Best things to do in Manali

Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding adventure at Rohtang Pass, which holds a reputation for claiming many lives. With an elevation of 3,978 m (13,050 ft), the pass experiences unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, which can be extremely dangerous. Rent a snow scooter, skis, or a mountain bike to cover more ground during your explorations.

Hindus and Sikhs visit Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib to perform sacred rituals and give offerings to their gods. Located at an altitude of 1,760 m (5,774 ft), the site contains hot springs, which enabled the construction of a geothermal energy plant. Bathe in the water of the springs, which possess sufficient heat to boil rice and, according to the locals, contain curative powers. Discover how the devotees turned an earthquake incident in 1905 that tilted the entire structure into a divine event.

Go white water rafting on the rapids of Beas River in Manali. Enjoy the scenic views of forests and mountain peaks as you brave the rushing, clear waters on a rafting or canoeing ride. Boating is prohibited during monsoon season or if the weather is bad, but the river banks provide a picturesque place for hiking, taking a relaxing stroll, or having a picnic.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hidimba Devi Temple, a sanctuary in the Himalayan foothills dedicated to a deity from the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata. Dating back to the 16th century, the temple was built over a massive, jutting rock, a manifestation of the earth goddess. Interestingly, devotees here pay their respects to the lark rock, instead of an image of the deity. Admire the tall wooden tower and the sacred stone inside, or enjoy the atmosphere of the exterior, surrounded by a tranquil cedar forest.

Adrenaline junkies should not miss a trip to Solang Valley, an adventure sports hub both in summer and winter. Go skiing on the valley’s vast, sprawling slopes, or “zorb” downhill in a plastic sphere when the snow melts. Enjoy the picturesque scenery, filled with verdant valleys and snowcapped peaks, as you take the cable car up to the summit. You can try your hand at paragliding and horseback riding, or just explore the area by foot and get in touch with nature.

Set in a village beside River Ravi, Vashisht Baths offers natural hot springs believed to hold medicinal, healing properties. Maladies ranging from skin ailments to joint problems reportedly heal in these waters. You may choose to take a dip in the hot bath complex, or instead find the two natural springs flowing from below the village's temple. Keep in mind the water may be dirtier with the latter option. If you choose to use the baths at the temple, be prepared to walk up a steep hill to reach the destination.

Take a trip up to Naggar Castle to admire the view from the grounds of this historical building. Built as a state headquarters in 1460 CE, the stone and wood structure maintains a charming rusticity, blending in well with the surrounding landscape. Now operating as a heritage hotel, the castle benefits from an onsite art gallery, rooms with extensive views of the surrounding landscape, and a fine dining restaurant, offering similarly notable panoramas of the mountainous environs.

If you're looking for a manageable hike in a peaceful natural environment, make the trek to Jogini Waterfall. You'll be walking for about an hour each way, traversing streams and woods, until you reach the picturesque waterfall tumbling down the cliff face. Look out for the shrine near the falls, dedicated to the village's protective goddess--said to reside in its white waters. Consider bringing a picnic along with you to enjoy at your destination, but be sure to carry all your trash away with you.

Play in the snow and observe picturesque mountain scenery at Gulaba, a village some 6 km (3.6 mi) from Rohtang Pass, located at some 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above the sea. When Rohtang Pass is closed in winter season, people use Gulaba for alternative skiing and winter sports, as the area offers a snow cover almost year round. Watch icicled cascades looking like frozen waterfalls, wild plants, and crystal-clear Beas River, or hike in pristine nature just 20 km (12.5 mi) from Manali main station. A narrow road and huge boulders above it provide for a breathtaking journey from Manali.

Enjoy a moment of peaceful reflection at Manu Temple, in a rural town set in the gateway to the towering Himalayas. The only temple dedicated to Manu, creator of the world, it marks the spot where the deity reputedly meditated after first stepping on earth. To make the most of the history here, do a little background reading before your visit. Make sure your clothing covers your knees and shoulders.