34 Best Things to do in Manali - The Valley of Gods

When heading to Manali for a vacation, two absolutely essential destinations in the itinerary are Rohtang and Solang Valley. A favorite for adventure enthusiasts, Parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini open jeeps, Solang has it all. Every year the valley welcomes tourists in huge numbers and taking a tour of this gorgeous place is among the top things to do in Manali.

Manali is known for its excellent skiing conditions with skiing enthusiasts visiting from all over the country. The undulating slopes of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass offers a perfect terrain for amateurs to learn their first move while a an ideal grounds for professionals and it is also the topmost things to do in Manali.

Rohtang Pass can be reached only by road as the pass is located at a massive height of 3978 metres. 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. Sledge ride is one of the most popular things to do in Manali.

Manali is the hub of adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh. From white river rafting to trekking opportunities to zorbing to horse-riding to skiing to paragliding, Manali has everything to offer. Along with the other thrilling things to do in Manali, be sure to include this activity on your list as it is truly going to make your trip memorable.

Away from the hustle and bustle that the town of Manali holds, Old Manali is a backpacker's paradise. Lying at a distance of 3 kilometers uphill from the central city, Old Manali is often frequented by tourists from all across the world. Along with the myriad other things, this is one of the topmost things to do in Manali.

The Beas Kund trek is a perfect weekend getaway plan. View the outstanding 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. Trekking up the gorgeous terrain with a beautiful view is one of the most exciting things to do in Manali.

Located amidst the snow covered hills of Manali, the Hadimba temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Hadimba Devi. Surrounded by gorgeous cedar forests, this beautiful shrine is built on a rock. The construction style of the temple is entirely different from that of any of the other temples, with its wooden doorways, walls, and cone-shaped roof.  Visiting the beautiful temple is one among the top manali things to do.

A modest bit of paradise, with its share of snow and clouds, Chandrakhani Pass is an ideal stretch for trekking and views to lose oneself in. At a flattering height of 3600 meters, nestled in the Parvati Valley, the Chandrakhani pass is a favorite for those who seek natural beauty as well as those in search of adventure with mountains and valleys in the backdrop.

Considered as a most popular hub for outdoor and other recreational activities, paragliding in Manali is a memorable experience. Starting with a basic training course, the operators are well organized, competent and trustworthy. The surrounding valley is breath taking and the view you will get during your flying session of 5-45 minutes, depending upon the package you opt for, is simply beautiful.

Hampta Pass, situated in the Manali region of the Himachal Pradesh, serves as one of the most convenient and enjoyable treks. Laden with pristine form of nature, the trail comprises of dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows and panoramic landscape. If in the hill town, you have got to trek here as this is one of the most exciting things to do in Manali.

Manikaran is a small town situated between rivers Parvati and Beas, famous for its hot water springs and beautiful landscapes. The town has a famous Gurudwara called Manikaran Sahib and it is frequented by Sikhs from all over the country. There are many small temples in the town as well making it a significant pilgrimage centre for Hindus too.

Best Time: October to June

3 Manikaran Sahib Attractions

The Great Himalayan National Park is quickly becoming what the wildlife scene in the region is being identified with and defined by. Yet, it manages to be a quiet and good break from the crowded places in the town. It is home to around 400 species of fauna, and the paths here are ideal for a quiet and peaceful trek. One of the top things to do in Manali, camping inside the park is also equally enjoyable.

While most temples will leave you spiritually rejuvenated, there are a few with hot water springs and baths, which leave you refreshed and maybe even healthier. Situated 6 km away from Manali, these are natural hot springs accompanied by beautiful sandstone temples. The water in these natural springs contains medicinal properties that are believed to cure skin diseases.

Manu temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Sage Manu, is located in the mesmerizing valley of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple lies in the Beas River Valley, where trekkers all over the world are drawn to it. As one explores the region, they are sure to notice the calmness around the beautiful temple structure. Absorb the tranquillity as you breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the pleasant greenery around.

Nehru Kund gets its name from the first Prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru who is said to have had water from the natural spring, when he used to stay in Manali. One still finds here some cold and pristine water running here and a breath-taking scenery of mountains and valleys all around. With it gorgeous scenery and lovely view, visiting the Nehru Kund is one of the most wonderful things to do in Manali.

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. Considered one of the most beautiful places here, it is also one of the top things to do in Manali.

Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art located in Manali has a beautiful collection of ancient and traditional heritage. The antique artefacts on display give insights into the long forgotten art, handicraft and the ancient culture of the state. This draws not just tourists but also researchers from all over the world to study the ancient civilization and it is one of the top things to do in Manali among both the tourists and localites.

Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa is a monastery located in Manali which is a well known religious centre, especially for the Buddhists. The monastery is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha. There are decorative murals on the structure that depict Lord Buddha's ideas and values about humanity and life. Known as one of the top things to do in Manali, you should visit the temple to have peek into the Buddhist culture.

