21 Places To Visit Near Manali To Experience Heaven On Earth

Manali may be a resort and tourist town within the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is situated within the northern end of the Kullu Valley, formed by the Beas River. 

With a population of 8,096 people recorded within the 2011 Indian census, Manali is the start of an ancient trade route through the Indian-administered territory of Ladakh, over the Karakoram Pass, and onto Yarkand and Hotan within the Tarim Basin of China. Manali may be a popular tourist destination in India and is the gateway to the Lahaul and Spiti district also because of the city of Leh in Ladakh.

The name Manali is considered the derivative of Manu-Alaya ('the abode of Manu'). In Hindu cosmology, Manu is believed to have stepped off his ark in Manali to recreate human life after an excellent flood had deluged the planet. 

The Kullu Valley during which Manali is situated is usually mentioned because of the "Valley of the Gods". An old village within the town has an ancient temple dedicated to the sage Manu.

Manali features a subtropical highland climate with warm summers, relatively cold winters, and a high diurnal temperature variation. The average temperature during summer is between 10 °C (50 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F), and between −7 °C (19 °F) to 15 °C (59 °F) within the winter.

Manali has witnessed a flurry of activity related to hydroelectric power and tourism. Unplanned and rampant construction has led to severe depletion of forests and pollution of river bodies, alongside garbage being disposed of on the side of the mountains. There has been a loss of habitat to varied species of fauna, not limited to the Himalayan monal, incidentally the state bird of Uttarakhand.

There are many places to visit in Manali as well as there are many more serene and awestruck places to visit near Manali: -

1. Solang Valley, Manali

The first one on the list of places to visit near Manali is Solang Valley. When heading to Manali for a vacation, two essential destinations within the itinerary are Rohtang and Solang Valley. 14 km to the northwest of the town of Manali, Solang Valley is one of the foremost popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. 

Every year the valley welcomes tourists in huge numbers. A favorite for adventure enthusiasts, parachuting to paragliding, horse riding to driving mini-open jeeps specially available for tourists of all age groups, Solang Valley has it all. During winters, Solang valley is covered with snow, making skiing a popular sport here, with training institutes and trainers located within the valley to supervise skiers and train beginners. As the snow melts, skiing is appropriated by zorbing. 

Another popular attraction of Solang valley, taking advantage of the slopes of the valley, you're likely to spot a huge transparent ball with mostly two people inside it rolling down the slope during summers. Yes, Zorbing is the maximum amount of fun because it seems like. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

2. Bhrigu Lake, Manali

Bhrigu Lake may be a high-altitude lake located within the district of Kullu, about 40 km far away from Manali. The route to the lake passes through entrancing meadows which also are called the Bhrigu Lake Meadows. Not many tourists realize the gorgeous meadows which will be compared with the alpine meadows found at high altitude locations like Switzerland. 

As one walks through the expansive stretch of grasslands amidst snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, they're sure to desire they need to enter a special world altogether. For those who constantly look for locations to flee the town life, traffic, and pollution, Bhrigu Lake is that the place for them. It takes about 6 hours to reach Bhrigu Lake from Gulaba Village. 

The name Bhrigu springs from the name of Maharishi Bhrigu. A salient characteristic of the lake is that it never freezes entirely during winters because Maharishi Bhrigu meditated near it. Campers can set a camp near Bhrigu Lake and spend some leisure time with friends and family while trekking to the lake. 

During most of the tourist season, the region has clear blue skies during the day. Night skies are a special treat for campers and night gazers. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

3. Gulaba, Manali

Gulaba could also be a gorgeous little village located about 20 km from Manali on the route to Rohtang Pass having a desirable natural landscape that pulls tourists in large numbers. One can explore the region trekking, and fixing a camp to soak in its natural beauty. Most of the tourists who explore Gulaba are on their thanks to the Bhrigu Lake and set camps on the Gulaba Meadows to rest. 

The beauty of the situation is unmatched, and therefore the picturesque scenery makes the stay or the journey a memorable one. The captivating site of Gulaba is featured in some scenes from the famous Bollywood movie - Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani making it a favorite amongst picnickers and nature lovers. One can enjoy activities like hiking, camping, trekking, and paragliding at Gulaba. 

