Places To Visit Near Manali For an Extended Vacation

When heading to Manali for a vacation, two essential destinations in the itinerary are Rohtang and Solang Valley. Situated on the way to Rohtang from Manali, the valley welcomes tourists in huge numbers every year. A favorite for adventure enthusiasts, from parachuting to paragliding and horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps specially available for tourists of all age groups, Solang Valley has it all.

Distance from Manali: 11 km

Located at a distance of just 51 kilometres from the main town, Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road. The pass is located at a massive height of 3978 metres, the way up the hills is a treat to the eyes. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Rohtang Pass is a favourite among the community of film directors. Many blockbusters ranging from 'Jab We Met' to 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' have been shot here.

Distance from Manali: 51 km

Bhrigu Lake is a high altitude lake located in the district of Kullu, about 40 kilometres away from Manali. The route to the lake passes through entrancing meadows which are also called the Bhrigu Lake Meadows. As one walks through the expansive stretch of grasslands amidst snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, they are bound to feel like they have entered a different world altogether.

Distance from Manali: 18 km

Known For : Rafting in Kullu Manali Raghunath Temple, Kullu Naggar

Kullu, a popular tourist destination generally coupled with Manali, is an open valley with panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees. Situated at 1230 meters, Kullu is a nature lover's paradise. Abundant with lush greenery, pristine river streams, and a wonderful climate, Kullu is one of the most popular tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh.

Distance from Manali: 39 km

Best Time: March to June

29 Kullu Attractions

Known For : Manikaran Sahib Nature Park Kasol Tosh

A small village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a tourist attraction that is rapidly gaining fame as a very popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Commonly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint little village is resplendent in natural scenic beauty, and is one of the few places in the country that is yet to be ruined by urbanization and commercialization.

Distance from Manali: 75 km

Best Time: October to June

30 Kasol Attractions

Known For : Naggar Castle Trekking and Fishing Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum

The picturesque town of Naggar draws tourists looking to revel in green surroundings, go trekking or be a little more adventurous and camping out. Famous for being in abundance of unexplored natural beauty, the town of Naggar also has a castle, which has now been converted into a heritage hotel which one can visit. Naggar also has a famous folk art museum and a hot water spring that tourists shouldn't forget to visit.

Distance from Manali: 23 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

11 Naggar Attractions

Located in the Parvati Valley along the banks of river Parvati in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Manikaran is known as an important pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. The hot springs, religious tendencies, and beautiful surroundings attract a lot of people. A good number of temples and Gurudwara, Manikaran Sahib forms the religious pattern of the place. It is a religious place to visit near Manali.

Distance from Manali: 79 km

Best Time: October to June

3 Manikaran Sahib Attractions

Hampta Valley is known for its magnificent views of the mountains and adventure sports and has the 4,250 m-high Hampta Pass that serves as a corridor between Lahaul’s Chandra Valley and Kullu Valley. The valley is perfect for trekking during the summer and winter months. It takes trekkers through alpine and rhododendron forests, green meadows, waterfalls and vertical rock fall while providing excellent views of the snow-covered Pir Panjal peaks.

Distance from Manali: 15 km

Gulaba is a beautiful little village located about 20 kilometers from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass. It has an enchanting natural landscape that attracts tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking and setting up a camp to soak in its natural beauty. Most tourists who explore Gulaba are on their way to the Bhrigu Lake and set camps on the Gulaba Meadows to rest.

Distance from Manali: 13 km

Arjun Gufa is considered to be a legendary natural formation in Manali. The cave is a favourite picnic spot and is also famous for the adventure of exploring the creation from inside. It is located on the left side of River Beas and is very close to beautiful Prini Village. The climb up to the cave is exciting in itself with the surrounding natural landscape so beautiful it cannot be explained in words.

Distance from Manali: 7 km

Known For : Basheshwar Temple Bijali Mahadev Temple Jagannath Temple

Bhuntar is a part of Kullu district and it is typically used as a getaway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol and Manikaran and Kullu airport also is located within Bhuntar. Bhuntar is a quaint little town and there's nothing too majestic about the natural beauty it has to offer, but it is your type of holiday destination if you appreciate less tourist-y spots and prefer lesser known spots to relax.

