Manali
Manali is an important hill station
in the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh and
offers a blend of tranquillity and adventure that makes
it one of northern India’s most popular travel
destinations. It’s a magical place bordered by cool pine
forest and the raging Beas river and its cool atmosphere
provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the
hot Indian summers. The best time to visit is from April
until October.
Sightseeing
Manali is known for its shiny gompas
or Buddhist monasteries. With the highest concentration
of Tibetan refugees in the entire Kullu valley, it is
famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. The monastery
is maintained by donations from the local community and
through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple
workshop.
The smaller Himalayan Nyingarnapa Gompa stands in a
garden blooming with sunflowers. Its main shrine houses
a gold-faced Buddha.
Anyone looking for thrilling adventure sports will love
Manali, it is among the most popular sports destinations
in India. Fishing, white water rafting, paragliding,
skiing, mountaineering and hiking are all on offer.
Near Manali you can visit the small village of Vashist
with its panoramic views of the valley and hot mineral
springs that you can soak in.
A little further, Solang Valley shows nature at its best
with splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped
mountains, and trekking opportunities to temples and
waterfalls.
A visit to Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,060 ft,
where it can be cold even on a summer day, is highly
recommended. It is the highest point on the
Manali-Keylong road (closed in winter) and provides a
wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above the
clouds. It’s a very popular destination for Indians to
visit and play in the snow.
Festivals
The Hadimba Temple Festival, which
takes place in May each year, provides an interesting
glimpse of local culture. Gods and Goddesses from local
villages are dressed up and carried in procession to the
temple, and local artists perform traditional folk
dances. There is also a carnival for the kids.
Hotels
We have selected a few of the best
hotels in Manali and can book rooms for you according to
your wishes and budget.