On a transparent day, when the skies are blue, rehearsing the meadows may be a beautiful experience, while during the night, the region is brightened by the starlit skies making it a perfect location for stargazers. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

4. Arjun Gufa, Manali

Arjun Gufa is taken into account to be a legendary natural formation in Manali. The cave may be a favorite picnic spot and is additionally famous for the journey of exploring the creation from inside. It is located on the left side of River Beas and is extremely on the brink of beautiful Prini Village. The climb up to the cave is exciting in itself with the encompassing natural landscape so beautiful it can't be explained in words. 

The Arjun cave may be a narrow path into a hill. With no light entering after some extent, one has got to explore and find their way into the cave through the darkness using flashlights. The uneven passage inside makes the exploration more exciting. It takes about 45 minutes to explore the entire cave. Arjun Gufa is usually related to the legendary figure, Arjun, one among the Pandava Brothers. It is believed that Arjun meditated within the cave by the banks of River Beas for years. 

Lord Shiva, pleased together with his devotion and dedication, blessed him with the Pashupata Astra. The trek up the cave draws many enthusiasts. The walkway goes through lush green meadows, tall pine trees, and cement steps that make exploring the situation an enrapturing experience. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

5. Bhuntar, Himachal Pradesh

Next on the list of places to visit near Manali is Bhuntar. Bhuntar may be a part of the Kullu district and it's typically used as a getaway to the towns of Kullu, Manali, Kasol, and Manikaran, and Kullu airport is also located within Bhuntar. 

Bhuntar is a quaint little town & has serenity and is considerable away from the madding tourist crowds of the more famous places in Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by lush greenery, this town has temples with splendid architecture and high religious significance. 

Apart from a couple of temples, a park, and a camping spot, Bhuntar has its silent old-worldly charm to supply. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

6. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol may be a quaint little village in Himachal situated along the banks of the river Parvati. 

Commonly mentioned because of the 'Amsterdam of India', Kasol could also be a tourist attraction that's rapidly gaining fame as a popular hub for trekkers, backpackers, and nature lovers. Kasol is situated 23 km from Bhuntar and next to the religious town of Manikaran and is one among the simplest places within the country just to take a seat back and chill within the panorama of snow-clad mountains, pine trees, and gurgling river. Kasol is known for its trekking trails, which include treks to Kheerganga, Yanker Pass, Sar Pass, and Pin Parvati Pass.

Kasol is inhabited by a huge number of people from Israel, which is discernible from the plenteously available Israeli food, and thus the road signposts inscribed in Hebrew. So, it's called “Mini Israel of India ''. Kasol has quite a few streetside cafes which serve delicious food, and thus the experience of sitting and enjoying a meal amidst the dark green forests and therefore the awe-inspiring mountains make the meal even more enjoyable. 

Kasol features a marketplace that sells a spread of things, so you'll devour trinkets, souvenirs, pendants, and even semi-precious stones to require back home for family and friends. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

7. Naggar, Himachal Pradesh

Situated on the Left Bank of River Beas at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Naggar is an ancient town within the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It was once the capital of the Kullu kingdom. The climate in Naggar is mild. In winter, there's much less rainfall than in summer. 

The average temperature is 16.6 °C. Naggar near Manali is home to a small slice of history, within the sort of Naggar castle. Once used because of the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle may be a fine blend of traditional Himalayan and European architecture. With majestic fireplaces, beautifully built staircases, and meticulous wood and stone works, the Naggar Castle could also be a must-visit when you're in Manali. 

The castle is now converted into a heritage hotel. Naggar also features a famous genre museum and a spring that tourists shouldn't forget to go to. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

8. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu, a well-liked tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is found on the banks of the Beas river. Kullu is known for its Dussehra Festival, ancient temples, and adventure activities. Kullu usually includes its sister town Manali which is at a higher altitude and provides more scenic views of snow-capped mountains. 

Kullu also has few important temples just like the Raghunath Temple and Jagannath Devi Temple. Many treks also originate from this area include the Bijli Mahadev Temple Trek, Parvati Valley Trek, etc. With panoramic views and majestic hills covered with Deodar and Pine trees, Kullu could also be a nature lover's paradise. 

Situated at an altitude of 1230 meters between Pir Pranjal, Lower Himalayan, and Great Himalayan Ranges, Kullu is abundant with apple orchards, deodar, and pine trees, and Beas river stream. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

9. Rohtang Pass, Manali

Located at a distance of 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass is often reached only by road. Owing to its splendid natural beauty, Rohtang Pass could also be a favorite among the community of film directors. Many blockbusters starting from 'Jab We Met' to 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' are shot here. 

