When you look for things to do in Manali, you will be spoilt for choice. A small town in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The charming region has crystal clear rivers and streams, waterfalls, dense forests and lush meadows, clear skies, clean air, and a view of the snow-capped Himalayas all around. It is a year-round destination and offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Manali.
Paragliding
One of the best things to do in Manali is paragliding over the scenic hills and valleys of the region. The Solang Valley is a popular destination for paragliding in Manali, along with Gulaba and Marhi. You can get a bird’s eye view of the Dhauladhar mountain range, the Beas River, and the mesmerizing landscapes.
Try paragliding in Manali over the beautiful landscapes
Visit religious sites
Manali is an amalgamation of many religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. You will find religious shrines of all these religions in this region, existing in harmony.
Hadimba Temple is one of the major attractions in Manali. A site for a popular Bollywood movie, the temple dates back to the 16th century and is dedicated to Goddess Hadimba.
The Manali Gompa, also known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in Manali. The pagoda-style architecture, paintings, and the statue of Lord Buddha make it worth visiting. The temple complex also has a few shops that sell Tibetan handicrafts.
Manikaran Gurdwara is a renowned religious site in Manali for Hindus and Sikhs. It is believed that the shrine was built by Sri Guru Nanak Devji.
The Vashisht Temple is situated in the village of Vashisht across the River Beas. According to legends, the temple was built more than 4000 years ago! The temple has intricate wooden carvings which display tales from Indian mythology. The temple complex also has hot springs, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
The Manu Temple is the only temple in the world dedicated to the ancient Indian Sage Manu. situated in Old Manali, the temple is made out of stone and wood and offers beautiful views of the Beas River, the hills and valleys, and a small waterfall.
The Hadimba Temple in Manali
Try winter sports
The Rohtang Pass is one of the best places for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, and snow scooters. You can ski throughout the year at Rohtang. Dhundi, Gulaba, and Marhi are some other places popular for skiing. The best time to ski in Manali is January and February, when the region is covered in snow. You can also try snowboarding here.
Heli-skiing is a luxurious winter sport that is gaining popularity in Manali. A helicopter picks you up and drops you on a high-altitude snow slope to ski from a height of 14,000 feet. This is especially popular at Rohtang Pass, Hanuman Tibba, and Deo Tibba.
Winter activities in Manali
Explore the trekking trails
Manali is a haven for trekkers. The mountainous Himalayan region offers some of the most beautiful trekking trails in the country. There are many trails for beginners as well as advanced trekkers. The Bhrigu Lake Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Jogini Falls Trek, and Chandratal Lake Trek are some of the most popular treks here. Some other trails are the Chandrakhani Pass Trek and Prashar Lake Trek.
The Jogini Falls trek is ideal for beginners. With a beautiful trail and picturesque landscapes along the way, the view of the Falls at the end of the trail is a surreal experience.
Jogini Falls
Camp under the stars
Camping in Manali is one of the favorite things to do for tourists. With beautiful views of the snow-capped mountains and lush valleys, the clean air, and clear skies, it is a great place to camp out. There are many options available for camping in Manali, such as jungle camps, riverside camps, and night camps. May to June is one of the best times to camp in Manali, since the climate is cool, but not too uncomfortably cold to be outdoors. Pitch your tents in the open and spend the night stargazing under the dark skies of Manali.
Camp under the stars
Visit Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle in Manali was built in 1460 and was once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. Made of stone and wood, the palace boasts a blend of European and Himalayan architecture. In 1978, the castle was transformed into a heritage hotel run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The hotel also has many paintings, artifacts, and wall hangings on display as well as for sale to take home as souvenirs.
Naggar Castle (Picture credits: HPTDC)
Enjoy adventure activities
Manali is a haven for adventure lovers and thrill seekers. There are so many adventure activities to try out in Manali that you will be spoilt for choice. You can try activities like rappelling, zorbing, mountain biking, river rafting, river crossing, and bungee jumping.
The Beas River is one of the best stretches for river rafting in India. There are some distances perfect for beginners, while some are more challenging for experienced rafting enthusiasts. The best time for river rafting is June and July.
Zorbing is another adventure activity popular in Manali. Zorbing, or globe riding, is a fun adventure sport where you are strapped inside a plastic orb which is then rolled downhill.
Rock climbing and rappelling are also popular in Manali, thanks to the mountainous terrain of the region. You can try out this activity even if you are a complete beginner.
If you like biking, you can try mountain biking through the rugged mountain tracks in Manali.
The many streams and rivers of Manali are perfect for river crossing, a fun adventure activity that can also pose a bit of a challenge. You are supposed to cross a large stream or a small river by hanging from a rope. This activity is available throughout the year except during monsoons, when it could be dangerous.
You can also enjoy a ropeway ride in Solang Valley.
River rafting in Manali
Visit the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful paradise for nature lovers. Spread across 3000 hectares, the place is abundant in flora and fauna. You will find many deodar, chestnut, walnut, and fir trees in the sanctuary. It is also home to animals like snow leopards, ibex, musk deer, and brown bears. There are also a few rare species of trees and wildlife here.
Shop at the vibrant markets of Manali
Explore Mall Road in Manali by taking a nice evening stroll around. The road is lined with many small cafes and shops selling souvenirs that you can take back home. The Manu Market near Mall Road is also renowned for its street food and authentic Tibetan jewelry.
If you get too tired from shopping, stuff yourself with some delicious momos from the roadside stalls or try authentic meals at one of the restaurants and cafes.
Mall Road, Manali
Visit Gulaba Village
The village of Gulaba is one of the hidden treasures of Manali. Rarely visited by tourists, this charming village offers a tranquil escape from the hordes of tourists that flock to Manali. The village is situated at an altitude of 4000 meters, surrounded by the snowy mountains, green meadows, and the Beas river.
It is also a great site for winter sports during the winter season, such as skiing and snowboarding.
Gulaba Village (Picture credits: Manali Tourism)
So, which activities would you be ticking off your bucket list in Manali? Let us know! At India Someday, we customize itineraries for your trip to India based on your interests and requirements. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip to India for you!
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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