Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050 m (6398 ft) in the Himalayas. Situated on the Beas river (Vyaas in Hindi) and near its source, it is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul & Spiti and Rohtang pass which is the main attraction near Manali.
Weather
Minimum temp could be below -05 C from Oct till March. Dec Jan and Feb are coldest months. Rest of the year the minimum temperature would be between 15 to 20 C.
Transport
By bus
Manali is about 550 km from Delhi, the capital of India, and there are buses connecting the town with Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala and Leh. For service from Delhi to Manali, tickets and reservations can be made at the Inter State Bus Terminus as well as at the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in New Delhi. The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours; from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours; and from Kulu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. Volvo buses—which depart at around 5PM and reach at 09-10 AM next day—are available from Delhi and is the best option in terms of comfort and value for money to reach Manali but you need to book these in advance. Hotels like Snow Valley Resorts book your volvo along with their hotel package.
As there are no windows opening in the Volvo buses Passangers are advised to carry some anti vomiting medicines and avoid eating just before/after boarding the bus.
By private taxi
If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and does not have the habit of drinking alcohol.Also make sure the driver has done the trip at least once before and knows all roads. Also make sure that the driver is used to drive for long hours. If you are going to Manali through Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Mandi highway, then your driver would need to drive on hilly roads for at least 6 hours
By train
The nearest Broad Gauge Rail Head is Ambala Cantt(200 km) or Chandigarh (250 km)from Indian Capital New Delhi. Ambala Cantt is on the Delhi - Amritsar and Delhi - Jammu main lines and is well served by rail, but you will need to travel to Ambala to get a bus for the 10 hour ride to Manali. Jogindernagar and Kalka are other, less preferable, rail heads for Manali. The nearest Broad gauge station is Kiratpur Sahib in punjab near the city of Nangal. It lies in Ropar district of Punjab. The station lies on the Ambala Cantt - Una route of Indian Railways. From here you can easily get buses for Manali.
By plane
The nearest airport is Bhuntar ( Kullu ) Airport ( Tel: 01902-265037, 265603), 50 km from Manali, 10 km from Kullu, about two hours away. Indian Airlines and Kingfisher airlines operate flights to Kullu from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport the best option to go to Manali is by Pre Paid taxi which is easily available there.
Get around
There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi (various kinds available), which takes you around to all the sight seeing spots in and around Manali (Rohtang, Manikaran etc). It costs about Rs. 1500 per day, or little over Rs. 3000 if you book together for 3 days (in the peak season)
The second most common way is to hire a motorbike. There are many places where you can hire a motorbike (easy to find if you ask around), and is the most common mode of transport for foreigners. Both cruiser bikes like Bullet and sport bikes from Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha etc are easily available, though Bullet is the most commonly seen one on the roads. Rates hover around Rs. 500-600 per day in the peak season, but much discounted at other times. A good place worth a look will be in Bike rentals Manali office in Vashisht 9816044140, have a good selection of Royal Enfields and Pulsars. Also 'Tinku' Bike mechanic near old Manali bridge is an honest shop for bike rentals.
Public transport is not so good. There are cheap bus services, but they are not so frequent. Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as other modes of public transport and exorbitant compared to bus. For e.g., auto rickshaws take Rs. 200 from manali mall road to Solang valley, while the bus will cost you just Rs. 10.
See
Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 3979 m (13,050 ft) above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.
Important to note that the road to Rohtang Pass is closed off at Manali bridge,on all tuesdays between 0900-1800 hrs for carrying out road widening work & repairs. If you are able to leave early, before 0900, you can avoid the traffic rush (found on all other days) and have Rohtang Pass to your self (well almost!!). Flip side is to be prepared for stoppages (extending upto a few hours) on the return trip as the road is blocked off where repair works are progressed. If you are driving up, be prepared for the rough broken roads at many places, sheer blind turns and tight hairpin bends, which can be exhilarating depending on the state of your nerves. If you are hiring a vehicle then better rent a four wheel drive vehicle from Manali. Some times the local people along with police does not allow the non-four wheel drive vehicles from going beyond Snow-Point(a place 16 kms before Rohtang Pass)and force to hire their owned 4WD vehicles at exhorbitant prices which can be up to 1500-2000 INR per person. This happens in the winter times when there is heavy snow fall. The tours organized by HPTDC does not go up to Rohtang pass and terminate at Snow-Point. Shared taxis are also available.