An experience of the snow can never be complete without a sledge ride, which involves sliding through the snow during a wooden toboggan. Another thrilling activity that will be pursued at Rohtang Pass would be mountain biking where you ride your mountain bikes off the regular course and into the lesser taken routes. You can try your hand at skiing and tyre drop as well, where again you slide down a slope of snow whilst using the appropriate equipment. 

The Rohtang pass has a polar climate and snowfalls sometimes even in summer. The pass lies on the watershed between the Chenab and Beas basins. On the southern side of this pass, the Beas River emerges from underground and flows southward and on its northern side, the Chandra River (flows from the eastern Himalayas), a source stream of the river Chenab, flows westward. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

10. Jagatsukh, Manali

Jagatsukh maybe a picturesque village, and therefore the capital of the former state of Kullu. It is famous for its enchanting natural landscape and thus the traditional Jagatsukh Temples which are religiously important shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sandhya Devi. Famous for the annual Chacholi Jatra Festival, Jagatsukh is nestled amidst snow-capped mountain peaks and dense natural vegetation. Trekkers often halt or begin several trekking expeditions from Jhere. 

The serenity of the situation may be a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. The fresh and unpolluted air enlivens everyone visiting the village. The picturesque Jagatsukh village is roofed with snow during winters and is carpeted with greenery during summers. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

11. Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Manikaran is found within the Parvati Valley on the river Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh. It is at an altitude of 1760 m. This village attracts tourists visiting Manali and Kullu to its hot springs and pilgrim centers. Manikaran is known as a famous pilgrimage destination for both Sikhs and Hindus. 

A good number of temples, Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, and hot springs attract pilgrims and tourists alike. There are three hot springs where one can take a shower, one being inside the Gurudwara itself and therefore the other two being privatized by the guesthouses. 

Different sections for men and ladies are made at the washing place. The water in these springs contains sulfur which is capable of curing diseases. The water is hot enough to organize food by directly placing the vessels and is served as langar. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

12. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Tirthan Valley in Kullu District of Himachal. Deriving its name from the Tirthan River flowing through it, Tirthan Valley lies around 3 km from the doorway of Great Himalayan Park. This place is abundant in adventurous activities and a paradise for nature lovers. 

The magnificent Himalayas with snow-covered tops looking over the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing, trekking, and adventure activities, and pleasant guesthouses set in nature. Tirthan Valley is at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level; thanks to which, the climate here remains pleasant for several of the years. 

The average temperature in summer ranges between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius making it a perfect time to go. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

13. Beas Kund Trek, Manali

Other than being a famous tourist destination, Manali is additionally the because of one of the foremost undertaken treks - the Beas Kund Trek. This trek may be a perfect weekend getaway plan which takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of town life. 

Get an opportunity to feast your eyes on the outstanding views of Pir Panjal mountain ranges over the Beas river, let your soul get wooed by the spectacular meadows of Dhundi and Bakarthach, and eventually, the glacial lake at Beas Kund which is worth all the hiking. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

14. Bara Bhangal Trek, Manali

Bara Bhangal Trek, also mentioned because the Shepherds trail trek takes you from the luxurious green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of the Bara Bhangal range. A trekker will cross the Kalihani Pass and move northwest before reaching Bara Bhangal. 

From here there's a turn southwards to Thamsar Pass and reach Billing in Kangra valley to end the trek. Indeed, it's a fruitful trek and excellent for people that need a natural trek that takes them back to their roots and provides them a while with nature. Bara Bhangal trek spans over the peak of around 2050 meters to 5000 meters and above. The trek is rugged, and therefore the route is sort of stubborn. 

When you travel through it, you'll get to tune yourself with the daunting rocky paths of the journey. En route, threatening moraines await you with thick glaciers. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

15. Rahala Falls, Manali

Next on the list of places to visit near Manali is Rahala Waterfalls. This place is a well-known picnic spot for locals and tourists thanks to Rohtang Pass. The water here is typically cold because it originates from a melting glacier situated within the Himalayas. 

The surrounding is thickly vegetated with deodar and common birch trees. The snow-capped Himalayan peaks are often easily seen from various locations around the waterfall. As one explores the location, they're going to skill the sounds of the birds chirping, the whistling of the trees, and therefore the trickling waterfall compliment the sweetness of Rahaha Falls. 

