Manali
Gateway to the Himalayas
General Information
District: Kullu, State: Himachal Pradesh, India
Area: 6.68 Sq. Km.
Languages Spoken: Himachali, Hindi, English
Long Distance Code: +91-1902
Importance: A hill station and famous for Hidamba Devi Temple.
Best Time to Visit: April to July and October to February to enjoy the winters and snow sports.
Description
The picturesque hill town of Manali is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of India, as it is surrounded by mountains on the three sides and has some of the most beautiful meadows, orchards, rivers and fields in Himachal Pradesh. Though discovered by the British and Europeans in the late 19th century, Manali had always been one of the pilgrimage sites in India. It derives its name from Manvalaya or Manuwali. The legend goes like that of the Joan's ark. <br />Long long ago the sage Manu, the divine law writer in Hindu mythology, found a fish who asked him to build a huge ship to save the world from the terrible flood that would drown the land. Manu did so and when the water receded, the place he landed was today's Manali. The life started from this place. Therefore the place was known as Manvalaya that is the abode of Manu or Manuwali meaning Manu's. <br />But it was only in the 1970s that the government realized its potential as growing tourist destination. That gave rise to the new town of Manali, which was linked with the old by a bridge. Today, Manali still maintains its charm and beauty despite the heavy tourist traffic. Manali is a hot spot throughout the year. It is at its best in the spring when the River Beas gushes through, the streams flow at every nook and corner, the meadows are lush and green, flowers bloom everywhere and various berries, raspberries and cherries start wearing the pink colour. The winters are no less when the green turn white and people from India come to experience the snow in the crisp cold. Pine forest all around, acres of verdant landscapes, grazing herds, apple orchards and the people with their smile and folk dances and song add to the mystic romance that Manali offers. <br />Apart from the beautiful nature Manali has many things to offer. Manali is the point to start trekking, learn skiing, go bird watching, do river rafting, go mountaineering and from Manali one can cycle up to the hilly regions of Leh in Ladakh. Manali offers great variety of food. Along with local preparation of Lentils and rice and rotis, the typical Tibetan thukpa and other dishes are famous in Manali. It is also a shopper's paradise where one can buy ample variety of woolen items and handicraft items made of wood.Location
40 km away from Kullu to the north, and about 250 kms from the state capital of Shimla, Manali is situated near the end of the Kullu valley thus leading to the mountains of Leh. Its breathtaking landscapes and wonderful nature has tourists coming from all over the world. Once a tiny little sleepy town nestled in the lap of nature has now become a developing city bustling with tourism.
This is probably the only place in India where a lady of a demon origin is worshipped as a goddess. It is said that when the Pandava brothers were wandering, they came across a demon called Hidamb. He was killed by one of the strongest of the five, Bhim. His strength and valour overpowered Hidamba, Hidamb's sister and she got married to him. She washed her sins following strict rituals and meditation and thus she attained the level of Goddess. Hidamba belonged to this region and hence the temple is here. The beautiful wooden temple in Pagoda style architecture has beautiful and intricately carved figurines on the doorway. The temple is 500 years old and there is no idol enshrined inside and only a foot-print on a stone is kept to worship. Every year in the month of May there is a major fair celebrating the goddess's birthday is held here.
Believed to be the re-creator of the human race after the Maha Pralay or the great flood, Manu is also known as the ancient law maker according to the Hindu Scriptures. This is the only temple dedicated to him in whole of India.
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu valley just 6 kms from Manali. Jagatsukh is famous for its ancient temple and especially the Shiva temple. It is famous for the annual Chacholi Jatra festival and till date various operations of paddy cultivations are celebrated from here as there is a popular belief that the first paddy sapling in the valley was introduced from here.
The Vashisht hot springs too have curative powers and are located at the altitude of 2100 meters around 3 kms from the town of Manali. Nearby is the pyramidal stone temple dedicated to Vashisht Sage.
To reach the closest glacier to Manali, Solang Nala around 15 kms Manali one has to pass through the road that actually has many turns. Solang Nala is the picturesque village with icy slopes those can be seen throughout the year.
The Rohatang Pass situated about 52 km from Manali town at an altitude of 3980m is the place one has pass through to reach Keylong or to Lahaul and Spiti. Full of snow throughout the year it supposed to be a difficult pass to go through. The trek to Rohatang starts from a small village of Marhi near the pass. The Sonapani glacier is clearly visible from the Rohatang pass on a clear day.
The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreigners. This institute also conducts other adventurous sports activities like high altitude trekking minor mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing and high altitude rescuer and relief courses. The Institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements and equipments can be hired for trekking purposes.
