Best Places To Visit In Manali, Himachal Pradesh

 INTRODUCTION

Manali is a Himalayan resort town in the state Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular hill station. It is known for its cool climate, snow-clad mountains and natural beauty. Manali is a year-round tourist destination, but the best time to visit to witness the winter snowfall is from October to February. Manali is a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It's also a starting point for paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains.

Some of the places here are very famous: Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Old Manali, Mall Road, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley. Other attractions include the Himachal Culture and Folk Art Museum and the Nature Park. Best Places To Visit In Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Best Places To Visit In Manali, Himachal Pradesh: -

1. Hadimba Devi Temple: -  

Hadimba Devi Temple, also known as Dhungri Temple. There is a cave temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. This temple is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima in the epic Mahabharata. Hadimba Devi Temple was built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. It is a place of historical and archaeological importance, and is one of the most prominent temples in Manali.

Hadimba Devi Temple remains open 24 hours. The Hadimba Devi temple is situated on a raised platform, with stone and mud walls and a wooden conical roof. It is decorated with carvings and sculptures that depict stories from the Mahabharata and local folklore.

The best months to visit the temple are May to July and September to October. The dress code for men is shirt and trousers, dhoti and pajama. For women, the preferred dress code is half saree with saree and blouse, or churidar pajama. 

2. Manu Temple: -

The Manu Temple is a pagoda-style temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. It's located on the banks of the Beas River in the Kullu District, about 275 kilometers north of Shimla. Manu Temple is dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, who is considered the creator of the world.

The temple was built around 400 years ago by Raja Manu after the sage visited him in a dream. In the 19th century, the Raja of Kullu renovated the temple, adding a new shrine and a pagoda-style roof.

The environment and architecture of Manu Temple is very good. It is a peaceful place for spiritual fulfillment. It has authentic and beautiful mountain views, and is a good place to get fresh air and peace of mind. 

3. Solang Valley: -

Solang Valley is a side valley in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It's known for its summer and winter sports conditions and is located 14 km northwest of Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass. The valley is also known as "Snow Point" and is located at an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level. It offers views of glaciers and snow-covered mountain peaks.

Solang Valley is famous for adventure sports like skiing, paragliding and horse riding. With views of the surrounding mountains, it is also a good place for camping and trekking.

Solang Valley is open every day from 9 AM–4 PM. The closest railway station to Solang Valley is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is 175 kilometers away. From the station, you can hire a cab to Solang Valley.

4. Jogini Waterfalls: -

Jogini Falls is a scenic waterfall in a remote and peaceful setting. It's a tourist attraction and hiking area that's good for kids. The waterfall has a stream that joins the Beas River in the Kullu Valley below.

Jogini Waterfall is sacred for the local people. There are temples below Jogini Falls. Some people say that the journey to the waterfall is extraordinary and trekking is a wonderful experience. Jogini Falls offers beautiful view of Nagar Valley and Manali Town and beautiful rainbow.

5. Bhrigu Lake: - 

Bhrigu Lake is a high altitude glacial lake in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Bhrigu Lake is located about 6 kilometers away from Gulaba village and east of Rohtang Pass. 

Bhrigu Lake is considered sacred to Sage Bhrigu and local people believe that that is why it never freezes completely. It is also called "God's Pond". Bhrigu Lake Trek is a popular winter trek in Manali that takes 4-5 days. The trek is easy and suitable for everyone, but going to higher altitudes can be challenging.

The best time to trek to Bhrigu Lake is from May to June, when the snow has melted and the meadows are green. To reach Bhrigu Lake, you can drive from Manali to Gulaba, then climb up to Rola Kholi. The journey from Manali to Gulaba is 22 kilometres, and from Gulaba to Rola Kholi is about 7 kilometers and takes 4-5 hours.

6. Manali Gompa: - 

Manali Gompa is a Tibetan monastery and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Manali Gompa is known for its large Buddha statue, wall paintings and chortens. The gompa was built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s. Manali Gompa is also known as "Gadhan Thekchokalinga Gompa".

Manali Gompa is open from 6 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday and there is no entry fee. Some people say that the hot spring of Manali Gompa has healing powers.

7. Rohtang Pass: - 

Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It forms part of the eastern end of the Pir Panjal range, and connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. The pass is 3,978 meters (13,050 ft) above sea level, and is located on the Manali-Leh Highway (NH-21).

Rohtang Pass is known for its natural beauty. It offers views of glaciers, peaks, Lahaul Valley and Chandra River. The pass is also on the watershed between the Chenab and Beas rivers.