Beas Kund, an igloo shaped temple, on top has a spring which is the origin of River Beas.
Hidimba Temple: It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in the year 1553.
Maa Sharvari Temple This temple is represented as KULDEVI of the kings of Kullu in early times and is worshipped as a manifestation of Durga, and image of the goddess is also enshrined here. The divinity is popularly worshipped throughout the region during the festivals and the Goddess is transported to Kullu to visit the Lord Raghunathji during Dussehra festival. This temple is on the top of above the Shaminallah village, which is around 5 Kms from Manali, accross the Beas river on the left bank on the way to Naggar Casttle
Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vaishisht, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs. Be wary of hanging up your trousers or bags on the hooks provided, pickpocketing is a daily occurrence. Hand over your wallet to a trusted person for safekeeping before you enter the springs for a bath.
Solang Valley popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.Its known for Paragliding ( Do Check for the weather), Zorbing & Pony rides for the kids.
Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.
There are some interesting temples of Tibetan Buddhist lineages located between old and new Manali.
Naggar: The Castle, Roerich House and Art gallery are places to see. Moonlight dinner on the balcony of Hotel Castle restaurant is worth experiencing, with the lovely sight of twinkling lights below in the Beas valley. Bijli Mahadev temple, about 20 kms from Naggar, is also worth visiting.
Zana Falls: 15 Kms from Naggar and 35 Kms from Manali, at Zana Village, beautiful Water Fall is worth visiting. The valley provides amazing views. There is one water fall on the road side and two other water falls which are not much explored by tourists and are amazing. Moreover Traditional Himachali food is available here at small hut like shops.
The Manali Gompa:
Manali Gompa was built in 1960. It is one of the most important places for Buddhists. Buddhists come to this place from Ladakh, Tibet, Spiti, Lahul and Kinnaur. Manali Gompa is world famous for a large statue of Buddha and for its wall paintings.
Kothi:
Kothi is located at the bottom of Rohatang Pass. It is a beautiful and photographic village where tourists can capture different thrilling views of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly runs. This is an amazing place to experience the natural beauty of high altitude mountain.
Nehru Kund: Nehru Kund is located at the distance of around 6 km from Manali. It is one of the natural springs of natural water in India. Nehru Kund is named after the late Prime Minister Jawar Lal Nehru. Nehru used to drink water from this Kund, while his journey to Manali. Nehru Kund is on the Manali-Keylong road, about 6 kms from Manali. It is understood that a landslide has wiped out this spring.
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Do
Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks (near the Hidimba Temple). It will cost about 10-20 rupees (0.5$) for a single photo.
One can also enjoy paddle boating in a fun park near Hidimba temple.
River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing. One of the best adventure companies is the High Himalayan Adventure, based in Vashisht village.
Paragliding- it is quite popular in Manali, especially in the peak season. The scene is located at Solang Valley. There are multiple levels, starting from the basic 1 minute flying for Rs. 450 (the most common), progressing to a more fun 5 minute flight for Rs. 1500. But the ultimate is the half an hour flight for Rs. 2500, for which they take you up almost halfway to rohtang, and bring you back to solang all the way by paragliding. In such a long flight, wind plays a big role, and sometimes it is not possible to fly all the way to solang, something to keep in mind while going for it. Generally, later in the day you go for it, better are the chances you will do the whole flight.
Rock climbing- there are some fabulous routes, however, go with a reputable company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous sport. Look for the bright orange building across from Pizza Olive. The company also does abseiling trips, in which you can swing down into 9 tiers of a waterfall using rock-climbing equipment.
