Snow Adventures to Scenic Escapes - Discover 11 Best Things to Do in Manali

The Pir Panjal range, local food, cafe culture, ancient temples, and a gateway to higher-altitude places like Leh, Ladakh, or Spiti, Manali serves as a major tourist destination in India.

Here, in this blog, we will take you through the best things to do in Manali so that you can enjoy your stay here.

11 Best Things to Do in Manali

Set in the Himachal Pradesh state of India, Manali is one of the most famous honeymoon places in the country for the cozy stays, cool temperatures, and picture-perfect locations with the Himalayas in the background. Check out the best things to do in Manali in the following segment.

1. Visit the Hadimba Temple

The Hadimba Temple, located in the cedar forests of Dhungri, serves as a significant landmark in the town. It is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, a unique character from the Mahabharata. She was a demoness who turned into a goddess. How? After Bhima, her husband, left, she meditated and later gained divine powers to guard the region.

• Unlike most Hindu temples, this one is devoid of any idol. There is just a giant rock with Hadimba Devi`s footprint, which is worshipped.
• The architecture of this temple makes it one of the best things to see in Manali. The wood and stone carvings with a pagoda-style roof make it distinct.
• The cedar forest at the Himalayan foothills provides a mysterious yet peaceful vibe.
• Schedule a visit here early in the morning between 8 and 10 A.M. for the most peaceful experience, although it remains open till 6 P.M.

Time Required: 30 minutes to an hour

2. Explore Old Manali

When you are on a vacation, relaxation should be the focus. Take your time to explore the surroundings and fully experience the area. major landmarks, but also allow yourself to absorb the calmness of Manali. The old Manali, as you cross the Manalsu River, is filled with charming apple orchards, beautiful lanes, and picturesque cafes. You will get a quiet yet bohemian atmosphere here.

• Just walk inside a riverside or rooftop cafe for a refreshing cup of coffee and breakfast of your choice. You can try Himachali food or international dishes like wood-fired pizza. The river view in front of you while you are having breakfast sets the mood right.
• Take a stroll at the lanes bordered with shops selling woolens, Kullu shawls, jewelry, handicrafts, etc.
• The old stone and wood houses, melodious music, orchard trees, and a laid-back vibe are a perfect setting to rewind, repose, and rejuvenate.
• Morning or early evening are the best times for all these things to do in Manali.

Time Required: 3 - 4 hours

3. Enjoy at Solang Valley

Solang Valley is 13 km away from Manali and presents a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. The adventure seekers can never give this place a miss. From soaring above the valley to exploring the snow, there are various adventure activities in Manali that will keep you hooked.

• One of the best things to do in Manali is taking the cable car ride for the captivating aerial views of the whole Solang Valley.
• Solang Valley receives snowfall in the winter months and transforms the overall beauty of the region. For unique adventure activities in Manali like skiing and zorbing, people love coming to Solang Valley. It is thus a famous winter destination in India.
• There are various other activities like zorbing, quad biking, rock climbing, etc. that you can enjoy here depending on seasons.

Time Required: 3 - 5 hours

4. Scenic Excursion to Rohtang Pass

One of the best things to do in Manali is to take a trip to Rohtang Pass where you’ll get to see some stunning mountain views and if you’re visiting during the winter, you’ll get to venture into snowy Himalayan scenery. Local rules may change due to weather and road conditions, so please check before visiting.

• During the winter season, you can enjoy snow games, walk across snowy ground, and watch out for the magnificent winter landscape.
• With your camera in hand, take photos of the snow-capped mountain peaks, glaciers, valleys, and curvy mountain roads.
• Access to the Rohtang Pass depends on the snowfall and current weather conditions. So, always check the latest weather updates before leaving.
• Visitors driving to Rohtang Pass are required to carry the permit. Check the latest update from the Himachal Pradesh Government, and book a permit to visit the area.
• It is recommended that you keep the whole day for Rohtang Pass. That`s because there will be multiple viewpoints where you might stop to soak in the atmosphere and click pictures. So, keep that time for these activities in Manali.

Time Required: 6 - 8 hours

5. Relaxing at Vashisht Hot Springs

Vashisht is a peaceful little town, which is a break from the hustle bustle of Manali. Escape the crowds for a few peaceful hours in this ancient town. Famous for its temple and natural hot water springs, it is a perfect spot to relax.

• The Vashisht Temple is a centuries-old temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht. People come here to attain spiritual bliss and admire the woodwork.
• One of the must-do activities in Manali is taking a bath in the hot sulfur springs. The water is believed to have therapeutic properties that can heal and cleanse you.
• Just walk around the small Himalayan village with its little shops, unhurried lifestyle, and innocent people.

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

6. A Walk along the Beas River

A leisurely walk along the banks of the River Beas is one of the simple pleasures of getting close to Manali`s nature and is a refreshing experience. One of the best things to do in Manali is strolling through the riverside walk and hearing the sound of flowing water or see the mountains and cedar woods on the hillsides.

