Question: Where do snow-capped peaks, old monasteries sunken in deep history and clear clear flowing rivers meet at the end of a valley?
Answer: In a slice of natural life little township known as Manali.
At the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh on the Beas River, this hill station is at a height of 2,050 metres in the Himalayas. A lazy tourist town that has adventure carved into its very heart, Manali is a visitor draw – be it for the adrenalin-seeker or the sightseer.
Sights to See
The Rohtang Pass
At an altitude of 3,979 metres above sea level, this is one cold spot. It’s cold whenever you visit – in the winter when the ice burns through the layers, and even in summer, when the sun burns down on the rest of the state. But it is known for something else as well; the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road with a stunning, wide-angle view of mountains rising far above clouds. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.
If you are driving up, the adventures starts before the ice hits, with rough broken roads, sheer blind turns and tight hairpin bends to lay the red carpet on the way to Rohtang. If you are hiring a vehicle then choose a four-wheel drive vehicle from Manali.
Beas Kund, an igloo-shaped temple, on top has a spring, which is the origin of River Beas, is also the crucible of some worthy sights.
Hidimba Temple
It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in the year 1553.
Maa Sharvari Temple
Atop the Shaminallah village, around five km from Manali, across the Beas River on the left bank on the way to Naggar Castle, this temple is represented as the main temple of the Kullu kingsof yore and the goddess is worshipped as a manifestation of Durga.
Vashisth Hot Water Springs and Temple
Around three km from Manali, across the Beas River is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vashisth also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water springs.
Solang Valley
Popularly known as Snow Point, this is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-metre ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.
Rahala Waterfalls
About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.
Rozy Falls
On the way to Rohtang amazing water fall worth seeing. this water fall looks amazing between the high hills.
Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.
Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.
Gauri Shankar Temple at Dashal village on the main left bank of the Kullu-Manali Highway is a 12th-century protected monument, surrounded by lush green apple orchards and a gushing water stream, perfect for a spot of picnic.
The Manali Gompa
Manali Gompa was built in 1960 and is one of the most important places for Buddhists, who visit from all over the world. This gompa is famous for a large statue of Buddha and its wall paintings.
Kothi
This low point is possibly the high point for any visitor out to get a true grasp of the beauty of Manali. Located at the bottom of Rohatang Pass, Kothi is a beautiful village where tourists can capture different thrilling views of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly runs. This is an amazing place to experience the natural beauty of high altitude mountain.
Nehru Kund
Named for India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the Kund is located at the distance of around six km from Manali. Every time he use to visit Manali, Nehru would make it a point to stop here for a drink of water from this Kund.
Excursions from the city
Manali Sanctuary
About two km from Manali, this sanctuary forms the catchment of Manalsu khad. A bridle path from the Dhungri temple passes through dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple forests. Visitors get to spend the night in tents at Lambadug or Gallant thatch. Alpine lush green pastures and glaciers beyond Galant thatch are a romantic attraction. You may get to catch a glimpse of musk deer, monal and brown bears, leopards or snow leopards. Those who venture up to snows can see herds of ibex in the glacier zone in summers.
Zana Falls
35 km from Manali, at Zana Village, beautiful Water Fall is worth visiting. The valley provides amazing views. There is one water fall on the road side and two other water falls which are not much explored by tourists and are amazing. Moreover, traditional Himachali food is available here at small hut-like shops.
Things to do
Manali may have lots of things to see, but it has even more things to do. This is a place where the adventure traveler may find his nirvana, from taking advantage of the icy-laden scape to getting an up close and personal view of the towering peaks, Manali is the paradise found for the adventure tourist in search of his adrenalin rush.
- River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing, whatever floats your boat, and you can find it all at one of the best adventure companies here, the High Himalayan Adventure, based in Vashishth village.
- Paragliding at Solang Valley is quite popular in Manali, especially in the peak season. There are multiple levels, starting from the basic one-minute flying (the most common), progressing to a more fun five-minute flight, and finally the ultimate half-an-hour flight, for which you are taken almost halfway to Rohtang and brought back Solang by paragliding.
- Rock climbing there are some fabulous routes here, however, go with a reputable company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous sport.
- Early morning walks at Manali before the town wakes up may be low on physical impact but they are high on everthyiong else!
Trekking:
Himalayan Caravan Adventure offers you an array of adventures from off-beat safaris, less-known but more-interesting trekking paths, rock climbing, canyoning, white-water rafting, paragliding, skiing and snowboarding.
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek: This trek, offering magnificent view of Deo, is a technical trekking trail in Manali and famous among experienced climbers.
Friendship Peak Trekking: This is one of the majestic mountains in the beautiful valley of Kullu. This mountain is situated at around 5,289 metres above the sea level.
Hampta Pass Trek: One of the most famous trekking trails in the Manali region, this trek is suitable for those who have some prior trekking experience and are reasonably fit.
Getting there
By bus
Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh during July to October. For service from Delhi to Manali, tickets and reservations can be made at the Inter-State Bus Terminus as well as at the Himachal Tourism office. The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours; from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours; and from Kulu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. Volvo buses—which depart at around 5pm and reach at 09-10am the next day—are available from Delhi and is the best option in terms of comfort and value for money.
By private taxi
If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and does not have the habit of drinking alcohol. Also make sure the driver has done the trip at least once before and knows all roads. If you are going to Manali through Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Mandi highway, then your driver would need to drive on hilly roads for at least 6 hours
By train
Nearest convenient rail head are at Chandigarh and Pathankot. Manali can be reached from road from these stations.
By plane
The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu ) airport, 50 km from Manali, 10 km from Kullu, about two hours away. Airlines operate flights to Kullu from Delhi and Chandigarh. From the airport the best option to go to Manali is by pre-paid taxi which is easily available there.
Getting Around
There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi, which takes you around to all the sight seeing spots in and around Manali. You can also hire a motorbike, which is a common mode of transport for foreign travellers. Public transport, while cheap, is not frequent or reliable. Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as other modes of public transport are exorbitant compared to the bus.