Manali Travel Guide 2026

The iconic high-altitude pass connecting Manali to Lahaul-Spiti and the gateway to Leh-Ladakh. Snow is present most of the year, making Rohtang a rare place where most Indians experience snow for the first time. The 360-degree Himalayan views are breathtaking.

Manali's adventure sports capital — a long flat valley surrounded by towering peaks. In winter: skiing and snowboarding (December–February). In summer: zorbing, paragliding, mountain biking, and ATV rides. The Atal Tunnel under Rohtang has made Solang essentially a year-round destination.

A 16th-century wooden pagoda temple dedicated to Hadimba Devi, set within a cedar forest in the center of Manali. One of Himachal Pradesh's most architecturally distinctive temples, with carved wooden doors and a cone-shaped roof layered with grass and flowers. Sacred to the local Kullu Manali people.

The original village of Manali across the Manalsu stream from modern Manali — a charming maze of stone lanes, apple orchards, guesthouses draped in bougainvillea, and cafes serving everything from Rajma Chawal to Israeli shakshuka. The backpacker heart of Manali with a distinctive laid-back hippie atmosphere.

White water rafting on the glacier-fed Beas River — one of Himachal Pradesh's most accessible adventure activities. Rapids range from Grade 2 to Grade 4 depending on the section. The most popular 14km stretch from Pirdi to Jhiri takes 1.5–2 hours with Class 3–4 rapids.

A 500-year-old Kullu kingdom castle converted into a heritage hotel (you can stay here) with sweeping valley views. Nearby is the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery — commemorating the legendary Russian mystic artist who lived and died here. The gallery houses original Roerich paintings and his wife's Tibetan art collection.