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Manali [1] is a city in the Kullu Valley.

[edit] Understand

Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050 m (6398 ft) in the Himalayas. Situated on the Beas river (and near its source), it is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti.

[edit] Weather

Min temp could be below 10 C from Oct till March. Dec Jan and Feb are coldest months. Rest of the year the minimum temprature would be between 10-15 C.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

Manali is about 550 km from Delhi, the capital of India, and there are buses connecting the town with Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala and Leh. For service from Delhi to Manali, tickets and reservations can be made at the Inter State Bus Terminus as well as at the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in New Delhi. The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 18 hours; from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours; and from Kulu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. Volvo buses are available from Delhi but you need to book these two to five days in advance. Considering the long and difficult drive, many prefer to take a day or two off at Simla before heading on.

[edit] By private taxi

If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and doesn't have the habit of drinking alcohol.Also make sure the driver has done the trip atleast once before and knows all roads .

[edit] By train

The nearest Broad Gauge Rail Head is Ambala Cantt(200 km) or Chandigarh (250 km)from Indian Capital New Delhi. Ambala Cantt is on the Delhi - Amritsar and Delhi - Jammu main lines and is well served by rail, but you will need to travel to Ambala to get a bus for the 10 hour ride to Manali. Jogindernagar and Kalka are other, less preferable, rail heads for Manali. The nearest Broad gauge station is Kiratpur Sahib in punjab near the city of Nangal . It lies in Ropar district of Punjab. The station lies on the Ambala Cantt - Una route of Indian Railways. From here you can easily get buses for Manali.

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport ( Tel: 01902-65037, 65603) , 50 km from Manali, 10 km from Kullu, about two hours away. Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines,MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines operate flights to Kullu from Delhi and Chandigarh.

[edit] Get around

There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi (various kinds available), which takes around to all the sight seeing spots in and around Manali (Rohtang, Manikaran etc). It costs about Rs. 1500 per day, or little over Rs. 3000 if you book together for 3 days (in the peak season)

The second most common way is to hire a bike. There are many places where you can hire a bike (easy to find if you ask around), and is the most common mode of transport for foreigners. Both cruiser bikes like Bullet and sport bikes from Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha etc are easily available, though Bullet is the most commonly seen one on the roads. Rates hover around Rs. 500-600 per day in the peak season, but much discounted at other times.

Public transport is not so good. There are cheap bus services, but they are not so frequent. Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as other modes of public transport and exorbitant compared to bus. For e.g., auto rickshaws take Rs. 200 from manali mall road to Solang valley, while the bus will cost you just Rs. 10.

Nehru Kund: Nehru Kund is located at the distance of around 6 km from Manali. It is one of the natural springs of natural water in India. Nehru Kund is named after the late Prime Minister Jawar Lal Nehru. Nehru used to drink water from this Kund, while his journey to Manali. Nehru Kund is on the Manali-Keylong road, about 6 kms from Manali. It is understood that a landslide has wiped out this spring.

[edit][add listing] See

• Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 3979 m (13,050 ft) above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.

Important to note that the road to Rohtang Pass is closed off at Manali bridge,on all tuesdays between 0900-1800 hrs for carrying out road widening work & repairs. If you are able to leave early, before 0900, you can avoid the traffic rush (found on all other days) and have Rohtang Pass to your self (well almost!!). Flip side is to be prepared for stoppages (extending upto a few hours) on the return trip as the road is blocked off where repair works are progressed. If you are driving up, be prepared for the rough broken roads at many places, sheer blind turns and tight hairpin bends, which can be exhilarating depending on the state of your nerves. Beas Kund, an igloo shaped temple, on top has a spring which is the origin of River Beas.

• Hidimba Temple: It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity. The structure was built in the year 1553.

• Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vaishisht, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs.

• Solang Valley popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.

• Rahala waterfalls: About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

• Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

• Old Manali: At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.

• Gauri Shankar Temple at DASHAL village(700 mtrs. from Sarsai )on the main left bank Kullu Manali Highway.It is a 12th century protected monument.Also see lush green apple orchards,play with water stream out there

Fun park' near Hadimba Temple

There are some interesting temples of Tibetan Buddhist lineages located between old and new Manali.