4 kms from Manali near the village of Perini is the Arjuna cave. It is said that Arjuna wanted the weapon from the king of the Gods Indra and he chose this place to meditate and please Indra to acquire the weapon. The place offers a charming panoramic view of the hills and the mountains around. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere are few recently built Tibetan monasteries in Manali worth a visit.\r\n
Kashmir Trek Program / PI-0315 (14 Days / 13 Nights)
Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Manikaran-Kullu-Dharamshala-Dalhousie
Considered to be one of the most well known hot spot for vacationers from all over the world, Kashmir offers beautiful and peaceful sceneries and enjoyable environment. Experience the mystic attractiveness of this enthralling area as you discover the appeal of the wintry hills, icy waterways and unique valleys of this area.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Shimla
Day 3 : Shimla
Day 4 : Shimla
Day 5 : Shimla - Manali
Day 6 : Manali
Day 7 : Manali
Day 8 : Manali - Manikaran - Kullu
Day 9 : Kullu-Dharamshala
Day 10 : Dharamshala
Day 11 : Dharamshala-Dalhousie
Day 12 : Dalhousie
Day 13 : Dalhousie
Day 14 : Dalhousie
Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Manikaran-Kullu-Dharamshala-Dalhousie
Considered to be one of the most well known hot spot for vacationers from all over the world, Kashmir offers beautiful and peaceful sceneries and enjoyable environment. Experience the mystic attractiveness of this enthralling area as you discover the appeal of the wintry hills, icy waterways and unique valleys of this area.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Shimla
Day 3 : Shimla
Day 4 : Shimla
Day 5 : Shimla - Manali
Day 6 : Manali
Day 7 : Manali
Day 8 : Manali - Manikaran - Kullu
Day 9 : Kullu-Dharamshala
Day 10 : Dharamshala
Day 11 : Dharamshala-Dalhousie
Day 12 : Dalhousie
Day 13 : Dalhousie
Day 14 : Dalhousie
Manali Leh Jeep Safari / PI-037 (12 Days / 11 Nights)
Delhi-Manali-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Leh-Pangong Tso lake-Leh-Delhi
The fascinating Himalayas have been luring the travelers from all over the world. On this safari we start our travel from the alpine valleys of the Lower Himalayas and explore the rough barren landscapes and high altitudes of Ladakh region via some of the most exciting and breathtaking landscape; the pick is yours!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Sarchu
Day 5 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 6 : Leh
Day 7 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Pangong Tso lake
Day 10 : Pangong Tso Lake - Leh
Day 11 : Leh - Delhi
Day 12 : Delhi
Delhi-Manali-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Leh-Pangong Tso lake-Leh-Delhi
The fascinating Himalayas have been luring the travelers from all over the world. On this safari we start our travel from the alpine valleys of the Lower Himalayas and explore the rough barren landscapes and high altitudes of Ladakh region via some of the most exciting and breathtaking landscape; the pick is yours!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Sarchu
Day 5 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 6 : Leh
Day 7 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh
Day 8 : Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Pangong Tso lake
Day 10 : Pangong Tso Lake - Leh
Day 11 : Leh - Delhi
Day 12 : Delhi
Himalaya Ladakh Tour with Sam Trek / PI-0397 (18 Days / 17 Nights)
Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Tandi-Keylong-Jispa-Sarchu-Pang-Leh-Leh. Shey-Thiksey-Hemis-Leh-Phiyang-Likir-Yangthang-Rizong-Hemis-Sukhpachen-Hemis-Sukhpachen-Themsigang-Ang-Khalse-Basgo-Leh-Delhi-Agra-Delhi
The best time for this trek is during June, July, August and September. Amidst some of the greatest mountain passes of Himalayas, this tour takes you along several high terrains with fantastic trekking opportunities. This is an incredible place and trek for those looking to achieve the thrill of adventure at high altitudes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali
Day 3 : Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Tandi - Keylong - Jispa
Day 5 : Jispa