• Just do the accessible parts around Manali and Old Manali and take a break to enjoy the river and the views along the way.
• The wholeness of the Beas, forested slopes, and Himalayan beauty make every walk memorable here.
• It`s always better to go for a walk either in the early morning or late afternoon when the atmosphere is more relaxed and the lights are softer.
• Beware of slippery rocks, especially during the monsoon season, and do stay away from the edges of the river.

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

7. Trekking Around Manali

Manali is surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and dramatic Himalayan peaks, with trekking opportunities for novice and experienced hikers. You can choose a trek according to your fitness level and time available: a short waterfall trail or a multi-day trek at high altitude. Trekking is actually one of the best activities to do in Manali.

• Jogini Falls: Short trek, easy to moderate difficulty, through forests, orchards and waterfalls. The trek is around 1.5-2.5 hours round trip making it a good trek for beginners and half day excursion. The trek ends at Jogini waterfall.
• Lama Dugh: A moderate trek through dense forests and open meadows, with spectacular views of the Himalayan mountains. The whole trek takes 5-6 hours and the trail depends on the speed of the trekker and the route.
• Beas Kund: This is a moderate-high altitude trek to the glacial source of the Beas River. The trail goes through alpine meadows and rocky paths and can be done in roughly 3-4 days, depending on the itinerary. Don’t miss this Manali famous thing especially if you love adventure.
• Hampta Pass: Traversing through the lush Kullu Valley and the barren landscape of Lahaul, Hampta is an easy-moderate trek and one of the most favored Himalayan treks from Manali. The trek usually takes 4-5 days and takes you to Hampta Pass at 4,287 meters before descending into the Lahaul Valley.

8. Visit the Manu Temple

One of the most underrated temples in India, the Manu Temple in Manali offers a quiet escape away from the busy tourist attraction places. It is dedicated to Sage Manu, and there are many legendary tales about this temple. What will catch your eyes is the traditional Himachali architecture with the backdrop of the Himalayas.

• There is a belief that sage Manu sat here for meditation.
• The pagoda-style architecture is loved by visitors.
• This temple is just 3 km from Manali Mall Road.

Time Required: 1 - 2 hours

9. Chasing Waterfalls

One of the best things to do in Manali is exploring the waterfalls here. There are various beautiful waterfalls here that you can explore with a short trek. Adding them to your itinerary will only bring you closer to nature.

• Jogini Falls: You have to trek from Vashisht Villages, crossing the beautiful apple orchards, to reach this scenic waterfall. On the way, you will also meet the Beas Valley.

Time Required: 2-3 hours

• Rahala Falls: You have to go to the Manali-Rohtang route for this waterfall. This unique waterfall is surrounded by deodar and birch forests. You can keep this waterfall as a part of your upper Manali sightseeing tour.

Time Required: 20 - 30 minutes for just a stop on the way and 1 - 2 hours for exploring the area.

Apart from these two, you can also trek to the Rozy Falls and Jana Waterfall. Manali can be a beautiful monsoon place to visit if you want to witness the waterfalls.

10. Explore Naggar

A small village that offers a blend of art, heritage, and spectacular Himalayan beauty is definitely something every traveler would love to visit at least once. If you want peace and quiet on your Himachal Pradesh or Manali trip, Naggar should be on your list, as it offers the best views of the Kullu Valleys.

• Explore this historic timber-and-stone Naggar castle built by Raja Sidh Singh, known for its traditional Western Himalayan architecture, woodwork, and panoramic views of the Beas Valley. It is one of the best things to see in Manali.
• Experience the artistic and cultural heritage of the region by visiting Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum and Naggar’s temples like Gauri Shankar Temple and Tripura Sundari Temple.
• Wander through the peaceful Naggar countryside with its apple orchards, deodar-covered hills, traditional villages, and mountain panorama.
• Naggar is around 22 km from Manali, and you can reach Naggar, located about 22 km from Manali, by road via taxi, private car, or local transport.

Time Required: 4 - 6 hours

11. Explore Himalayan Nature Park

The Himalayan Nature Park is one of the best places to visit in Manali. People come here to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Away from the crowded Shimla, this place offers a peaceful escape. If you are a nature lover or a photographer, exploring this park would be a wonderful thing to do in Manali.

• Watch out for the forest trails and Himalayan wildlife like leopards, musk deer, or Himalayan black bears.
• Enjoy birdwatching and click multiple photographs.

Time Required: 2 - 3 hours

Things to Do in Manali - Different Seasons

Manali has a different beauty each season. It has a different mix of landscapes offering not only scenic beauty but also adventure activities and cultural experiences. You will find snowy peaks in winter that open opportunities for wonderful adventure activities in Manali. As the snow melts, you will enjoy summer-specific activities in Manali. So, decide the kind of things to do in Manali and choose the favorable season to plan a trip.

Summer: March to June

• Sightseeing around Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Spring, and Old Manali,
• Solang Valley and adventure activities like ropeway, paragliding, or zorbing.
• A day for Rohtang Pass.
• Trekking to the nearby Himalayan forests and trails.
• Scenic walks along the Beas River.
• Café hopping, shopping, and leisure walk along the Mall Road.

