Whether you are looking for some inner peace or want to have an adventurous backpacking trip, the places to visit in Manali will never disappoint you. Located on the banks of the Beas River, Manali is abuzz with several unique cultural, natural and adventurous gems. From the beautiful Solang Valley to the Great Himalayan National Park, there are many Manali tourist places to explore.
A lot of them like Manu Temple and Mall Road have gained popularity among several families as well as youngsters for an exciting trip. Agreed, these are the Manali attractions that draw swarms of tourists, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the quainter destinations like Kasol and Kullu.
These places offer the most captivating sceneries of the magnificent mountains and verdant valleys, and maybe you will get to witness a little bit of hippie culture here! So indulge yourself in whichever way you want, the spellbinding places to see in Manali will surely leave you mystified.
22 Places to Visit in Manali | Top & Hidden Attractions
1. Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass trek is one of the most dramatic crossover treks in India from Kullu to Lahaul. Trekkers are in for striking views, which shift from the lush Kullu landscape on one hand and the barren desert-like vistas of Lahaul.
It takes one through beautiful wildflower meadows, glacial lakes, thick alpine forests, gurgling streams, and high peaks. All of this change in scenery can be seen on this trek of 5 days. The maximum altitude that one gains during the trek is 14,000 ft.
2. Deo Tibba
Considered to be one of the most beautiful treks in the region, the Deo Tibba trek is famous for the views that it offers. You will walk through fragrant pine forests and small streams; and enjoy splendid views of peaks like Deo Tibba and Nobru Peak and the striking blue waters of Chotta Chandratal Lake.
You will also see the houses of the local Gaddi tribe on the way. The maximum altitude that you will gain during this 5-day trek is around 13,775.
3. Beas Kund Trek
Lying in the Dhauladhar Range, Beas Kund is one of the most important places in the region. This originating point of the Beas River is considered to be sacred and the trek to it is amazingly scenic.
In this 3-day long trek, you will walk along the banks of Beas through the beautiful Solang Valley and the charming mountain village of Dhundi. You will see glacial moraines and pass through Bakarthach, which is a high-altitude wildflower meadow full of Gaddi tribe people and flocks of sheep.
4. Bijli Mahadev Trek
Perfect as a weekend getaway trek, this scenic hike takes you to the revered ancient Bijli Mahadev Temple. The legend goes that now and then lightning strikes & shatters the temple statute, which is then glued back by the priests using butter!
To reach the 8,000 ft. high temple, you will traverse through the scenic valleys of Kullu and the mountains of the Pir Panjal range. You will pass through the charming Chansari village, Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, and Matikochar Range.
You will be amazed to see breathtaking views of the confluence of the Parvati and Beas Rivers. The temple remains closed during the winter months.
5. Patalsu Peak
A perfect trek for beginners wanting to experience summiting a peak, the Patalsu Peak trek is an absolute treat for the eyes.
During this short two-day trek, you will pass through rich vegetation of oak & deodar forests habited by colorful birds like Pheasants and Monals. Throughout the trek, you will see panoramic views of Kullu Valley, Hanuman Tibba, and Friendship Peak.
From the peak’s summit, you will be amazed by the views of Lahaul, Spiti, and Beas Kund Peak. The maximum altitude that you will reach during this trek is around 13,800 ft.
6. Prashar Lake Trek
Parashar Lake is considered a hidden gem in the Dhauladhar range of the Manali region. It is reachable by a short albeit beautiful two-day trek, which rewards one with amazing views of this offbeat location.
Pass through steep rugged trails rich with pine and oak trees. See the deep red-hued rhododendron bushes along the way as you walk alongside views of the Kinnaur and Shimla mountain ranges.
Once you reach the oval-shaped blue water lake you will be intrigued not only by the beautiful views but also the interesting myths surrounding it. There is a 3,000-year-old temple on the lake’s banks and a floating island inside it.
7. Bara Bhangal Trek
This challenging trek, perfect for experienced trekkers, is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. You will gain altitude frequently & daily during this trek as you traverse through passes to cross high peaks.
While the gradient changes frequently, trekkers are rewarded with amazing experiences each day. You will get close views of Kalihani Glacier, meadows, oak forests, Ravi River, etc. This high-altitude 10-day trek will let you experience nature from as high as 16,000 ft.
8. Kasol
When it comes to finding a destination that is beautiful, serene, adventurous and available throughout the year, Kasol India has already found its favorite spot to travel to. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh, is very well known in the travel community for being a haven for backpackers and budget travelers. Replete with experiences that will take away the heart of a lot of travelers, Kasol is more than just a destination.
Starting from Kheerganga, Kasol has made this meadow high in the Himalayas their favorite destination. A 12 km trek that leads through forests of Oak and Rhododendron, trekking on this trail in Parvati Valley is one of the best things to do in Kasol and is one of the favorites too. Beginning from Kasol, the trek passes from Barshaini and Rudra Nag waterfalls, it ends high up on Kheerganga which is a hotspot for campers. Kheerganga is also a location of one of the many hot springs in Kasol with water coming from the earth’s crust naturally warmed up.
9. Shimla
Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence.
The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want to explore nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.
10.The Great Himalayan National Park
This Park spread over 452 sq. mi is located at a distance of 70 km from Manali town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The altitude in this park ranges from as low as 1,800 m to as high as 5,800 m. It is home to some of the threatened fauna species and claims some of the most scenic natural settings in the Himalayas.
