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Best Places to Visit in Kullu Manali

Located at a height of 3,978m above sea level, the Rohtang Pass is a high altitude mountain pass of the Pir Panjal Himalayan range which connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Apart from this, there are many other points of importance for the pass. 

It is the place where you can find snow throughout the year and that attracts a number of tourists here every year, especially in the months of summer to get away from the scorching heat of the plains. Also, the pass is an important part of the Manali Leh Highway and is key to promoting tourism to the Kullu Valley, Lahaul Valley, Spiti Valley and Ladakh.

Location- Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand- 92 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand- 51 km

Check out our guide on places to visit in Manali

Relating directly to the first Guru and founder of the belief of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, the Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara is a place of pilgrimage. The reason that this place is extremely famous is because of the natural hot springs here, and the legend has it that when Guru Nanak and his disciple had all they needed for a ‘Langar’ but nowhere to cook, the Guru told the disciple to life a stone from where the hot springs came out and they could cook their food. 

That is the reason that the Pilgrims now cook their offerings to the god in the many springs here, and also believe it to be auspicious to bathe in these holy waters. One of the best place for Kullu Sightseeing, Manikaran Sahib is a must visit.

Location: Hari Har Ghat, Manikaran Road, Distt. Kullu, Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand: 19 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 24 km

Timings: Open 24 hours

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Deriving its name from the nearby village, it is a side valley on the very highs of Kullu Valley and falls one the way of Rohtang pass. Solang Valley is extremely famous for the adventure sports and activities that take place here and vary from season to season. For example, the summer seasons sees the Solang Valley taking on activities like Parachuting, Paragliding, and Zorbing, whereas the winters see this place turn into an amazing skiing resort with the facilities and coachings all available during the appropriate season. 

Apart from these, Solang is also famous for activities like ATV rides, ropeways, and trekking. For a memorable time when in the valley, Solang is a must of all the places to visit in Kullu Manali

Location: Manali, India

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand: 54 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 14kms

Price: Entry fees Rs. 500.0 per person for zorbing, 1200.0 per person for paragliding, and 500.0 per person for the ropeway

Hampta Pass or Hamta Pass is a high altitude mountain pass at an elevation of 4,270m above sea level and is a smaller corridor that leads from Kullu Valley to Lahaul Valley. Named after the village of the same name, the pass is like a gateway for the sheep and cattle herders of the Lahaul valley to search for pasture lands close by the high altitude cold desert of Lahaul, especially during the summer months.

The pass is famous for the colorful wildflowers growing between altitudes 3000m and 3800m, mesmerizing waterfalls, glaciers clinging to cliff sides, high altitude lakes and several peaks above the height of 6000m, all of which are packed together to create this beautiful paradise. One of the best adventure activities in Himachal Pradesh the trek to Hamta Pass, which can be further extended to see the gem of Spiti valley, the Chandratal Lake.

Location: Between Kullu and Lahaul Valleys, Himachal Pradesh

Also, find out best resorts in Manali

One of the most scenic parts of the country, the Parvati Valley of the river Parvati is easily the most heart winning a destination in the entire Himachal Pradesh. The slopes of the valley are covered with dense and beautiful vegetation, with a number of waterfalls finding their way through the crevices of the region and adding to the beauty. No matter what the season, you will always find the place to be utterly beautiful. 

With a number of things that you can do here, the best and most favorite things to do in Parvati Valley are trekking and camping. With the famous tourist destination of Kasol at its heart, Parvati Valley is emerging to be one of the most favorite holiday destinations of the area.

Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 60 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 100 km

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Located at an elevation of about 4,300m above sea level. Located to the east of Rohtang Pass and near the Gulaba Village, in the Pir Panjal Mountain range. Named after the famous sage, Maharishi Bhrigu, the legend has it that he used to meditate by the side of this lake. Because of this, the place became holy and is one of the reasons why the lake never freezes even at such an altitude. 

Apart from the lake itself and the temple on its banks, the meadows that one encounters on the way to the lake are what most of the people make a reason to take the trek that leads to Bhrigu Lake. The mesmerizing views from such height of the valleys nearby is another reason why people love to visit this place

Location: Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand: 53 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 18 km

Price: The trek starts from INR 6250/-

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Popularly described as an ancient village, Malana is an isolated heaven in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The stand-alone village in the Malana Valley of the Malana River is cut off from the rest of the world because of the daunting presence of Chanderkhani and Deo Tibba mountains. With a strict following of their rules and customs, Malana is considered to be amongst the oldest democracies of the world, where the people consider themselves to be Aryans and direct descendants of Alexander, the Great. 