The 50 kilometer journey from Manali to Rohtang Pass is considered one of the most captivating views of nature. Rohtang Pass's strategic location and mesmerizing sights make it one of the most popular places to visit in Manali. 

8. Hampta Pass: -

Hampta Pass is a 4,270 meter (14,065 foot) corridor in the Himalayas that connects the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh to the Chandra Valley in Lahaul. The pass is named after Hamta Village, which is located below Sethan village.

Hampta Pass is a popular route for Gaddi herders, who climb the pass every year to Lahaul and Spiti. The pass is also a beautiful crossover trek that leads from the green valleys of Kullu-Manali to the barren landscape of Chandra Valley. Hampta Pass offers a unique experience, as it connects different landscapes and cultures.

To take a vehicle to Jobri, the starting point for the Hampta Pass trek, you need permission from SDM Manali. 

9. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple: -

Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, also known as Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a famous Buddhist monastery in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is located near Mall Road and Market Square in Old Manali, about 2 km from Manali city. The temple is a sacred sanctuary for followers of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple is a sacred sanctuary for followers of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple houses historical and cultural exhibitions, a meditation center and a souvenir shop. The temple also has a large statue of Lord Buddha and a 4.5 feet tall statue of Shakyamuni. The Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist temple also houses paintings depicting the life and teachings of Gautama Buddha.

The temple is easily accessible by road from Manali town and other nearby places. There is no entry fee to the temple, but visitors need to pay 20 rupees to use cameras or mobile phones inside. 

10. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art: - 

The Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art is a major tourist attraction in Manali, India. The museum is located in the Utopia Complex, next to the Hadimba Temple. The museum is open every day from 8 AM–8 PM. Admission is Rs 10 per person. Others say the museum has many historical items, including jewelry, jewelry boxes, and house samples.

The museum's collection helps visitors explore and analyze the history, tradition, art, and culture of the region. It also reflects the state's culture and handicraft skills. 

11. Gauri Sankar Temple: - 

Gauri Shankar Temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 50 meters below Naggar Castle in Naggar village. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered a spiritual haven and tourist attraction. 

The Gauri Shankar temple is set in a paved courtyard and has finely carved stone pinnacles. Gauri Shankar Temple provides a glimpse of the rich cultural and religious traditions of Manali, Himachal Pradesh. 

12. Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP): -

The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is located in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It's close to Manali and is part of the Western Himalayas. The Great Himalayan National Park(GHNP) was designated as a national park in 1999.

The Great Himalayan National Park is known for its diverse plant and animal life. It is home to more than 375 species of animals, including the snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear and Himalayan tahr. The Great Himalayan National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a great place for bird lovers.

13. Kothi: - 

Kothi is a village in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India. Kothi is located at a distance of about 12 kilometers at the base of the Rohtang Pass. It is located in Manali and is 2,500 meters above sea level. Kothi is known for its views of snow-clad mountains and glaciers and the Beas river. It is also a good camping destination.

Kothi and Solang Valley are both part of the Kullu Valley, which is connected to Delhi and other neighboring states by a good road network. 

14. Old Manali: - 

Old Manali is a quiet, charming district in Himachal Pradesh, India. It's located 3 kilometers uphill from the town of Manali and is home to backpackers and hippies. Old Manali is known for its apple orchards, mountain trails, and scenic spots along the Manaslu River. It's also home to the 16th-century Hadimba Devi Temple, which is set in a cedar forest and contains a cave shrine.

Old Manali offers a more authentic and traditional experience than the commercialized New Manali. The streets of Old Manali are lined with bohemian cafes, hippie markets, and local shops. Some of the main attractions of Old Manali include: Hidimba Temple, Naggar Castle, Old Manali Market, Jogini Waterfall, Vashishtha Temple.

15. Gulaba: -

Gulaba is a village in Himachal Pradesh, India, located on the road to Rohtang Pass. It's 27 kilometers from Manali and 25 kilometers from Rohtang Pass. Gulaba is named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, who stayed there during his invasion of China in the early 1800s.

Gulaba is a scenic spot that's covered in snow from November to February. It's known for its adventurous sports activities, including skiing on a short, moderate slope. It's better than Solang Valley, which is more crowded.

Gulaba is a hill station situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level on the Le-Manali highway. There is one check post at Gulaba, only 1,300 permits are issued daily. 

Conclusion: -

Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Beas River valley, near the end of the Kullu Valley. Manali is known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains. 

Manali is a popular tourist destination, known for its backpacking and honeymooning. It is also a gateway for skiing, trekking, paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering. Manali has a population of about 11,000 people. It can be expensive or affordable depending on your choices for hotels, transportation, and food.