What Are the Best Things to Do in Manali?
Manali is one of North India's crown jewels — a Himalayan town at 2,050m altitude in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh that manages to be all things to all travellers. Adventure seekers find world-class skiing, river rafting, and trekking. Spiritual seekers find ancient temples and peaceful monasteries. Honeymooners find snow-capped peaks, cosy cafes, and romantic mountain sunsets. And families find safe, well-developed infrastructure with natural beauty at every turn.
Here is your complete guide to the very best experiences Manali has to offer — season by season, activity by activity.
Getting to Manali from Delhi: Manali is 540 km from Delhi via NH44 through Chandigarh and Kullu. The journey takes 12–14 hours by road. EZPZ Taxi offers Delhi to Manali outstation cabs with experienced hill drivers — call +91-9871121217 or book at ezpztaxi.com. Overnight departures from Delhi (9–10 PM) get you to Manali by morning.
1. Solang Valley — Snow, Adventure & Panoramic Views
14 km from Manali | Best: December–March for snow, May–June for adventure
Solang Valley is Manali's most popular attraction and rightly so. This wide, open valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks is where most visitors spend their happiest hours.
In Winter (December–March):
- Skiing: Himachal Pradesh Tourism operates a ski school here. Slopes are suitable for beginners to intermediate skiers. Equipment rental available (₹500–800/day). Ski instructor: ₹500–800/hour
- Snow scooter rides: ₹300–500 for a short ride
- Snow tubing and sledding: ₹200–400
- Cable car (gondola): Runs to the upper ski slopes — ₹700–1,200 return
In Summer (May–October):
- Paragliding: ₹1,500–3,000 for a tandem flight with certified pilot
- Zorbing (rolling in a giant inflatable ball): ₹500–800
- ATV rides across the valley floor
- Camping: Several operators offer tent camping with bonfire and BBQ
Pro Tip: In winter, start before 8 AM to avoid the massive crowds that build up by 11 AM. The valley gets extremely crowded on weekends and national holidays.
2. Rohtang Pass — The High Altitude Gateway
51 km from Manali | Open: June–October | Altitude: 3,978m
Rohtang Pass is one of the most dramatic mountain passes accessible by road in India. It sits on the main Manali-Leh Highway and divides the lush Kullu Valley from the stark, high-altitude Lahaul-Spiti region beyond.
Why visit Rohtang:
- Snow is present from June onwards even in summer
- Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks in every direction
- The transition from green forests to barren moonscape is dramatic
- Window into the Lahaul Valley beyond
Permits: A daily permit is required for all vehicles entering Rohtang. Maximum 1,200 vehicles allowed per day.
- Book online: himachalrohtang.nic.in — at least 1 day in advance
- Cost: ₹500–550 for non-commercial vehicles
Restrictions:
- Diesel vehicles banned beyond Gulaba (30 km from Manali) during the day
- CNG/petrol vehicles only beyond Gulaba
- Pass closes mid-November and reopens May/June
How to reach: The road is steep, narrow, and can have ice. EZPZ Taxi's hill-experienced drivers handle Rohtang safely — call +91-9871121217.
3. Hadimba Devi Temple — Ancient Forest Shrine
3 km from Manali Mall Road | Open: Daily | Entry: Free
The Hidimba Devi Temple (also called Dhungri Temple) is one of Himachal Pradesh's most unique and beautiful temples. Built in 1553 by Raja Bahadur Singh, this wooden pagoda-style temple dedicated to Hadimba (wife of Bhim from Mahabharata) sits inside a cedar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar.
The four-storey pagoda structure rises 24m and is decorated with intricate woodcarvings depicting animals, birds, and deities. The entrance doorway is a masterpiece of Himachali woodcraft.
What to see:
- The temple itself and its remarkable wooden architecture
- The forest around it — ancient cedar trees, deodar forest
- A massive rock inside the sanctum forms the natural deity (no idol)
- The adjacent smaller temple of Ghatotkacha (Hadimba's son)
Ghatasthapana fair at this temple during Navratri is extraordinary — the temple deity is taken in procession through Manali.