Distance from Manali: 48 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

3 Bhuntar Attractions

Jagatsukh is a picturesque village, and the capital of former state of Kullu, located about 7 kilometres away from the town of Manali. It is famous for its enchanting natural landscape and the ancient Jagatsukh Temples which are religiously important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi. Usually, Jagatsukh can be explored in a day.

Distance from Manali: 7 km

Known For : Great Himalayan National Park Serlosar Lake Jalori Pass

The land of untouched and mystifying beauty, Tirthan Valley is a destination with a plethora of delights. Lying nearly 3 km from the entrance of Great Himalayan National Park, this place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers making it a great place to visit near Manali.

Distance from Manali: 100 km

Best Time: Mar to June, October to November

7 Tirthan Valley Attractions

Other than being famous a tourist destination, Manali is also the way to one of the most undertaken treks - the Beas Kund Trek.Get a chance to feast your eyes on the outstanding views of Pir Pinjal mountain ranges over the Beas river, let your soul get wooed by the spectacular meadows of Dhundi and Bakarthach and finally, the glacial lake at Beas Kund which is worth all the hiking.

Distance from Manali: 16.9 km

Bara Bangal Trek, also known as the Shepherds Trail trek, takes you from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of the Bara Bhangal range. A trekker will cross the Kalihani Pass and move northwest before reaching Bara Bhangal. From here, there is a turn southwards to Thamsar Pass and reach Billing in Kangra Valley to finish the trek. Ultimately, one may paraglide to Bir if the trek didn’t offer them a high.

Distance from Manali: 3 km

Rahala Waterfalls, located 29 kilometers from Manali Bus Stand, is a well-known picnic spot for locals and tourists on their way to Rohtang Pass. The water here is usually cold, originating from a melting glacier in the Himalayas. The surrounding area is thickly vegetated with deodar and Silver Birch trees.

Distance from Manali: 28 km

Kothi is a quaint village located about 15 kilometres away from Manali on the foothills of Rohtang Pass. A perfect camping destination, it draws tourists for adventure and recreational activities from all across the world. The magnificent view of the natural landscape surrounding the Kothi village enchants everyone exploring the location. Most trekkers on their way to Rohtang Pass often camp here.

Distance from Manali: 13 km

Kunzum Pass or Kunzum La, as it is called by locals, is one of the highest motorable mountain passes of India, located at an altitude of 4,551m above mean sea level. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful Spiti valley Via Kullu and Lahaul. Kunzum La offers an incredible 360-degree view of Bara- Shigri Glacier (the second longest glacier in the world), a jaw-dropping vista of Chandrabhaga Range and a spectacular view of the Spiti valley.

Distance from Manali: 126 km

Known For : Kasol Malana Tosh

Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Parvati Valley runs along the tourist destinations of the state. The stunning valley is famous for backpacker hangouts and adventure activities. It is also popular among hippie travelers for its famous charas (hashish), rave parties, and spiritual experiences.

Distance from Manali: 96 km

Best Time: October to June

10 Parvati Valley Attractions

Known For : Jakhu Temple Mall Road, Shimla Rashtrapati Niwas (Viceregal Lodge)

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill station among Indian families and honeymooners. Situated at a height of 2200m, Shimla was the summer capital of British India. Shimla still retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly Mall Road, and a ridge lined up with multiple shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Distance from Manali: 232 km

Best Time: October to June

63 Shimla Attractions

Kheer Ganga (3050 meters) lies at the extreme end of Parvati valley and is the last inhibited village while trekking to Pin Valley via Pin-Parvati pass. Kheerganga's panoramic skies and vast greenery are a much-needed delight to the trekker's eyes and especially the tired legs. It is a holy place with a hot water spring, a small temple of Lord Shiva and a bathing tank.

