Manali is a small town in the Himalayan region. It is situated at an altitude of 6730 ft. (2050 meters) in Himachal Pradesh. Manali is a dream destinations for everyone . Manali always be first love of mountain lovers, even for foreigners too. In India Manali is regarded one of the most popular hill stations. From every corner of the world travellers come to visit at least once. Do you know about Important Places to Visit in Manali ? I am very sure that you rarely know about any particular tourist place in Manali. So let’s have a look at the most attractive places to visit in Manali.
Solang Valley
One of the reasons Manali is famous for is Snow and Winter games. Solang Valley is known for that only. This is one of the many Important Places to Visit in Manali. This is known for different Adventure Sports in Manali.
Solang valley is around 14 km away from Manali. It is situated at an altitude of 2560 meters. Solang valley is a snow-capped mountain, also known as ‘snow valley’. But in the summer you will not get snow as it turns into green grassland. For snow, you should visit between October and March. Solang valley is one of the most attractive tourist destinations of Manali. Most people try to visit this place as their first destination. There are a lot of activities that can be performed in Solang valley like skiing, paragliding, trekking, horse riding, snow bike riding, and many more adventure sports. All these activities are paid and performed with or under the expert’s eyes. Solang valley promises you the beauty of nature the whole year.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 14km
- Open in:- 10 AM to 6 PM
- How to reach:- Hire a taxi from Manali or Use Govt. bus at 8 AM which return at 3 PM
Gulaba
Gulaba is another option of snow point near Manali. It is in between Manali and Rohtang pass. It is 25 km away from Manali. This snow point is on Leh Manali highway at an altitude of 4000 m. Gulaba hosts all different kinds of adventure activities including yak riding, horse riding, paragliding, skiing, etc. On the way to Gulaba, you will have a spectacular view of the mountains and the Beas river. You go through many photogenic points where you would like to stop your vehicle. Gulaba is a village so you will not get any market or hotel there. Gulaba opens only from April to October. It gets closed as soon as the snowfall starts.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 25km
- Open in:- April to October
- How to reach:- taxi, tourist bus or public buses (no permit needed)
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang is a pass between the Pir Panjal ranges. It connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti valley. Rohtang pass is 51 km away from Manali. This is highly desirable Places to Visit in Manali. People come from diffrent parts of the world to enjoy the beauty of Rohtang Pass. It is situated at a height of 3978 meters. This is another destination to have a scenic view of mountains and snow as it is a double-height comparing to Manali. It offers all-time snow cover on its mountains. It is not allowed to visit this place in winters because of heavy snowfall.
During summers, you will need a permit to visit by your own vehicle. Rohtang pass has beautiful pictorial views and you will get a chance to do many kinds of adventure activities. Along with its mesmerizing beauty Rohtang pass is also the topmost active road in the world. Kullu Leh highway passes through this Pass. But now it has been bypassed by Attal Tunnel. It opens around the month of May and gets closed in October. If you are visiting in this time span you must visit the Rohtang pass.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 51 km
- Open in:- May to October (Tuesday off)
- How to reach :- by taxi, public buses (vehicle permit needed from rohtangpermit.nic.in)
Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi temple or Hidimba temple is locally known as Dhungari. This is an ancient cave temple of Hidimba Devi. Hidimba Devi was the wife of Bhima and mother of Ghatothkach (a known name in Hindu mythology). People often visit this place. It is a peaceful destination and surrounding gives a feel-good vibe.