Pro Tip: Visit early morning (7–8 AM) before tour groups arrive. The forest in morning mist with temple bells is magical.
4. Old Manali — Bohemian Village Life
3 km from new Manali | Best: April–October
Old Manali is a completely different world from the bustling Mall Road. A 20-minute walk or 5-minute rickshaw ride from the main bus stand brings you to a charming village of stone and wood houses, apple orchards, guest houses run by Himachali families, and cafes with cushion seating overlooking the Beas River.
What to do in Old Manali:
- Wander the stone lanes between traditional houses
- Visit Manu Temple (dedicated to the sage Manu, said to have meditated here)
- Have breakfast at a riverside cafe — Cafe 1947, Dylan's Toasted & Roasted, and Jim Morrison Cafe are beloved by regulars
- Buy Kullu shawls and woollen handicrafts from village shops
- Watch the sunset from the rocky Beas River bank
The Old Manali vibe is distinctly different — relaxed, creative, and deeply connected to the mountains. Many travellers who come for 2 days end up staying 2 weeks.
5. Vashisht Hot Springs & Temple
3 km from Manali | Open: Daily | Entry: Free (bathing ₹10–20)
Named after the sage Vashisht (guru of Lord Ram), this ancient village has two gifts: a revered temple and natural sulphur hot springs.
Vashisht Temple — dedicated to Sage Vashisht and Lord Ram, this temple complex has intricate woodcarvings similar to Hadimba Temple. The idol of Ram is beautiful.
Hot Springs: Natural sulphur springs feed into public bathing pools (separate for men and women) and private bathing cubicles. After cold mountain days, soaking in the natural hot water is heavenly. Temperature: 45–50°C.
Tip: Come in the evening when the temple lamps are lit and the springs are less crowded.
6. River Rafting on the Beas
Best: July–September | Put-in points: Pirdi or Raison
The Beas River offers excellent white water rafting downstream from Manali toward Kullu (35–60 km). Rafting seasons peak in monsoon when rivers are full.
Rafting stretches:
- Pirdi to Jhiri (14 km, Grade 2–3) — best for beginners and families, 2.5 hours, ₹600–800 per person
- Raison to Jhiri (22 km, Grade 3–4) — intermediate difficulty, 4 hours, ₹900–1,200 per person
What's included: Life jackets, helmets, paddles, professional guide
Operators: Book through Manali Adventures, Himalayan Extreme Centre, or your hotel. Compare 2–3 operators.
Safety note: Rafting is suspended during peak monsoon flood conditions (July can be risky). September is excellent.
7. Naggar Castle — The Valley's Best View
22 km from Manali | Open: 10 AM – 5 PM | Entry: ₹50
Naggar was Kullu's capital before Kullu town. The Naggar Castle built around 1460 by Raja Sidh Singh is now a heritage hotel (HPTDC property) and museum. The views of the Kullu Valley from the castle's terrace are among the finest in Himachal Pradesh.
Nearby: Roerich Art Gallery — Russian painter Nicholas Roerich lived and died in Naggar. His Himalayan paintings are extraordinary. Entry ₹50.
Tripura Sundari Temple next to the castle is a beautiful wooden pagoda temple.
8. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary & Great Himalayan National Park
Adjacent to Manali | Best: May–October
The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary (spread over 31 sq km around Manali) protects Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan brown bear, blue sheep (bharal), and Himalayan tahr. Nature walks in the sanctuary forests are peaceful.
Great Himalayan National Park (World Heritage Site, 40 km from Manali) is one of India's finest biodiversity zones. Entry requires permits from the GHNP office in Shamshi. Official website: www.greathimalayannationalpark.com
9. Kullu Market — Shopping for Kullu Shawls
Kullu town, 40 km from Manali
The Kullu Shawl is famous across India — hand-woven on traditional looms from pure wool or Angora, in rich geometric patterns. Buying from Kullu town rather than Manali Mall Road saves 30–40%.
