11 Best places to visit in Kullu Manali

This valley offers spectacular views of the mountain ranges along with a lot many adventure activities like skiing, paragliding, and zorbing as options for the adventurous traveler. Located on the banks of river Beas, Solang is around 12 km away from Manali and is a beautiful getaway amidst lush greenery and milky white snowy mountains.

Rohtang Pass is around 4000 meters above sea level and is very popular among trekkers. Be prepared to be blown off by the mesmerizing view of mountains and glaciers while here! Skiing and sled rides are also possible options for the adventure inclined. However, if you’re planning to visit this valley, keep in mind that it remains open only from April to October every year. Due to heavy snowfall, after October, entry is restricted, and permission for trekking can only be given by the Indian army once the snow in the area is fully cleared. When you are finalizing your trip & booking your Kullu Manali package, you might find that Rohtang Pass is not included in the itinerary by most of the tour operators due to permit issues & green tribunal regulations, but you make sure to visit the Rohtang Pass by paying on-spot to your taxi driver (unless you don’t want to regret for rest of the life).

This beautiful lake which is rightfully known as ‘Pool of the Gods’ is extremely popular amongst trekkers and attracts a number of visitors each year. Bhrigu Lake is located at a height of around 14,000 ft in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh, and is around 6 kilometers from Gulaba village. It is one of the most scenic lakes in this region and can only be reached via a moderately difficult high-altitude alpine lake trek which takes 2 days to cover. However, the hike is absolutely worth it and in case, you’re even slightly adventurous, must not be missed!

This temple situated atop a hillock was built in 1553 and is surrounded by thick forests. It is dedicated to the mythological demon goddess Hidimba who was also the wife of the Pandava Bhima from the Mahabharata. The distinctive architectural style of the temple is something that catches the attention of every visitor. Its structure is primarily made of wood which further adds to the uniqueness of this temple. The temple also hosts an annual festival called ” Dhungri  Mela,” which is attended by thousands of devotees and tourists. Hadimba Devi Temple is one of the must-visit temple destinations in Himachal Pradesh and a significant cultural and religious center in the region.

It is famous for its hot springs and the revered Gurudwara (Sikh temple) dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. According to legend, Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his disciples visited this place in the 16th century and were unable to light a fire for cooking due to the absence of firewood. However, a miracle occurred when the Guru thrust his stick into the ground, and hot water and flames started to gush out, providing enough heat for cooking. The hot springs at Manikaran are believed to have healing properties and attract numerous visitors seeking spiritual and physical rejuvenation. The Gurudwara also provides langar to all visitors, irrespective of their religion or caste, which is a hallmark of Sikhism’s egalitarian principles. Manikaran Sahib is not only a religious center but also a popular tourist destination, offering picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, and trekking opportunities.

Hampta Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The pass connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul Valley and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The trek to Hampta Pass is popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, and it usually takes 4-5 days to complete. The trail passes through lush green meadows, dense forests, and barren landscapes, offering a diverse range of landscapes to explore. The highlight of the trek is crossing the Hampta Pass, which stands at an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level. The pass is usually open for trekking from June to October and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for trekkers.

The valley is named after the Parvati River, which flows through it and is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas. Parvati Valley is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, serene ambiance, and spiritual significance. The valley is dotted with numerous villages, each with its unique culture and traditions, making it an excellent destination for those interested in exploring local cultures. The valley is also famous for its hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties and attract visitors seeking rejuvenation. Parvati Valley is also a popular trekking destination, with several trekking trails leading to high-altitude passes and glaciers, such as the Kheerganga trek and the Pin Parvati Pass trek. The valley is also home to several temples and spiritual sites, such as the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and the Parvati Temple, which are revered by locals and tourists alike.

Malana Village is a small, isolated village located in the Parvati Valley. The village is known for its distinct culture, language, and customs, which are believed to be different from the rest of the country. Malana is famous for its high-quality hashish, which is derived from the cannabis plants grown in the surrounding hills. The village has strict rules and regulations regarding the use and sale of cannabis, and visitors are advised to respect these rules. Malana is also known for its unique architecture, with houses made of stone and wood and intricate carvings on the doors and windows. The village is surrounded by stunningly beautiful mountain landscapes and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trek to Malana is challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views of the Parvati Valley and the Himalayan peaks. However, visitors are advised to be respectful of the local culture and traditions and follow the rules and regulations of the village.

The village is situated on the banks of the Parvati River and is surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. There are many popular tourist destinations in Kasol, known for its natural beauty, serene ambiance, and vibrant culture. The village is a hub for backpackers and adventure enthusiasts, offering several trekking trails and outdoor activities such as camping, rock climbing, and rappelling. The village is also known for its lively music scene, with several cafes and restaurants offering live music performances and jam sessions. Kasol is also famous for its Israeli cuisine, with several cafes serving Israeli dishes such as hummus, falafel, and shakshuka. The village is a melting pot of cultures, with visitors from different parts of the world coming together to enjoy the scenic beauty and vibrant ambiance of the village.

The village Vashisht is at a distance of approximately 5 kilometers from Manali and is situated across the River Beas. It is famous for its sulfurous Hot Water Springs and is hence, a popular attraction among tourists. These springs can also be enjoyed in privacy at the Turkish-style bathhouses that are available here. Apart from these hot water springs, this village is also famous for its stone temples.

These breathtaking waterfalls are located beyond the Vashisht Hot Springs towards the Vashisht Village which is another major tourist attraction near Manali. You will have to climb a little to reach here, however, tea and snacks that are available along the way will aid you to reach the waterfalls. Once here, soak in the beautiful melody of the waterfalls as well as the natural scenic beauty all around you!