Distance from Manali: 96 km

Known For : Robber's Cave Sahastradhara Tapkeshwar Temple

Dehradun is the capital and largest city of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1400 feet above sea level and has a pleasant climate all year round. Located just 30 km from Mussoorie, Dehradun is known as the gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Dehradun is also known as the "Educational Hub of Uttarakhand," with some of the country's prestigious universities and boarding schools.

Distance from Manali: 440 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

37 Dehradun Attractions

Sethan is a quaint village in Himachal Pradesh, approximately 12 km from Manali. This Buddhist village is a tiny hamlet that oversees the Dhauladhar range. Covered in snow during winter, Sethan Valley is a great place to try skiing and snowboarding. During summers, Sethan Valley is ideal for trekking and camping activities. In winter you can go snowboarding/skating. Sethan Valley is also the starting point of the Hamta Pass trek.

Distance from Manali: 14 km

Cradled in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains in Himachal Pradesh, the Deo Tibba trek is steeped with the richness of nature and stunning landscapes. It is a spectacular trail passing through a series of grazing pastures of Gaddi shepherds. The place blessed with deep gorges, lush green valley dusted with a golden hue, misty woods, gushing icy rivers, meadows blooming with flowers, majestic snow-clad peaks, pristine glaciers, and bewitching lakes is a paradise for trekkers.

Distance from Manali: 35 km

Great Himalayan National Park located Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, is home to more than 375 species of fauna, 31 species of mammals and 181 species of birds. The Great Himalayan National Park received the status of a national park in 1999. This beautiful location of the national park becomes all the more attractive due to the Deodar and Oak trees.

Distance from Manali: 58.2 km

Famous for its cannabis plantations, the tranquil village of Tosh is located at the far end of Parvati Valley. It is untouched by modernization and fast-paced life. With its gradual terrain and the waters of river Parvati flowing through its bosom, the Tosh Kasol trek is the go-to expedition for all adrenaline junkies.

Distance from Manali: 74 km

Isolated from the rest of the world lies a solitary village in Malana Nala, a side valley of the Parvati Valley. Known as Malana or the Malana Village, it is located in the Kullu district. This place is also apt for all adventure lovers since the route to Malana is famous for trekking. The temples in Malana—the Jamadagni Temple and the Shrine of Renuka Devi—serve as major attractions of the village.

Distance from Manali: 79 km

Often referred to as a mesmerising "hamlet" situated amidst the lush green forests and surrounded by variegated mountains, Jibhi is located in the Tirthan Valley of Himachal Pradesh.  The cosy Victorian-style cottages in which you can stay are an added bonus that makes you feel as if you are living in the Victorian Period. So enjoy a cup of chai while listening to the sweet chirpings of the birds in the lap of nature.

Distance from Manali: 101 km

Known For : Prashar Lake Trek Bhutnath temple Pandoh Dam

Packed with a thick green cover of pine and deodar trees, Mandi is situated at the junction of Kullu and Dharamshala. It is often referred to as 'Varanasi of Hills', or 'Choti Kashi' as the town has as many as 81 temples spread across its area. Lying on the banks of River Beas, Mandi also displays some old palaces and temples that can be dated back to the 5th Century AD.

Distance from Manali: 106 km

Best Time: April to October

18 Mandi Attractions

Known For : Kangra Fort Kangra Fort Baijnath Temple Brajeshwari Temple

Kangra is a district in Himachal Pradesh with Dharamshala as the administrative headquarters. The Beas River flows through the Valley, which is also known for the backdrop of the Dhauladar range, ancient temples, and endless tea plantations. Repeated mention of the Valley in the holy Hindu texts presents Kangra as 'Devbhumi' or the Land of the Gods.

Distance from Manali: 216 km

Best Time: September to June

23 Kangra Attractions

Known For : Hot Water Spring River Rafting in Tattapani Shiva cave

A popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani is a quaint village 60 kms away from Shimla. Situated on the banks of the Sutlej River, it is famous for rafting, and its hot sulphur spring is believed to have curative properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue, and other skin diseases.

Distance from Manali: 227 km

Best Time: October to June

9 Tattapani Attractions