What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you picture Manali? I see lush green valleys, gurgling streams, rich culture, and thrilling adventures.
Manali is one of the most famous adventure and tourist spots in India.
This quaint hill town in Himachal Pradesh is one of India’s most visited travel destinations. This old town provides a great escape from your busy city life.
If you are planning to visit Manali with your family, here’s a list of the 10 best places to visit in Manali with family.
Hadimba Temple
Hadimba temple is also known as Dhungri temple. The temple, a four-tiered pagoda, was completed in 1553 and includes a wood-carved exterior. It’s named after Goddess Hadimba, Bhima’s wife, in the Hindu epic The Mahabharata.
There are also yak rides and cute fluffy angora rabbits ready to pose for photos. Every year in mid-May, a three-day temple festival takes place here. If you can, plan your visit around this time.
Vashisht Temple
Vashist is located on the opposite bank of the Beas River, about 10 minutes uphill from Manali.
A good Reiki center is nearby if you’re interested in alternative therapies like Reiki, massage, past life regression, and tarot. It is open from April to October. The temple is known to host regular spiritual retreats throughout the year. The main attractions here are the temple and hot spring.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is around 30 minutes from Manali and attracts visitors in both winter and summer for its snow and adventure activities.
Skiing and snowboarding are available from January to March, and a gondola transports guests 1.3 kilometers up to the top. Paragliding becomes popular as the snow melts. Keep in mind the safety concerns while taking part in adventure activities.
If you want to enjoy a bit of culture, visit the Shiva temple above the village. You can walk or ride a pony there.
Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass is a popular day trip from Manali. It is a 2 to 3-hour journey from Manali town and connects the Kullu Valley with the Himachal Pradesh valleys of Lahaul and Spiti.
It is susceptible to high traffic and adverse weather due to its high elevation of roughly 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). The number of vehicles is also limited, and visitors must get permission at least a day in advance.
Beas Kund is an igloo-shaped temple on top of Rohtang Pass with a spring that is the source of the Beas River.
Old Manali
Old Manali is a relatively tranquil village studded with basic traditional-style dwellings.
Old Manali is a laid-back traveler destination, with the road lined with guesthouses, cafes, and tiny shops.
Right at the top is the Manu temple, which is devoted to the sage Manu, who, according to Hindu mythology, was the first man created by God. The vistas are well worth the difficult but scenic hike.
Manali Nature Park
If you enjoy being in nature, don’t miss a walk through the thick cedar trees in Manali Nature Park, which runs along the Beas River between Manali town and Old Manali.
Explore the natural beauty of the region by hiking through Manali Nature Park. There’s another similar park, Van Vihar Park, with an entrance near Manali town.
Beas River
The Beas River offers numerous chances for adventure activities in its waters and along its banks. Zip-lining (flying fox) across the Beas River and rafting are popular activities for visitors.
The rafting season runs from mid-April to June. However, because of the quick flow of the river, even the most experienced rafter can find it risky.
There are also camping and picnic grounds around the banks of the river.
Manali Gompa
If you are looking for a place to experience spiritual pleasure, Manali Gompa is the place to be. The Tibetan refugees established this Buddhist monastery, also known as the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, in 1960.
This Buddhist temple is a prominent tourist destination in Manali due to its superb architecture, including a pagoda-style yellow roof and wonderful murals illustrating Buddhist precepts.
Travelers come to Manali Gompa to have a spiritual experience. As souvenirs, the shops on the site sell unique Tibetan handicrafts and rugs.
Hampta Pass
The Hampta Pass is one of Manali’s primary tourist attractions. Adventure seekers come to Manali to roll over and enjoy the tough challenges that it offers.
The Hampta Pass is located in the Pir Panjal Range, and a trekker can reach a maximum altitude of 14000 feet on their way to the pass. The route takes you through river crossings, lush green meadows, and pine and deodar forests.
The pass provides stunning views and is an unmatched place for nature enthusiasts. The pass is a must-see on your visit to Manali.
Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake is one of Manali’s greatest trekking trails. The lake is surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks as if to shelter it from the outside world.
According to local legend, Maharishi Bhrigu, one of India’s seven great sages, used to meditate here. This is why the lake is considered sacred, and even when temperatures drop below zero, the lake never totally freezes.
Locals also think that all of heaven’s Gods and Goddesses descend down to bathe in this holy lake. If not for the walk or the immaculate beauty of nature, you should go.
The Bottom Line
Manali is a Himalayan gift to the world, and it would be a sin to miss out on all the beauty and adventure that this resort town has to offer explorers.
Visit this beautiful town, and don’t forget to explore and see all of the above tourist sites to learn more about Manali’s history.
We have listed all the places in the order of their popularity and the kind of activities you can take part in together to have some quality family time.
Also read: How Many Days Is Enough for Manali?