Imagine waking up to mist-kissed mountains where every winding road in Manali promises a new thrill from heart-pounding adventure activities to secret forest trails. Picture yourself soaring above the snow-dusted peaks of Solang Valley on a paragliding flight or having fun at its ski slopes.
For trekking enthusiasts, the Hampta Pass and the scenic Beas Kund trails offer panoramic views that make every step worthwhile. The best part about various things to do in Manali is that it has a history and spirituality that gets intertwined in Old Manali. No Manali trip is complete without strolling along the Mall Road, where you can enjoy local cuisines and handicrafts.
So, what are you waiting for? Read on further to know more about these things to do in Manali for a memorable trip.
1. Seek blessings at Hidimba Devi Temple
When you are planning to visit Manali, one of the best things to do in Manali is to seek blessings at this enchanting Hidimba Devi Temple. Built in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh around the cave where Hidimba - wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata- meditated. This is a 24-meter pagoda-style temple that stands amidst the cedar tree forests.
You can marvel at the intricately carved wooden doors depicting Goddess Durga, Krishna’s life scenes, dancers and Navgrahas. The temple is open daily from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM, so add this place to your itinerary. And when you are here, don't forget to visit the nearby Ghatotkacha shrine dedicated to her son.
2. Soak in the Hot Water Springs of Vashisht Temple
When you explore various things to do in Manali, you can't miss soaking in the therapeutic hot water springs at Vashist. Nestled just 3.5 km from Manali’s town centre, in the quiet village of Vashisht, these sulphur-rich springs emerge from Himachal granite gneiss at temperatures ranging from 110°F to 123°F. Here, each dip feels like you are in a Himalayan warm spa.
The best part is that there are no entry fees, and the baths are open daily from 07:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 02:00 PM to 09:00 PM with separate tanks for males and females. After you soak, you can seek blessings at the Vashisht temple and explore the local market.
3. Visit Rohtang Pass
If you are also planning your Manali trip anytime soon, then driving up to Rohtang Pass should be at the top of your list. Perched at a height of 3,978 m above sea level, this Himalayan gateway lies about 51 km north of Manali on the Manali-Leh highway. Rohtang Pass is open from late May through October when the melting snow keeps the road clear and the temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C during the day.
You need to get a permit online via the Kullu administration portal, so plan a few days ahead. The permit costs around INR 55o per vehicle and allows you through the Gulaba valley between 6:00 AM and noon. Once you are at the top, don't forget to click the panoramic views of the Pir Pranjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
4. Enjoy Adventure Sports At Solang Valley
For an unforgettable Manali trip, you cannot skip the adrenaline rush at Solang Valley, which is just 14 km from the town, sitting at 2,560 m above sea level. From March to June, when the skies are clear, you can enjoy paragliding over the emerald meadows with tandem flights starting from INR 1000 per person. During the same months, you can also enjoy zipline activities across a 1 km cable at heights of 500 m.
When winter blanket covers the valley, like during the December to February months, you can enjoy the skiing and snowboarding sessions as well as scooter rides. Apart from this, year-round, you can enjoy activities like zorbing and ATV scooter rides. Don't miss the 10-minute ropeway ride to 3,200 m, offering panoramic views of the Pir Pranjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
5. Go On A Jogini Waterfall Trek
Get ready by lacing up your hiking boots and head for the Jogini Waterfall trek, which is just 2 km away from the Vashisht temple parking area. The trail takes you through apple orchards, tall pine and deodar forests and tiny streams that sparkle against snow-capped mountains. You will climb a gentle 3 km ascent, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours one way.
Locals believe that Jogini Falls is a Shaktipeeth where the goddess Jogini once bathed, and you will also pass a temple dedicated to her at the waterfall’s base. There are no entry fees, and the waterfall is open daily from 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM. The magnificent view of this waterfall will make you fall in love.
