Manali is a well-known jewel in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is one of the top holiday locations in India for all travelers, offering a captivating blend of nature, tranquillity, and adventure. The most well-known resort town, set among snow-capped mountains. Bhrigu Lake, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Great Himalayan National Park, Jogini Falls, and Tibetan Monastery are all worth seeing. The temperature of Manali is 15.1 degrees Celsius on average. People working in the tourism industry understand and speak Hindi, Punjabi, and English. In their daily interactions, the Kulluvi dialect is commonly spoken.
The best ways to get to Manali
- By Air: The closest airport to Manali is Kullu-Manali airport, which is around 52 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, which is around 160 km away.
- By Road: Manali is easily accessible by road from adjacent cities such as New Delhi, Chandigarh, Pathankot, Ambala, and others via private cabs, vehicles, and state-run or private buses.
Bhrigu Lake
The skies are clear in early July, with a delightful coolness in the air, but the ground and lake are still very much frozen, with little to no evidence of flora. Between July and September, the monsoon delivers an average amount of rainfall and consequent landslides, but in the end, it brings the remainder of the flora out in the region - all rain-washed and magnificent. The splendor that the monsoon leaves behind graces the Bhrigu Lake trek path throughout Autumn before being covered in snow again in winter.
During the summer months of April and June, the temperature in Bhrigu Lake ranges between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and 7 to 10 degrees at night. The temperature gradually drops in October and November, preparing for a snow-covered, freezing winter. In December, the temperature maintains well below 5-7 degrees during the day but drops below zero at night. Temperatures ranging from 0-10 degrees Celsius are to be expected, therefore trekking is prohibited from December to March. Bhrigu Lake is best visited between May and October. The terrain clears up by mid-May, allowing for simple access, but it is still rather frozen. The weather, on the other hand, is lovely.
Rohtang Pass
This scenic pass is located on the Manali Keylong route, approximately 51 km from Manali. This mountain slope is so magnificent that people come from all over the country to participate in adventure sports like skiing, ice skating, paragliding, and so on. The Rohtang Pass is open to tourists from April to October, and permission to drive on this highway is granted by the Indian Army when the snow has been cleared.
The Rohtang Pass is open from June through October. During peak season, the pass is extremely congested; hence, to prevent delays, one must depart early. It is very popular among adventure seekers and is on the list of must-see places in Manali. Between November and March, this high-altitude crossing receives a lot of snow. The pass is closed during this time. If you want to see the beauty, go during May and June, or September and October.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley, commonly known as the 'Snow Valley, is well known for hosting a variety of winter adventure sports such as skiing, parachuting, paragliding, trekking, and mountaineering. This beautiful valley, located at an average elevation of 2,560 meters above sea level, is one of the most picturesque sites in Manali. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations for tourists visiting Manali. Solang Valley, located between Solang village and Beas Kund, provides breathtaking vistas of glaciers and snow-capped mountains. The Mountaineering Institute of Manali has erected a ski lift for training purposes, and the Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute has a modest chalet and a guest lodge. The winter skiing festival is also held.
The best time to visit Solang Valley is between October and February to enjoy the snowfall, subzero temperatures, and winter sports, and between May and June for trekking, hiking, and summer activities in the lush green forests. It is strongly advised to avoid the monsoon season.
Hidimba Devi Temple
The Hidimba Temple is devoted to the Hindu goddess Hidimba Devi. The powerful mythical story inspired people to place their trust in their deity. Aside from the sublime ecstasy, you will enjoy seeing Northern India's pagoda-style buildings. The temple is encircled by the Dhangiri Van Vihar cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The shrine was built on top of a massive rock that emerged from the earth and was worshipped as an image of the deity. Maharaja Bahadur Singh erected the building in 1553.
The temple is open all year, however, the best time to visit is during the festival season. The Dussehra celebration is held in October and November. The belief may be felt "from the core to the floor" here. You will also be able to witness the traditional "Ghor Puja".
Manu Temple
Manu Temple is dedicated to the sage Manu and is located on the banks of the Baes River in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is exactly 275 kilometers away from Shimla. Manu temple is well known for its tranquil atmosphere and religious values. Tourists come here to breathe the purity of the environment and exhale the negativity of their lives. The tranquility of this location amid lush green meadows, combined with the flowing sound of the Baes River's crystal clear water, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Because the level of spirituality and religious significance is so high here, the temple has rigorous rules about who they let in, if you truly want to explore this ancient greatness, you must do it religiously.
