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With breathtaking landscapes and bustling markets, Manali has emerged as one of the most popular hill stations in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Off the beaten tracks in this hot tourist spot lay several offbeat destinations that promise a peaceful retreat from the maddening crowds. These are some of the hidden tourist attractions near Manali for those seeking solitude, new experiences and getting up close to nature. Here are the top 10 offbeat places near Manali that promise an unforgettable experience amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.
10 Offbeat Places Near Manali
Discover these best offbeat places near Manali that blend natural splendour with cultural richness:
1. Hampta Valley
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hampta Valley, nestled in the Pir Panjal range, is a hidden gem known for its picturesque landscapes and adventure opportunities. Ranging from the famous Hampta Pass Trek to beautiful views of green meadows, towering peaks and serene rivers, this valley is a trekker’s paradise. The trek will take one through varied landscapes, from dense forests to stark, bare landscapes. The visitors will be further charmed by the clean and crystal-clear waters of Chandratal Lake, which often forms a part of this very trek and mirrors the mountains around.
Distance From Manali: 15 km
2. Naggar
Photo: Abhishek Donda / Unsplash
A little village on the left bank of the Beas River, Naggar displays rich cultural heritage with its serene environment. Naggar Castle, built by Raja Sidh Singh in the 15th century, overlooks this beautiful village. This castle, now a heritage hotel, has magnificent views of the Kullu Valley. There is a Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery that one can visit, which is dedicated to the famous Russian painter-explorer. Ancient temples in the village are the Tripura Sundari Temple and Gauri Shankar Temple. Naggar combines beautiful history, artistic thought and natural splendour, which provides an ideal offbeat destination.
Distance From Manali: 22 km
3. Sethan
Photo: Catherine Lunaa / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Hampta Valley, Sethan is a small village with Buddhist culture, picture-perfect landscapes and adventure activities. It offers an entirely different experience of staying in Tibetan-style houses and a soothingly quiet atmosphere. People come to spend time exploring the surrounding forests, trekking or indulging in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. The Sethan Dome trek has become very popular since it offers views of the panorama of the Dhauladhar range from its top. Sethan, with its serene environment and the scope of adventure activities, is the optimum offbeat destination for all those who need solitude and a bit of adventure.
Distance From Manali: 12 km
4. Malana
Photo: Anees Mohammed KP / Wikimedia Commons
Malana is one of the remote villages in Parvati Valley that attracts visitors due to its specific culture and ancient customs. It is considered one of the oldest democracies in the world, running on its rulebook and legislation. You can visit some of the ancient temples that are dedicated to a local deity, Jamlu Devta, and experience a totally different way of life in Milanese. This village is famous for its Malana Cream, considered a quality strain of cannabis. The surrounding valleys and peaks would be visible from the trek to Malana.
Distance From Manali: 83 km
5. Gulaba
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
It is a charming hamlet located on the way to Rohtang Pass amidst stunning landscapes and serene environments. The entire village is surrounded by green meadows, dense forests and snow-capped peaks – just the correct destination for nature lovers. It offers opportunities for picnics, nature walks or short treks. The scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance of Gulaba make it the most preferred offbeat destination for a peaceful retreat from the crowds of Manali City.
Distance From Manali: 20 km
6. Jana
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
It is another small village located in Kullu Valley, which is known to people for its traditional Himachali culture and pristine beauty. This village offers a serene environment with apple orchards, terraced fields and dense forests. It provides a variety of activities to visitors, from exploring the surrounding trails and visiting the Jana waterfall to indulging in local, authentic Himachali food at traditional dhabas. The village itself is very famous for its hospitality and folksy fests.
Distance From Manali: 35 km
7. Kothi
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Kothi is a small village located at the foot of the Rohtang Pass and is described as ‘a scenic beauty and serene surrounding spot’. This hamlet offers an unforgettable view of the peaks and valleys surrounding it. The place is ideal for any nature enthusiast or photographer. People can spend leisure time walking through surrounding trails, enjoy picnics beside the Beas River and feel the tranquillity of the Himalayas. Kothi, as a destination, is ideal for an offbeat, relaxing retreat due to its picturesque surroundings and tranquil environment.
Distance From Manali: 13 km
8. Solang Village
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
The village of Solang, located in the Solang Valley, is considerably well known for adventure activities amidst breathtaking landscapes. It offers a serene environment with lush green meadows, dense forests and snow-capped peaks. The visitors can indulge in a lot of adventure sports activities like paragliding, zorbing, skiing and snowboarding. The views from Solang Ropeway encompass the surrounding valley and mountains. The blending of adventure and natural beauty in Solang Village makes it an ideal offbeat getaway for both thrill seekers and nature lovers.
Distance From Manali: 13 km
9. Kasol
Photo: Amlan Saha Kundu / Unsplash
A tiny village located in Parvati Valley, Kasol depicts an example of outstanding scenic beauty, dynamic culture and pulsating adventure activities. A hub of interest for backpackers and trekkers alike, it has a lovely view of the Parvati River and some of the surrounding peaks. There exists nearby villages, such as Tosh and Malana, treks to Kheerganga and Pin Parvati Pass, and Israeli food in the cafes. Those are sites which one can visit and food that can be relished in this haven.
Distance From Manali: 75 km
10. Tosh
Photo: Sukanya Basu / Unsplash
Way off in the solitude of the village of Tosh, situated at the far end of the Parvati Valley, lies this beautiful landscape that takes one in with its relaxed vibe. The town offers breathtaking views of peaks and valleys in its surroundings, making it a place to be for nature buffs and photographers. Discover the surrounding trails, savour the village cafes to get a taste of the local food and connect with the serenity of the Himalayan wilderness. One of the popular activities in Tosh includes the village trek, which has beautiful views of the Parvati Valley. Tosh is like a retreat destination off the beaten track, ideal for spending a peaceful holiday amidst serene surroundings and pristine beauty.
Distance From Manali: 95 km
These offbeat places near Manali constitute the perfect blend of nature’s beauty and cultural richness with adventures. From Hampta’s serene beauty to Naggar’s cultural heritage and adventure activities in Solang village, each place has its essence to be experienced. So, get set for your next journey with TripXL to find your love within these hidden gems – ones that you honestly will remember for a lifetime.
Cover Photo: Sudarshan Bhat / Unsplash
