ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN MANALI

Set along the banks of the Beas River, Manali sits at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, framed by deodar forests, apple orchards and snow-capped Pir Panjal peaks. From high-altitude passes like Rohtang and alpine meadows such as Solang Valley to temples, hot springs and bustling bazaars, Manali offers a varied terrain that blends mountain landscapes with a long-standing culture of travel and exploration.

SOLANG VALLEY

Renowned as Manali’s adventure playground, Solang Valley welcomes visitors with lush grееn mеadows in summеr and a blankеt of snow in wintеr. Tucked between Solang village and Beas Kund in Kullu, it offers a breathtaking approach; you’ll travel on winding roads passing through thick dеodar forеsts and traditional Himachali homеs. The vallеy is famous as a hub for adventure activities like paragliding, zorbing, ATV rides during summer and skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling in winter.

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HIDIMBA DEVI TEMPLE

Tucked into a cedar forest, this unique 16th-century shrine is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata, and is popularly known as Dhungari Temple. It features a distinctive four-tiered pagoda-style roof, intricate wood carvings and a natural rock shrine - an imprint of what is believed to be the goddess’s foot - in place of a conventional idol. Set amidst tall deodar trees, the temple offers a serene setting and hosts several religious and cultural events throughout the year.

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OLD MANALI

Offering quaint streets lined with vintage shops selling handmade products and cosy cafés with live music, the historic district of Manali lies across the Manalsu River, just a short distance from the main town. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, it is ideal for unhurried walks through apple orchards, riverside cafés and exploring local handicrafts and independent boutiques.

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ATAL TUNNEL

At an altitude of over 10,000 feet, the 9 km-long Atal Tunnel is the world’s longest highway tunnel at this elevation and connects Manali to the Lahaul–Spiti Valley. The horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, double-lane tunnel is also the country’s first to feature an escape tunnel within the main tunnel due to the challenging topography.

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ROHTANG PASS

A historically significant trade route between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, Rohtang Pass has been used for centuries by traders, merchants and the military. This high-altitude mountain pass is known for snow-based activities such as skiing, sledding and snow scooter rides when snow conditions permit. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and access to nearby spots such as Rahala Waterfalls.

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NAGGAR CASTLE

Perched above the Kullu Valley, Naggar Castle is a 15th-century stone-and-wood mansion built by Raja Sidh Singh, which once served as the seat of the Kullu kingdom. Constructed in traditional Kath-Kuni style, it features intricately carved balconies, courtyards, a small temple (Jagati Patt) and a museum displaying local art and artefacts. Guests can sample regional trout at the in-house restaurant managed by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, before exploring nearby sites such as the Gauri Shankar Temple and the Roerich Art Gallery - former residence of the renowned Russian painter, philosopher and explorer who spent his later years in Naggar.

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BEAS RIVER

Flowing through the heart of Manali, the river originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass and shapes the landscape of the Kullu Valley. Its fast-flowing, glacial waters are central to activities such as riverside walks, angling and white-water rafting in select stretches downstream. The riverbanks also offer scenic spots for picnics and quiet pauses amid deodar forests and mountain views.

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JOGINI WATERFALL

Located near Vashisht village, Jogini Waterfall is a cascading waterfall set against forested slopes and rocky terrain. Reached via a 3 km scenic trek through apple orchards, pine trees and small hamlets, the route offers expansive views of the Kullu Valley. The falls drop from a height of around 150 feet in multiple tiers, creating a fine mist and a shallow pool at the base where visitors can relax and seek blessings at a small shrine dedicated to Jogini, believed in local folklore to be the daughter of Lord Indra, making the site culturally significant to the region.

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