6. Stroll on the Mall Road of Manali
When you are listing down the best things to do in Manali, then leisurely walking along the Mall Road is non-negotiable. This pedestrian-only street runs from the main bus stand to Model Town, lined with cheddar-shaded benches and twinkling fairy lights. As you wander, you will discover various traditional Himachali handicrafts, Tibetan prayer wheels and boutiques offering Kullu and Kinnauri shawls.
Don't forget to visit street-side cafes to taste fresh apple cider or piping hot momos. There are a lot of family-run bakeries, cozy bookstores, etc, to enjoy a memorable time with your loved ones. We are sure the aroma of Thukpas and local folk music performances will steal your heart away.
7. Explore the Nearby Naggar Castle
A day trip to Naggar Castle, 20km away from Manali town, is one of the best things to do in Manali. Built in 1460 AD by the Raja Sidh Singh, this hilltop fortress showcases the Kath-Kuni style architecture with interlocking wood and stone beams. The balconies of this fortress overlook the Beas Valley, which gives you an amazing panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. The fort is open from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM daily with an INR 30 entry fee.
Admire the fusion of Himachali and European design in the northern wing of the fortress. And guess what? You will be visiting one of the iconic locations of the Jab We Met movie. So, whenever you are in Manali, don't forget to pause a bit and enjoy a cup of tea at the site cafe while you soak in the mesmerizing views of the hillside panoramas.
8. Indulge In The Delicious Himachali Cuisine
After soaking centuries of history, it’s time for you to taste authentic Himachali dishes. Start with Chanda Madra, in which chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant yogurt gravy spiced with cinnamon, cloves and cumin. You can pair this with Tudkiya Bhath, which is again a heartfelt Himachali pulao of rice, lentils, potatoes and yoghurt topped with ghee.
Don't miss Siddu, which are steamed wheat-flour buns filled with spice paneer or walnuts served with hot ghee and chutneys. For non-vegetarians, you can taste dishes like Chha Ghosht or Kullu Trout with minimal seasoning. You can try these in local dhabas or at high-end cafes, as these flavours will add warmth to your Himachali trip.
9. Drive To the Atal Tunnel
Another best thing to do in Manali is hop into your car and head 25 km north to the South Portal of Atal Tunnel, which is the world’s longest highway tunnel at 3,060 m elevation. As you drive through this horseshoe-shaped bore, you will pass this tunnel. This 9.02 km single-tube tunnel cuts through the Pir Pranjal Range, connecting Manali with Lahaul-Spiti Valley all year round.
The most popular time to travel through this tunnel is during the summer months of April to June, when the roads are clear and Lahual’s beauty is at its peak. Driving through the Atal tunnel is a jaw-dropping experience as you pass through the cedar forests and exit into a valley covered with snow in just 15 minutes. Amazing right? So, book your Manali trip package from Pune and enjoy this beauty.
10. Enjoy a Picnic Near Sissu Lake
Nestled just beyond the Atal Tunnel’s exit, Sissu Lake lies like a gleaming sapphire cradled in the arms of snow-capped mountains. The Chandrabhaga River is there to welcome you with its pristine beauty and gentle murmur. Spread your blanket upon the soft grass, and you will feel like you are dining around the clouds. When sunlight dances upon the water, the lake transforms into a living mirror reflecting cotton candy skies.
Another thing that makes this one of the best things to do in Manali is spending some quality time away from the touristy crowds amidst the calm and mindblowing beauty. With its easy access and postcard-perfect backdrop of Sissu Lake, don't forget to click your Insta-worthy pictures.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Manali?
The ideal time to visit Manali is during the summer months, from March to June, when temperatures hover between 15-30°C and you can enjoy outdoor adventure activities like paragliding and ziplining easily. If you want to witness snowfall, then you can plan your Manali trip around December to February, which transforms the valley into a winter wonderland.
What are the Manali famous places?
Some of the top attractions of Manali include Solang Valley, Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple, Naggar Castle, Vashisht Hot Springs, Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass and many more.
What are the places to visit around Manali?
There are some amazing places to visit around Manali, like Sethan valley, Hampta Pass, Deo Tibba, Gulaba, Great Himalayan National Park and many more.