Bhuttico Weavers' Cooperative in Kullu is the most trusted source — government-certified, fixed prices, authentic handloom shawls. Website: www.bhuttico.com
Also shop for: Dry fruits (apricots, walnuts), local apple products (juice, cider, jam), Himachali caps, and silver jewellery.
10. Kasol & Parvati Valley Day Trip
76 km from Manali | 2.5 hours
If you have an extra day, Kasol in Parvati Valley is worth the drive. Manikaran Sahib (72 km from Manali) is a sacred Sikh gurudwara with natural hot springs — the langar (free community meal) served here is beautiful in its simplicity. Kasol village is a bohemian trekker's hub on the Parvati River.
Seasonal Guide Summary
| Season | Highlights | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | Snow, skiing, Solang Valley | Roads can freeze at night, carry chains |
| Mar–Apr | Spring flowers, fewer crowds | Some snow remains at high altitude |
| May–Jun | Best weather, all passes open | Very crowded, book accommodation early |
| Jul–Aug | Lush green, waterfalls | Monsoon landslides possible |
| Sep–Oct | Post-monsoon clarity, crisp air | Best visibility for Himalayan peaks |
| Nov | Beautiful autumn colours | Rohtang closes, some roads may close |
Practical Information
Where to Stay in Manali:
- Budget: The Lazy Dog Lounge, Zostel Manali (₹500–1,500)
- Mid-range: Apple Country Resort, Snow Valley Resorts (₹3,000–6,000)
- Luxury: Span Resort & Spa, Solang Valley Resort (₹8,000–20,000)
Manali booking: www.hptdc.nic.in (Himachal Pradesh Tourism hotels)
Himachal Tourism: www.himachaltourism.gov.in
Getting to Manali from Delhi with EZPZ Taxi: Delhi to Manali outstation cabs with hill-experienced drivers, comfortable SUVs, GPS tracking. Fixed fares, no hidden charges. Call: +91-9871121217 | Book: ezpztaxi.com
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1 Answer
Manali at 2,050m is the adventure capital of North India — but also has beautiful temples, apple orchards, and one of the most atmospheric old towns in Himachal. Here's the full guide:
Adventure Activities
Rohtang Pass (51 km, 3,978m)
The gateway to Lahaul-Spiti and Leh. Snow-capped even in summer, with dramatic high-altitude scenery. Permit required (₹550/vehicle) — book online at rohtangpermits.nic.in at least 1–2 days ahead. Open May–October.
Solang Valley (14 km)
The adventure hub — skiing (December–March), zorbing, paragliding, snowmobile rides, rope activities in summer. Very accessible from Manali town.
Beas River Rafting
Grade 2–3 rapids between Pirdi and Jhiri (14 km) — ₹600–900/person. Available April–July and September–October. Best rafting is in June when snowmelt makes the river powerful.
Hampta Pass Trek (4,270m)
A 4–5 day trek from Manali over the Hampta Pass into Lahaul — crossing from lush green Kullu Valley to the barren moonscape of Lahaul. Extraordinary scenery. Best July–September.
Cultural & Sightseeing
Old Manali Village
The original village — 3 km from new Manali — with traditional stone houses, the 450-year-old Manu Temple, apple orchards, and a strip of excellent cafes popular with Israeli and European backpackers.
Hadimba Devi Temple (1553)
A stunning 4-storey wooden pagoda temple in a dense deodar cedar forest — one of the most photographed temples in Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1553 from a single piece of carved cedar wood. Entry free.
Naggar Castle (22 km)
A 500-year-old stone castle converted to a heritage hotel — spectacular views of the Kullu Valley. Also houses the Roerich Art Gallery (paintings by Russian artist Nicholas Roerich who lived here).
Manali to Leh Road Trip
The Manali–Leh Highway (490 km) is one of the world's great road trips — crossing 5 high passes including Baralacha La (4,890m) and Tanglang La (5,328m). Takes 2 days with a night stop at Sarchu. Open June–October only.
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