The best way to reach Malana is to take a trek from the famous tourist spot of Kasol. Surrounded by some of the greatest sceneries that you can find in the country, Malana is a must visit for everyone at least once.

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 45 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 86 km

A small village located in the embrace of the serene and beautiful Parvati valley, and on the banks of the river Parvati, Kasol is a name that needs no introduction. A favorite destination for the backpackers that arrive not just from every corner of the country, but also from various places around the world. Easily one of the most scenic and adventurous destinations of the state of Himachal Pradesh, it is the starting point of some of the most exciting treks of the area, including the names of Kheerganga, Chalal, Tosh Valley, Malana, Magic Valley and Grahan Village.

You can also take a bike on rent in Manali and go on a scenic ride to Kasol.

Famous for the pleasant weather throughout the year with mild snowing in the winter months, Kasol is also a perfect destination for camping in the various amazing destinations of the region. It is the budget hotspot destination for every backpacker and a must visit for the trekking trails of Kasol.

Location: Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 37 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 78 km

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Some 3 km away and slightly uphill from Manali is the quiet and quaint little town that is popularly known as the Old Manali. A favorite of many backpackers and admirers of the Hippie lifestyle in the country, Old Manali is an altogether different world from New Manali. The less crowded, offbeat location consists of many tourists and nomadic souls, especially non-Indians, who stay here for pretty long durations. 

The place is lined with many quaint cafes and restaurants that serve some of the most lip-smacking cuisines. Home to the famous Hadimba temple, the place is especially famous to buy some of the funkiest stuff, especially clothes and cherries. Old Manali is the real spirit of Manali and is a definite visit when in Kullu Manali.

Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 44 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 2 km

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At just a small distance from the Vashisth hot water springs in Manali are the beautiful Jogini falls. The main way to reach these is by trekking from the Vashisth temple. One of the most famous Kullu Manali Sightseeing spots, the stream that these falls plunge into eventually flow downstream into the Beas River. Falling from multiple levels, the water plunges from a height of almost 150 feet and forms a pool at the bottom which many visitors love to soak in and enjoy. 

At the base of the falls is the Jogini Mata Temple and is considered to be a sacred spot for many villages nearby. Marking the northern boundary of the Vashisth Village, these waterfalls can be reached by a short 3-hour trek through one of the most scenic routes in the region.

Location: Vashist, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 46 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 4 km

Timings: Open 24 hours

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A north Indian river, the Beas originates from the famous Beas Kund and flows for almost 500 km before its confluence with the River Sutlej in the state of Punjab. The river acts as a source of water for the population of Kullu, Manali and even the Kangra region. 

Related to many traditions and legends of Hindu Mythology including the Sage Vyas, after whom this river is named. Passing through many steep valleys and green clad hill slopes, the river is still considered holy in many cultures and experiences a lot of pilgrims visiting it all the year round. 

Beas is also the home to a rare population of Indus Dolphins, the ones that are not in Pakistan. Another fact is that after meeting with Sutlej in Punjab, the river then flows into Pakistan.

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand: 40 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 3 km

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With its importance and relevance dating back to the Mahabharata age, the Hidimba Devi Temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, wife of Bhima of the epic. Situated in a cave, the temple complex is surrounded by cedar trees and is built on a rock protruding out from the middle of the forest. The place is sacred as it is believed that Hidimba used to meditate here with her brother before he was defeated by Bhima and she married him. 

The best time to see this temple and to seek blessings is during the Navratri as the local people consider her as their deity. The temple was built in the year 1553 and still stands tall to this date, with the wooden carvings inside still intact.

Location: Hadimba Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu Bus Stand: 44 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 2 km

Timings: Everyday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m

Not so far away from the city of Manali and located above the river Beas are the natural hot water springs of the village of Vashisht. These springs have resulted in the fame of this small town shooting to the very top amongst the international crowd. The temperature of the water is naturally maintained between the 43-degree Celsius and 56-degree Celsius, with a separate pool designated to only female visitors. 

The village experiences a large footfall every day of tourists coming here to take a dip in the waters which are not just warm but are also considered to contain medicinal and many other health benefits.

Location: Hot Water Spring, Bashisht, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 44 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 2.4 km

Timings: Daily from 7 AM to 10 PM

Established in the year 1984, this National Park of India covers an area of 1,171 sq km and ranges between altitudes 1500m to 6000 m above sea level. It is home to over 375 species of wildlife, all of which fall under the species of protected, prohibiting any hunting activities in the area.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this place is a famous hotspot for Ecotourism in the state of Himachal Pradesh and is a heaven for trekkers and backpackers with immense love for nature. Lined with trees after trees of Deodar and Pine, the place is one of the best destinations to spot some of the most exquisite wildlife, like the snow leopards from up close.