• Naggar: The Castle, Roerich House and Art gallery are places to see. Moonlight dinner on the balcony of Hotel Castle restaurant is worth experiencing, with the lovely sight of twinkling lights below in the Beas valley. Bijli Mahadev temple, about 20 kms from Naggar, is also worth visiting.

• Beautiful Log Hut Area and Club house: In fact both these places especially log hut area have some good hotels to stay as well.

The Manali Gompa:

Manali Gompa was built in 1960. It is one of the important places for Buddhists. Buddhists come to this place from Ladakh, Tibet, Spiti, Lahul and Kinnaur. Manali Gompa is world famous for a large statue of Buddha and for its wall paintings.

Kothi:

Kothi is located at the bottom of Rohatang Pass. It is a beautiful and photographic village where tourists can capture different thrilling views of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly runs. This is an amazing place to experience the natural beauty of high altitude mountain.

• Nehru Kund: Nehru Kund is located at the distance of around 6 km from Manali. It is one of the natural springs of natural water in India. Nehru Kund is named after the late Prime Minister Jawar Lal Nehru. Nehru used to drink water from this Kund, while his journey to Manali. Nehru Kund is on the Manali-Keylong road, about 6 kms from Manali. It is understood that a landslide has wiped out this spring.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks (near the Hidimba Temple). It will cost about 10-20 rupees (0.5$) for a single photo.
• One can also enjoy paddle boating in a fun park near Hidimba temple.
• River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing. One of the best adventure companies is the High Himalayan Adventures. Contact Yog Raj at 98161-83518; his office is right next to the Vashishta temple. He is one of the best guys around for arranging adventure activities, and gives honest advice instead of trying to lure you into paying more money, as is common in Manali otherwise.
• Paragliding- it is quite popular in Manali, especially in the peak season. The scene is located at Solang Valley. There are multiple levels, starting from the basic 1 minute flying for Rs. 450 (the most common), progressing to a more fun 5 minute flight for Rs. 1500. But the ultimate is the half an hour flight for Rs. 2500, for which they take you up almost halfway to rohtang, and bring you back to solang all the way by paragliding. In such a long flight, wind plays a big role, and sometimes it is not possible to fly all the way to solang, something to keep in mind while going for it. Generally, later in the day you go for it, better are the chances you will do the whole flight. Contact Ram at 9816170161 to arrange paraglading trips for you.
• Rock climbing- there are some fabulous routes, however, go with a reputable company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous sport. Look for the bright orange building across from Pizza Olive. The company also does abseiling trips, in which you can swing down into 9 tiers of a waterfall using rock-climbing equipment. Another contact is Dave Morahan (9816280821) who takes you to all kind of rock climbing trips for all difficulty levels, and is quite skilled himself.
• If interested in books, there is a bookshop in the main town near the Post Office called Bookworm. It has a decent selection of books.
• Early morning walks as manali is best enjoyed before the town wakes up

Trekking:

Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek: This trek is a technical trekking trail in Manali. This trek is a famous trek among the experience climbers. This trek gives a magnificent view of Deo.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Keychains, name plates, etc which are customized to ones own message are worth buying as mementos. Also one can get his name carved/written on a single grain of rice. One can also visit Manali Market to buy woolen stuff like sweaters, pull overs, shawls, blankets, etc. Hippie clothes/ jewellery can be found in Old Manali.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Manali market is key place for eatables. Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find more local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food, to Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.

Old Manali is one of the best places to hang out in the evening. It has a great collection of restaurants/bars and shops. It is also not crowded like the Mall Road, with the crowd consisting mostly of foreigners.

