How To ? When ? Why? Where

Famous for the adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking, Manali is one the beautiful creation of the God. Rafting on the Beas, trek into the Himachal hills from here etc. attracts the tourist from all over the world.

Manali literary means- Home of Manu. It has derived its name from the name of a mythological character, Manu. According to the mythological story he only survived when the whole world was drowned in flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, Manali is sacred place for the Hindus.

Manali is also known as the valley of gods. Here you can find fruit orchards and pine groves, which adds to the beauty of Manali.

Climate

The climate is pleasant throughout the year. Winter is very cold as it experiences snowfall at that time. Summers are pretty cool.

How to reach

By Air: Nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is 52 km south of Manali.

By Rail: Manali can be reached from Pathankot, Chandigarh and Kiratpur railway stations. From there you will have to take a bus, as there is no direct link.

By Road: Direct bus services are available from most major towns of North India. The distance of Manali from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Simla the distance is 270 km.

Places of interest

Hidimba Temple

Situated in the Dhungiri forests, this beautiful temple was built in 1553. It has superbly crafted four tiered pagoda roof and is famous for its beautifully carved doorway. This temple is dedicated to Hadimba, wife of Bhima from Mahabharata. The most amazing fact about this temple is that it has no idol and has only a footprint on a stone is kept within.

Naggar (21 km)

Situated on the left bank of river Beas, Naggar is an ancient town from where you can get the glimpses of the north west of the valley. It is at an altitude of 1851 m above the sea level. Built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 AD, it is an example of western Himachali architecture and is unique for its medieval stone and woodcarvings. It has now been converted into a hotel.

Vashisht (6 km)

The temples here are dedicated to Rishi Vashisht and Rama. It is a village on the banks of river Beas and is famous for hot springs.

Gadhan Thekchoking Monastry

Situated around the bottom of the Mall in Manali, this Gompa is dominated by the Tibetans. Tibetans built Gompa in the late 1960s. It is covered with brightly colored frescoes and has a mid size beautiful Buddhist statute.

Rohtang Pass

50 kms from Manali, this pass is the entry point to Lahaul and Spiti and the tribal region. It is open for the tourists only from June-October as rest of the time it is covered by the snow. It is situated at a height of 3990m. From January to April snow can be seen at Snow Point. A whole bazaar comes up here with the locals selling every item from tea, eateries to leather and woolens.

Kothi village

Kothi provides beautiful views of glaciers and snowcapped peaks. It is also famous for good skiing slopes with a lift.

Rohalla falls (27 kms)

At 2900m, this fall is worth watching.

Nehru Kund (6 kms)

On the way to Keylong is Nehru Kund, which is a spring of clear and cold water. It is named after the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

Arjun Gufa (5 kms)

Situated near the village of Prini, Arjun Gufa is the cave where Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, is believed to have performed his penance here.

Adventures at Manali

You can enjoy angling at Katrain, Raison and Naggar. Rafting can be enjoyed at Shamsi. One can enjoy Skiing at Solang valley and Rohtang. Camping and trekking are the other adventures available at Manali.

Shopping

Do not forget to buy the famous and lovely Kullu shawls and tweeds if you are visiting Manali. Other popular items to be purchased here are the Tibetan rugs and bamboo products, fresh fruits and natural oils like almond and olive.