Things To Do In Manali With Family On Your Next Trip To The Hills

Whether you are an adventurer or just an explorer, Manali has got you covered.

Manali is a favourite amongst tourists for many reasons. One of the reasons is that it is the starting point for skiing in Solang Valley and trekking to Parvati Valley. Known for its natural beauty and amazing surroundings, there are multiple things to do in Manali with your family that will leave you with remarkable memories. Manali is the doorway if you are an adventurous person and planning about paragliding and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains. At an elevation of 2050 metres, Manali is the place to enjoy the beauty and adrenaline rush that the mountains bring.

8 Things To Do In Manali With Family

Here is a list of things to do in Manali with family to make your trip to the hills memorable.

1.Visit Manu Temple

Seeking blessings at Manu Temple is one of the best things to do in Manali, Himachal.

Photo: Sanyam Bahga / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Manu Temple is situated along the Beas River. It is a Pagoda-style temple that is dedicated to Sage Manu. The temple is beautiful in architecture and heritage and also provides the most beautiful view of the valley. The temple is to be trekked through the Manali Mall Road. The trek path showcases amazing ancient stone carvings and scriptures on the pillars and walls.

Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Tips: Photography is prohibited within the premise

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Manali Near Mall Road

2.Visit Naggar Castle

The wooden architecture of Naggar Castle is one of the best things to see in Manali.

Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons

Naggar Castle is an amazing wooden castle built by Raja Sidh Singh in 1460 AD. Currently, it is owned and maintained by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. While visiting this castle, do not miss out on trying the regional trout in the restaurant to get a taste of the local food. This castle also has accommodation facilities for both romantic and secluded stays. The balconies overlook the snowy mountains. The Gauri Shankar Temple of Lord Shiva is a must-visit while in Naggar.

3. Visit Arjun Gufa

Exploring the Arjun Gufa amid mystic hills is one of the best things to do in Manali.

Photo: Ashish Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Arjun Gufa is located near the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. It gets its name from the local belief that the warrior Arjuna meditated in these ancient caves and received his divine powers. The cave is surrounded by lush green beauty and an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. The cave is explored for its interior structures and its amusing mythological tale. The serene environment makes for the most peaceful spot for meditation and contemplation. It is a 2-hour long trek to an elevation of 2200 metres.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near McLeodGanj For A Memorable Outing

4. Explore Vashisht Hot Water Springs

Head to Vashisht Hot Springs for a refreshing experience amidst the Himalayas.

Photo: Aksh Patial / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Vashisht is a village in the Manali district of Himachal Pradesh. This village is home to the Vashisht Temple, which is flocked by people due to its hot springs. It is believed that hot springs have medicinal properties, which is the main reason for the tourist attraction received here. The sulfurous hot springs of Vashisht appear from the ponds at the very center of the village. The most amazing beauty of the hot spring is its green surrounding scenery. The temperature of the hot springs remains between 110 and 123 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Visit Himvalley Amusement & Cultural Park

Himvalley Amusement & Cultural Park is the best place to visit with family and friends.

Photo: Tim Gouw / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

While travelling through the beauty of Himachal, if you feel like a dose of fun and entertainment, then visit Himvalley Amusement & Cultural Park. It is located on the highway from Leh to Manali and is the only amusement park there. This Park is known for its rides, cultural programs, and also the food joints. The food points offer an authentic local taste of Himachal. It also has the most amazing rides and swings for you to enjoy with your family.

Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chail On Your Next Himachal Pradesh Trip

6. Explore Shoja

Exploring the beauty of Shoja village is one of the best things to do in Manali.

Photo: Ramwik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shoja is a beautiful little village in Himachal that is perfect for weekend retreat. It showcases the abundance of valleys, snow-capped peaks, and vast deodar and oak forests. Here, you can go for nature walks among the enchanting environment and enjoy bird watching. The lush greenery includes oak trees, bamboo trees and coniferous trees. The waterfall point creates a mesmerising view as well. Do not miss out on trekking to the Raghupur Fort through foggy mountain roads and enjoy a picnic by Serolsar Lake.

Best Time To Visit: March to November

7. Visit Jalori Jot

Jalori Jot is a high mountain pass known for its scenic beauty and diverse ecosystem.

Photo: Empty call / Wikimedia Commons

Jalori Jot is still not popularly explored but an unmissable spot of Himachal. If you love adventure, this mysteriously high mountain pass is a must-visit place while travelling to Manali. This pass connects Kullu with Shimla at an elevation of 11000 feet. Jalori showcases a very different ecosystem due to its amazingly great height. Jalori Jot is not just known for its amazing scenic beauty but also holds great religious significance amongst the locals. While visiting Jalori Jot, you can also explore the Great Himalayan National Park along with the Tirthan Valley.

Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
Tips: Remains closed during winters

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Barot Valley For Your Next Crazy Trip

8. Explore Jibhi

Exploring Jibhi is one of the best things to do in Manali for outdoor activities.
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Photo: Phototraveller1 / Wikimedia Commons

Jibhi is another unexplored wonder of Himachal situated in the Banjar Valley. Its green surrounding provides you with various outdoor activities, such as trekking, bird watching, and fishing. While at Jibhi, the unmissable spot to visit is the Jibhi Waterfalls. Jibhi also has a Krishna temple which is a popular religious sight in the town. Go fishing in the lakes in Jibhi, go nature walking amongst the greenery, and watch birds along the way. Do not miss the Shringa Rishi Temple for a calm meditation session and Raghupur Fort to dive into the history and heritage.

Best Time To Visit: March to November

Manali is a popular place to visit for anyone who loves the hills, and it has all the places to be enjoyed with family. Boasting natural beauty and endless sights, there are many things to do in Manali. It is a place that is perfect to visit any time of the year, with each season showcasing a different glory of nature and mountains. So, connect with TripXL to plan an amazing trip to Manali with your family, so you can sit back and enjoy.

Cover Photo: Vinay Jilowa / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Manali has an endless list of outdoor adventure activities, such as river rafting through the Beas River, skiing through the Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass, zorbing, and paragliding.
Manali has spots for camping that offer the most amazing view of the mountains and lush green nature. Here are a few places you may consider: Himalayan Brother Adventure, The Open Road, Adventure Valley, Himalayan Mountaineer, and more.
Van Vihar National Park, Malana, Jogini Waterfalls, Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple, Khir Ganga, Jana Waterfalls,Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa are some of the offbeat yet amazing places to visit in Manali.
Manali is the essence of heritage and culture that showcases the Pahadi culture at its best. Some of the heritage sites are: Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, Malana, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, Manikaran Sahib, and more.
March to June marks summer in the valleys and is very popular amongst tourists for its pleasant weather, vibrant greenery and suitable weather for adventure sports. October to February is perfect for people who love snow and looking for winter sports. Winter boasts the most enchanting view of white snowy mountains.

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