Manali

About

Perched at 2,050 metres on the banks of the Beas River, Manali is Himachal Pradesh's most iconic mountain destination. The town serves as the gateway to the high Himalayas — an adventure hub where snow-capped peaks meet pine forests, and ancient Buddhist monasteries stand alongside modern adventure camps. From skiing in Solang Valley and white-water rafting on the Beas to trekking the legendary Hampta Pass, Manali offers experiences that range from family-friendly excursions to serious expeditions. The town is also the northern anchor of the famous Leh-Manali Highway, making it the starting point for one of the world's great road journeys.

Highlights

• starSolang Valley snow sports — skiing, snowboarding, paragliding
• starRohtang Pass (3,978 m) — snow even in summer, gateway to Lahaul
• starAtal Tunnel — world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 ft
• starOld Manali — bohemian cafes, Manu Temple, riverside camping
• starHadimba Devi Temple — ancient deodar wood temple in cedar forest
• starVashisht hot springs — natural sulphur springs with Kund baths
• starNaggar Castle — 15th-century heritage hotel with valley views
• starBeas River rafting — Grade II-III rapids near Pirdi and Bahang

Nearby Attractions

Gallery

Local Experiences

• exploreTrek to Beas Kund (3,690 m) — glacial lake at the source of the Beas River
• exploreHampta Pass trek (4,270 m) — crossing from Kullu to Lahaul landscapes
• exploreChandrakhani Pass trek through apple orchards to Malana village
• exploreSunrise kayaking on the Beas near Kullu
• exploreApple picking in Manali orchards (Aug–Oct season)
• exploreAttend Kullu Dussehra — one of India's largest festivals (Oct)

Food & Drink

• restaurantJohnson's Cafe, Old Manali — famous pan-fried river trout
• restaurantDylan's Toasted & Roasted — popular breakfast spot
• restaurantChopsticks — Tibetan and Chinese cuisine
• restaurantCafé 1947 — Manikaran Road, local Himachali thali
• restaurantSiddu — local fermented bread served with ghee and daal

Where to Stay

• hotelSpan Resort & Spa — luxury riverside resort in Katrain
• hotelThe Himalayan — heritage mountain property with spa
• hotelGlampEco Stays — geodesic dome glamping near Sethan
• hotelBudget dorms and guesthouses in Old Manali from ₹500/night

Travel Tips

• lightbulbBook Rohtang Pass permits online at manaligreencard.com (required for all vehicles)
• lightbulbCarry warm layers even in summer — nights drop to 5–10°C
• lightbulbAltitude sickness can occur above 3,000 m — acclimatise slowly
• lightbulbThe Atal Tunnel is a toll road; check current toll rates
• lightbulbAvoid visiting in July–August due to landslide risk on approach highways

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Nearby