Manali Sightseeing
1. Hadimba Temple. Manali
Hidimba Devi Temple is an ancient shrine in Manali. The temple was built in 1553. The shrine is dedicated to Hidimba Devi. Wooden architecture makes the temple unique. Cedar trees surround the temple. Snow-covered mountains appear nearby.
Location: Old Manali
2. Solang Valley. Manali
Solang Nala is a mini valley at 8,400 feet above sea level. It is a short drive from Manali. The valley attracts adventure and sports lovers. Visitors can try skiing or snowmobile rides. In warmer months, people go zorbing and paragliding. A cable car offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Winter is ideal for snow activities. Summer is best for other adventure sports.
3. Jogini Waterfalls, Manali (By walk)
Jogini Falls lies near Manali town. The place requires a short trek. The trail looks scenic. The trail shows views of the Beas River. Snow-covered Rohtang peaks appear on the route. Jogini Falls holds religious importance. Old shrines stand near the water pool. Visitors start early in the day. The place suits trekking activities. The place suits picnic visits.
Location: Vashist Village
4. The Manali Gompa. Manali
The ornate design and the quintessential Tibetan architecture make the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, more commonly referred to as the Manali Gompa, one of the finest landmarks in Manali. Built by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, this monastery allows you to enjoy quiet settings and unmatched spiritual vibes. Some of the key highlights of the Manali Gompa include exquisite murals that depict important events of Buddhism in vivid colors and roofs built in the Pagoda style. The stalls in the complex are a good place to pick up some souvenirs and Tibetan handicraft items. Location: Old Manali Road, Manali closed on Sundays
5. Bhrigu Lake, Manali
Bhrigu Lake is a high-altitude lake near Manali. Alpine meadows surround the lake. Evergreen forests surround the lake. The lake sits above 4,000 meters. Trekkers need acclimatization. The area shows wide views of the Pir Panjal Range. Many trekkers visit this place.
Location: Kullu District, Manali
6. Hampta Pass, Manali
Hampta Pass is an easy to medium difficulty trek. The trek shows views of Kullu Valley. The trek shows views of Lahaul Valley. Chandratal Lake lies on the route. The pass lies on the Pir Panjal Range. The height crosses 4,000 meters. The route has river crossings. Many trekking groups operate from Manali. Charges depend on days and itinerary.
Distance from Manali: 15 km (approx.)
Travel: Local cab at own cost
7. Nehru Kund, Manali
Nehru Kund is a natural spring. The spring lies on the Manali–Rohtang Pass Highway. Many people visit in summer. The spring has the name of Jawaharlal Nehru. Jawaharlal Nehru drank water here. Water is clear. Mountains are nearby. Photographers come here. Nature lovers come h
8. Van Vihar, Manali
Van Vihar Park offers a calm space in Manali town. The park has a peaceful and bohemian atmosphere. Van Vihar is a popular public park in Manali. Lush greenery covers the area. Tall deodar trees surround the park. A man-made lake lies inside the park. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake.
Entry Fee: ₹5 per person
Boating Fee: ₹30 for 15 minutes
9. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, Manali
Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple in Manali offers a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The temple stands within the busy town area. Pagoda-style architecture and vibrant colors create a mystical setting. Visitors can spin prayer wheels inside the temple. The Sakyamuni idol and wall paintings attract attention. Nyingmapa Temple is one of the important monasteries in Manali. Visitors can connect with spiritual calm at this place.
Location: Near Mall Road, Manali
Timings: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm (every day)
Entry Fee: Free entry; photography charge ₹20
10. Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple, Manali
Vashisht village is a place of great spiritual importance. The village has a beautiful temple set in the Himalayan landscape. The temple is over 4,000 years old. Its interiors feature wooden carvings, antique figures, and paintings. Hot springs at the site are believed to have healing properties. Visitors can explore the history of Manali
Location: Vashisht Village, Manali
11. Kothi, Manali
Kothi is a charming mountain village on the Spiti Highway at 2,500 meters. The village offers scenic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. It lies at the foothills of Rohtang Pass. The Beas River shapes the surrounding terrain. Kothi is a good spot for camping and exploring Rohtang Pass on foot. The village has a temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika.
Distance from Manali: 14 km (approx.)
