Places to Visit in Manali in May
Nestled amidst the snow-laden hillocks of Manali, the Hidimba Devi Temple, also known as the Dhungri temple, is an ancient place of worship revered by the Hindus. The cave temple is dedicated to the Hindu demon-goddess Hidimbi. Hidimbi was the wife of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers who are at the forefront of the epic Mahabharata. Conceived in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, the Temple is built around an ancient cave inside which Hidimbi Devi is believed to have meditated.
Surrounded by Dhungri Van Vihar, a lush cedar forest at the foot of the Himalayas, the structure is built on a massive rock piece jutting out of the ground. This protrusion was initially worshipped as the deity before the Temple was built. Reflecting the distinct temperament of its patron goddess, the design of the Hidimba Temple is different than any other temples in its vicinity. With its wooden doorways, ceramic-like walls and three conical roofs covered in timber, the architecture of the Temple tells unique stories about the origins of the place in the folklore.
Hidimba Devi Temple holds very high religious and cultural significance in the Hindu community. This can be seen on special occasions like the days of Navratri when people form long queues outside the Temple for just one glance at the Goddess. Along with having great religious value, the Temple gives its visitors an entrance into the wondrous world of nature. Nestled among branching trees and fallen leaves, the Temple is surrounded by rabbits and yaks who find a natural home in the forest surrounding the Temple.
Located 13 kilometers from Manali, Solang Valley is nestled away between the Beas Kund and Solang Village. The valley is famous among tourists for its stunning views of snow-capped mountains and magnificent glaciers that attract ski fanatics from all over the world.
The beauty of Solang Valley is unparalleled and many people visit the valley every year just to enjoy its pristine, snow-white magnificence. Especially in winter, when the entire place is covered by fluffy, milky white snow, the whole place appears as if it is straight out of a movie. groves of emerald green trees dotting the pure white landscape, clear blue skies, and magnificent mountains as far as the eye can see – Solang is truly at its most splendorous in winters.
Besides admiring its unmissable picturesque landscapes, people also visit Solang Valley to enjoy various winter sports. Adventure enthusiasts love skiing in the pure, driven snow here, and when the winters ease off a little, you can also try zorbing and paragliding.
The views of the place from the open sky as you paraglide through the valley are truly indescribable and need to be witnessed to be believed. If you really want to get a full dose of the pristine beauty of this valley, try camping here amidst its lush green meadows.
You can also try other adventure sports like quad biking and snowmobiling in Solang Valley. For the true thrill chasers, there is Solang Ropeway – a state of the art cabin to enjoy the sweeping views of the valley. However, if you are traveling with family, there are several places you can check out too.
The Great Himalayan National Park, Kothi, and Rohtang Pass make for very interesting sightseeing places. Whether you go to Solang Valley with friends or family, there is a lot to explore and enjoy here.
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Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.
Top Experiences To Do in Rohtang Pass
Explore Rohtang Pass
- 5D/4N
- Manali
- 3D/2N
- Manali
- 5D/4N
- Manali
If you are looking to embark on a trek to one of the most remote and untouched places to visit in Manali, then Jogni also called as Jugni Waterfalls is the best place to be. Located at an easy distance of about 3km from the main market of Manali, it can be reached directly by a vehicle. As soon as you park at the base of the falls, you will see the beautiful natural scenery that encircles the entire falls area.
The trek route passes through
narrow paths and is breathtakingly beautiful as it traverses orchards, pine
forests and several small streams. Al through the way, you can see the peaks at
Rohtang Pass and the gush of the Beas River flowing by. The trek to the top of
the waterfall lasts for about 20 minutes and will expose you to some of the
most serene beauties of nature. Try to make it in the afternoon when the
sunlight catches droplets of the waterfall.
Timing: Always
Entry Fee: None
Photography Allowed:Yes
Top Experiences To Do in Jogini Waterfalls
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Vashist is located near the Beas River and a short distance from the Rohtang Pass. Although a quaint village, this place is full of tourists. The highlight attractions here are the hot water springs and two temples. One temple is dedicated to Vashist Muni. There is also a Lord Ram temple here.
