Make your Manali trip memorable with these 15 top things to do

When it comes to exploring the most popular hill station in India, Manali always wins your heart. It is the most well-liked tourist destination not just for Indians but for foreigners as well. People all across the world come to Manali in winter to experience the solemn joy of seeing snow-clad mountains. Manali has everything to win someone’s love: from snow-clad mountains in the winters to breathtaking scenery in the summers. The place is always filled with a welcoming atmosphere and implicit charisma. It is one of the best destinations to spend a summer vacation in India and you will find countless things to do in Manali to keep yourself engaged for an entire week.

If you’ve been wondering “what to do in Manali,” we have the perfect list for you all. This list includes some of the best places to visit in Manali where you can indulge yourself in adventure sports and activities, including trekking, skiing, hiking, camping, and Zorbing. 

Before continuing, let’s discuss the reason why Manali is famous among Indians.

Manali is one of the best destinations in India to plan a summer or winter vacation that does not feel pricey. And on top of that, the pleasant weather, with snow-covered mountains gives you the best views of this northern town. 

People find many excuses to plan their trip to Manali, but the most appealing of them are the breathtaking views, reasonable rates, and the most fascinating snow-shrouded mountains.

List of most fascinating things to do in Manali that everyone can add to their itinerary. 

1. Scream your heart out while rafting on the Beas River.

Rishikesh is, of course, one of the best places in India to indulge yourself in river rafting. But you can’t take Manali lightly either. People who want to take part in thrilling adventure activities and experience the best of nature frequently travel there.

The Beas river in Manali is the major point where rafters gather to start their rafting journey. It is a place with magnificent sights when the raft flows gracefully along the stone-cut pathways. Along the way, there are a few camps where you can stop to rest and socialize.

Location: Pirdi or Mohal are the typical starting points for white water rafting in Manali, which lasts until Jhiri.

Best time: April to June

Cost: INR 500 – INR 2,000 

Known for: Thrills and adventure

2.Yak riding in Solang Valley

Preparing yourself for a yak ride is one of the most adventurous things to do in Manali. There are several points in Manali where you will find these hairy creatures. Visit the Manali wildlife sanctuary or the Solan valley in Manali to admire wildlife and take a venturesome yak ride. I am sure that this yak ride in Manali will add an unmatchable experience of adventure to your trip.

Location: Manali wildlife sanctuary or Kullu Valley

Best time to visit: November to February

Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM

Cost: INR 200 -400 per person | Prices may change with the season.

3.Riverside Camping at Midnight

If sitting beside a river at 2 AM with your favorite group of people excites you, then you should definitely try midnight riverside camping in Manali. Camping is one of the best activities to do in Manali with your friends or partner. The joy of feeling the chill water of river Beas is enough to bring goosebumps.

Best time to visit: For pleasant weather during the night, visit Manali from April to June. 

4.Find solemn joy at the Vashist Temple’s Water Springs

Vashisht Temple in Vashisht Village is a holy Hindu temple in Manali, that is famous for its sacred hot water spring. The village is 3 km across the River Beas from Manali, and it features three temples built right next to the springs. These temples are dedicated to Lord Vashisht, Lord Shiva, and Lord Rama.

The sulfurous hot water springs at Vashisht Temple have exceptional healing properties and can treat a wide range of skin conditions, infections, and pains. Visiting Vashist Temple and taking a bath in hot springs is one of the best things to do in Manali. I am sure that the tranquil atmosphere around the village will provide ultimate peace to your soul. 

Location: Manali, Vashist, Himachal Pradesh

Best time to visit: March to November.

Timing: 7 AM to 10 PM (Everyday)

5.Enjoy the Alluring View of Manali from the Cable Car

What can be more pleasing than taking a gondola ride to enjoy the alluring beauty of Manali? Believe it or not, but your Manali trip is incomplete without a gondola ride. A cable car in Manali is one of the most adventurous things to add to your bucket list. 

Location: Solang Valley

Best time to visit: Visit here anytime, all you will get is the amazing view of the valley and Himalayas.

Timing: 09:30 AM – 06:00 PM

Entry fees: INR 500 per person 

6.Challenge yourself and trek to the top.

The biggest attraction of visiting a Himalayan hill station is not only the beauty of immaculately stunning vistas but also the adventure facilities. There are several easy-to-moderate trekking trails in Manali to include in your itinerary. If you choose to trek each one of them it will take more than a month to complete them all. 

Some of the most popular treks in Manali with stunning views are Bhrigu Lake Trek, Chandratal Lake Trek, Deo Tibba Base Camp, Prashar Lake Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, Chandrakhani Pass Trek, Bijli Mahadev Trek, and Patalsu Peak Trek, but the most beautiful trek is the Jogini Waterfall Trek that leads you to an amazing waterfall. 

Best time to visit: To witness the best of Manali in pleasant weather, take the trek between March to June. And if you want to explore the reckless side of Manali and witness snowfall, then plan your Manali trip in December to mid-January.

7.Paragliding in Manali

If you ask, “What are the best Manali attractions?” then you will hear about paragliding without a second thought. Sailing above the clouds on a glider is among the best activities to do in Manali for adventure enthusiasts. As soon as you reach the height of several feet above the ground, the excitement of witnessing Manali like a bird should be the most memorable experience of your entire Manali trip. You will see the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the meandering Beas River. 

The length of the flight varies with the wind. If this is your first time taking part in the adventure sport, choose tandem flights.

