Things to Do in Manali

Popularly known as the Rohtang tunnel, the Atal Tunnel is a highway tunnel named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee- the former Prime Minister of India. This is a tunnel built under the Rohtang pass and is on the national Highway 3. Located in Himachal Pradesh, the Atal Tunnel is a single tunnel that aims to cut down travel time between Manali and Keylong. 

Known to be one of the most important attractions in the city, the Museum of Himachal culture and folk art was set up in 1998. It features a range of artefacts native to the state and are sourced from different parts of the state since the 1990s. From research scholars to tourists, this museum continues to attract a lot of people.

The ClubHouse is the best place in Manali if you like amusement parks. Also, the Club House in Manali is a place for fun and adventures. It is located on the Manalsu Nalla, part of the beautiful Beas River. It's one spot in the Manali Valley where the whole family can enjoy something, whether it's indoor sports or games, fun things to do, or leisure activities. The auditorium, library, video game centre, and restaurant serve delicious local and international food.

Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.

Zing Zing Bar, nestled amidst the stunning Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, is a remote yet captivating spot that attracts adventurers with its rugged beauty. Located at a staggering altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level, it's a crucial stop along the famous Manali-Leh Highway, offering travelers a chance to catch their breath amid the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Despite its stark appearance and harsh weather, Zing Zing Bar holds a unique appeal that captures the hearts of visitors. The towering mountains, adorned with splashes of colorful flowers in summer, create a striking contrast against the clear blue skies.

Zing Zing Bar isn't just a pit stop—it's a playground for adventure seekers. With thrilling activities like off-roading, motorbiking, and trekking, it's the perfect place to dive into the raw beauty of the Himalayas and test your mettle in high-altitude terrain.

Despite its remote location, Zing Zing Bar offers basic amenities like tented accommodation and local eateries, ensuring travelers can rest and refuel before continuing their journey. Whether you're on an epic road trip or craving adventure in the mountains, Zing Zing Bar promises an unforgettable experience amidst the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh.

Baralacha La, better known as Baralacha pass is situated in the Zanskar range. It is a high mountain pass located along the Leh-Manali highway that connects Leh district in Ladakh and Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh. The barren sceneries without any obstructions of shops or hotels here look truly beautiful to the onlookers.

Just a few kilometres away, you can also see the Bhaga river that amplifies the breathtaking sceneries around the pass. Baralacha loosely translates to a summit that has several crossroads. Some of them are Lahaul, Zanskar, Ladakh, and Spiti. It is a vital location that mountain bikers never seem to miss out on their adventures.

This 8 Km long pass is also loved by trekkers who are on their way to further climb up to Chandratal lake. It acts as a great pit stop for them.

Nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, Darcha is a picturesque village that serves as a gateway to some of the region's most stunning trekking routes and high-altitude passes. Situated at an elevation of around 3,360 meters above sea level, Darcha offers breathtaking natural beauty and a serene atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

As a hub for trekkers and mountaineers, Darcha provides easy access to popular destinations such as the Baralacha La Pass, Padum, and Leh. Its strategic location along the Manali-Leh Highway makes it a convenient stopover for travelers embarking on thrilling journeys through the rugged Himalayan terrain.

Beyond its role as a trekking basecamp, Darcha exudes its own unique charm. The village is dotted with traditional mud-brick houses adorned with colorful prayer flags, and its friendly locals welcome visitors with genuine warmth and hospitality.

For those seeking adventure, Darcha offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, camping, and birdwatching amidst the pristine natural surroundings. The awe-inspiring vistas of snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers, and lush valleys provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned trekker, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone in search of tranquility amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas, Darcha invites you to explore its untamed beauty and endless adventure opportunities. With its welcoming atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Darcha promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas.

Kuthar Fort, located in the serene Himalayas, is a fascinating historical site in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Spread across 52.8 square kilometers, the fort boasts stunning views and beautiful gardens.

Visitors can explore the fort's ancient walls and towers, which hold secrets of the past. Inside, you'll find intriguing artifacts and detailed architecture that offer a glimpse into royal life.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including tranquil pools and lush gardens, Kuthar Fort is a must-visit for anyone interested in history or seeking natural beauty.

Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Kuthar Fort promises an enjoyable experience amidst the Himalayan splendor.

Baralacha Pass, a high mountain pass in the Zanskar Range, is a scenic marvel nestled in the Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 16,040 feet, it connects Lahaul district in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. Renowned for its breathtaking vistas and challenging terrain, Baralacha Pass is a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. 

One of the most frequent places to visit in Manali, the Van Vihar National Park attracts visitors mainly because of its ideal location, which is bang on the Mall road in Manali. The park is a welcome respite from the crowds and the pollution with its tall and shady groves of Deodar, birch and pine. There are a number of wooden and concrete benches within the park, which provide rest, relaxation and recreation to its visitors.

Take off your shoes and take a leisurely walk across the garden paths of this wonderful haven of nature. You could also have fun cruising around in a boat that sails in the small pond within the vicinity of this park. Set amidst beautiful and verdant environs, the park is a perfect respite for anyone who chooses to visit it and makes up for a great place for a spontaneous picnic or simply a long walk!

A small village located a few kilometres from Manali, Gulaba is situated on the way to Rohtang Pass, on the Leh-Manali Highway. Named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, the village is tucked in amidst picturesque snow-capped mountains and verdant green meadows, with the Beas River adding opulence and serenity to its beauty.