Of things to do in Manali, you can have a dip in the hot water springs. Devotees believe that this water possesses healing powers. These natural hot sulphur springs are divided into two tanks. One tank is for men and the other for ladies. Interestingly, shower fitted baths have also been erected close by.
Located only two kilometres from Manali, this wildlife sanctuary is a naturalistic paradise that spreads over 3,000 hectares. The terrain here is characterized by lush green forests and snow capped mountains. On a trip to this sanctuary, you are always inundated with the sights and sounds of colourful birds and exotic flora and fauna.
While deodar, fir, chestnut, walnut and robinia are the most commonly found vegetation in this sanctuary, you can also easily spot snow leopards, brown bears, musk deer and ibex herds in the picturesque vicinity of the sanctuary.
Addition to this, Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for the birdwatchers and the shutterbugs. Amongst the many rare and exotic species, a plenitude of tree creepers, kokla and kingfisher are the most commonly found species.
Also check: Must to do things in Manali
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Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
This museum was established in 1998 to exhibit the cultural and folk art and antiques of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at a short distance from the famous Hidimba Devi Temple of Manali.
The museum houses a very interesting and impressive collection of antique articles and other items reflecting the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. From Himachali traditional dresses and Himachali kitchenware to traditional ornaments, there is so much to look at and absorb here.
If Himachali culture interests you, start your research here because this museum will give you an overview of this culture and is among the best places to visit in Manali.
Location: Utopia Comlex, Near Hadimba Temple, Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 2 km from Manali.
Entry Fee: INR 10
The region of Kullu Manali has a large Tibetan population and their monasteries are the testimony to their spiritual beliefs and traditions. These monasteries also houses ancient artefacts, scriptures and murals related to the history and development of Tibetan people in Manali.
Some of the well-known monasteries in this picturesque hill station includes Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa and Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, and a visit to them is amongst the best things to do in Manali. The former is run by the locals based on donations and it also has a Tibetan handicraft centre, from where the visitors can get souvenirs and other traditional gifts. The latter has a modern architecture and is situated amongst a sprawling sunflower garden.
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One of the most
frequent places to visit in Manali, the Van Vihar National Park attracts
visitors mainly because of its ideal location, which is bang on the Mall road
in Manali. The park is a welcome respite from the crowds and the pollution with
its tall and shady groves of Deodar, birch and pine. There are a number of
wooden and concrete benches within the park, which provide rest, relaxation and
recreation to its visitors.
Take off your shoes and take a leisurely walk across the garden paths of this wonderful haven of nature. You could also have fun cruising around in a boat that sails in the small pond within the vicinity of this park. Set amidst beautiful and verdant environs, the park is a perfect respite for anyone who chooses to visit it and makes up for a great place for a spontaneous picnic or simply a long walk!
Timing:
08:00 am – 07:00 pm (summer)
08:00 am – 05:00 pm (winter)
Entry Fee: 10 INR per Person
Photography Allowed: Yes
Mall Road
Often acknowledged as the heart of Manali, the Mall Road in Manali is the most attractive tourist destination for the Himachal travelers. Renowned for its street shopping adventure and bustled with heaps of activities, the Mall Road of Manali has got a lot of things to keep you busy for the day. Lined with multiple restaurants, cafes, and dhabas, this place is ideal for those who have got a flavor of bargaining skills deeply rooted in them.
Start your journey through the Mall Road by paying homage at the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple. It has got the right blend of both architectural flavor and vibrant tones to capture with your DSLRs’. The Sakyamuni idol is the main shrine here.
Next, this famous commercial center has got a lot of emporiums and shops lined up for you to buy some exquisite souvenirs. The Tibetan Style Handicrafts found here are simply astounding.
You can even the sweet smelling Tibetan-styled incense sticks and intriguing singing bowls at some of the shops here. There are some shops at the Mall Road selling Kullu and Kinnauri shawls in a wide array of flamboyant patterns and colors.
Some other local souvenirs to dig at the Mall Road are prayer wheels, Kullu Caps, Thangkas, Dorjes, Bamboo souvenirs, Buddhist paintings, keychains, nameplates, and turquoise and silver jewelry, etc.
Shawls, Tibetan jewelry, tweed jackets, and handicrafts are somethings you should never miss on while strolling here. Apart from these, the Mall Road in Manali features Thai Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Hong Kong Market, New NAC Market, Shangri La Shopping Complex, and Snow Lion Underground Market.