Location: Solang Valley, Gulaba, and Marhi are popular for paragliding. Paragliding enthusiasts frequently visit here to capture the best vistas of Manali. 

Best time to visit: Try paragliding in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the stunning views below.

Charges: INR 1000-5000 per person for a 10-20 minute ride

8.Ski in Solang Valley’s snowy slopes.

Skiing is one of the most popular adventure activities to do in Manali which offers the utmost fun and stunning views of mountains. As you ski down the snow-covered hill, you feel like the scenes are passing by swiftly before your eyes. 

Beginners are given special training before enrolling in a long route for skiing in Manali. You can also hire a guide from the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports to make your skiing experience hassle-free here. 

Location: Solang valley and Rohtang valley are two popular skiing points in Manali along with Marhi, Gulaba, and Dhundi. 

Best time: December to February

Charges: INR 500 – 5000 per person. (Cost of skiing classes, training, and equipment are all included in the package).

9.Zorbing down the Solang valley

Zorbing in Manali is a popular adventure sport that offers solemn joy and makes you thrill at the same time. Like paragliding and skiing, this activity also creates an adrenaline rush in the body as soon as you start rolling downhill inside an orb. When you go zorbing here, try to keep yourself calm and take in Manali’s views from every angle!

Location: The Solang Valley

Best time to visit: January to May and October to December.

Cost: INR 500 onwards per person, depending on the season.

10.Hike to Beas Kund

This alpine emerald lake is a favorite hiking spot in Manali because of its fabulous surroundings. There are mighty mountains and rocky terrain that are quite popular among trekkers for spectacular views of the Pir Panjal ranges. It is one of the easiest treks in India and if you are going on a trek for the first time in your life then you can definitely include this trek in your list. It will undoubtedly bring you closer to nature and, as soon as you reach the origin of Beas lake, the magnificent view of the glacial lake with melting snow will take your heart.

Location: Burwa, Himachal Pradesh

Best time: Visit here between May to October

Trek length: 8 Km

11.Meditate and relax at Arjun Goofa.

Meditating at the legendary natural formation of Arjun Goofa is one of the peaceful things to do in Manali. It is believed that Arjuna meditated here when Lord Indra gave him the PashupatAstra. That is why this cave was named Arjun Goofa. It is a popular picnic location in Manali and you will need about an hour to thoroughly explore the area.

Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Best time to visit: Between March and June

Timing: Open 24 hours 

12.Mountain Biking

Looking for some adventurous and unique things to do in Manali? Well, your search ends here as mountain biking is a wonderful activity that provides the adrenaline rush that everyone needs! Though it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, still it is the favorite activity for those who have already tried it once and want to explore mountains on wheels. 

Add mountain biking to your list of things to do in Manali for a day to find out about the dedicated mountain biking track. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. The only drawback is that the trail is challenging, but life wouldn’t be worth living if you didn’t take chances. 

Location: Start your journey from Solang Ski Pass and terminate at Old Manali

Best time to visit: June to September

Prices: Starting from INR 500

13.Stroll Mall Road and shop for local products at Manu Market.

There are several markets in the town where you will see stalls selling local products, but the vibe of Manu Market iManalili is different. This is one of the best markets in Manali to purchase Tibetan jewelry, fashion accessories, clothes, handloom products, and books. 

After shopping, you can take a leisurely stroll across the mall road and enjoy local street food. 

Location: The Mall, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Best time to visit: 11 AM to 5 PM 

Timing: Open 24 hours

14.Explore the heritage at the Museum Of Himachal Culture & Folk Art

The Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art is one of the finest places to visit in Manali for museumgoers who love to know about the cultural past. Many different national treasures are preserved and showcased here. There are some rare collections, of fine models of forts and temples, musical instruments, and wooden carvings, which will tell you a lot about the lifestyle of people in this region. 

Location: Utopia Complex, Hadimba Temple Road, Manali

Timing: 8 AM – 8 PM

Entry fees: INR 30 per person

15.Explore the Naggar Castle.

Naggar Castle is a medieval castle and historical museum located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. People who visit Manali for a long weekend make sure to visit this castle to witness the flawless architecture of the ancient era and the serene landscape around it. This castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu in 1460 A.D. However, it was taken over by the state Tourism Development Corporation in 1978 to run as a heritage hotel.

Make sure you drive to the castle to take in its luxurious comfort whenever you visit Manali the next time.

Location: Patlikuhal-Naggar Rd, Patlikuhal, Himachal Pradesh

Timing: 7 AM – 10 PM

Entry fees: INR 30 per person

Best Time To Visit Manali:

The pleasant weather of Himachal Pradesh is perfect for welcoming visitors year-round, but April to June are the best months to visit and explore the unadulterated beauty of this Himalayan resort town in India. However, if you want to enjoy the snow, then visit Manali from December to February, specifically in winter to get the best vistas. You will find so many things to do in Manali in December, from skiing to mountain trekking, to satisfy your wandering soul. 

Final Thoughts:

It’s obvious that Manali is the most sought-after destination among North Indians and the best hill station in Himachal Pradesh to witness snowfall in winter. There are so many other adventurous things to do in Manali, apart from capturing the snowfall. But, without a proper itinerary, we all get confused about where to start our journey. In this Manali tour guide, we have informed you about all the famous things to do in Manali that everyone can add to their trip to make it more adventurous and memorable. We have curated a list of the best things to explore in Manali for adventure enthusiasts. 

Also, don’t forget to comment and share your Manali sightseeing experience with us.

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