Top 7 Things to do in and around Manali for a Memorable Sojourn

The quaint backdrop of Manali, the Himachal Pradesh town, is flourished by hills, deodar forests, and rivers. Just like its varied terrain, there are countless things here to engross you, to replenish the energy and zest of life. The following list contains some ideas for all, encompassing adventurous thrills to a religious repose.Things to do in Manali

Skiing in Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass Things to do in Manali

Being the highest point of the Manali Keylong Road, this pass enroute Shimla, belongs to the Pir Panjal range. Located at an elevation of 13,051 ft, and around 50 km away from the city of Manali, the snow-covered slopes are suitable for both beginners and advanced ski lovers. You may also enjoy heli-skiing, organized by the HHS or Himachal Heli-Skiing.

Getting Here:

A taxi from the Himachal Taxi Union in Manali will take you to the snow point, from where you can start off your adventure. Govt. bus service by The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is also there, but its drop off is quiet far from the snow point. You can get private a.c and non a.c buses as well, but it will cost you more than hiring a taxi. You will have to hire ponies till you get to the activity area if you travel via bus.

Best time to visit:

May-June & October- November (remains closed on Tuesdays)

Activities:

You can hire snow mobiles and snow scooters.

Relevant Details:

You will need to take warm clothes on rent either from the Mall Road in town or from shops near the snow point. Local vendors often increase the rental rate for outfits and adventure equipment, so negotiation is required as the govt. has a fixed charge for everything.


Paying a Visit to the Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple Thing to do in Manali

Dedicated to the wife of Bhima from Mahabharata, this wooden temple, flanked by deodar forests is nestled at the foothills of Himalaya in old Manali. Around 3 km away from the town, this temple has a colossal rock worshipped as the deity holding mythological importance. Inside the temple, some stones are believed to bear her footprints.

Getting Here:

Private cars can reach here within 15 minutes; if you wish to walk via circuit house road and mall road, it takes around 30 minutes. Local bus and auto services are also there.

Best time to visit:

 5:30am-8:00pm every day. Try to come during the month of May for the festival of Dhunguri, celebrated for three consecutive days.


Zorbing at Solang Valley

Solang Valley Things to do in Manali

Solang valley, a hub for adventure sports, is located at a distance of 13 km from Manali. It is famous for crazy zorbing which allows you to roll down from gentle slopes in a huge transparent ball. However, this exciting experience is only possible when the hills are not covered in snow.

Getting Here:

Take a direct bus or hire a cab from Manali. Cab fares are within a range of 1500 to 2000, varying depending on the season.

Best time to visit:

10:00am-06:00pm; December to February.

Relevant Details:

 Zorbing costs around INR 350-500 per person.


Taking a Bath in the Hot Springs of Manikaran

Manikaran Things to See in Manali

The hot spring of Manikaran, covering around 1.3 km, steeped in Hindu and Sikh mythological interpretations, is believed to have healing properties for muscular and bone pain. Devotees seek salvation by taking a dip in the springs, streaming near the banks of Parvati River. One of the offbeat areas to explore, this geothermal spot is good for just taking a dip for a few minutes. Otherwise, the excess sulfur content may harm your skin. The food served at the langar of the local Gurdwara is cooked by immersing the raw ingredients in the hot water.

Getting Here:

Hiring a cab from Manali is the only option as thereis no direct bus route.

Best time to visit:

During the summer months of March-May when the temperature is around 10°C.

Relevant Details:

Covering your head while entering the Gurdwara is a basic norm. Also, you need to carry clothes if you plan of taking a dip at the springs (men and women have separate spots for that). If you wish, you may check into a hotel or the Manikaran Gurudwara that offers both fooding and lodging.

Exploring Wildlife at the Manali Sanctuary

Manali Sanctuary Things to See in Manali

Providing an opportunity for an up-close and personal rendezvous with snow-pigeons, chakors, kingfishers, as well as brown bears, snow leopards, musk deers, and leopards, the sanctuary is an ideal place for a day-long tour, especially if you are on your honeymoon. Camping amidst the forest is only allowed during the summer months. You can camp either at Lambadug or Gallant thatch. As the forest is blessed with vivid natural trails, both advanced and beginner trekkers may indulge their passion for adventure.


Getting Here:

Buses and cabs are available from Manali to travel the 2 km distance.

Best time to visit:

7:30am-5:30pm, every day; October-February & May-June for camping and trekking

Relevant Details:

You can carry your food and water (please make sure not to litter).


Rafting in Beas River

Beas River Things to See in Manali

For beginners, grade two rafting (2.5-3.5 km long) is organized at babeli and raison. Experienced rafters may enjoy the grade three and four rafting (7-14 km) at Pirdi. There is also an opportunity of white water rafting that has a low difficulty level. While the grade two rafting is the easiest one, the grade three and four are characterized by harsh waves, sudden drops, and rocky obstacles, giving you a scope to master your rafting skill along with your friends.


Getting Here:

Take a cab and travel one and half hour to reach there.

Best time to visit:

April-June& October-March. Rafting is closed during monsoon and winter.

 Packages: Short rafting packages are for 7km, while the long packages allow you to raft 14km.

Relevant Details:

Wearing lifejackets and helmets are required. Carrying extra clothes and flip-flops in your rucksack is important as well. Clothes made of capilene or polyester are suitable as they dry up fast.


Paragliding in Gulaba

Gulaba Things to do in Manali

Situated 6km away from Rohtang Pass and 20km away from Manali, Gulaba is a picturesque village at an elevation of 13,123 ft, covered with greenery. To see the entire landscape at one go, you can opt for paragliding under the special guidance of a licensed pilot.

Getting Here:

It is around a 2 to 2.5 hours’ drive from Manali to Gulaba.

Best time to visit:

from 9:00am-6:00pm, throughout the year (paragliding remains closed during monsoon)

Relevant Details:

Paragliding package start from INR 600 to 3000 depending on the duration of the flight. Short flights are usually for beginners, while long and high flights are only for experts. It is pretty cold during winter so dress accordingly. Even during summer, you must wear thin sweaters.


Just like paradise, crowned with snow-capped mountains and adorned with lush green valleys, Manali is the place to go to get away from your monotonous daily life. Visit anytime of the year and you will find some activity or the other for yourself.

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