Day 6 : Jispa - Sarchu
Day 7 : Sarchu - Pang - Leh
Day 8 : Leh. Shey-Thiksey-Hemis
Day 9 : Leh
Day 10 : Leh - Phiyang - Likir
Day 11 : Likir - Yangthang
Day 12 : Yangthang - Rizong - Hemis - Sukhpachen
Day 13 : Hemis-Sukhpachen-Themsigang-Ang
Day 14 : Ang - Khalse - Basgo
Day 15 : Basgo - Leh
Day 16 : Leh - Delhi - Agra
Day 17 : Agra
Day 18 : Delhi
Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Tandi-Keylong-Jispa-Sarchu-Pang-Leh-Leh. Shey-Thiksey-Hemis-Leh-Phiyang-Likir-Yangthang-Rizong-Hemis-Sukhpachen-Hemis-Sukhpachen-Themsigang-Ang-Khalse-Basgo-Leh-Delhi-Agra-Delhi
The best time for this trek is during June, July, August and September. Amidst some of the greatest mountain passes of Himalayas, this tour takes you along several high terrains with fantastic trekking opportunities. This is an incredible place and trek for those looking to achieve the thrill of adventure at high altitudes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Chandigarh - Manali
Day 3 : Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Tandi - Keylong - Jispa
Day 5 : Jispa
Day 6 : Jispa - Sarchu
Day 7 : Sarchu - Pang - Leh
Day 8 : Leh. Shey-Thiksey-Hemis
Day 9 : Leh
Day 10 : Leh - Phiyang - Likir
Day 11 : Likir - Yangthang
Day 12 : Yangthang - Rizong - Hemis - Sukhpachen
Day 13 : Hemis-Sukhpachen-Themsigang-Ang
Day 14 : Ang - Khalse - Basgo
Day 15 : Basgo - Leh
Day 16 : Leh - Delhi - Agra
Day 17 : Agra
Day 18 : Delhi
Spiti Tour / PI-0429 (25 Days / 24 Nights)
Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Losar-Kaza-Tabo-Kibber-Pangrochen-Parang La-Paralang La-Tarang Yogma-Trarang Yogma-Norbu Sumdo-Kiangdam-Korzok-Gyama-Rajung Karu-Nuruchan-Nuru Chan-Tsokar-Tso Kar-Leh-Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Chandigarh
Day 3 : Chandigarh - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Losar
Day 6 : Losar - Kaza
Day 7 : Kaza - Tabo
Day 8 : Tabo - Kibber
Day 9 : Kibber
Day 10 : Kibber
Day 11 : Kibber - Pangrochen
Day 12 : Pangrochen - Parang La
Day 13 : Paralang La - Tarang Yogma
Day 14 : Trarang Yogma - Norbu Sumdo
Day 15 : Norbu Sumdo - Kiangdam
Day 16 : Kiangdam
Day 17 : Kiangdam - Korzok
Day 18 : Korzok - Gyama
Day 19 : Gyama - Rajung Karu
Day 20 : Rajung Karu - Nuruchan
Day 21 : Nuru Chan - Tsokar
Day 22 : Tso Kar - Leh
Day 23 : Leh
Day 24 : Leh - Delhi
Day 25 : Delhi
Delhi-Chandigarh-Manali-Losar-Kaza-Tabo-Kibber-Pangrochen-Parang La-Paralang La-Tarang Yogma-Trarang Yogma-Norbu Sumdo-Kiangdam-Korzok-Gyama-Rajung Karu-Nuruchan-Nuru Chan-Tsokar-Tso Kar-Leh-Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi - Chandigarh
Day 3 : Chandigarh - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Losar
Day 6 : Losar - Kaza
Day 7 : Kaza - Tabo
Day 8 : Tabo - Kibber
Day 9 : Kibber
Day 10 : Kibber
Day 11 : Kibber - Pangrochen
Day 12 : Pangrochen - Parang La
Day 13 : Paralang La - Tarang Yogma
Day 14 : Trarang Yogma - Norbu Sumdo
Day 15 : Norbu Sumdo - Kiangdam
Day 16 : Kiangdam
Day 17 : Kiangdam - Korzok
Day 18 : Korzok - Gyama
Day 19 : Gyama - Rajung Karu
Day 20 : Rajung Karu - Nuruchan
Day 21 : Nuru Chan - Tsokar
Day 22 : Tso Kar - Leh
Day 23 : Leh
Day 24 : Leh - Delhi
Day 25 : Delhi
Great Himalayan Wonder - Trekking Tours in Himachal / PI-0432 (24 Days / 23 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi
Even though Everest gets most of the headlines, Himalayas are much more than that. The place is in fact geography of superlatives- the highest mountains, deepest gorges, wild forest tracts, the rolling Tibetan plateaus, and some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Trekking expeditions to this place are full of adventure and thrill sure to make the trip of any adventure lover memorable.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi
Even though Everest gets most of the headlines, Himalayas are much more than that. The place is in fact geography of superlatives- the highest mountains, deepest gorges, wild forest tracts, the rolling Tibetan plateaus, and some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet. Trekking expeditions to this place are full of adventure and thrill sure to make the trip of any adventure lover memorable.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Trekking in Himalayas / PI-0433 (24 Days / 23 Nights)
