This mountain town in Himachal Pradesh sits at 2,050 meters above sea level, with snow-capped peaks, apple orchards, and cedar forests. Popular for skiing and hot springs.
Manali sits in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, where the Beas River flows through pine forests below snowy mountain peaks. At 6,700 feet elevation, this town serves as a gateway to high mountain passes like Rohtang and trails leading to Lahaul, Spiti, and Ladakh. Explore Old Manali’s narrow streets filled with small cafes and guesthouses. See the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple with its layered wooden roof, or bathe in Vashisht Village’s warm sulfur springs. Between December and March, Solang Valley fills with skiers, and in warmer months, paragliders circle above green hillsides. Himalayan views, old religious sites, and activities across seasons keep visitors returning here.
Transportation Options for Manali
Drive from Delhi to Manali via NH21 in 12-14 hours, passing through Mandi and Kullu. Bhuntar Airport (KUU), 50 km south, has daily Delhi flights that often get canceled during storms or heavy fog. The closest functional train stations are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (300 km), both connected to major Indian cities. Regular buses depart from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmere Gate terminal, including overnight Volvo coaches operated by HRTC and private companies. From October through April, verify whether Rohtang Pass routes remain open before planning drives northward.
Top Places to Visit
Hadimba Devi Temple, constructed in 1553, sits within a cedar forest. Its wooden roof rises in four tiers above a stone bearing footprints linked to stories from the Mahabharata. Rohtang Pass becomes accessible from May to November for skiing, snow views, and seeing the Chandra River’s headwaters. Solang Valley provides zorbing slopes and a cable car ride to elevated lookouts. The Manu Temple in Old Manali displays stone carvings about Hindu creation stories. Walk through Manali Wildlife Sanctuary’s deodar tree paths to spot colorful monal pheasants during early mornings.
Trekking and Outdoor Adventures
Complete the Hampta Pass trek over 4-5 days, starting at Jobra and ending in Chatru. This route takes you through flower-filled meadows, past glaciers, and across rocky riverbeds. For shorter hikes, the Beas Kund Trek lasts three days with stops at Dhundi and Bakarthach grasslands. In Solang Valley, book a 15-minute paragliding flight to soar above the Beas River. Between April and June, raft through Class III-IV rapids near Pirdi village. The Mountaineering Institute in Aleo offers week-long courses on rock climbing and ice wall techniques.
Eating and Shopping Highlights
Order Siddu – steamed wheat buns filled with crushed walnuts or poppy seeds – at small restaurants in Old Manali, often paired with fresh ghee. Sample grilled Rainbow Trout caught from mountain streams, prepared with cumin and coriander at cafes like Johnson’s or Lazy Dog. Street vendors along Mall Road sell steamed momos dipped in chili sauce and butter-soaked Maggi noodles. Browse the Tibetan Market near the bus station for wool gloves, Kullu patterned shawls, and turquoise jewelry. Every Sunday, local farmers sell organic apples, apricot jams, and dried mushrooms at the open-air Manali Green Market.
History and Traditions
Vashisht Village, 3 km from central Manali, holds a stone temple dedicated to the sage Vashisht alongside public hot spring baths. Visit Naggar Castle, 22 km northwest, to see 15th-century wood-and-stone construction methods and Russian artist Nicholas Roerich’s landscape paintings. The Museum of Himachal Culture in Prini village exhibits farming tools, festival masks, and handmade musical instruments from Kullu’s history. In October, join crowds watching decorated palanquins carry village gods through Kullu during Dussehra celebrations.
Day Trips from Manali
Travel 28 km to Kasol, where cafes along the Parvati River serve Israeli food, and a 40-minute walk leads to Chalal’s quiet pine groves. Manikaran, 45 km east, attracts Sikh pilgrims to its hot springs and golden-domed Gurudwara. Respect local customs in Malana Village near Chandrakhani Pass, where residents follow unique social rules. Obtain permits in advance for multi-day treks in Great Himalayan National Park (60 km southwest), home to rare wildlife like snow leopards.
Travel Precautions and Advice
Stay on well-traveled paths after sunset and keep bags secure in busy markets. Solo female travelers should book taxis through registered hotels for trips to Rohtang Pass or Solang Valley. Spend your first day adjusting to the altitude before attempting hikes. Carry waterproof clothing from July to September, and monitor weather alerts for landslides on NH21. Apply online or through Manali-based agencies for Rohtang Pass permits, which cost between 500-1000 INR.