Monsoon: July to September

• Relax at cafes or walk around Old Manali.
• Admire the fresh greenery all around.
• Explore the local temples and other cultural attractions.
• Enjoy nature walks but walk around carefully.
• Shop for souvenirs.

Autumn: October to November

• Catch a glimpse of the clear mountain and enjoy the pleasant weather.
• Explore the surrounding villages of Manali.
• Walk around the apple orchards.
• Go for short treks or nature walks.
• Explore the local market for Himachali woolens, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Winter: December to February

• Snowfall in and around Manali to enjoy snow-covered mountain scenery.
• In winter, if possible, you can enjoy skiing and other activities at Solang Valley.
• Spend a cozy winter stay in a snowy landscape.
• You can also attend the Manali winter carnival usually held in the month of January for the local cultural performances and festivities.
• Explore the cafes and markets of Manali and feel the chill of the winters.
• If you plan to take excursions, check road and weather conditions, as heavy snow can affect accessibility.

Remember March to June and October to February are the best times to visit Manali. So, schedule your trip accordingly to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in India.

How to Reach Manali?

If you are tempted to go to Manali and spend a memorable vacation, you must be clear about how to reach there. Check out how to reach Manali in the following:

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport also known as Kullu-Manali Airport. It is 50 kms from Manali and takes 1.5-2 hours.
• Another choice is Chandigarh Airport. It is 300 kms from Manali and it takes 7-9 hours to get from the airport to Manali.

By Road:

• From Delhi, Manali is 530-570 km away, and it takes around 12-14 hours to reach.
• If you are coming from Chandigarh, it will take 7-9 hours.
• From Shimla, the distance is 250 km, and it will take around 6-8 hours to reach.
• Manali is very well-connected with other North Indian cities and Himachali towns like Kullu, Dharamshala, Mandi, etc.
• Some tourists prefer to travel by bus. There are Volvo and AC buses as well as HRTC buses and privately run buses.
• You will get buses easily from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.

By Train:

• There are no direct trains for Manali.
• You have to reach either Pathankot or Chandigarh, or Kalka and move ahead via road.
• From Patahnkot and Kalka, it will take around 8-9 hours and 7-8 hours respectively.

Important Travel Tips for Manali  

Manali is a perfect family holiday and solo travel destination as well as a romantic destination in India. The crisp Himalayan air and pine forests make for a wonderful trip. There are plenty of things to do in Manali. But before you go there, check out some important travel tips.

• Stay updated before setting out for any high-altitude places nearby.
• Even when you are going in the summer months, remember to pack warm clothes.
• Pack sturdy, good-quality, and comfortable footwear, as hill stations like Manali will demand some walking uphill and downhill.
• Book any adventure activity in Manali after researching the operator. The operator should be reliable and licensed.
• If you plan a trip to Manali in the off-season, you will get a smart discount at the hotels in Manali.
• Respect the local customs, especially when entering the temples, churches, or any other religious place.
• Mountain roads can be risky occasionally. So, keep a buffer time of a day or two in your itinerary.
• Verify and double-check if you can get a pass/permit for certain high-altitude places before traveling.
• Only use “dust bin” to dump things like tissue paper, water bottles, wrappers of food items, etc.

Conclusion

There is something for every kind of traveler in Manali, from snow adventures to nature walks. Whether you are a nature lover, a photographer, a culture enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a solo traveler, you will find something special in Manali.

There are plenty of things to do in Manali in every season. There are plenty of things to do in Manali in every season. Visit the temples or enjoy the snow in your favorite season; plan a trip to Manali. So, check out the various Manali tour packages and enjoy a peaceful Himalayan holiday.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Manali?

The best things to do in Manali are visiting the Hadimba Devi Temple, enjoying the Solang Valley views, walking along the Mall road, seeking divine blessings at the Manu Temple, and experiencing adventure activities like paragliding, rafting, and trekking.

What is the most popular activity to enjoy in Manali?

Paragliding and snow activities are the most popular ones to enjoy in Manali. However, you have to check the season when you are going.

What are the best things to do in Manali for couples?

Enjoying scenic walks, café hopping, sitting at a riverside, absorbing the calmness in the air, going for adventure activities together, and posing for beautiful pictures with scenic backdrops are some of the best things to do in Manali for couples.

What are the best adventure activities to do in Manali?

Paragliding, skiing, trekking, snowboarding, river rafting, mountain biking, and zorbing are some of the best adventure activities to do in Manali.

What are the best places to visit near Manali?

Solang Valley, Kasol, Rohtang, Naggar, Manikaran, and Sissu are some of the best places to visit near Manali.

What is the best time to visit Manali?

March to June is the best time to visit Manali.

Is Manali expensive for tourists?

Manali suits different budget types. From hotels to food and accommodation, everything is available here for every type of traveler—be it premium or the budget ones.