Located at an altitude of about 9000ft, it is a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers. Adventure seekers also can trek up the cliff to get a spectacular top view of the waterfall and therefore the mountain peaks covered in snow. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

16. Kothi Village, Manali

The Kothi Village is located along the route to Rohtang Pass from Manali on Leh - Manali Highway. Kothi is situated at the foothills of Rohtang pass and lies at an altitude of 2500 m. This splendid village offers a strong view of snow-capped mountains and glaciers and of the Beas River that flows through a very deep and narrow gorge at now. Kothi village is one of the foremost scenic places to be visited in Manali. The beautiful valley view is worth watching. 

Some flicks are shot at this location. Kothi is a perfect site for nature lovers, poets, and painters. Kothi is additionally referred to as Koshtampi and features a temple of Goddess Shuwang Chandika, an area deity. Kothi wanted to be a campsite when Rohtang pass had to be climbed on foot. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

17. Kunzum Pass, Spiti

Kunzum Pass or Kunzum La, because it is named by locals, is one among the very best motorable mountain passes of India, located at an altitude of 4,551m above mean water level. It is a gateway to the gorgeous Spiti valley Via Kullu and Lahaul.

It lies on the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. Kunzum La offers a fantastic 360-degree view of Bara- Shigri Glacier (the second-longest glacier in the world), a jaw-dropping vista of Chandrabhaga Range, and a spectacular view of the Spiti valley. This enthralling view makes Kunzum Pass a photographer's dream. 

There is a 15km trek to the famous Chandratal Lake (moon lake) from Kunzum Pass. It is believed that the visitors got to stop at the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi, there because of the past, to pay their respect and seek the blessing to travel safely through the rugged terrain. 

The tradition is to require an entire circle of the temple in your vehicle. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

18. Malana, Himachal Pradesh

Malana is an ancient Indian village within the state of Himachal Pradesh. This solitary village within the Malana Nala, a side valley of the Parvati Valley to the northeast of Kullu Valley, is isolated from the rest of the earth. Known as Malana or the Malana Village, it's located within the Kullu district. The peaks of Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba shadow the village. 

It is situated on a foreign plateau by the side of the torrential Malana river, at a height of 8,701 ft above water level. Malana has its lifestyle and social organization and other people are strict in following their customs. Malana has been the subject of various documentaries, including Malana: Globalization of a Himalayan Village, and Malana, A Lost Identity. Roads till Malana Village trekking gate are developed. Widely known for its strong culture and non-secular beliefs, with various sentiments embedded within the past, it's an area meant for people that seek spiritual guidance. 

This place is additionally apt for all adventure lovers since the route to Malana is legendary for trekking. The temples in Malana- the Jamadagni Temple and therefore the Shrine of Renuka Devi - function as major attractions of the village. Built closely to each other, they're documented for the worship of varied gods and goddesses which are highly respected by the locals, and tons of care is taken concerning its preservation. 

The trekking route to Malana is adorned with lush deodar vegetation alongside a small view of the Malana Dam that energizes people from time to time. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

19. Hampta Pass Trek, Manali

Hampta Pass sits at an altitude of 4270m on the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas. It is situated within the Manali region of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the foremost convenient and enjoyable treks. A perfect trek for beginners, the place is simple to access, and thus the adventurous experience of crossing the pass is simply exhilarating. 

Unlike most of the trek, this one begins from Manali town and is not from a far-off village. Chandratal, a crystal clear lake perched at high altitude is the highlight of the trip and a rare sight to behold. This pass is usually employed by shepherds of the lower Himalayan region, seeking high altitude grasslands within the summer, when the dry cold desert of Lahaul is barren. Vertical rock walls, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, pinewoods, rhododendron forests, open meadows, tiny lakes, and peaks rising above 6000 meters are the foremost characteristics of this trek. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

20. Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Next on the list of places to visit near Manali is Parvati Valley. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Parvati Valley runs alongside the touristy destinations of the state. The stunning valley is legendary for backpacker hangouts, and adventure activities. It is also well-liked amongst hippie travelers for its famous charas (hashish), rave parties, and spiritual experience. 

The Parvati River is joined by many smaller tributaries along the way that ends in beautiful cascading waterfalls. A clear view of the Himalayan mountains greets the visitors as they enjoy trekking, camping, and river rafting. 

Parvati Valley draws equal amounts of young Indian and international travelers who like to sit back and luxuriate in the solitude promised in snow-clad mountains. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

21. Jogini Waterfall, Manali

The last one on the list of places to visit near Manali is Jogini Waterfall. It is found within the gorgeous Valley of Manali, about 3 kilometers distant from the bustling town and around 2 kilometers distant from the famous Vashisht Temple. 

