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Top 10 places you must visit in & around Manali
Planning to travel to Manali for the very first time but are clueless about which places to visit and what exactly to do here?
No worries.
In this article, I am going to talk about the top 10 places in and around Manali you should visit and more importantly why and when.
It’s going to be a quick guide.
So, without wasting any more time, here I go then.
Top 10 places
Naggar
The former capital of the erstwhile Kullu princely state, Naggar is a charming little heritage village located near Manali on the left bank of the Beas river. Naggar has so much to offer to a curious traveller — beautiful Deodar forests, nice weather, a historic castle, an art museum of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich and an ancient stone temple of lord Krishna.
Why you should visit Naggar: If you want to stay far away from the madding crowds of Manali town especially in summer and spend your time exploring art, culture and rich heritage of a beautiful place. Naggar also happens to be a favourite haunt of foreign travellers.
Best time to visit: You can visit Naggar throughout the year. But try not to visit in the rainy season during the monsoon months due to the high risk of landslides and flash floods in Himachal Pradesh.
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev or the God of the Lightning is located on a mountain top at an altitude of around 2460 meters. This place gives you an amazing 360-degree view of the Kullu and Parvati valleys and the Bhuntar town below with its airstrip. It is said that the wooden Shiva temple here is struck by lightning almost annually and hence the name of the temple.
Why you should visit Bijli Mahadev: To enjoy some stunning views of the mountains and the valleys of Kullu and Parvati and to spend some time on a mountain top with one of the biggest meadows.
Best time to visit: You can visit Bijli Mahadev throughout the year except during winter and monsoon. The temple remains closed in winters in December and January as the mountain top receives heavy snowfall.
Vashisht village
Located opposite Manali town on the left bank of the Beas river, Vashisht village is known for its natural hot water springs, old temples and a hippie presence. The natural spring water of Vashisht is considered therapeutic by many. This village is named after sage Vashisht, who according to mythology, had meditated here. And oh yes, Vashisht also has one of the best waterfalls of the Kullu valley — the Jogiini waterfall.
Why you should visit Vashisht village: To escape the Manali crowds, if you are visiting during the summer months, and to spend some time in the peace and quiet of nature. Also, if you want to take a hot spring water bath and sit by a spectacular waterfall.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year except monsoon months.
Old Manali
If you are in Manali then you should visit the Old Manali village, just to get that hippie vibe. Located along the Manalsu rivulet, Old Manali, aka hippie village, continues to be the favourite destination of foreign as well as domestic visitors. There is also a temple, one of such kind, dedicated to sage Manu, the mythological first man and the progenitor of humanity, in the Old Manali village. Many visitors prefer to stay in Old Manali rather than the Manali town due to its beautiful location and the other worldly charm of this place.
Why you should visit Old Manali: To stay in the most beautiful part of Manali and to experience the hippie vibe.
Best time to visit: You can visit throughout the year. Try avoid visiting in monsoon months.
Hadimba temple
Dedicated to demon goddess Hadimba, a forest spirit, this one is easily one of the most popular temples of Himachal Pradesh. Built in the Pagoda style of architecture in 1553 AD, this wooden temple is surrounded by deep Deodar forest. The goddess is enshrined inside a dark cave in a huge rock, about four meter high, around which the temple is built. There are many historians who believe that human sacrifices used to be performed here. The temple looks even more beautiful when covered under snow in winters.
Why you should visit Hadimba temple: It’s a unique and a rare temple of Himachal Pradesh.
Best time to visit: You can visit throughout the year. Try to avoid visiting in monsoon months.
Read the 10 most scary and amazing facts about Hadimba temple here.
Sethan Hamta
Hidden in the high mountains of the Himalayas, Sethan is a small village located near Manali. Populated by people from the Khampa community, Sethan has an idyllic setting for a perfect weekend getaway — stunning mountains, serene rivulets, dense forests and beautiful meadows. Away from the crowds and madness of popular tourist towns, in Sethan you can live and explore this place in the complete solace of nature. The village also falls enroute to the popular Hamta Pass trek. And oh yes, you can also live in the Igloos here during winters.
Why you should visit Sethan village: For the true peace and quiet of the mountains and to stay in the igloos.
Best time to visit: May and June and then September, October and November. In winters, Sethan receives heavy snowfall and you need to hire expert drivers to reach here.
Solang valley
One of the most popular places in both summers and winters, Solang valley is located near Manali on the way to the Atal Tunnel. It’s also known for popular sports including paragliding in summer and skiing in winters. Solang is also a popular hangout of snow lovers as this place receives more snowfall than the Manali town. Solang valley is a perfect place to spend a day having lots of fun.
Why you should visit Solang valley: For the fun and snow amidst mountains and natural beauty.
Best time to visit: May and June and in winters.
Rohtang Pass
Located at an altitude of around 4000 meters, the mighty Rohtang Pass connects Kullu valley with the neighbouring Lahaul valley. One of the most popular destinations, the Pass remains buried under heavy snow for almost six months of a year. Rohtang Pass provides spectacular views of the surrounding high Himalayas and of both the Kullu and Lahaul valleys. If you love mountains then it’s a must-visit place for you.
Why you should visit Rohtang Pass: To get up, close and personal with the mighty mountains.
Best time to visit: June, September and October.
Sissu
Sissu village, which is located near the Atal Tunnel and on the bank of the Chandra river in the nearby Lahaul Spiti, has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in recent years. It’s also a favourite snow destination as you can find snow here even in April. There is also an amazing waterfall in Sissu. You can spend your day here doing various activities like riding snow scooters, river-crossing or hiking up to the waterfall.
Why you should visit Sissu: For the snow, high mountains, a serene river, waterfall and lots of fun.
Best time to visit: April, May, June and September, October and November.
Atal Tunnel
This longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet continues to be the number 1 tourist destination near Manali. The Atal Tunnel, which has ensured seamless road connectivity to the neighbouring Lahaul Spiti throughout the year, attracts lakhs of visitors every year. It’s also the number 1 destination for snow lovers as the probability of snowfall at the tunnel is always higher than all the neighbouring areas.
Why you should visit the Atal Tunnel: Just to have a look at this marvellous tunnel, often called an engineering marvel, and then to cross through it. And to witness snowfall when it’s not snowing anywhere else.
Best time to visit: Avoid visiting in the peak tourist season in June and during the last week of December as you can get stuck in traffic jams here.
