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Manali is every Indian’s affordable and accessible winter vacation spot with their friends or family. There are many places to visit in Manali in January, each offering a unique experience and adventure. From wandering around the vintage Mall road unveiling authentic Manali or capturing the majestic of Himalayan range and witnessing snowfall, Manali in January is a winter wonderland. Along with offering a variety of experiences, the snow-covered landscapes and crisp mountain air create your ideal winter canvas for your next vacation.
Top 12 Places To Visit In Manali In January
Here is a list of places to visit in Manali in January, offering, with snowfall at its peak, an enchanting experience for travellers to explore:
1. Solang Valley
Photo: Ravi Raj Gupta / Wikimedia Commons
The foundation of your trip to Manali relies on a visit to Solang Valley, the adventure hub of Manali. With snow-clad slopes, it offers access to a variety of unique adventures, including skiing, snowboarding and more. You can also engage in a simple sledge ride down the snow-covered slopes in Manali. Additionally, the valley’s gentle slopes are perfect for beginners, while more experienced enthusiasts can challenge themselves on the steeper areas.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Solang Valley
2. Old Manali
Photo: Chennai Passangai / Wikimedia Commons
The cultural glimpse of the city is offered by Old Manali specifically. In January, the area transforms into a picturesque snow-covered retreat, with charming cafes, vibrant markets, and traditional Himachali houses adding to its appeal. Unlike New Manali where you can experience vastness and a modern way of life, Old Manali is quite old-school, vintage and rustic, which adds to the charm of this place.
Major Attractions: Manu Temple, charming riverside cafes, vibrant local markets, lush apple orchards
3. Vashisht Hot Springs
Photo: Netherzone / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Vashisht Hot Springs offers tourists a contrasting experience. The springs are located in Vashisht village, which is roughly 3 Km from Manali. With the cold temperatures in the surroundings, these hot springs offer respite and comfort. You can take a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs, which are renowned for their healing and therapeutic properties. In January, the hot springs are particularly inviting, offering a soothing retreat from the cold. Also, once done, stop by to seek blessings at the Vashisht temple, which is nearby.
Timings: 7 AM – 9 PM
Suggested Read: Vashisht Temple
4. Mall Road
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons
One of the main attractions of Manali is the bustling Mall Road. Beyond the staple shops, stalls and cafes, in January, this area comes to life with the Manali Winter Carnival. It is usually held during the first week of January and is one of the most anticipated festivals in the area. The entire area is decorated and you get to witness local cultural dances and traditions. There are performances and you get a glimpse into the Himachali and Tibetan culture that influences Manali heavily.
Location: Main Street of Manali in Himachal Pradesh
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
5. Rumsu Village
Photo: Biswarup Ganguly / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Rumsu village is one of the places to visit in Manali in January, especially for tourists who want a laid-back experience exploring the surroundings. This remote village is around 28 Km from the main town of Manali and is a lesser-known gem that not many tourists are aware of. In January, the village is covered in snow, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploring its charming houses and terraced fields. You can interact with the locals, engage in local festivals and even try the traditional Himachali cuisine.
Major Attractions: Jamlu Devta Temple, traditional Himachali wooden houses, starting point of the Chandrakhani Pass trek
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places Near Manali
6. Jogini Waterfalls
Photo: The.sgr / Wikimedia Commons
Up next on the list of best places to visit In Manali Himachal Pradesh in January is Jogini Waterfalls. Besides witnessing the waterfall from the base, you can also trek to the top of the waterfall. The waterfall itself remains a beautiful sight and a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. Due to the freezing glaciers and snowfall during the winter months, the water isn’t as fast-flowing as it is during the summer and monsoon months yet the views of the cascading waterfall with the backdrop of the lush greenery are quite enchanting.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
7. Hampta Pass
Photo: Raja Selvaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Hampta Pass is a high-altitude trek that offers spectacular winter scenery. Like a lot of the other high-altitude mountain passes across Himachal Pradesh, even Hampta Pass is covered in snow. However, it is still accessible via snow trekking, provided that you have an experienced guide with you for the journey. The pass connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and valleys. You can witness the views of the Pir Panjal range, from an elevation of 4270 metres. Even during the summer months, the contrasting views of the lush greenery in Kullu and the snow-capped mountains in Lahaul create a beautiful spectacle.
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Hampta Pass Trek
8. Manikaran
Photo: Aksh Patial / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 80 kilometres from Manali, Manikaran is a holy town renowned for its natural hot springs. The sacred Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is a major pilgrimage site for Sikhs, and the town’s religious significance adds to its allure. You can dip your feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters, explore the gurdwara, or simply relax amidst the serene surroundings. Not just the religious significance, Manikaran also offers a lot of unique trekking opportunities around the nearby nature trails.
Timings: 24*7
9. Nehru Kund
Photo: Nick Saxby / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Nehru Kund is a serene natural spring located on the Leh-Manali Highway. Named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who is said to have drunk water from this very spring during his visits, the spot is known for its crystal-clear water and peaceful ambience. Fed by the waters of the Bhrigu Lake, it is one of the most beautiful places for a Manali trip in January. It offers a refreshing stop for travellers seeking calm amid nature. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic landscapes, Nehru Kund is ideal for quiet reflection, photography, and short leisurely breaks during road trips.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Manali That You Must Visit Once In A Lifetime
10. Hidimba Devi Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Hidimba Devi Temple, located amidst towering deodar trees in Manali, is a sacred site dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Built in 1553, the temple is one of the best on Manali’s January tourist places list. It is renowned for its distinctive wooden architecture, featuring intricately carved doors and a pagoda-style roof. The temple exudes a serene and spiritual ambience, attracting both devotees and tourists. Surrounded by dense forest, it offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and mythological heritage.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
11. Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa
Photo: Julia Volk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, also known as the Manali Gompa, is a prominent Buddhist monastery situated near the Mall Road in Manali. Constructed in 1960 by Tibetan refugees, it serves as a significant center for Buddhist culture and spiritual practice in the region. This gumpa is one of the must visit tourist places in Kerala Manali in January. The monastery is renowned for its traditional Tibetan architecture, featuring a bright yellow pagoda-style roof, whitewashed walls, and intricate murals depicting Buddhist teachings and philosophies.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Monasteries In Manali
12. Van Vihar National Park
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Visiting Van Vihar National Park in Manali during January offers a unique and serene experience. The park is enveloped in snow, transforming it into a picturesque winter landscape. The cold temperatures, the man-made lake within the park often freezes, offering enchanting views. Don’t forget to add this park on your Manali tourist places in January. The tall deodar and pine trees shimmer with frost, and the air is crisp and fresh, making it ideal for those who enjoy peaceful winter walks.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Manali in January is a magical experience that offers something for everyone. Given the number of different places to visit in Manali in January, you have the opportunity to indulge in adventure, nature exploration and exploring the local culture and traditions too. There’s something for every traveller to immerse themselves in. So, sort out your vacation bookings to Manali for January with TripXL to avail the best deals.
Cover Photo: BIPROJYOTI / Wikimedia Commons