What makes it a popular tourist spot is that the trek from Vashisht Temple, through pine trees and orchards, to the mesmerizing Jogini Waterfalls cascading from a height of 160 feet. The trekkers are enchanted as they cross several smaller streams with a stunning view of River Beas and therefore the snow-dusted peaks of Rohtang. A complete treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Jogini Waterfall must be visited when exploring the breathtaking valley of Manali. 

It takes about 3 hours to climb to the Jogini Waterfall, so confirm to hold a camera to capture the mind stirring great thing about the situation. If you would like to require a pit stop, there are restaurants on the route serving local snacks with a piping hot cup of Chai. 

The captivating waterfall is taken into account together with the foremost romantic attractions in Manali, thronged by couples. However, the region is additionally famous for adventure and recreational activities and is a favorite picnic spot among tourists. It is one of the places to visit near Manali.

Himachal Pradesh is one of the simplest destinations for tourists. Covered by the gorgeous peaks of the western Himalayas, Himachal is the gem of north India. There are only a few other states within the country that would match the unbelievable beauty and variety of Himachal Pradesh. This is the place, which you'll wish to visit again and again. Here mentioned above are some of the places to visit near Manali.

Himachali crafts have a distinct segment market because the Handicrafts in Himachal are made with the special motive of serving the natives of the state. Handicrafts in Himachal Pradesh also are fashionable tourist attractions. The various sorts of handicrafts available in Himachal Pradesh include woodwork, leather embroidery, metal wares, carpets, painting, and woolen textiles. 

The range of handicrafts found in Himachal is exclusive to the state. The crafts of this state are vast and portray the artistic skill of the craftsmen. Thangka is an intricate and brightly colored painting done on cloth –a very famous art of Tibetan artisans. These paintings mostly depict Buddha also as other gods and goddesses. This art is very popular, especially with foreign tourists. 

Himachal also specializes in making fine shawls. Moreover, accessories, embroidery, woolen garments, and leathercraft of Himachal are extremely precious and popular.

The music of Himachal Pradesh is synonymous with the varied events and happenings within the day-to-day life of the people. There is no classical sort of music, but they need the folks kind that you simply will surely want to be a neighborhood of. 

However, while mentioning the songs of the state one cannot miss the Samskara song, that's a special song that belongs to the genre of Indian classical sort of music. The subject of those folklores shift consistent with the seasons and there's a song for nearly all the occasions. The main subject of those songs is romance, stories of war and gallantry, seasonal variation, to name a couple of. Childbirth also as mournings are common. 

Some of the commonly sung songs are Chhinj, Laman, Jhoori, Gangi, Mohana, and Tappe, which are love songs. Dholru may be a seasonal song while Bare – Haren are ballads about warriors and Soohadiyan are the songs that are sung at Childbirth. Losi, Pakkahad, and Suhaag are all family songs and Karak are songs of praise within the honor of the deities. Alhaini on the other hand maybe a song of mourning.

The people of Himachal Pradesh are known for their love of colors and festivities. Forming a neighborhood of those festivities are folk dances of the state, with themes revolving around the scenes from the mythological epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Folklore and chivalry tales of the local heroes and nonsecular deities are other themes on which the normal dances of Himachal Pradesh are based. 

Though there are a variety of dance forms popular within the state, Chham Dance or 'Dance of Devils', performed in Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur, counts amongst the favorites of the tourists. There are many more dance forms like Chhanak Chham, Dandras Dance, Kullu Nati, Lahauli Dance, Losar Shona Chuksam, Nati Dance, Thoda Dance.

The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh offers a good range of lip-smacking and savory food items. The cuisine of Himachal Pradesh features a big influence on the Punjabi and Tibetan kinds of food. The people of Himachal Pradesh prefer very spicy food items. 

However, in their daily and regular routine, most of the citizens have north Indian dishes that are easy to form and tasty to eat. Some of the famous foods are- Madra, Dhaam, Tudkiya Bhath, Bhey, Chha Gosht, Siddu, Babru, and the list goes on. So, these are some charms of Himachal Pradesh that will make you go crazy when you go and discover it yourself.

Comment down your favorite place from the list above. Do like and share these places to visit near Manali with your travel buddies and ask them to plan a trip soon.

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