Temple of Hadimba is situated in old Manali. It is almost 2 km away from Manali town. This temple was build by Maharaj Bahadur Singh in 1553. The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba used to perform meditation. This temple is in between the forest and surrounded by cedar trees. The surrounding of this temple makes it more attractive. As the roads are not good enough you cannot use your cars to go up to this temple. You will get auto-rickshaw service there. This will be a good relaxing place to visit after doing a lot of adventure on the first day in different snow points.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 2km
- Open in:- Every day 8 AM to 6 PM
- How to reach:-trekking /public transport
Vashisht Temple
Vashisht temple is 3 km away from Manali on Leh Manali highway. This temple is dedicated to Hindu sage Maharishi Vashisht. He is known for being part of groups of rishis (saptrishi). The special thing about this temple is Vashisht kund (spring) of hot water. There are some bathhouses inside this temple where people take bath. It is believed that taking bath in this spring can cure skin diseases. This temple is located in a populated area comparing the Manu temple and Hidimba temple. Still, this temple is quite peaceful and full of positive vibes. It will be a great place to start your day within Manali.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 3km
- Open in:- Everyday 7 AM to 9 PM
- How to reach:- taxi/bus/rickshaw or 30 min walk from Manali
Jogini waterfall
Among Places to Visit in Manali, Jogini waterfall is one of the important place. This is a very beautiful and adventurous place to go. To visit this place you will need to do trekking. This place is around 5 km from Manali. It will take around 4 to 6 hours to check out this destination. This will really be a great adventure climbing rock cliffs. This is in a remote area so you must visit in the daytime and come back before sunset. This will be a great experience exploring this place. It is between the steep mountains. It is suggested to check this destination while going to visit Vashisht temple as it is just ahead of Vashisht temple. You would definitely love the surroundings of the waterfall.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 4 to 5 km
- Open in:- All time (advised to visit in the day time)
- How to reach :- by trekking
DO YOU KNOW??? Which destination is known as The Mini Israel & Hippie Trail of India?
Manu Temple
As you are in the Hidimba temple already, I will suggest you to go the Manu temple. Manu temple is just 1 km from Hidimba temple. Again you will get narrow roads to reach this temple. You will need to walk through these narrow roads which will be a bit adventurous for you. This temple is dedicated to Manu. In Hindu mythology, Manu is known as the first man (the first human on earth). Manu temple was reconstructed in 1992. It became a hotspot of tourist attractions after reconstruction. This temple is almost 3 km away from Manali town. If you love to spend time in the lap of mother nature you are advised to visit this place.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 3km
- Open in:- Every day 5 AM to 9 PM
- How to reach:- by trekking
Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake is the highest altitude among all tourist places in Manali. Bhrigu lake is the most adventurous and remote place to reach out. Bhrigu Lake is located at the height of 4300 meters (14000 ft). To reach Bhrigu Lake you will start from an altitude of 3000 meters so it will be a 1.3km climbing. Still, no one can state the exact distance which will be covered in this trek. This trek will be days long, so keep yourself ready to carry extra foods along with you. It is suggested not to do trekking in winters as snowfall will make it dangerous.
Bhrigu Lake is a majestic place and the view from the top is just amazing. You will get some extraordinary views of the sky and mountains during this trek. It takes hours to reach there but the place definitely justifies the effort.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 12 to 16 km (depending on your trekking path)
- Open in:- All time (it is safer to trek between April and October )
- How to reach:- use public transport to reach Gulaba and start trekking
Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle is a castle located in Naggar village. This village is 23 km away from Manali. This village is connected with Manali by NH3. Naggar castle is an architectural marble of the Pahari people. This castle is made of woods and Pahari stones. This is one of the few places which will give the gimps of tradition and culture to the Himalayan people. This medieval Naggar castle was built in 1460 by Raja Sidh Singh. Around 100 years ago this castle was converted into a rest house.
In 1978 Himachal Pradesh tourism development corporation (HPDC) took responsibility of this castle and turns it into a heritage hotel. There is a museum inside the castle. In this museum, you will get to see the art and craft of the Himalayan people. This museum will give a sense of the traditional lifestyle of the Pahari population. You will need to pay Rs. 30 to explore this castle. I beleive it will be worth spending here for few hours. You will get spectacular views from its balcony as it is at the bank of the Baes River.
No doubt it is one of the cheapest and most worthy places to explore. You can stay here as it has been converted into a heritage hotel. Even you can have a romantic dinner with your love as well. Without visiting Nagar Castle the list of important places to visit in Manali will not be completed.
Key points
- Distance from Manali town:- 23km
- Open in:- Everyday 9 AM to 6 PM
- How to reach:- HTDC/private buses, taxi
- Entry fee:- Rs 30
Lots of more places to visit in Manali, but we picked only few.
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