If interested in books, there is a bookshop in the main town near the Post Office called Bookworm. It has a decent selection of books.
Early morning walks as manali is best enjoyed before the town wakes up
Trekking:
Himalayan Caravan Adventure: Offer you an array of adventures from off-beat safaris, less-known but more-interesting trekking paths,rock climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, paragliding, skiing & snowboarding etc. Our services are extremely personalized and customized to suit your traveling style and NFA (Need for Adventure). www.himalayancaravan.com
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek: This trek is a technical trekking trail in Manali. This trek is a famous trek among the experience climbers. This trek gives a magnificent view of Deo.
Friendship peak Trekking: This is one of the majestic mountains in the beautiful valley of Kullu. This mountain is situated at around 5289 meters above the sea level. Best way to go for this trek is from Beas Kund and Dhundi.
Hampta Pass Trek: This trek is one of the most famous trekking trails in the Manali region. This trek is suitable for those who have some prior trekking experience and are reasonably fit. This trek is passes through forests.
Buy
Keychains, name plates, etc which are customized to ones own message are worth buying as mementos. Also one can get his name carved/written on a single grain of rice. One can also visit Manali Market to buy woolen stuff like sweaters, pull overs, shawls, blankets, etc. Hippie clothes/ jewellery can be found in Old Manali.
Fruit products, honey and apricot oil at Himcoop Juice Bar Manali are also something local produced in the valley. Jam from Himcoop taste like real fruit due to high contents of fruit pulp and apricot oil is good for joint pains and also general massage.
Himalayan Snow Village, camping site, Raison, district Kullu (14 kms from Kullu on the Manali national highway), Himalayan Snow Village is primarily into hardcore trekking, camping, rafting and other adventure activities in the valley. Based in Raison, run by a non-governmental organisation the Himalayan Snow Village is also into village tourism with Malana as its pilot project.
himalayan Snow Village (Himalayan Snow Village), Camping site, Kullu (14 kms from Kullu on Manali highway), Himalayan Snow Village is an initiative by Green Foundation for Drug Reforms and Environmental Protection in Himalayas, a non-profit voluntary organisation working on protecting the endangered ecology and saving people from drugs. For the last two decades or so Kullu-Manali aka the valley of the gods has been facing the dual problem of environmental degradation and of drugs especially the cannabis or charas as it is popularly known. Chingu. Local shops are aplenty selling chingus ( a type of blanket) claiming to be warm in winters and cold in summers. Be wary of these. They will show you parcel ready chingus. Do not fall prey to them.
Eat
Manali market is key place for eatables. Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find more local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food, to Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.
Old Manali is one of the best places to hang out in the evening. It has a great collection of restaurants/bars and shops. It is also not crowded like the Mall Road, with the crowd consisting mostly of foreigners.
Bob Dylan's Cafe (also known as Roasted and Toasted) is in the heart of old Manali. It serves the most delicious cookies and sandwiches. With its extremely good menu and pocket friendly price, it remains one of the most popular destinations after a day's sightseeing. Also, at no extra cost you have a very comfortable movie theater where you can choose among some 100 movie titles and watch as you munch on those delicious cookies. And yes, they do play Bob Dylan's songs. Must visit.
Cafe m 1947, The 1st Music Cafe in Old Manali(near the Bridge), located on the banks of the River Manalsu. Cuisines from all around the globe and known for its dishes like the "Burger Of Bodom", "UFO", and "The Terminator". Travelers can also pacify themselves by playing instruments in rhythm with the Voice of the River. Also, there are Unplugged Concerts and parties held time and again.
Blue Elephant Cafe is a small eatery with good Indian and Western spread at very reasonable rates close to the bridge on Beas river. You get the option of sitting and enjoying the food right next to the river gushing by. Try out the freshly made parathas, bruschettas, omelettes and traditional Indian tea.
Pizza Olive has the best pizza in town and is worth the trek to Old Manali. Also try the fabulous tiramisu.