• Bob Dylan's Cafe (also known as Roasted and Toasted) is in the heart of old Manali. It serves the most delicious cookies and sandwiches. With its extremely good menu and pocket friendly price, it remains one of the most popular destinations after a day's sightseeing. Also, at no extra cost you have a very comfortable movie theater where you can choose among some 100 movie titles and watch as you much on those delicious cookies. And yes, they do play Bob Dylan's songs. Must visit.
• Pizza Olive has the best pizza in town and is worth the trek to Old Manali. Also try the fabulous tiramisu.
• Drifters' Inn and Cafe Situated in Old Manali, with great food, wi-fi internet and friendly atmosphere. www.driftersinn.in
• Lazy Dog also in Old Manali, it has an extensive multi cuisine menu. The food is quite good and the ambience is great.
• Moondance is right opposite the Dylan's cafe. It also has a multi-cuisine menu, and the food and ambience are all good.
• Apple Blossoms at Manali Heights Resort (near log huts area) to savour the best of local himachali menu as well as delectable Indian, european, oriental cuisines.
• Johnson's Bar and cafe located 5 minutes walk up from the mall road, it is a great place to hangout in the evening. The food and service is quite good, and is thus a very popular place.
• Chopsticks (opposite the bus stand).Really good Tibetan food.
• Mayur Restaurant (in a lane opposite the upper end of the bus stand).
• Vaishnao dhaba (in the market adjacent to the bus stand).
• Valley View Restaurant at Snow Valley Resorts (known for beautiful view and good homely buffet food).
• Madras mess is a popular mess which serves south Indian meals Unlimited meals Rs:50
• Il Forno, (ca. 100 m below the Hadimba Temple, in direction of New Manali). Original Italian pizzas prepared by an Italian cook. Prices higher than Indian average but still cheap for Italian pizza..  edit
• Cafe Zeppelin, Kothi village (13km from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass). all day long. is the last Cafe once you leave Manali and are heading towards Rohtang Pass. It is run by young enterpreneurs for their love of life in the mountains and music. They serve good pizzas, pastas and momos. They also play excellent English music from the 80s and 90s. Most paragliders will land at their Cafe and should enjoy they services while waiting for their friends or families to pick them up. reasonable.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

There's plenty to drink in Manali. For starters, the abundant supply of spring water every where is delicious in itself and can be drunk all day. One thing that you should search for is fresh squeezed apple juice.

The locals drink two kinds of alcoholic beverages: Lugdi (plains) or Chang (Himalayan), a kind of crude beer made from fermented rice or barley and Sharab (plains) or Arak (Himalayan), an alcoholic drink distilled from Lugdi/chang. Arak can also be made from jaggery or apples or any other fruit.

It might be an interesting experience to visit a local home when the ladies make arak (quite regularly). You can sit in the fields where the ladies make it, have hot water from the distilling to wash with and "test" the product at frequent intervals.

Because there are apple orchards all around Manali, apple cider is available in plenty. Besides this, there is plenty of other alcohol available in bars, larger restaurants and the larger hotels.

Purchased liquor has high taxes levied in this state.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Drifters' Inn & Cafe, Manu Temple Road, Old Manali (www.driftersinn.in) (about 300mts before Manu Temple), ☎ +91 9805033127, [2]. checkin: 12noon; checkout: 12noon. Drifters' is really high on value for money. Rooms and toilets are extremely clean and cozy. It has undoubtedly the best views from Old Manali. The place is very safe and comfortable to stay. Its almost a home away from home.  edit

• Hotel Shandela, Club House Road (Near electricity office, The Mall), ☎ 09418388208. Luxurious rooms overlooking the forest on the one side.  edit

• SunPark Resorts, Left Bank Aleo New Manali, ☎ 01902253037, [3]. checkin: 12; checkout: 12. Sun Park Hotel & Resort Pvt Ltd [9] (Email: hotelsunparkmanali@hotmail.com) Its a beautiful 3 star property with exclusive facilites such as Disco theque, Coffee shop, etc. Call : - 09816100049 / 09816023005 2000. (,3000) edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Blue Guest House, Castle Road Naggar, Brahman Kothi, Naggar, Kullu Manali (H.P.), +91-9817287347 (Mrs. Lata Sharma), +91-9816421109 (Mr Chandra Sharma). Hot & Cold Water, CTV with Cable, Clear View of Kullu Valley and Beas River from rooms and Roof Top Restaurant. This is a family run guest house and the couple is very courteous. They try to make all ends meet to make your stay comfortable. The guest house is priced around 300/- per night and located on the way up, about 0.5 kms before the Castle. Manali is 30 mins by local bus and thus the guest house is away from all noise and commercialisation of Manali. Mr.Sharma is very resourceful and can also arrange sightseeing trips as well as adventure activities.

