Places To Visit In Manali In December: Exploring The Natural Beauty

An image of snow-covered mountains and a clear blue sky behind in Himachal Pradesh.

Manali is an ideal winter destination where you can plan your next trip. With chilly weather and snow-capped surroundings, the best places to visit in Manali in December transform into a winter wonderland and its peak beauty as well. You can indulge in a plethora of activities, from snow trekking to skiing expeditions, the options are quite extensive. From historical spots to scenic spots, Manali opens up a variety of unique experiences that cater to the interests of each traveller.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Manali In December

To break free from the daily monotony of life, places to visit in Manali in December the perfect for you to plan your next getaway.

1. Solang Valley

An image of Solang Valley, one of the places to visit in Manali in December this year.

Photo: jinu k/ Unsplash

Without a speck of doubt, one of the best tourist attractions in Manali in December is visiting Solang Valley. It is located around 12 Km from Manali and is a prime destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers too. In December, the valley is covered in snow-covered peaks, making it an ideal spot for skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding. Around the valley, you can also find a variety of cafes and shops that you can immerse yourself in or buy unique handicrafts, and souvenirs from the local stores there.

Location: Solang Valley, Manali, Distt. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solan

2. Vashisht Kund

Take a scared dip in the serene Vashisht Kund located in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Photo: volobotti / Shutterstock

A breath of fresh air from the chilling weather of December, Vashisht Kund is located in the Vashisht village, which is roughly 3 Km from the main town of Manali. There are two major attractions in the village – Vashisht Temple and the Hot Springs beside it. Believed to have healing and therapeutic properties, it is one of the top Manali in December tourist places that you must add to your itinerary. You can take a dip in the hot spring waters for some relief from the chilly weather.

Location: Near Manali, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh 175135
Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

3. Manu Temple

Seek blessings from Manu Temple, one of the places to visit in Manali in December.

Photo: Gagan deep / Unsplash

While on the top of temples, Manu Temple is another one of the places to visit in Manali in December. The temple is dedicated to Sage Manu, who is reportedly the creator of humankind. The temple is located around 3 Km from Manali and is surrounded by quaint cafes, which you can visit afterwards. The temple is located close to the Beas River and is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides, which add to the beauty of the place.

Location: Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solang Valley

4. Hampta Pass

Enjoy the breathtaking views from Hampta Pass located in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Photo: Chirag Vashist / Unsplash

For the adventurer in you, consider planning a trek to Hampta Pass. It is one of the most famous places to visit in Manali Himachal Pradesh in December and is primarily known for its trekking trail. The pass is located at an elevation of 14,035 feet, offering views of the surrounding valleys of Kullu and the deserts of Lahaul on the way. The direct views of the Pir Panjal range from this pass is also an experience you can’t miss out on exploring. Camping around the pass requires a permit.

Location: Himachal Pradesh 175140
Timings: 24*7

5. Mall Road

Explore the famous Mall Road, one of the places to visit in Manali in December this year.

Photo: Ivishalbhutani / Wikimedia Commons

Irrespective of the season you visit, Mall Road in Manali is a must-visit spot. The bustling centre of the town is always filled with people who are either visiting the cafes and restaurants or the lines of stalls and shops around. There are several vintage stores and bookstores around Mall Road, which you can visit and explore too. In the shops, you can find handcrafted items, woollen clothes, local artefacts and a lot more. Some of the popular markets to explore there are the Hong Kong market and Lama Underground.

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Spiti Valley

6. Beas Kund

Take a refreshing dip in the serene Beas Kund located in Himachal Pradesh, India.

Photo: Ravi Hooda / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Beas Kund is the glacial origin of the River Beas that flows through Manali. With beautiful forests, snow-covered landscapes and views of the majestic Pir Panjal range, the trek to Beas Kund is an experience you can’t swap for another. It is one of the tourist places in Manali in December that’s completely covered in snow but that adds to the beauty of the trekking experience. The trek to this spot starts from Dhundi and usually takes around 4 days to complete since the glacial lake is located at an elevation of 12,772 feet.

Location: Burwa, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: 24*7

7. Old Manali

An image of Old Manali, one of the places to visit in Manali in December this year.

Photo: Aditya Chache / Unsplash

Connected via a bridge over the Manalsu River, Old Manali feels like it’s out of one’s dream. This quiet, calm and pleasant hamlet is a reflection of Manali but old school. With lush greenery, old colonial architecture and Himachali cottages, spending time in Old Manali is bound to take you back in time. It is one of the most favoured spots among backpackers and adventurers who love exploring offbeat spots. There are local markets that connect you with the local artisans and you get to learn about the community that lives and thrives there.

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Timings: N/A

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tirthan Valley

8. Bhrigu Lake

Sit back and relax near the peaceful Bhrigu Lake located in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

Photo: Pranshu Patel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Another one of the must-visit spots to add to your Manali in December tourist places list is Bhrigu Lake. Located in the lap of the Himalayas and surrounded by barren land and steep mountains, this lake has a unique charm to its existence. During December, the paths leading up to the lake and the surroundings of the lake are covered in snow. The otherwise green meadows are stark white, which looks magical. Additionally, for your trek to Bhrigu Lake, start from Gulaba village and then begin your trek to reach the lake.

Location: 18.7 Km from Manali
Timings: 24*7

9. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara

Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara, one of the places to visit in Manali in December this year.

Photo: Manil Raj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Manali is renowned for its Tibetan settlements and the thriving culture that prevails there. The next time you are visiting Manali, ensure to add Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara to your itinerary, given that it is one of the most popular monasteries in the area. The divine calmness that surrounds this monastery explains why most tourists visit this place to seek peace. There’s a blend of Tibetan and Himachali style architecture in the design of the monastery, which is a treat to witness. Inside lies an idol of Lord Buddha and is a prime pilgrimage centre for the Buddhists.

Location: Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara, Gompa Road, Sarabai, Himachal Pradesh 175126
Timings: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Tosh

10. Gauri Shankar Temple

Explore the stunning architecture of Gauri Shankar Temple, located in Himachal Pradesh.

Photo: Amohan41 / Wikimedia Commons

Last on the list of places for Manali in December is the Gauri Shankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. The temple is located along the Naggar-Manali road, a lot close to Naggar Castle. The temple’s existence dates back to the historic Gupta period, whose influence you can witness in the carvings and architecture of the temple. Inside the temple lies a Shiva Lingam dating back to the 11th century. Once you finish offering your prayers at the temple, you can then explore the nearby Naggar Castle, which is located close by at walking distance.

Location: Naggar Castle Road, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175130
Timings: 08:00 AM – 07:00 PM

The list of places to visit in Manali in December is quite extensive and each place has its unique charm. Depending on your likes and dislikes, you can pick a spot that caters to your interests and enables you to bask in the adventure, nature and religious experiences that Manali has in store. Plan a trip with TripXL in advance to get the best deals and discounts.

Cover Photo: Hrishikesh Sarode / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can enjoy a variety of adventure activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding in Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.
Yes, Old Manali is a charming area with traditional architecture and local markets. It provides a peaceful contrast to the more commercial areas.
Manali offers a range of dining options, from local Himachali cuisine to international dishes. You can explore the local cafes and restaurants in areas like Mall Road and Old Manali.
Manali has a good network of local buses and taxis. For more remote areas, hiring a private vehicle or joining a tour can be more convenient.
The average temperature in Manali during December ranges from -4°C to 10°C. It can vary, depending on snowfall.

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