Situated in the incredible Himalayas, Manali is a true heaven for nature lovers and adventure seekers worldwide. This idyllic Himalayan town has so much beauty to gaze at and provides an abundance of exciting adventures to get your adrenaline pumping. Be it paragliding in the open grasslands or whitewater rafting, there are always things to do in Manali that will keep you wanting more. After all, it’s why we see so many travel itineraries that list Manali as a desired destination to experience.
Manali is also a place of cultural and spiritual experiences. When it comes to travellers wanting to discover India’s natural and cultural heritage, Manali is an exceptional destination that absolutely deserves your full attention. Its breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture will captivate you, ensuring unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime!
12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Manali
1. Visit Solang Valley
Renowned for its stunning views and exciting adventure sports, Solang Valley is a must-see while visiting Manali. Among the top things to do in Manali, this picturesque destination offers a range of activities perfect for adrenaline junkies such as zorbing, paragliding and skiing, especially during winter when the valley is covered in snow.
After an exciting day, a comfortable stay is all that you need. Treebo Club hotels near Solang Valley, with their home-like amenities, offer a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to enjoy and explore the beautiful surrounding views.
2. Explore Rohtang Pass
A trip to Manali is never complete without visiting the stunning Rohtang Pass. Known for its incredible panoramic beauty and miles of snow-covered scenery, visiting Rohtang Pass remains high on the list of things to do in Manali for snow lovers! The majestic backdrop is captivating, and the ambience creates a scenario perfect for photography and lasting memories.
If you want to stay longer, then the nearby hotels in Rohtang Pass will make your experience more memorable and enjoyable. As you plan your travel itinerary, consider other places to visit in Manali, where each location offers its own unique attractions and experiences. This will ensure your vacation is diverse and also unforgettable.
3. Take a Dip in Vashisht Hot Springs
Located in the charming village of Vashisht, these natural hot springs rich in sulphur are well known for their healing properties. Adding yet another highlight to your list of things to do in Manali, after a rejuvenating dip, explore the local area, which offers a multitude of accommodations to enhance your stay. Many hotels near Vashisht Hot Springs offer stunning views of the surroundings and a great service that’s perfect for travellers hoping to relax.
A common pick among these is Treebo Club hotels, which have comfortable amenities with proximity to Manali’s top attractions. Stay here and enjoy the natural outdoors combined with the warm hospitality, so your experience in Manali will be memorable.
4. Stroll through Old Manali
Experience Old Manali’s unique ambience, a lively area known for its vibrant cafes, rustic traditional buildings, and busy markets. It is a great place to relax and embrace the local charm of Manali, with exceptional opportunities to hang out, explore, and enjoy the culture.
As you explore the many things to do in Manali, you’ll find that the aroma of the best street food in Manali is the ideal way to top your trip. As the sun goes down, you will realise that Old Manali is one of the best places to visit in Manali at night, since the nightlife is full of great energy and all the little establishments come alive, giving an inviting vibe both to the locals and to the travellers. Besides, whether you want to sip ginger tea in a quaint little cafe or enjoy some live music in a local pub, Old Manali will ensure that your night is just as great as your day.
5. Visit Hadimba Devi Temple
At a majestic height surrounded by lush cedar forests of Manali, lies the beautifully structured temple of Hadimba Devi. The carving and craftsmanship are remarkable and the temple has many facets, views and angles.
It is dedicated to Hadimba, who is a significant character in the Mahabharata epic. The temple has remarkable woodwork and a unique pagoda-style roof. Which is a fabulous piece of architecture. As one of the important things to do in Manali, visiting the Hadimba Devi temple is a tranquil place where one can find inner peace, meditate, achieve balance, and relax.
After spending the day exploring the spiritual elements of the temple, you can return to comfort by staying at one of the many hotels near Hidimba Devi Temple. While staying at these hotels, you can enjoy the cultural and historical significance of the Hidimba Devi Temple and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding areas of Manali.
6. Adventure Activities at Beas River
Participate in exhilarating activities like river rafting, angling, and more on the Beas River, which runs right through the centre of Manali. Visiting this powerful and exciting river is one of the most adventurous things to do in Manali. The beautiful scenery along the banks always attracts an adventure-seeking crowd.
You will find many hotels near Beas River that offer convenient accommodations, and they will be the perfect base for your pursuits. Whether you seek the thrill of conquering the rapids or prefer the quietness of casting a line in the flowing waters, the Beas River offers an adventure for everyone.
In addition, for those who want to get closer to the wilderness, the Beas Kund Trek Guide will describe how to locate one of the area’s most scenic high-altitude spots. These excursions promise to deliver an unforgettable journey, highlighting the spectacular natural beauty of the area. Venture on this adventure and let the stunning landscapes inspire you.
7. Trek to Hampta Pass
For trekking fans, the Hampta Pass trek will be a magnificent and unforgettable experience. This trek will take you through a splendid array of diverse terrain. Hampta Pass offers a fascinating journey from lush green valleys thriving with active plant life to the stark and harsh beauty of towering mountain walls.