Great Himalayan National Park
The Great Himalayan National Park is located in the Seraj Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh, 60 kilometers from Kullu. Great Himalayan National Park, surrounded by Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, and Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary, is located at an elevation of 1500-6000 m and gives beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The National Park has an area of 754 square kilometers. In 1994, 256 square kilometers of land were demarcated from the park area and designated as a buffer zone or ecozone. The Great Himalayan National Park's ecozone is made up of 160 settlements. March, April, May, June, and Mid-September, October, and November are the finest months to visit the Great Himalayan National Park to enjoy the best climate and gorgeous flora and fauna.
Jogini Falls
Jogini or Jogni Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Vashisht Village in Himachal Pradesh, 4 kilometers from Vashisht Temple and 7.5 km from Manali bus stand. It is one of the most popular sites to visit in Manali, as well as one of the most famous spots to visit throughout Himachal. The Jogini waterfall is a 160-foot cascade that cascades down the mountains into the Beas River and Kullu Valley below. Visit the Yogini Mata shrine at the base of the waterfall to experience the thrill of uncovering hidden cultural gems, at the foot of the Jogini Falls. Summer is the greatest time to explore the Jogini waterfall, especially from March to May. In the winter, some people visit this waterfall and the Vashisht temple. The greatest time to visit Jogini waterfall is during the winter months of October to February.
Tibetan Monastery
Manali boasts various colorful monasteries that showcase the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people who have settled in Kullu and Manali. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa are the two most visited monasteries in Manali. These monasteries are surrounded by little shops offering lovely handicrafts and carpets made by Tibetans who live nearby. The Tibetan Monasteries also run a Thanks School of Arts and a Carpet weaving Centre to preserve historic Tibetan art. The murals inside these structures reflect episodes from Lord Buddha's life, while the Kalchakra, i.e., the wheel of life fastened to the monastery's wall, depicts the human life cycle. Buddhists believe that turning these wheels will bring you salvation.
The Great Himalayan National Park is located in the Seraj Forest Division of Himachal Pradesh, 60 kilometers from Kullu. Great Himalayan National Park, surrounded by Rupi Bhaba Sanctuary, Pin Valley National Park, and Kanwar Wildlife Sanctuary, is located at an elevation of 1500-6000 m and gives beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The National Park has an area of 754 square kilometers. In 1994, 256 square kilometers of land were demarcated from the park area and designated as a buffer zone or ecozone. The Great Himalayan National Park's ecozone is made up of 160 settlements. March, April, May, June, and Mid-September, October, and November are the finest months to visit the Great Himalayan National Park to enjoy the best climate and gorgeous flora and fauna.
Jogini Falls
Jogini or Jogni Falls is a picturesque waterfall in Vashisht Village in Himachal Pradesh, 4 kilometers from Vashisht Temple and 7.5 km from Manali bus stand. It is one of the most popular sites to visit in Manali, as well as one of the most famous spots to visit throughout Himachal. The Jogini waterfall is a 160-foot cascade that cascades down the mountains into the Beas River and Kullu Valley below. Visit the Yogini Mata shrine at the base of the waterfall to experience the thrill of uncovering hidden cultural gems, at the foot of the Jogini Falls. Summer is the greatest time to explore the Jogini waterfall, especially from March to May. In the winter, some people visit this waterfall and the Vashisht temple. The greatest time to visit Jogini waterfall is during the winter months of October to February.
Manali boasts various colorful monasteries that showcase the rich culture and history of the Tibetan people who have settled in Kullu and Manali. The Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa are the two most visited monasteries in Manali. These monasteries are surrounded by little shops offering lovely handicrafts and carpets made by Tibetans who live nearby. The Tibetan Monasteries also run a Thanks School of Arts and a Carpet weaving Centre to preserve historic Tibetan art. The murals inside these structures reflect episodes from Lord Buddha's life, while the Kalchakra, i.e., the wheel of life fastened to the monastery's wall, depicts the human life cycle. Buddhists believe that turning these wheels will bring you salvation.