Manali Travel Guide: 5 Places to Visit in the Himalayas
Manali is a base for both easy town walks and longer mountain rides, so a short itinerary usually mixes valley viewpoints with a slower morning in the old town.
Solang Valley
Around 13 km from Manali, this valley offers paragliding and zorbing in summer and skiing in winter, set against surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Hadimba Temple
Set inside a cedar forest, this wooden temple dedicated to Hidimba Devi dates to 1553 and is one of Manali's most recognisable landmarks.
Old Manali
Across the river from the main market, Old Manali has a slower pace with cafes, guesthouses and orchard walks, popular for an evening away from the crowds.
Rohtang Pass
This high-altitude pass connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti and is usually open from May to October, subject to weather and permit requirements.
Manu Temple
Located in Old Manali, this temple is dedicated to the sage Manu and sits beside the Manalsu river, making it a quiet stop on a walk through the village.
Best time to visit and getting around
March to June and September to November give clearer mountain views, while winter suits snow activities near Solang. Mountain roads have steep sections and sharp bends, so a well-maintained bike rental with good brakes matters more here than in flat-city rides.
Planning to ride there?
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