Tourist Attractions around Manali
Arjuna Cave (4 kms) : If you are looking for a half day excursion with splendid view of the majestic mountains, then Arjuna Cave is a good place. Arjuna Cave lies at a distance of 4 kms from Manali towards Naggar. It is believed that Mahabharat fame Arjuna had meditated here.
Nehru Kund (5 kms) : Named after former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the Nehru Kund is located 5 kms away from Manali on National Highway to Leh. A natural spring of cold water, Nehru Kund is believed to originate from the Bhrigu Lake situated high-up in the mountains.
Jagatsukh (6 kms) : Jagatsukh is situated on the left bank of river Beas on the road to Naggar. This place is renowned for housing very old temples of Lord Shiva and Sandhya Gayatri in Shikhara style.
Kothi (12 kms) : 12 kms away from Manali, Kothi is a charming spot that lies on the road to Rohtang Pass. Kothi has always been a favourite place for poets, writers and the people who love nature or peaceful environs. A Public Welfare Department (PWD) rest house is situated on a ridge from where you get a fine view of beautiful mountains and narrow valleys.
Solang Valley (13 kms) : A beautiful valley, Solang Valley is situated between Solang village and Beas Kund. Reach this picturesque place and get the magnificent view of glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. Solang Valley has some fine ski slopes, where you can undertake the adventure sport. Manali Mountaineering Institute has installed a Ski lift here for providing skiing training to adventure seekers. The winter skiing festival is also organized at Solang Valley.
Rahala Water Falls (16 kms) : Famous as a picnic spot, the Rahala Water Falls is located 16 kms away on way to Rohtang Pass. If you go to Marhi on foot from the old road, you get a wonderful sight of the Rahala water falls.
Rohtang Pass (51 kms) : Rohtang Pass is situated on Keylong - Leh Highway at an altitude of 3,979 mts. A gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, Pangi and Leh Valley, Rohtang Pass remains open from during summers, from June to October when regular buses ply between Manali- Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. Rohtang Pass provides you a spectacular view of glaciers, peaks and the Chandra river flowing down in the Lahaul valley. Close to Rohtang Pass in the left are the twin peaks of Geypan.
Adventure in Manali
Jeep Safari in Manali : If you want to enjoy and experience the ‘wonders’ of Manali and the areas around, Jeep Safari is one of the finest ways for you. Of the various jeep safari routes in Himachal Pradesh, Jeep Safari from Manali to Leh is one of the most popular route with both the Indians as well as foreign tourists.
The 475 kms route will take you via Rohtang Pass (3,980 m) - Lahaul valley - Keylong - Darcha - Baralacha la (4,890 m) - Sarchu - Lachalang la (5,065 m) - Tangalng la (5,360 m) to Leh (3,505 m). Jeep Safari route from Manali to Leh remains open only for three months, from June to September every year.
You can also extend you trip to Nubra Valley across Khardungla pass, the highest motorable road in the world or to Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) after passing Zojila pass. Another option is also available, you can drive to Leh via Tsokar and Tsomoriri Lake. You can complete the Manali to Leh drive in two days with a overnight stay at Sarchu or Darcha.
During your Manali - Leh Jeep Safari trip you will cross the varied terrains. The terrains will surprisingly change their colour and nature, from lush green and foggy to the rugged brown, naked desert to the sprawling plain. In addition to these, you also get a good chance to observe the charming landscape, splendid valleys dotted with villages and beautiful monasteries from your jeep. Moreover, a lifetime's experience, Jeep Safari across Manali - Leh provides you a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with the loving people of this beautiful land.
Mountaineering in Manali : Being the biggest range of mountains on earth, the Great Indian Himalayas has always lured the mountaineers across the world. Himachal’s charming town, Manali makes an ideal base to undertake the adventure sport of mountaineering. The Himalayas in and around Manali offer a range of mountaineering options, from a short and easy climb to long challenges of the snowy peaks.
While mountaineering in Manali, you get to experience the magnificent views of the snow-clad lofty peaks, the lush meadows, green woodland and also exhilarating fragrance of orchards. In fact, Manali Himalayas’ pristine beauty, vastness and a number of hidden jewells have an everlasting appeal for mountaineers, who explore the region by mountaineering.
Snow Skiing in Manali : The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh lies amidst the Himalayan ranges of Shivalik, Pirpanjal and Dhauladhar. Most of its higher reaches remain snow-covered for a lrge part of the year. The Manali region in Himachal Pradesh is bestowed with some very fine slopes. From professionals to novices, Manali offers excellent opportunities for everyone to enjoy the winter sport of snow skiing. Thus, you can undertake the adventure sport of snow-skiing in Manali at any time to any altitude.
In Manali, training courses and facilities for snow skiing are offered by the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. You can hire skiing equipments from HPTDC office at a very reasonable cost. You must be physically and mentally fit to take up skiing, trained guides are always there to help you out during any difficulty. You must remember that snow covered areas are very much accident prone, so you should make a complete enquiry before taking the sport. Close to Manali, Solang is one such place where skiing courses are conducted and it also organizes annual skiing competition.
Shopping in Manali
Apart from a popular hill resort, Manali is also a paradise for shoppers. Manali is the perfect destination for those who love handicrafts and traditional items. Of the variety of items available in Manali markets, the locally made woollen products are a must buy for you. Check out the famous Kullu cap and Kullu Shawals with delicate, bright borders.
After buying the woollen items, head towards the local Manali market to shop for some exotic handicrafts and hand-woven goods. Local specialties are Himalayan handicrafts, which extensively assort Tibetan curios such as prayer wheels, amulets, dorjes, masks, musical instruments and thangkas. You can definitely opt a few items from the Manali markets to keep as souvenir of the visit to this charming destination. |