Manali,Himachal

• Hadimba (Hidimba) Temple – 16th-century cedar shrine set amid deodar forest
• Solang Valley – adventure sports and scenic meadows
• Rohtang Pass – high mountain pass with snowfields (seasonal access, permit required)
• Old Manali – cafes, guesthouses and bohemian vibe
• Mall Road – shopping, eateries and local life
• Vashisht Temple & Hot Springs – ancient temple and natural sulphur springs
• Beas River – riverside walks, fishing and rafting stretches nearby
• Naggar Castle & Art Gallery – historic architecture and local art
• Jogini Waterfall – short trek from Old Manali
• Tibetan Monasteries – cultural and spiritual centres

• Dramatic Himalayan scenery with pine/deodar forests and snow-capped peaks
• Seasonal snowfields suitable for winter sports and summer snow play
• Apple orchards and terraced fields in surrounding valleys
• Hot springs at Vashisht and natural mineral baths
• Vibrant local culture blending Hindu and Tibetan influences
• Wide range of adventure sports (paragliding, skiing, river rafting)

• Trekking (Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, Beas Kund and other day/overnight treks)
• Skiing and snow activities (seasonal at Solang and nearby slopes)
• Paragliding and zorbing in Solang Valley
• River rafting on Beas (nearby stretches)
• Sightseeing: temples, monasteries, hot springs and viewpoints
• Shopping for local woollens, Kullu caps and handicrafts on Mall Road
• Relaxing in cafes and enjoying Old Manali's laid-back atmosphere
• Camping and bonfires in nearby meadows
• Photography and birdwatching in surrounding forests

• Kullu Dussehra (nearby Kullu town) – major regional festival drawing visitors
• Manali Summer Festival – cultural programme, local crafts and sports (typically June)
• Winter Carnival/Snow Festivals – seasonal sporting events and local celebrations
• Local temple fairs and Tibetan monastery events (Losar celebrations)

March–June for pleasant weather and access to hiking; September–November for clear post-monsoon skies and fewer crowds. December–February for snow and winter sports (expect very cold conditions). Avoid mid-monsoon (July–August) if you want stable road access, as landslides can occur.

Alpine mountain climate: Summer daytime 10–25°C (mild), Monsoon brings rain and possible landslides, Winter -5–10°C in town (colder higher up) with heavy snowfall at higher elevations.

Nearest airport: Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar) ~50 km from Manali (small domestic airport). Nearest major airports: Chandigarh (~310 km) and Delhi (~540 km). By road: well-connected by bus/taxi from Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla (road travel 10–14+ hours from Delhi depending on traffic/conditions). Rail: nearest major broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh and Pathankot; Joginder Nagar has a narrow-gauge line but limited service. Roads can be affected by snow and landslides; Rohtang and some high routes are seasonally closed/permit-controlled.

3–5 days for a standard Manali visit (covers main sights and a day at Solang); 1–2 weeks if planning treks or excursions to Lahaul/Spiti or extended adventure activities.

Pack layered clothing (base layers, warm mid-layer, insulated jacket), waterproof outer layer for monsoon, sturdy trekking shoes, woollen hat and gloves for winter, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen for altitude, and a light daypack.

Try local Himachali dishes such as Dhaam, Siddu, and trout dishes (locally farmed trout). Tibetan-style momos and thukpa are widely available. Souvenirs: Kullu caps, hand-knitted woollens, shawls, pashmina items, Tibetan handicrafts, local jams and dried fruits.