Known as a great snowy region, Gulaba is also famous amongst sports and adventure enthusiasts, who drive in large numbers to the village to partake in adventure activities. Some of the major activities one can enjoy here include skiing, trekking and hiking, as well as paragliding and snow-scooter riding.

The natural landscape of the village of Gulaba attracts a large number of tourists every year, who come here to soak in the beauty of the place. Furthermore, the views from here are nothing less than enchanting, guaranteed to make you feel peaceful here. A lot of the tourists who visit the Bhrigu Lake tend to stop by at Gulaba. It is here in the meadows of Gulaba, where you can even set up camps and enjoy the stunning sunset while stargazing at the glittery night sky.

Often acknowledged as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road in Manali is the most attractive tourist destination for the Himachal travelers. Renowned for its street shopping adventure and bustled with heaps of activities, the Mall Road of Manali has got a lot of things to keep you busy for the day. Lined with multiple restaurants, cafes, and dhabas, this place is ideal for those who have got a flavor of bargaining skills deeply rooted in them.

Start your journey through the Mall Road by paying homage at the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. It has got the right blend of both architectural flavor and vibrant tones to capture with your DSLRs’. The Sakyamuni idol is the main shrine here.

Next, this famous commercial center has got a lot of emporiums and shops lined up for you to buy some exquisite souvenirs. The Tibetan Style Handicrafts found here are simply astounding.

You can find the sweet-smelling Tibetan-styled incense sticks and intriguing singing bowls at some of the shops here. There are some shops at the Mall Road selling Kullu and Kinnauri shawls in a wide array of flamboyant patterns and colors.

Some other local souvenirs to dig at the Mall Road are prayer wheels, Kullu Caps, Thangkas, Dorjes, Bamboo souvenirs, Buddhist paintings, keychains, nameplates, and turquoise and silver jewelry, etc.

Shawls, Tibetan jewelry, tweed jackets, and handicrafts are somethings you should never miss on while strolling here. Apart from these, the Mall Road in Manali features Thai Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Hong Kong Market, New NAC Market, Shangri La Shopping Complex, and Snow Lion Underground Market.

Nestled amidst the snow-laden hillocks of Manali, the Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungri temple, is an ancient place of worship revered by the Hindus. The cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu demon-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers who are at the forefront of the epic Mahabharata. Conceived in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Temple is built around an ancient cave inside which Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated.

For those immersing themselves in a Manali Tour Packages, a visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple is a spiritual and cultural highlight not to be missed. Surrounded by Dhungri Van Vihar, a lush cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the structure is built on a massive rock piece jutting out of the ground.

Located in the Old Manali region, you can reach this temple through the road that passes through the Manali Community Center. Dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, this temple is the only temple on this planet that is dedicated to this sage. Thus it makes to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the devotees of this saint.

Built with wood and stone, the temple offers exotic views of the Beas River and magnificent hills. In front of the temple, a huge cascade enhances the aesthetics of this resplendent temple. A visit to this sacred temple in an important part of the Manali tour packages.

If you want to see the other side of Manali and the touristy town, just take a walk across the Manalsu River bridge and cross over into the part of Manali that is also known as ‘Old Manali’. The exotic charm of the village will make you feel like you have walked into a whole other world. The town has somehow carved out a niche of its own and managed to retain the old world charm, where you have the characteristic world traveller, hippie vibe in its midst, it also has the traditions of the relics of the older civilizations. 

The idyllic village setting will make you feel like you have walked into the happy and hippie 1960s! The pathways are lined with swaying Eucalyptus trees and the small roads pas through valleys that are abundant with greenery. The calmness of the surroundings is broken only by the twittering of birds and the gush of the River Kullu.

Attractions: Apart from the sheer mountain beauty, there are a number of places to visit in Manali old town. The most peculiar and must visit amongst them being the quaint eateries like Lazy Dog, Red House Café, Bob Dylan’s Café, Café m 1947 and Pizza Olive. All of these serve awesome world cuisines like Pasta, Burgers and mouthwatering Pizzas

Located only two kilometres from Manali, this wildlife sanctuary is a naturalistic paradise that spreads over 3,000 hectares. The terrain here is characterized by lush green forests and snow capped mountains. On a trip to this sanctuary, you are always inundated with the sights and sounds of colourful birds and exotic flora and fauna.

While deodar, fir, chestnut, walnut and robinia are the most commonly found vegetation in this sanctuary, you can also easily spot snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer and ibex herds in the picturesque vicinity of the sanctuary.

Addition to this, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the birdwatchers and the shutterbugs. Amongst the many rare and exotic species, a plenitude of tree creepers, kokla and kingfisher are the most commonly found species.

Also check: Must to do things in Manali

Siyali Mahadev Temple is built on a strong base of stone and cement. The wooden temple sits on top, a beautiful mix of chalets and pagodas. This is another thing that makes the temple stand out.

Krishna Bhavan Mandir in Kasauli is a peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, nestled in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh. It's a place where people come to pray and find inner peace.

The temple's architecture is beautiful, with colorful decorations that create a soothing atmosphere. Inside, you'll hear hymns being sung softly, adding to the sense of tranquility.

People visit the temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Krishna. Whether they're lighting incense, chanting, or simply sitting quietly, they find comfort and solace in his presence.

Besides being a place of worship, the temple also brings the community together. Festivals and ceremonies are held here, where people celebrate and share in the joy of devotion.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Kasauli, the temple provides a serene setting for reflection. The views of the hills add to the peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect place to find inner calm.