Siyali Mahadev Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the quaint town of Manali. It is known as one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva in the region and is frequently visited by devotees of Lord Shiva. The sight of the temple from afar astounds everyone as they witness this unique structure amidst the beautiful natural landscape of Manali.

Club House located in Old Manali is a retreat that offers several facilities and recreational activities and is, therefore, preferred by tourists. The Club House is said to be one such place in Manali that has something for everyone whether it is indoor games/sports, entertainment or recreational activities. There is also a restaurant where scrumptious local and international cuisine is served and a bar to have a drink with family and friends.

Gauri Shankar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the village of Naggar in Manali. The temple is a small structure carved out of stones but has immense historical importance in the region. Tourists and devotees of Shiva mostly visit it. It is quite a well-maintained monument that was built according to the Shikhara style of architecture. The ancient temple is preserved as a heritage site in Manali, but the divine vibe of Goddess Gauri and Lord Shiva can still be felt in the temple.

Adorned with sky touching deodar trees and laid by a dense carpet of vivid shades of green, the Van Vihar is a haven for nature lovers and avifauna enthusiasts. The Van Vihar National Park is a park run and maintained by the municipal corporation of the city. The favourite attraction of this park is a sparkling man-made lake that rests in the middle of the lush green landscape and brings the entire vicinity to life!

Jagatsukh is a picturesque village, and the capital of Kullu locates 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. However, if one wishes to stay for a day or two, there are several hotels, resorts and homestay options available to choose from.

A visit to Manali is incomplete without a holiday at the Manali Sanctuary, which is an astounding and impressive wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is at a walking distance from the main town and city centre of Manali and is the ideal spot to explore the rich flora and fauna that the place harbours. Other than that you can sight a variety of these reptiles, birds, animals and mammals; the place also has trekking routes and camping facilities.

Bara Bangal Kaliyahni trek, also known as the Shepherds trail trek, takes you from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of 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. In the end, one may paraglide to Bir if the trek didn’t offer them a high.

Cradled in the lap of Himalayan Mountains in Himachal Pradesh, Deo Tibba trek is steeped with the richness of the nature and stunning landscapes. It is a spectacular trail passing through series of grazing pastures of Gaddi shepherds.

Kothi Village is a quaint village located about 15 kilometres away from Manali on the foothills of Rohtang Pass. The village is a perfect camping destination and draws tourists for adventure and recreational activities. Most trekkers on their way to Rohtang Pass often camp at the town. One can get a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountain peaks, River Beas and the glaciers.

Jana Waterfall is located in a quaint village named Jana in the transfixing valley of Manali. It is a natural waterfall and a famous attraction which is a favourite picnic spot. One has to trek to the waterfall through dense deodar and pine trees amidst snow-capped mountains. The sight of the snow covered peaks is simply exhilarating. This attraction is a must visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Gulaba is a beautiful little village located about 20 kilometres from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass. Gulaba has an enchanting natural landscape that attracts tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking, set up a camp to soak in its natural beauty. The beauty of the location is unmatched, and the picturesque scenery makes the stay or the journey a memorable event. The site was featured in some scenes from the famous Bollywood movie - Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.

Situated 7 km away from Manali, the Gayatri temple houses an idol of Goddess Gayatri, made of marble. This temple has some splendid architecture styles, is constructed with a stunning artistic finesse and with some of the most intricate woodwork. There are a few more temples around the area, such as a Shikara style Shiva temple, that one can visit. Along with the myriad other things to do in Manali, this one should also be there on your list.

Jogini Waterfall is located in the beautiful Valley of Manali. It is about 3 kilometres away from the bustling town of Manali and around 2 kilometres away from Vashisht Temple. Tourists have to trek ahead from the temple to reach Jogini Waterfall. The walk up to the waterfall goes through pine trees and orchard. The waterfall cascades from a height of 160 feels, which is why it's one of the topmost things to do in Manali.

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 cave is a narrow path into a hill. With no light entering after a point, one has to explore and find their way into the cave through the darkness using flashlights.

Rahala Falls, located at a distance of 29 kilometres from Manali Bus Stand, is a well-known picnic spot for locals and tourists on their way to Rohtang Pass from Manali often halt to explore the waterfall. The water found at the Rahala Falls is usually cold as the water comes from a melting glacier situated in the Himalayas. The surrounding is thickly vegetated with deodar and Silver Birch trees.

Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa is one of the most famous monasteries situated in north India. Its religious significance is highly important for devotees, but tourists are also drawn for its architectural beauty and tranquillity in the environment. The most prominent feature of Himalaya Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is the enormous statue or idol of Sakyamuni in a sitting or meditative posture. The icon, statues and the colourful paintings on the walls add to the beauty of the monastery.