Manali

Manali is a resort town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh on the banks of the Beas river. It is known for snow-capped views, the ancient Hadimba Devi temple, Old Manali and Mall Road, the hot springs at Vashisht and Manikaran, and as the gateway to adventure at Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass.

Visit the cedar-wood Hadimba and Manu temples, wander Old Manali’s cafés and the Mall Road, soak in the Vashisht hot springs, and head to Solang Valley for skiing, paragliding and zorbing or to Rohtang Pass for snow. Adventure options include river rafting on the Beas, trekking and mountain biking.

October to June is the most popular window: March–June for pleasant weather and Solang activities, and December–February for snow in and around town. For Rohtang Pass snow, May–June and September are ideal as the pass is usually open then. The monsoon (July–September) is green but landslide-prone.

The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), about 50 km away, with wider links via Chandigarh (~310 km). The nearest major railhead is Joginder Nagar or, more practically, Chandigarh/Kalka, from where you continue by road. Manali is well served by HRTC and Volvo buses from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla.

Solang Valley needs no special permit. Rohtang Pass requires an online permit (and a registered vehicle/green-tax in season) issued by the Himachal authorities, with daily vehicle caps to protect the environment. The Atal Tunnel now provides year-round access to Lahaul, bypassing the seasonal pass.

Three to five days is ideal — a day or two for Manali’s temples, Old Manali and Vashisht, a day for Solang Valley, and a day for Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel/Sissu. Many travellers extend towards Kasol, Kullu or onward to Leh.