• Tree House Cottages, Village Jong, Katrain, Distt. Kullu (H.P.), +91-1902-240365, +91-98160-78765 Email: info@manalitreehousecottages.com [4].

• Snow Valley Resorts, Log Hut Area, +91 1902 253 228, 253-027, 098160-03027 ( 24 Hrs) E-mail: info@snowvalleyresorts.com . This is a handsome place sprawled over the most posh area in Manali " The Log Hut area " The resorts overlook the magnificent snow capped valley and vast expanse of the apple orchards along with lush green deodar pine forests.

• Manali Heights, Log Hut Area, 9316101103 E-mail: manali_hts@satyam.net.in, Situated at 6,930 feet in the Himalayas, Manali Heights is a fairytale luxury resort set along 500 years old Dhungiri forest, amidst ancient Deodars. ( approx Rs2500 per night)

• GREEN HOTELS & COTTAGES, MANALI, +91- +91-Ph:09816921378 , E Mail- greenhotels@rediffmail.com. [5]

• Hotel Shingar Regency, Manali, : 00, +91 Ph:09816921378 , A 44 Well appointed rooms' property, walking distance from the main market, in very pristine surroundings of Hadimba Temple [6].

• Himkund Cottages ,Rangri,Manali. A collection of three cottages with exquisite location in the natures lap.You are provided a set of 2-3 rooms in each cottage which are luxuriously decorated.A perfect stay at Manali.Contact 09817094200(Manali) and Ph:09999917513 (Delhi) for more details.

• Quality inn River Country Resort

[edit] Splurge

• Nature Notes Riverside Resort, cel. 09816921378, email: naturenotes@gmail.com

• Flamingo Resort, Manali, [7] Mobile: +91-9251468639 A newly inaugurated Luxury Resort .

• Ambassador Resort[8] , Ph:09816921378
• Sun Park Hotel & Resort Pvt Ltd 09816100049 [9] (Email: hotelsunparkmanali@hotmail.com) Its a beautiful 3 star property with exclusive facilites such as Disco theque, Coffee shop, etc.
• Mapple The River Crescent Resort 09816921378 E Mail:reservations@mapplehotels.com URL [10] Manali's latest 4 star addition situated at Rangree on banks of the River Beas. 50 AC rooms, centrally heated with all ameneties.

[edit] Long Stay

If you're looking to stay for a month or more, you'll do well to be away from the main Manali Road.

• Himachal Cottage Villa, Village Bashkola, Katrain, Distt. Kullu (H.P.), +91-9417150502,

[11] A lovely cottage-villa with modern amenities, surrounded by beautiful orchards and gardens.

[edit] Get out

Travelling northward from Manali is the breathtaking region of Lahaul and Spiti across the Rohtang Pass. You can hire a taxi to the Rohtang pass for Rs500 per couple ( as of 10/12/08). You can also enjoy the horse ride to cover the last mile to the top for Rs 700-850 (as of 10/12/08). Once there you can also enjoy skiing and is definitely a photographer's delight. Note: don't forget to rent out the snow overalls & shoes before you head off for the pass. You will need them once at the top.

The "highway" crosses the pass and forks at Gramphoo (12km) the left one goes to Lahaul and is the Manali Leh highway and the road on the right leads to Spiti via Kunzum La. The Rohtang pass also marks the boundary between the fertile Kullu valley with its lush greenery and the sparse vegetation Lahaul and Spiti. The Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang areas further on are even more barren.

• Hamta Pass
• Deo Tibba
• Indrasan
• Friendship Peak
• Beas Kund