12. Beas River, Manali
The Beas River is a natural landmark in the Manali region. It flows through most parts of your trip. Vashisht village offers excellent views of the river valley. Kothi brings you close to the clear blue waters. The Beas River is a hub for water sports like kayaking and rafting. Prini village has some of the most exciting rapids.
13. Great Himalayan National Park, Manali
The Great Himalayan National Park is a major attraction near Manali. It holds UNESCO World Heritage status. The park has over 1,000 plant species. It has 209 bird species. It has 31 mammal species. The snow leopard stands as the apex predator. Himalayan tahr live in the park. Brown bears live in the park. Photographers capture wildflowers. Glacial valleys spread throughout the terrain. Visitors hike in designated areas. Visitors camp in designated zones. Entry permits are required. Simple accommodation options exist inside the park.
Distance from Manali: 49 km (extra charge)
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, every day
14. Gulaba, Manali
A trip to Manali should include nearby villages to experience the local culture and scenic beauty. Gulaba is a popular choice. Winter travelers enjoy its snowy landscapes. The village offers captivating trekking routes. Low light pollution and high altitude make it ideal for camping and stargazing.
Distance from Manali: 20 km (extra charge)
15. Old Manali, Manali
Old Manali is the older part of town. Streets show a glimpse of the town’s past. Forests and apple orchards surround the area. A bridge over the Manaslu River separates Old Manali from the main town. Visitors can explore cafés like Café 1947, Born Free, Evergreen, and Sunshine. Shops sell dream catchers, boho clothing, shrugs, and woolens.
Note: All places are walkable.
16. Jagatsukh, Manali
Jagatsukh is a delightful settlement tucked in the mountains and famous for its temples. The backdrop of shimmering snowy peaks and deep verdant forests make visiting this place a visual treat. Jagatsukh is one of the major villages in the Kullu region and a good place to enjoy some of the vernacular architecture. Those who want to trek into the Deo Tibba Mountains can use Jagat sukh as a base. The Devi Sharbali temple located here is one of the many interesting tourist places in Manali region. (Extra charge)
17. Naggar Castle, Manali
Located on the Beas Valley amidst scenic surroundings, Naggar Castle is a 15th-century historical edifice in the Kullu Region. Built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle is now a heritage hotel run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The wooden structure of the castle is an architectural marvel and reflects the very distinct style usually found in the region, combined with some European elements added to it over the years. You can catch fantastic views of the town and the adjacent alpine forests from the castle. (Extra charge)
18. Rohtang Pass, Manali
Rohtang Pass is a must-visit in Manali. It stands at 4,000 meters above sea level. The pass lies on the Pir Panjal Range. Rohtang Pass attracts nature lovers, artists, and photographers. The area offers adventure activities like mountain biking and skiing. Many Bollywood movies feature the pass.
Note: Local taxi charges extra.
19. Gauri Shankar Temple, Manali
Gauri Shankar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It shows Shikhara-style architecture. The temple dates back to the 12th century. Stone walls have carvings of gods and sacred motifs. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery. Gauri Shankar Temple is an important temple in Manali.
Location: Naggar Castle Road (extra charge)
20. Chandrakhani Pass, Manali
Chandrakhani Pass showcases the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh. The pass lies near Malana village. Malana has a unique community and is famous for its cannabis crops. Chandrakhani Pass attracts photographers. Visitors can see peaks like Deo Tibba, the Parvati range, and the Pir Panjal.
Manali offers activities for everyone. Visitors can enjoy misty peaks, trek for adventure, or relax in the small-town atmosphere.
Distance from Manali: 21 km (extra charge)
21 Manikaran Sahib
Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib is a famous Sikh shrine in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Baba Narayan Hari discovered it. Its history appears in Bhai Bala Janamsakhi. Guru Nanak Dev visited the site with his disciples. They had no food. Guru Nanak sent Bhai Mardana to collect rice and flour from locals. People donated ingredients. No fire was available to cook.
Guru Nanak lifted a rock. A hot spring appeared. The disciples cooked food in the spring. Bhai Mardana struggled to make chapatis. Guru Nanak told him to pray to God. The chapatis floated. Guru Nanak said anyone who donates life in God’s name will see their offerings rise.
Thousands of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visit Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib every year. The Ram Temple from the 16th century stands nearby.