Places To Visit In Kullu Manali In December: A Winter Wonderland Awaits

View of Beas River winding through hills - Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Places to Visit in Kullu Manali in December are beautiful when the snow-capped landscapes are blissful. Many enjoy the winter season and the breathtaking sceneries with snow-capped peaks and other attractive sites that are not so crowded with tourists. Places like Naggar Castle are offbeat and have extreme beauty, which is perfect for people searching for relaxation. While travelling to northern India, people can have more fun during the winter because Manali and Solang Valley turn into a winter wonderland with many opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and living in the warm villages.

9 Places To Visit In Kullu Manali In December

Here are some beautiful places to visit in Kullu Manali in December to explore the beauty of Himachal Pradesh:

1. Solang Valley

Colourful paragliders soaring over the scenic Solang Valley in Manali, India.

Photo: Madhumita Das / Wikimedia Commons

Solang Valley is the promised land of adventure sports in winter. The valley stands snow-laden in December, making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding. One may experience an adrenaline rush with a slide over snow-laden slopes or get a panoramic view of the valley on a cable car ride. Its picturesque setting and host of winter sports activities assure excitement and memories worth cherishing for every visitor to this land.

Attractions: Skiing, Paragliding, Snowboarding, Cable Car Ride, Zip Lining

2. Rohtang Pass

Scenic view of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery on the Manali to Rohtang Pass road.

Photo: RAJENDRAN / Wikimedia Commons

Situated over an altitude of more than 3,900 metres, Rohtang Pass is a beautiful point with views of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. While it might be closed due to excessive snowfalls in December, if accessible, it is one of the best spots with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and even snowball fights. This pass offers one of the most beautiful drives amidst spectacular mountain views, which is a major highlight for every visitor in the Kullu-Manali district during the winter season.

Things To Do: Snow Activities, Scenic Views, Photography
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM

3. Naggar Castle

Naggar Castle and its historic architecture - Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons

One such historic gem in the Kullu Valley, with its fantastic views and rich heritage, is the Naggar Castle. The castle retains the traditional style of Himalayan architecture and has now become a heritage property with an inbuilt art gallery showcasing local art and artefacts. Intricate wooden carvings are depicted inside the castle, and one can get a panoramic view of the valley. This serene environment and historical value make Naggar Castle a place to visit. It is one of the most aesthetic tourist places in Kullu Manali.

Attractions: Art Gallery, Castle Architecture, Kullu Valley Views
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

4. Vashisht Baths

A scenic view of Vashisht Temple - one of the best places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only

Vashisht Baths is located in the picture postcard village of Vashisht, which is famous for the natural hot springs that provide warmth and comfort against the backdrop of snow. This little village also has some small cafes and genuine architecture, which is worth visiting. It is the best way to relax during the day, soaking in these hot springs and ending it after a day of sightseeing or trying out winter activities. The fusion of the natural warmth with winter landscapes offers a different and soothing retreat.

Things To Do: Hot Springs, Traditional Cafes, Village Walks, Vashisht Temple
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

5. Great Himalayan National Park

Lush greenery and diverse vegetation - Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons

One such treasure of the state of Himachal Pradesh is Chitkul, the last inhabited village along the Indo-Tibetan border. The village, with traditional wooden houses and vibrant culture in the backdrop of enthralling vistas of the Baspa River and snow-capped peaks, is further heightened in the crisp air and clear skies of October. Chitkul offers a noiseless getaway from the rapidity of city life and is an ideal location for nature lovers and people who enjoy exploring local customs and traditions. This is, hence, one of the most-visited places for travellers searching for silence and serenity.

Things To Do: Wildlife Viewing, Bird Watching, Snow-Covered Trails
Photography
Timings: 24*7

6. Old Manali

Scenic view of Old Manali with lush greenery and traditional wooden houses.

Photo: Chennai Passangai / Wikimedia Commons

December is the time when Old Manali gets more menacingly charismatic with the arrival of snow. The place carries well-known cosy cafes, boutique shops, and a very amiable laid-back vibe in the air, which compels one to pause and relax. The setting of winter will enchant you when doing local shopping, hanging out in a warm beverage café, or taking casual strolls beside the river. Old Manali serves as a flawless retreat with unique character and winter settings.

Things To Do: Cosy Cafes, Old Manali Village, Live Music
Timings: 24*7

7. Hidimba Devi Temple

A scenic view of Hidimba Devi Temple surrounded lush greenery - Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons

Surrounded by green cypress woods, the Hidimba Devi Temple is devoted to the goddess Hidimba from Mahabharata. It is a beautiful place for meditation because of its unique structure, which looks like a pagoda, and its quiet forest scenery. In December, the temple area is covered by snow, which adds to its mystery and is an ideal place to have a peaceful hideout far away from the busy city life. It is among the most famous places to visit in Kullu Manali, and is especially beautiful during the cosy winter months.

Things To Do: Cedar Forest Walk, Pooja, Photography
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM

8. Manu Temple

Scenic view of Kullu Valley from Manu temple with lush greenery and mountains near Manali, India.

Photo: UnpetitproleX / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Manu Temple, located at Old Manali, is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to be the father of mankind. The temple has a classic Himachali style of architecture and is also a popular place for tourists because it offers sweeping views over the snow-capped landscape that surrounds it. It isn’t just any old place but instead holds significance in terms of spirituality as well as cultural heritage for anyone interested in visiting this region of India.

Things To Do: Mountain Views, Explore Local Culture, Photography
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM

9. Kothi

Picturesque view of Beas Valley in Kothi - Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December.

Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons

On the road to Rohtang Pass, Kothi is a breathtaking viewpoint that provides stunning views of snow-laden mountains and green valleys. The region appears to be draped in new snow in December, thus increasing its scenic beauty. With an atmosphere that is calm and quiet, this is an excellent place for taking photographs of the beautiful scenery as well as enjoyable moments spent admiring winter beauty. Kothi’s snowy glamour serves as a haven where one can experience how beautiful the Himalayas really are.

Attractions: Photography, Snow-Covered Peaks, Valley Views

Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December are beautiful, with snow-covered landscapes and serene auras. From stunning valleys like Solang to religious sights such as Hidimba Devi Temple, Kullu Manali offers everything one could wish for. Aesthetic cafes in old Manali and hot baths at Vashishta give visitors stunning venture experiences. So what are you waiting for? Plan your Visit to Kullu Manali with TripXL now and make your winter memorable.

Cover Photo: saiko3p / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

In December, as the temperature goes from 0°C-15°C in Manali, the temperature can drop around – 5 °C to 10 °C. Anticipate that the temperature at night and during the morning will be low. Expect frequent snow showers, especially in regions with high altitudes.
Cotton T-shirts and trousers, reasonably warm charcoal thermal layers, a heavy jacket, a pair of black gloves, and a woollen hat. Outerwear that protects from water and snow is required for snow activities. Sunscreen and lip balm are a must so they are protected from both the cold and the sun.
Kullu-Manali can be reached by air through Bhuntar, the nearest airport to Kullu, or by road from Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railhead is Joginder Nagar rail station. Typically, the most exciting trip can be named the mountain road trip.
Kullu-Manali has restaurants that cook and serve Himachali local food as well as intercontinental food. Search for local restaurants where traditional dishes can be found or go to cafes and restaurants in Manali which offer intercontinental meals.
Private cars, taxis, hire cars, and city buses are the primary means of transport in the region. When planning snow activities, it would be wiser to look for a local guide or driver, especially during the night or during heavy snow.

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