Cloud-kissed mountains, lofty peaks, lush green valleys, dense coniferous forests, and riverside retreats add charm to this picturesque town of Manali. Nestled on the bank of River Beas, Manali is a great getaway to connect with nature and unwind in solitude. Besides offering spectacular vistas, Manali is surrounded by several popular tourist places that are a sure-shot way to reboot your soul.
There are many surreal places to visit near Manali, where you can delight in the breathtaking beauty of the tiny hamlets, serene lakes, sprawling meadows, and fine orchards. With their scenic vistas of rolling mountains, glistening streams, trekking trails, and unique landscapes, these places are a gateway to adventure activities and a treat to the soul.
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Best Places to Visit Near Manali in 2024:
- Solang Valley
- Hampta Pass
- Gulaba Viewpoint
- Rohtang Pass
- Kullu
- Kasol
- Tirthan Valley
- Manikaran
- Beas Kund
- Keylong
1. Solang Valley
Settled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Solang Valley is surrounded by snow-clad lofty peaks. This pristine valley transforms into dreamland and is covered with white fluffy snow in winter. The stunning views and unparalleled landscape of this wonderland attract a large number of adventure enthusiasts throughout the year. Camping amidst the lush green valley and indulging in adventure activities are once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Distance from Manali: 13 km (approx).
- Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx).
- Things to do in Solang Valley: Zorbing, paragliding, cable car ride, horse ride, skiing, camping, quad biking, snowmobiling.
- When to visit Solang Valley: March to June and December to January (for snow sports).
- Tip: In winter, the temperature drops below zero. So do not forget to pack heavy woolen.
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2. Hampta Pass
Laden with lush greenery, Hampta Pass is a high-altitude pass that connects Lahaul’s Chandra Valley and Kullu Valley. Nestled in the lap of the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Hampta Pass lies at an altitude of 4270 m above sea level. Hampta Pass trek is popular among adventure enthusiasts and is one of the best tourist places near Manali. The trekking trail boasts sprawling meadows, a panoramic landscape, dense pine forests, and snow-clad peaks.
You can witness the splendid view of two different worlds from the pass. On the side of Kullu Valley, you can delight in an enchanting view of flower-carpeted meadows and lush greenery, while on the Lahaul Valley, you can see the deserted yet spellbinding beauty.
- Distance from Manali: 18 km – by trek (approx.).
- Travel Time: 4 Days – to and fro (approx.).
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, and camping.
- When to visit Hampta Pass: November to February.
- Tips: Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration at high altitudes.
3. Gulaba Viewpoint
A quaint hamlet on the Manali-Leh highway, Gulaba is named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir. It is a breathtakingly beautiful place and is known for adventure sports. The natural landscapes of Gulaba are popular among solo travelers, families, and couples, which makes it among the best places near Manali. It is a perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones amidst the tranquility.
- Distance from Manali: 20 km (approx).
- Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx).
- Things to do at Gulaba Viewpoint: Paragliding, trekking, hiking, skiing, snow scooter ride, camping.
- When to visit Gulaba Viewpoint: November to February.
- Tips: Avoid visiting during the monsoon season as the region experiences heavy downpours that may lead to landslides.
4. Rohtang Pass
High altitude mountain pass located on the eastern end of Pir Panjal range, Rohtang Pass, with a massive elevation of 3,978 m, connects Kullu Valley with the Lahaul – Spiti Valleys. It is among the most popular places to visit near Manali, blessed with ethereal beauty and surrounded by snow-clad peaks. Rohtang Pass is a haven for nature lovers and adventure fanatics. A range of Bollywood movies is shot here, including Jab We Met and Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.
- Distance from Manali: 54 km (approx).
- Travel Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (approx).
- Things to do: Skiing, mountain biking, trekking.
- When to visit Rohtang Pass: April to October (It remains closed for the rest of the year).
- Tips: A permit is required to visit Rohtang Pass, which can be issued from the SDM Office or Tourist Information Centre, Manali. It can also be obtained online from the Kullu Administration Website.
5. Kullu
Encompassed by lush mountains covered with deodar and pine trees and situated on the bank of River Beas, Kullu is an ideal getaway for those seeking an escape in the peaceful environs. The sound of gurgling River Beas, the enchanting view of snow-capped peaks, the craftsmanship of the valley, and picturesque greenery add charm to the breathtaking beauty of Kullu. There are many places to visit in Kullu and numerous outdoor activities, which makes it a heaven for nature lovers and adventure buffs.