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Delhi-Leh-Kargil-Rangdom Gompa-Ringdom-Padam-Mune-Dortzon-Purne-Thable-Gomborajan-Lakong-Chuminakpo-Zanskar Sumdo-Sumdo-Palamu-Darcha-Manali-Nalagarh-Delhi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Leh
Day 4 : Leh
Day 5 : Leh - Kargil
Day 6 : Kargil - Rangdom Gompa
Day 7 : Ringdom - Padam
Day 8 : Padam - Mune
Day 9 : Mune - Dortzon
Day 10 : Dortzon - Purne
Day 11 : Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Thable
Day 13 : Thable - Gomborajan
Day 14 : Gomborajan - Lakong
Day 15 : Lakong - Chuminakpo
Day 16 : Chuminakpo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 17 : Sumdo - Palamu
Day 18 : Palamu - Darcha
Day 19 : Darcha - Manali
Day 20 : Manali
Day 21 : Manali
Day 22 : Manali - Nalagarh
Day 23 : Nalagarh - Delhi
Day 24 : Delhi
Best Of Ladakh Zanskar Trek / PI-0435 (22 Days / 21 Nights)
Delhi-Kalka-Manali-Keylong-Jispa-Palamo-Zanskar Sumdo-Zanskar-Sumdo-Chhumiknakpo-Lakong-Kargyak-Kuru-Testa-Purne-Phuktal Gompa-Purne-Reru-Mune-Padam-Rangdum-Suru Valley-Kargil-Lamayuru-Leh-Delhi
Taking you across a mystical river journey from the wild Zanskaar valley to the beautiful Leh, this tour passes enormous glaciers and valleys that are hidden in the remotest reaches of Himalayas. Get to the highlights of this famous tourist area that has incredible natural beauty. Visit some ancient monasteries and get in touch with age old pillars of Tibetan Buddhism that are sure to leave you with mesmerizing memories of this place.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Kalka - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Keylong - Jispa
Day 6 : Jispa - Palamo
Day 7 : Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 8 : Zanskar - Sumdo - Chhumiknakpo
Day 9 : Chhumiknakpo-Lakong
Day 10 : Lakong - Kargyak
Day 11 : Kargyak - Kuru - Testa - Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Phuktal Gompa - Purne
Day 13 : Purne - Reru - Mune
Day 14 : Mune - Padam
Day 15 : Padam
Day 16 : Padam - Rangdum
Day 17 : Rangdum - Suru Valley - Kargil
Day 18 : Kargil - Lamayuru - Leh
Day 19 : Leh
Day 20 : Leh
Day 21 : Leh - Delhi
Day 22 : Delhi
Delhi-Kalka-Manali-Keylong-Jispa-Palamo-Zanskar Sumdo-Zanskar-Sumdo-Chhumiknakpo-Lakong-Kargyak-Kuru-Testa-Purne-Phuktal Gompa-Purne-Reru-Mune-Padam-Rangdum-Suru Valley-Kargil-Lamayuru-Leh-Delhi
Taking you across a mystical river journey from the wild Zanskaar valley to the beautiful Leh, this tour passes enormous glaciers and valleys that are hidden in the remotest reaches of Himalayas. Get to the highlights of this famous tourist area that has incredible natural beauty. Visit some ancient monasteries and get in touch with age old pillars of Tibetan Buddhism that are sure to leave you with mesmerizing memories of this place.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Kalka - Manali
Day 4 : Manali
Day 5 : Manali - Keylong - Jispa
Day 6 : Jispa - Palamo
Day 7 : Palamo - Zanskar Sumdo
Day 8 : Zanskar - Sumdo - Chhumiknakpo
Day 9 : Chhumiknakpo-Lakong
Day 10 : Lakong - Kargyak
Day 11 : Kargyak - Kuru - Testa - Purne
Day 12 : Purne - Phuktal Gompa - Purne
Day 13 : Purne - Reru - Mune
Day 14 : Mune - Padam
Day 15 : Padam
Day 16 : Padam - Rangdum
Day 17 : Rangdum - Suru Valley - Kargil
Day 18 : Kargil - Lamayuru - Leh
Day 19 : Leh
Day 20 : Leh
Day 21 : Leh - Delhi
Day 22 : Delhi
Trans Himalayan Safari / PI-0485 (9 Days / 8 Nights)
Chandigarh-Manali-Jispa-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Leh-Delhi-Chandigarh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chandigarh
Day 2 : Chandigarh - Manali
Day 3 : Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Jispa
Day 5 : Jispa - Sarchu
Day 6 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 7 : Leh
Day 8 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Delhi - Chandigarh
Chandigarh-Manali-Jispa-Sarchu-Leh-Khardungla-Leh-Delhi-Chandigarh
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Chandigarh
Day 2 : Chandigarh - Manali
Day 3 : Manali
Day 4 : Manali - Jispa
Day 5 : Jispa - Sarchu
Day 6 : Sarchu - Leh
Day 7 : Leh
Day 8 : Leh - Khardungla - Leh
Day 9 : Leh - Delhi - Chandigarh
Manali, India Tours