Green Forest cafe, lying on the Hadimba-temple old manali road, only a few hundred meters from the temple, is also a very popular destination for both locals and foreigners. It serves tibetean soups, veggie dumplings and other sandwiches and snacks.
Drifters' Inn and Cafe Situated in Old Manali, with great food, wi-fi internet and friendly atmosphere. www.driftersinn.in
Lazy Dog also in Old Manali, it has an extensive multi cuisine menu. The food is quite good and the ambience is great.
Moondance is right opposite the Dylan's cafe. It also has a multi-cuisine menu, and the food and ambience are all good.
Apple Blossoms at Manali Heights Resort (near log huts area) to savour the best of local himachali menu as well as delectable Indian, european, oriental cuisines.
Johnson's Bar and cafe located 5 minutes walk up from the mall road, it is a great place to hangout in the evening. The food and service is quite good, and is thus a very popular place.
Chopsticks (opposite the bus stand).Really good Tibetan food.
Mayur Restaurant (in a lane opposite the upper end of the bus stand).
Vaishnao dhaba (in the market adjacent to the bus stand).
Valley View Restaurant at Snow Valley Resorts (known for beautiful view and good homely buffet food).
Madras mess is a popular mess which serves south Indian meals Unlimited meals Rs:80
Il Forno, (ca. 100 m below the Hadimba Temple, in direction of New Manali). Original Italian pizzas prepared by an Italian cook. Prices higher than Indian average but still cheap for Italian pizza.
Cafe Zeppelinn, Kothi village (13km from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass). all day long. is the last Cafe once you leave Manali and are heading towards Rohtang Pass. It is run by young enterpreneurs for their love of life in the mountains and music. They serve good pizzas, pastas,sandwiches and momos. They also play excellent ROCK music from the 60s and 70s. Most paragliders will land at their Cafe and should enjoy they services while waiting for their friends or families to pick them up. reasonable.
Manali Resorts, (10 mins away from Mall road). The view from the rooms is breath taking. Surrounded by mountains on all four sides, this hotel lays right on the bank of the river Beas.
Dawat Restaurant A well decorated in house multi cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Mughlai and Chinese delicacies.
Satyam Restaurant (Restaurant in Manali), Mall Road Manali (Next to Shri Heera Medical Store), "SATYAM Restaurant " Situated on the Mall road just 200 Mtrs away from main Manali Bus stand with sitting capacity of 75 persons at a time on 2 Floors. We serve all type of Punjabi, Gujrati, South Indian and continental.
Chawlas Square (Chawla Chicken), Rangri NH21 (2 kms from mall road, towards kullu), 9816198928. Delicious north indian and mughlai food. A great place for adventure too.
Shiva Paradise Cafe (Non-veg Food), (Old manali just on the bridge), 09805379377. Delicious Non Veg Food specially kolapuri chicken and Trout Fish .
Drink
The locals drink two kinds of alcoholic beverages: Lugdi (plains) or Chang (Himalayan), a kind of crude beer made from fermented rice or barley and Sharab (plains) or Arak (Himalayan), an alcoholic drink distilled from Lugdi/chang. Arak can also be made from jaggery or apples or any other fruit.
It might be an interesting experience to visit a local home when the ladies make arak (quite regularly). You can sit in the fields where the ladies make it, have hot water from the distilling to wash with and "test" the product at frequent intervals.
Because there are apple orchards all around Manali, it's often possible to find apple cider. Besides this, there is alcohol available in bars, larger restaurants and the larger hotels.
Kullu-Manali Valley is known as fruit bowl of India. Himcoop Juice Bar at The Mall Manali is one of the well know corner shop since 1972 selling 100% Natural Apple Juice and fruit drinks made from local fruits besides some syrups known as Fruit Crush to carry home to prepare fruit drinks after deluting with fresh water. Himcoop Juice Bar is located on the Main Mall as one of the corner shop next to Temple.