However, popular among Indian and foreign tourists, this region has been resolved to be left Roadless to avoid undue human interference, which is the reason why you can find nature in the unadulterated form here.
11. Malana
An ancient village nestled away amidst the towering mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Malana is rather famous as the perfect holiday destination for hipsters. The location is surrounded by lush, green trees and incredible Valleys, making it apt for those who love nature in its truest essence. The village is bordered by Parvati Valley on the north-east and Kullu Valley on the other side with peaks of Cahndrakhani and Deotibba shadowing the tiny, paradise of India.
Apart from the natural beauty, Malana is also known for its unique lifestyle and social structure that the locals essentially follow. Their dressing sense, the kind of food they eat, the festivals they celebrate, the way those festivals are celebrated and more reflect the vibrant culture and tradition that is unique to the place. This perfect holiday destination is situated at a height of 2,652 meters i.e. approximately 8,701ft above sea level.
12. Manikaran
Manikaran 80 km from Manali, located in the Parvati valley, this place is popular for its hot water springs and is frequented by visitors due to the famous Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib that is located here.
13. Bhuntar
Bhuntar is a town in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. There are not many places to visit or things to do in Bhuntar. It is a tranquil weekend getaway for tourists who want to spend a relaxed time in a quaint town. There are a few temples and historical sites to see. This town has religious significance. Kullu Valley is 10 kilometers away from Bhuntar. Tourists visit the Kullu Valley for water sports and adventure activities. In Kullu Valley, have some places a breathtaking landscape views. Trekking and camping is a popular activity at these sites. Bhuntar has a pleasant climate throughout the year.
14. Parvati Valley
Home to some of the most beautiful villages and attractions in Manali like Malana, Manikaran, Rudranag Waterfall, and Kheerganga is the amazingly beautiful Parvati Valley.
Created by the confluence of Rivers Beas and Parvati, it is believed that it was the residence of Lord Shiva for around 3,000 years. You will see a beautiful homogeneity between the stoic sadhus and the hippie tourists from Israel all united by their love for the mountains.
15. Gulaba
This scenic village in Himachal Pradesh is named after Raja Gulab Singh who camped here when he was invading China. The major attraction of this place is snow which can be seen here all year.
However, parts of this village turn green during summers which add a different sort of charm. Gulaba can easily be put on the list of the most picturesque places in Himachal Pradesh. Since this region receives heavy snowfall, it has developed as a popular hub for those who lust after snow adventure sports.
Located in Pir Panjal Range at a height of 4300 m, Gulaba is a popular place to visit in Manali, of course owing to its beautiful, dreamy landscape and the options available for adventure enthusiasts here like skiing and paragliding.
16. Kheerganga
This small alpine village draws its name from the milky white waters of the Parvati River that flows through it. One of the most beautiful tourist places in Manali, its secluded charm comes from the fact that it is slightly off the road.
It is famous for its flaming rhododendron bushes and pinecone-strewn trails.
17.Kothi
Located at the foothills of Rohtang Pass, Kothi is a small village with extraordinarily beautiful scenery that makes it easily one of the best places in Manali.
The picturesqueness of this village is made up of elements like its green meadows, the blue water of the Beas River that flows across it, and the white, snow-covered mountains standing tall beside it.
Due to the exceptional beauty of this village, it has been featured in many Bollywood movies. This village has also hosted several great poets and painters and inspired them to enhance their artistry.
18. Naggar Village
Naggar is one of those few enchanting places in Himachal Pradesh that’s famous for its kaleidoscopic beauty that has managed to remain untouched and elusive. Anywhere that you look while walking on the winding trails full of pinecones and deodar trees, you are met by undulated views of snow-coated mountains and the crashing sounds of the Beas River. Some British officers, in their 18th-century writings, have even compared Naggar to Switzerland, that’s how beautiful it is.
Naggar thanks to its rich royal history and culture, is an amazing amalgamation of architectural styles- be it the ancient Naggar castle, Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries, or even the picturesque timber houses. The entire place is seeped in that chic artsy vibe that attracts art lovers from all over. It has many art galleries and museums that are important repositories of the local customs and collectibles and are a must-visit.
19. Jibhi
Jibhi is one of those places that are perfect for a getaway from the noise of the cities and the busier tourist places in Manali. Just like any Himalayan village, Jibhi is no less when it comes to drop-dead gorgeousness.
20.Tosh
A charming quiet little village, Tosh is much more than its popularity as a cannabis destination. It is amongst those perfect tourist places in Manali that promise to give you respite from the unbearable heat of the plains. Every nook and corner of Tosh lets out brilliant views of high peaks capped with snow.
21.Tirthan Valley
Known as one of the hidden gems of Himachal, Tirthan Valley located in the district of Kullu is a place that cannot be described in words.
Named after the glacial Tirthan River originating in the Great Himalayan National Park, its magnificent natural vistas are perfect for people who want to spend time amidst raw mountain wilderness.
22. Jogini Falls
This 160-feet tall waterfall is one of the landmark attractions in Manali. The beauty of the falls is accentuated with the surrounding lush greenery and the tranquility of nature.
Travelers love to spend time here listening to the sounds of water sipping cups of tea and enjoying bowls of Maggie from the nearby restaurants.
The trek to the waterfall is as popular as the destination itself. It takes one through beautiful views of orchards, streams, meadows, and peaks of Rohtang.