Along your trek, you will pass glimmering meadows, fresh rivers, and many beautiful viewpoints which are Instagram-worthy and literally take your breath away. Among the many things to do in Manali, this trek is an ideal opportunity for anyone seeking a strong connection with the untouched beauty of nature. You will also enjoy the physical challenge and visual stimulation the trek provides.
8. Explore Naggar Castle
Discover the historic Naggar Castle, an impressive structure that majestically overlooks the stunning vistas of the Kullu Valley. Out of the many things to do in Manali, paying a visit to this rustic and unique architectural marvel provides a valuable experience of the region’s glorious past. Walking through the ancient halls of the castle with beautiful woodwork will evoke an enchanting feeling of history, and these narratives and stories will keep you engaged for hours.
For those travellers looking to continue their travel plans in the area, there are plenty of hotels near Naggar Road, Manali, that offer inviting accommodation. These hotels are suitable places to experience the culture of Manali, whether you want to unwind after an eventful day or go on even more adventures in this captivating region.
9. Visiting Manali Sanctuaries
Renowned not only for its beauty and adventure but also for its biodiversity, Manali has many wild animal sanctuaries and national parks that provide shelter for a large variety of flora and fauna.
How to plan a budget trip to Manali? – May seem like a daunting question at first, but with a carefully planned itinerary, you can indulge yourself in several things to do in Manali without breaking the bank. In and around Manali, the following is a summary of some of the natural wonders that will amaze you.
- Manali Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 2 km from Manali, the 31.8 sq km Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a site for nature enthusiasts and photography lovers, with wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and musk deer. Bird watchers can simply discover unique birds such as kingfishers and tree creepers.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 per person
- Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
- The Great Himalayan National Park: Himalayan National Park near Manali is a UNESCO location that is known for its pristine wilderness. Spanning 754 sq km, it consists of many types of ecosystems such as alpine meadows, forests, man-made lagoons, etc. Within the park also resides wildlife like the snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and blue sheep also known as “Bharal”.
- Entry Fee: ₹200 per person & 100 for students. Camera charges are extra
- Timings: 10 AM to 5.30 PM
- Pin Valley National Park: Although Pin Valley National Park is part of Spiti Valley, it can be reached from Manali too. It offers rugged terrain and very little vegetation. It is home to endangered species such as the Siberian ibex and snow leopards. Natural reserves and national parks are not only important for protecting wildlife but also give visitors exposure to the amazing beauty of the Himalayas.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
10. Shop at the Tibetan Monastery and Market
Find lovely handicrafts, souvenirs, and Tibetan artefacts at the local market surrounding the colourful Tibetan Monastery. This dazzling market is one of the best shopping places in Manali, where you can appreciate the beautiful culture and artsy ambience that Manali is known for.
As you walk down the lanes you will be presented with fabulous selections of items, including painstakingly designed shawls and woollens, special jewellery, and handcrafted pieces, which could make for an absolutely perfect gift. Visiting this market would be one of the quintessential things to do in Manali as you can take back a piece of the region for someone back at home.
Many of these shopping-marked streets are all primarily found near Treebo Club hotels. It is easy for guests to avoid long-distance travel on the road, which could easily eat into their day of exploration. You’ll rather think about the experiences you can better appreciate in the charming town of Manali, as you can still relax in comfort after a long day of shopping.
11. Snow Activities at Gulaba
If Rohtang Pass is closed during your visit, give Gulaba a try. Both for snow activities and sightseeing, it is an underrated but incredible location. It makes for a great substitute for Rohtang since you can enjoy this slice of the great outdoors without the usual crowded experience.
The snowfall in Manali makes this place a true winter wonderland; the hills are fully covered in snow, and the foggy mountain air creates an experience truly unique. Whether you are engaged in an adrenaline-filled snow activity or simply soaking in the surrounding beauty, Gulaba is a calming escape only amplified by snow, making it one of the top things to do in Manali.
12. Attend the Winter Carnival
If you are visiting in January, you should certainly not miss the Manali Winter Carnival. This lively cultural festival is a fantastic celebration of Manali’s traditions. You will be witnessing a variety of stimulating and engrossing folk dances, local music and dramas throughout your time at the festival.
The performances will be accompanied by a tasty culinary fairytale with delicious spicy snacks and street food. Among the top things to do in Manali, attending this annual festival is an exquisite experience where you can get to meet locals and learn about their way of life and the fantastic traditions that make the area so unique, so do not miss it!
To summarise, the best time to visit Manali is all year round. It can be an enchanting and alluring place, no matter the time of year you choose to visit. Whether you want to enjoy warm weather activities between May to June or the mesmerising beauty of the winter wonderland between December to February, Manali can serve as the ideal backdrop for it all!
With the economical hotel options available through Treebo Club, you will not only enjoy a comfortable stay, but also the memory of your trip will be yours for years to come. Manali is more than just a destination; You bring back stories and memories to keep with you forever and this snow queen holds you in its spell for longer than you can imagine.
