxed blend of nature, culture, and winter charm. The village lanes remain dusted with snow, wooden homes overlook the icy Manaslu River, and the peaceful atmosphere invites unhurried walks. You can visit local shops for handmade woolens, explore rustic cafes serving warm meals, or simply enjoy the scenic river bridges and old-style houses.

Location: Old Manali, around 2–3 km uphill from Manali town.

Timings: Accessible all day; cafes and shops usually operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Best Experiences:

• Taking slow walks through snow-dusted village lanes and river bridges.

• Shopping for handmade woollens and local crafts in small boutiques.

• Relaxing in cozy cafes overlooking the icy Manaslu River and traditional wooden homes.

A short Trek to Bhrigu Lake Ridge is said to be one of the lesser-explored yet unique things to do in Manali in December. While the lake itself is inaccessible due to snow, you can still trek part of the way from Gulaba village. The trail is surrounded by pine forests, and occasional openings provide sweeping views of snow-covered peaks. With moderate effort, you reach ridgelines offering spectacular photo spots. Make sure to check trail conditions and go with a local guide. This route is ideal for beginners looking for a taste of snow trekking.

Location: Start from Gulaba, located on the Manali–Rohtang Pass route.

Timings: Best attempted between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM for safe daylight trekking.

Best Experiences:

• Walking through serene pine forests covered in winter snow.

• Reaching ridgelines that offer panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.

• Enjoying an easy-to-moderate snow trek perfect for beginners.

Chandrakhani Pass is off-limits in winter due to snow accumulation, but the lower stretches near Rumsu and Naggar can be explored easily. These areas feature charming wooden houses, snowy fields, and panoramic views of nearby peaks. You can walk part of the forest trail and visit nearby heritage sites like Naggar Castle. This area is often less touristy and offers a glimpse into local life. If you are looking for serene places to visit near Manali in December, this spot offers both history and Himalayan beauty without much exertion.

Location: Lower stretches of Chandrakhani Pass near Rumsu Village and Naggar, around 20–22 km from Manali.

Timings: Ideal to explore between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM during winter for clear visibility.

Best Experiences:

• Walking through Rumsu’s traditional wooden homes and snowy fields.

• Visiting Naggar Castle and nearby heritage sites.

• Enjoying quiet winter views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Nehru Kund is a natural spring located about 5 kilometres from Manali on the way to Rohtang. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, it offers calm surroundings, clear spring water, and open mountain views. The site is easy to access and usually sees fewer visitors, making it a worthy detour stop during your Manali trip in December. Snowfall makes the landscape around the spring even more beautiful. It is a quick and scenic stop if you are heading toward Gulaba or Solang Valley.

Location: Nehru Kund, around 5 km from Manali on the Manali–Rohtang Pass road.

Timings: Accessible throughout the day; best visited between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM during winter.

Best Experiences:

• Enjoying the natural spring and peaceful surroundings.

• Stopping for quick photos with mountain backdrops.

• Experiencing the enhanced winter beauty after snowfall.

Nehru Kund is a natural spring located about 5 kilometres from Manali on the way to Rohtang. Named after India’s first prime minister, it offers calm surroundings, clear spring water, and open mountain views. The site is easy to access and usually sees fewer visitors, making it a worthy detour stop during your Manali trip in December. Snowfall makes the landscape around the spring even more beautiful. It is a quick and scenic stop if you are heading toward Gulaba or Solang Valley.

Location: Nehru Kund, around 5 km from Manali on the Manali–Rohtang Pass road.

Timings: Accessible throughout the day; best visited between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM during winter.

Best Experiences:

• Enjoying the natural spring and peaceful surroundings.

• Stopping for quick photos with mountain backdrops.

• Experiencing the enhanced winter beauty after snowfall.

Jogini Falls, a short hike from Vashisht Village, offers a peaceful escape in winter and is among the most refreshing tourist places in Manali in December. The trail winds through orchards and pine forests, and in December, the waterfall is sometimes partially frozen. Icicles hang from nearby rocks, and the snow adds a magical charm to the entire trail. The trek is about 3 kilometers and suitable for most travelers with proper snowproof footwear. It is less crowded during this season, making it perfect for quiet exploration.