Top Experiences To Do in Mall Road
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Cascading from a height of 8,500ft, the Rahalla or Rehala Falls as they are called as one of the most stunning natural places to visit in Manali. They are located at a distance of 16km from the town on the way to the Rohtang Pass and are must stop over on your way to visit this haven of snow. The falls are formed by glaciers as they melt on their way down from the mountains. It is one of the best places to enjoy photography or just sit peacefully by and admire the natural beauty.
The more adventurous can go trekking up the mountains behind the waterfall
cascades. The waterfalls are set amidst dense thickets of Deodar, birch and
pine trees, making it one of the stunning places for photography. The sight of
the place and the gentle rhythm of the falls gives instant peace and harmony to
anybody who chooses to visit it.
Timing: The waterfalls are best visited in the months of March and November
Entry Fee: None
Photography Allowed: Yes
Manu Temple
Located in the Old Manali region, you can reach this temple through the road that passes through the Manali Community Center. Dedicated to the Indian sage Manu, this temple is the only temple on this planet that is dedicated to this sage. Thus it makes to be one of the most sacred pilgrimages for the devotees of this saint.
Built with wood and stone, the temple offers exotic views of the Beas River and magnificent hills. In front of the temple, a huge cascade enhances the aesthetics of this resplendent temple. A visit to this sacred temple in an important part of the Manali tour packages.
Things to Do in Manali in May
Activity Location: Dobhi, Manali
Activity Timings: Between 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Flight Duration: 15-20 mins
Pickup Location: Dobhi paragliding counter
About Paragliding In Manali:
Experience the thrill of paragliding in the Himalayan skies as you oversee the mesmerizing bird's eye view of Manali. Gliding in the midst of snow-capped peaks, open blue sky and the mystical views of the valleys around is an experience that will be one of its own kind. Experience this thrilling activity under the supervision of a professional instructor and make sure this becomes a memorable experience!
Rafting
The river Beas is a remarkable sight when it flows gracefully along the stone cut pathways and just like Rishikesh, you can experience a thrilling sports adventure while you are here while rafting among the wild and racing waters. River rafting camps can be found along the way, where you can rest and meet with other people.
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- 6D/5N
- Manali
- 6D/5N
Location - Manali
Beas Kund Trek Starting/Ending Point: The trek starts at Solang in Manali and ends at Vashisht.
Beas Kund Trek Start Time/End Time: The trek start at 10:00 AM on day 1 and ends at around 12:00 PM on day 6.
About the Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund:
Bhrigu Lake is the high altitude glacial lake at the height of 14,100 ft. It is said that thousand year ago, Maharishi Bhrigu used to meditate near this pristine lake & hence it is named after him. The beauty of the lake is different in every season, In winters it is frozen, In the early summer you will find small glacial pieces floating in the lake and in summer & spring the lake becomes blue and keep on changing its color every hour of the day.
Beas Kund is a high altitude thousand-year-old alpine lake that sits royally amidst the mountains of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 3,810 meters. This taint less beauty is the origin of Beas River, which is believed to be the water body where Sage Vyas use to take bath while he meditated and wrote Hindu epic Mahabharata.
About the Beas Kund Trek:
If you are looking for some thrilling adventure then Beas Kund Trek with Bhrigu Lake is the perfect trek for you. Beas Kund or the mountains of Beas River that rises in the Himalayas and ultimately becomes a part of the Indus River is a popular destination trekker. As is with all experiences of trekking in Himachal, it is believed that this region has an infamous way of making you fall in love.
Embrace the beauties of its gorgeous peaks, endless fascinating lands, genuinely hospitable locals and its cascading waters. Beas Kund, Kullu-Manali Valley’s major attraction, is not just a stand-alone peak but is set against the backdrop of several others such as the Shitidhar Peak, Friendship Peak and others. Along the way to the summit of Beas Kund is the Solang Ropeway Point; a skiing spot, Dhundhi an unexplored land leading to Bakerthach and a preferred camping site.