- Distance from Manali: 40 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (approx).
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking, river rafting.
- When to visit Kullu: March to June and September to February.
- Tips: It is recommendable to avoid visiting Kullu in monsoon season as torrential downpours can cause landslides.
6. Kasol
A tiny hamlet situated on the bank of the Parvati River, Kasol is a hub for solo travelers, trekkers, and nature lovers. It is a perfect place for a laid-back vacation amidst the tranquil environs. You can sit back and relax while gazing at the breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and listening to the gurgling stream. Kasol is a famous tourist place near Manali and a haven for adventure lovers. The trekking trails of Kasol attract many trekkers, and some of the popular treks are Kheerganga trek, Pin Parvati Pass, Yanker Pass, and Sar Pass.
- Distance from Manali: 75 km (approx).
- Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (approx).
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking, fishing.
- When to visit Kasol: October to June.
- Tips: Cafes in Kasol are so popular. So do not forget to savor delicious cuisines here while gazing at the scenic vistas.
7. Tirthan Valley
Perched at an altitude of 1,356 m above sea level, Tirthan Valley is the best-kept secret of Himachal Pradesh. This offbeat tourist destination near Manali is situated on the confluence of two rivers, Tirthan and its tributary Pushpabhad Rivers. Banjar is the major town of the Tirthan Valley. It is also home to Great Himalayan National Park (GNHP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its biodiversity. Lush greenery, emerald rivers, and sprawling alpine meadows with the backdrop of snow-blanketed peaks make it a perfect place to unwind in solitude.
- Distance from Manali: 94 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (approx.)
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking, fishing
- When to visit Tirthan Valley: March to November
- Tips: Trout Fishing is popular in Tirthan Valley, and it is recommendable to enjoy this activity. Fishing rods are also available there for rent.
8. Manikaran
Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs, located in the Parvati Valley on the bank of the Parvati River. There are three hot water springs in Gurudwara that have religious and spiritual significance, and pilgrims take holy baths. It is believed that hot water springs hold medicinal properties that help to cure skin diseases. The langar is prepared by placing vessels on the hot springs.
- Distance from Manali: 81 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.)
- Things to do: Holy dip in hot springs, seek blessings in Gurudwara
- When to visit Manikaran: April to June
- Tips: Take a holy dip in the hot water spring that comprises healing properties and cures muscle pain.
9. Beas Kund
Surrounded by towering mountains, Beas Kund is a high-altitude alpine lake nestled in the lap of the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,810 m above sea level. One of the best places to visit near Manali, Bead Kund, is a less crowded tourist place near Manali that is an ideal escape from the hustle-bustle. This emerald lake is the origin of the Beas River, and it is believed that Sage Vyas used to take a bath here. There is a trek to reach the Beas Kund, which starts from Old Manali and ends in Solang Valley. On clear days, you can spot Mount Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and more peaks from the Pir Panjal ranges. Tiny streams, never-ending grasslands, dense coniferous forest, and tumbling river add charm to the trekking trail of Beas Kund.
- Distance from Manali: 17 km – by trek (approx.)
- Travel Time: 4 Days – to and fro (approx.)
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, and camping
- When to visit Beas Kund: Mid-May to July
- Tips: To avoid blisters while trekking, wear a double layer of socks. Wear a lot of sunscreens to avoid sunburn.
10. Keylong
Nestled at an altitude of 3,080 m above sea level, Keylong is situated in Lahaul Valley. Fluttering prayer flags, gushing Bhaga River, ancient Kardang Monastery, and snow-capped peaks add charm to this idyllic town. It is a gateway to Ladakh and boasts picturesque landscapes. Keylong is one of the most amazing places to visit near Manali and spend quality time amidst the tranquility. From the breathtaking beauty of Deepak Tal to the majestic snow-blanketed Baralacha Pass, Keylong is a paradise for nature lovers.
- Distance from Manali: 70 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (approx.)
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, hiking, mountain biking
- When to visit Keylong: Mid-May to mid-October
Tips: The region is now accessible throughout the year by Atal Tunnel. Private vehicles require permits that can be obtained from SDM Office or Tourist Information Centre, Manali.
After looking at these spectacular places around Manali, your mind and heart will entice you to plan a tour of Manali. And if you cannot pick one out of these, then don’t worry. Explore as many as possible on your trip, and share your memorable experience with us!