Location: Jogini Falls, accessible via a hiking trail from Vashisht Village, around 3–4 km from Manali.

Timings: Best visited between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM in winter for safe trekking and clear visibility.

Best Experiences:

• Witnessing the partially frozen waterfall and icicles in December.

• Enjoying a scenic winter hike through orchards and pine forests.

• Experiencing a quiet, less-crowded trail perfect for peaceful exploration.

No trip to Manali is complete without visiting this sanctuary to see the native mountain wildlife and hundreds of varieties of plants & trees.

An important part of the protected northwest Himalayan biogeographic zone, you can spot animals & birds like Barking Deer, Flying Fox, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Pigeons, Chakor, Treecreepers, etc.

See dense thickets of trees like poplar, willows, horse chestnut, deodars, and thickets of blazing red rhododendrons. The sanctuary, amongst the landmark places to visit in Manali, edges on the scenic banks of the Manalsu Nullah with high peaks in the background.

Location: Manali Wildlife Sanctuary, near the Manalsu Nullah, around 2 km from Manali town.

Timings: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Best Experiences:

• Spotting Himalayan wildlife such as barking deer, flying foxes, and rare mountain birds.

• Walking through dense forests of deodar, chestnut, willow, and rhododendron.

• Enjoying peaceful nature trails with views of high snow-covered peaks.

One of the most popular monasteries in India, the Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara is a beautiful temple with pure, divine vibes. The temple’s architecture is unique and mesmerizing. It is essentially a blend of the Indo-Tibetan styles, standing as a symbol of the cultural conglomeration that Kullu is home to.

It also houses a beautiful statue of Lord Buddha, and several Buddhists and devotees from around the country travel here to pay homage. The monastery also affords outstanding views of the Beas Valley, while the Bijli Mahadev temple also makes a faint appearance in the distance.

Besides being an architectural marvel, it is also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Manali in December, when a coat of white covers everything.

Location: Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery, near Kullu, around 20–25 km from Manali.

Timings: Generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; hours may vary slightly depending on monastery schedules.

Best Experiences:

• Admiring the monastery’s exquisite Indo-Tibetan architectural style.

• Meditating or spending quiet moments inside the serene prayer halls.

• Enjoying panoramic winter views of the Beas Valley and distant temples like Bijli Mahadev.

Constructed as a tribute to Lord Shiva, the Siyali Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali. A frequent haunt for devotees of Lord Shiva, the temple is hailed for its exquisite architectural style. Sitting atop a base of stone and cement, the wooden temple is graced by chalets, pagodas, and the ceiling edges carry carved, hanging, wooden pieces that look like tassels.

There is also a smaller temple near the main temple, and legend also has it built on the same spot where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati appeared out of a tree trunk. The resident Shiva Lingam is believed to be centuries old and several devotees visit every year to pay their respects.

The positive and pure vibes of the temple cannot be put in words. Fenced by undulating hills and valleys, the temple is a treat for the eyes as well, with the brown of the wooden building standing out beautifully against the greenery.

Location: Siyali Mahadev Temple, near Old Manali Road, around 1 km from Manali Mall Road.

Timings: Typically open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Best Experiences:

• Admiring the beautifully carved wooden Himachali-style architecture.

• Offering prayers to the centuries-old Shiva Lingam.

• Enjoying the serene, scenic setting surrounded by hills and traditional wooden structures.

This museum was established in 1998 to exhibit the cultural and folk art and antiques of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at a short distance from the famous Hidimba Devi Temple of Manali.

The museum houses a very interesting and impressive collection of antique articles and other items reflecting the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. From Himachali traditional dresses and Himachali kitchenware to traditional ornaments, there is so much to look at and absorb here.

If Himachali culture interests you, start your research here because this museum will give you an overview of this culture and is among the best places to visit in Manali.

Location: Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art, near Hadimba Devi Temple, Manali.

Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.

Best Experiences:

• Exploring traditional Himachali clothing, ornaments, tools, and household items.

• Learning about Himachal’s cultural heritage through unique artefacts and displays.

• Visiting the museum along with a trip to the nearby Hadimba Devi Temple.