Manali is a delightful little town set in the scenic Beas River valley of Himachal Pradesh. The town also boasts beautiful temples and pristine pine and deodar forests. Famed for its chilly environment and snow-capped Himalayas, this place offers you a refreshing experience. Besides this hill station, there are numerous places to visit near Manali that let you indulge in adventure sports, such as paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering. So, whether you are spiritually inclined, an avid naturalist, or crazy about adventures, these places will surely amaze you.
11 Places To Visit Near Manali
From trekking to camping to paragliding, places to visit near Manali keep the wonders coming. Here is a list of the best places you must visit.
1. Solang Valley
Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons
At an elevation of 2560 metres, the glorious Solang Valley is well-known for its snowy slopes, which contributes to its popularity as a ski destination. Between April and June, the snow melts, revealing beautiful green meadows and a wealth of activities for you. The Valley is also known for its cable car rides that cover 1.3 kilometres and move at a speed of 6 km/h. The cable cars allow a magnificent view of the entire valley.
Location: Solang Valley, Manali, Distt, Burwa, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Cost/Person: ₹500 (for cable car ride)
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manali Near Mall Road
2. Jogini Waterfall
Photo: Aditya Verma / Wikimedia Commons
Jogini Waterfall is revered by the natives as Goddess Jogini. Also known as a Shakti Peeth, it is considered as a source of feminine power. here, you may take a rejuvenating dip under these bubbling waterfalls while observing the towering snow-capped mountains all around. Below the falls, there is a small shrine dedicated to the goddess. To reach the falls, you must take a car or bus from Manali to Bahang. From there, it is a 2 km trek to Jogini Waterfall.
Location: Vashisht Village, Manali District, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Friendship Peak
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in Kullu, Friendship Peak is a popular Pir Panjal Range Mountain excursion site. Situated at an elevation of 5289 meters, the summit provides you with a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks that touch the sky. It is a challenging hike, so here is an opportunity for you to quench your thirst for adventure. Moreover, as you ascend to higher elevations, here you may enjoy, undoubtedly, breathtaking views of Solang Valley. So, for those of you who are seeking a pure thrill, Friendship Peak is the place to go.
Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Suggested Read: Best Unforgettable Things To Do In Dharamkot For Your Next Surreal Trip
4. Beas Kund
Photo: Moheen Reeyad / Wikimedia Commons
Beas Kund is a 3,700-meter-high alpine lake in Himachal Pradesh’s highlands. This pristine beauty is the headwaters of the Beas River and is said to be the lake where Sage Vyas would bathe while meditating. It is also a popular trek in Manali along which you can view the peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges, as well as Shitidhar, Friendship Peak, Hanuman Tibba, and Deo Tibba.
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Ideal Duration: 3 days
5. Manikaran Gurudwara
Photo: Manveechauhan / Wikimedia Commons
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a popular tourist attraction near Manali. Renowned for its picturesque location on the banks of the River Parvati, it is surrounded by the Himalayas. Legends say that Guru Nanak Dev Ji paid a visit to this hallowed site in the sixteenth century. This venue, known for its rich history and cultural legacy, is a revered place of worship. Thus to visit this place, decent clothes and decorum are required. It is situated to the northeast of Bhuntar.
Location: Hari Har Ghat, Manikaran Rd, Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh 175105
Suggested Read: Best Unforgettable Things To Do In Manali For Your Next Crazy Trip
6. Hampta Pass
Photo: Mkasiak / Wikimedia Commons
Hampta Pass is a Himalayan corridor that links Lahaul’s Chandra Valley with Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. The pass has steep rock walls, torrents, hanging glaciers, pinewoods, expansive pastures, and lakes. There are also summits like Mt. Deo Tibba and Mount Indrasan. The trekking itinerary comprises a 25 km journey. The unique thing about Hampta Pass is that one side of this place consists of lush green vegetation, whereas the other is barren. It is this dramatic difference that distinguishes this pass from others. So, if you are seeking something unique to explore, head to this attraction.
Ideal Duration: 6 days
7. Vashisht Village
Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its Vashisht Ashram and baths, Vashisht is a village in Himachal Pradesh. It is a traditional temple with intricate wood carvings. It is said to have been the residence of Sage Vashisht, who was the sole Guru or teacher of Rama and Laxman. The village is a popular backpacker’s paradise, with its beautiful environment and peaceful atmosphere. The Vashisht Temple, reconstructed in 1992, is believed to be over 4000 years old and opens daily from morning to evening. The village also features a hot spring called Vashisht Kund. So, you can also take a dip in the kund and have a rejuvenating experience.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Parwanoo
8. Anjani Mahadev Temple
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Solang village, Burwa, Anjani Mahadev Temple offers you astonishing views of the Solang ski slopes. The temple is notable for its 20-foot-high ice sheet. You can reach here only through trekking, or rides via mules or horses. Besides that, taxis or local buses may transport you from Manali to Solang Valley, from where you can follow the well-marked path or hire a local guide. Anjani Mahadev remains one of the most popular pilgrimage sites with a 30-meter natural Shiva lingam.
Location: Burwa, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
9. Gulaba
Photo: Neerajsinghazm / Wikimedia Commons
Gulaba is a picturesque hamlet located approximately 27 km from Manali on the road to Rohtang Pass. It has a phenomenal natural setting that draws plenty of tourists. You may explore the region by trekking or setting up a camp amid the natural beauty. So, whether you are a adventurer or just an explorer, this is the place for you. It has been developed and operated in accordance with the standards of the National Green Tribunal Act. It has dedicated a significant portion of its resources to encourage tourism.
Distance From Manali: 27 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Manali In May
10. Manali Sanctuary
Photo: Trippysoul / Wikimedia Commons
Manali Sanctuary is a habitat to some of India’s most unique bird species, including the Koklass Pheasant, Chakor, Western Tragopan, and TreeCreepers. Here, you may spend hours exploring nature while observing these rare birds. Spending a day among the wildlife of Manali Sanctuary is something to experience at least once-in-a-lifetime. There are several campsites around the sanctuary, where you can enjoy camping and spend the night under the stars, embraced by lush green vegetation. Thus, this place is perfect for all kind of explorers.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Cost/Person: ₹30
11. Museum Of Himachal Culture And Folk Art
Photo: Rahulsood146 / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in 1998 for the purpose of preserving Himachal Pradesh’s cultural and folk-art treasures, this museum displays articles on the forgotten culture, art, and handicrafts of Himachal Pradesh. The museum houses and exhibits traditional costumes, kitchenware, musical and ceremonial instruments, wood carvings, and all other traditional items utilised by Himachal Pradesh natives. All of the aforementioned objects are essentially handcrafted by Himachal Pradesh residents, exhibiting the state’s rich handicraft heritage. Therefore, if you are a culture vulture, this is the place for you.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Cost/Person: ₹10
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kasauli
Manali is an evergreen tourist attraction that has long wowed visitors with its stunning natural beauty and unique attractions. Its raw, natural beauty continues to captivate people and so are the places to visit near Manali. A complex tapestry of cultural, spiritual, and adventurous strands that have come together to form a lively and dynamic destination. So, if you want to explore all of this, plan your vacation with TripXL, and discover the mesmerising beauty of the aforementioned places.
Cover Photo: Nirajsinghazm / Wikimedia Commons