As you slowly continue on your Beas Kund trek, you will come across some of the most pictorial views of the region. As you reach the Dhundhi camp you will catch the first glimpse of Mt. Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters. This thrilling trek also allows you to camp below majestic peaks of Manali like Hanuman Tibba and Friendship Peak. During this Beas Kund trek, you can also visit the Vashishtha Temple, which is famous for its hot water springs.
Quick Facts About Beas Kund Trek:
Temperature: Around 13 ℃ in July and -7 ℃ in the coldest months
Trekking Distance: 47 km
Maximum Altitude: 14,000 ft
Beas Kund Trek Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
Airport: Bhuntar Airport
- 3D/2N
- Manali
- 3D/2N
About Chandrakhani pass trek -
Located at an elevation of around 3,660m, the Chandrakhani Pass makes it for an astounding trek experience in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Originating from the scenic Naggar settlement, which is located around 21km from Manali, the trail that leads to the pass is known for its enchanting beauty and appeal. From the pass, one can enjoy the fantabulous views of the Deo Tibba, Parbati, and Pir Panjal peaks. The slopes of the mountains, the sweet-smelling flowers, the water streams, all come together to make it one of the most scenic and pictorial passes in the country.
Quick facts about chandrakhani pass trek -
- Duration: 4N/5D
- Maximum altitude: 12,030 ft
- Trekking difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Trekking distance: 26 KM
- Temperature: 5°C to 15°C; and Night: 3°C to 10°C
- Best time to travel: March to October
- ATM: Naggar is the last point where you will get ATM
- Start/Endpoint: Naggar
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- 2D/1N
- Manali
- 2D/1N
While here, you can also go for treks, Burma bridge, zip line, etc.
- 4D/3N
- Manali
- 4D/3N
Location - Old Manali
Start Point/End Point: Old Manali
Start Time/End Time: The trek start at 10:00 AM on day 1 and ends around 2:00 PM on day 4.
About Bhrigu Lake:
Bhrigu Lake is the high altitude glacial lake at the height of 14,100 ft. It is said that thousand year ago, Maharishi Bhrigu used to meditate near this pristine lake & hence it is named after him. The beauty of the lake is different in every season, In winters it is frozen, In the early summer you will find small glacial pieces floating in the lake and in summer & spring the lake becomes blue and keep on changing its color every hour of the day.
About the Bhrigu Lake Trek:
The Bhrigu Lake trek is classified as a trek of moderate difficulty. You start from an altitude of 8,530 ft at Gulaba and you reach the highest point of the trek at 14,009 ft. On this trek you will get the unparalleled breathtaking views of Seven Sister Peaks, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Hanuman Tibba, the outstretched Pir Panjal ranges, the rich line of oak and cedar forests, fascinating green lush meadows, enthralling carpeted alpine flooring and the gushing streams along the meandering trail, the scenic vistas of the region is absolutely captivating which also makes the trekking experience overwhelming.
Quick Facts About Bhrigu Lake Trek:
Trekking Distance: 26 km
Maximum Altitude:14,000 ft
Bhrigu Lake Trek Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate
Electricity: Electricity will be available in Manali campsite, However, there will be no electricity at the campsite on the trek.
ATM: Manali is the last point where you will get ATM.
Trekking Gradient: Steep ascent throughout the trail
Landmarks : Gulabha, Rola Kholi, Panduropa,Vashisht
How to reach?
You have to report at Base camp, Old Manali which is the starting point of the trek. Many local transports and private cabs are available from Mall Road to reach Old Manali.
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Zorbing
Imagine rolling down a hill slope, packed inside a huge inflated transparent ball and that is what zorbing is about. For many, this is a fun activity for kids and they take part in it with great enthusiasm.
Location: There are great zorbing options available in Manali and the Solang valley offers the best experience. The place is also favourable for other adventure sports like paragliding and skiing.
Highlights: In this adventure sport, a person is inside an orb and they leave it down the hill. It is great fun and for people who enjoy it, nothing could be better. You can enjoy the beautiful view when you go zorbing in the Solang valley. Also, check here some of the best tour packages of Manali wherein you might get to experience this fun activity for free.
Price: The price is around Rs. 500 per person but it depends on the season and the people offering it.
Best time to visit: Usually, the best months for doing zorbing are from January to May and October to December as the rainy season is unfavourable for the activity.
