Manali travel guide

Altitude

About 2,050 m

River

Beas

Best time

March to June; October to February for snow

Rohtang Pass altitude

3,978 m

Distance from Kullu

About 40 km

Ideal time needed

3–4 days

What to see

The Hadimba Devi Temple, built in the sixteenth century amid deodar trees, is the town's landmark and a good example of Kathkuni timber-and-stone building. The Manu Temple in Old Manali is dedicated to the sage the town is named after. Vashisht village, about 3 km away, has hot springs and a temple. Mall Road is the busy shopping street, while Old Manali is quieter, with cafés and views.

Solang Valley lies roughly 10 to 12 km away and Rohtang Pass, at 3,978 metres, leads towards Lahaul and Spiti. Jogini Waterfalls and the Manali Sanctuary are good for short walks.

• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Manu Temple, Old Manali
• Vashisht hot springs
• Solang Valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Jogini Waterfalls

Things to do

Paragliding and zorbing are popular in Solang Valley, and winter brings skiing and snowboarding there and near Rohtang. Treks lead to Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Lama Dugh. River rafting is offered in the Kullu Valley downstream.

Food

Try siddu, a steamed bread filled with walnuts or poppy seeds and served with ghee, and madra, beans cooked in spiced yoghurt. Dham is the traditional festive meal. Tibetan momos and thukpa are everywhere, and bakeries make good use of local apples.

Best time to visit

March to June is best for sightseeing and outdoor activities. October to February brings cold weather and snowfall, ideal if you want snow or skiing. Avoid July to September if you can, as heavy rain often causes landslides on mountain roads.

Where to stay and how to reach

Old Manali suits those who want calm, Mall Road is convenient for food and shopping, and Vashisht has good budget options. Book ahead in peak season. Kullu is about 40 km south, and most travellers arrive by road from Delhi or Chandigarh. We can plan a Shimla and Manali holiday with a car and driver.

Also nearby