Location: Kullu District, Shamshi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 57 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 98 km

Timings: Open 24 hours

Price/entry fee: INR 50/- for Indians

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A beautiful and scenic village falling on the route to Rohtang pass and is famous for being certified and maintained as per the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal Act. Well equipped with all the necessary systems and computerized response structures, the village even has a highly effective waste disposal system, so as to maintain the pristine beauty of the village. 

The scenic village is situated at a height of 4300 m above sea level in the Pir Panjal Mountain range and acts as an important link in the regulations for Rohtang Pass. The barricades are set up in Gulaba to stop vehicles going into Rohtang Pass during the winter months of November to March. Gulaba is also the starting point of the famous Bhrigu Lake Trek.

Location: Leh-Manali Highway, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 55 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 14 km

Timings: All days of the week 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

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A scenic village falling on the way to Rohtang Pass, the Kothi Village is an amazing viewpoint to see some of the highest snow-capped peaks of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Apart from that, Kothi Village is also famous for offering views of glaciers nearby and the River Beas as it passes a deep and narrow canyon nearby. Located at an elevation of 2500m above sea level in the foothills of the famous Rohtang Pass. 

As you set foot in the village, you will understand why this place is called any artist’s inspiration. The scenic beauty of this place will definitely remind you of a lot of stills from many movies that have been shot here, on the slopes of the brilliant valley.

Location: Kothi, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 55 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 13 km

Located right next to the Manali’s bus stand and the very well known ‘The Mall’, the Tibetan monastery is one of the oldest and most famous of places to visit in Kullu Manali. With a high number of Tibetan people settling in the region, the monastery was set up. The monastery’s work and operation is handled by the local people who collect all the funds via donations. 

Apart from being a religious destination and a spiritual outreach, the place is equally famous for the markets inside that sell authentic Tibetan handicrafts and handmade artifacts. Based on the older architectural style of Buddhists, the monastery is the home to a statue of Lord Buddha.

Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 39 km

Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 0.25 km

Timings: Everyday 6 AM to 6 PM

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Located on the Mall Road, the park is a green-clad and shaded region, thanks to a large number of Deodar trees that have made the area their home. It is one of the most favorite picnic spots for both the locals and the many tourists pouring in every week. For the convenience of the visitors of the park, there are many benches provided on the trails. 

A place for everyone, the park is a great place to spend some time with your family, friends or loved ones while strolling in the tunnels made by the tall trees, or just simply sitting and lying down on the grassy areas of the park. For even more entertainment, the park even has a small pond for the visitors to enjoy boating in.

Location: NH 21, Dhungri Village, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 44 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 2.2 km

Timings: 08:00 am – 07:00 pm (Summer) & 08:00 am – 05:00 pm (Winter)

Price/entry fee: INR 30 for boating

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Close to the Naggar region of Manali is the small village called Jana, which is home to the offbeat yet famous Jana Falls. Surrounded by forests of Deodar and Pine and orchards of Apples, and in clear view of many snow-covered peaks, this place has become a famous picnic spot because of the simple yet alluring charm it commands. 

The wooden bridge near the falls makes for amazing photo ops, making the place even more worthy of visiting shall you wish to go a little offbeat for finding amazing Kullu Manali sightseeing spots. You can bath and swim in the little pond formed at the base of the falls or can climb to the top via an easy trail to get a better view of the surrounding areas.

Location: Jana, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 34 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 33 km

Timings: Everyday 6 AM to 6 PM

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Dedicated to Lord Rama of the Hindu Mythology, the Raghunath temple at a height of 2,056 meters above sea level is one of the best places to visit in Kullu Manali. The valley of Kullu is considered to be the Kullu Valley of Gods, because of the number of temples in the region. This one, in particular, has a history attached to the royalty of Kullu. 

It is believed that the King Raja Jagat Singh erected this temple back in the year 1660 as an atonement of his sins. He even brought back an idol of Lord Ram from Ayodhya, which is also believed to be the birthplace of the god. Located in a beautiful place, the scenery around gives one the feeling of serenity with the temple providing one with the feeling of spirituality, making the entire experience an amazing one.

Location: Post office, Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 0.55 km

Distance from Manali bus stand- 43 km

Timings- Sunrise to Sunset

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An embankment dam in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, it is one of the main dams created on the Beas River for the purpose of generating Hydro Electricity. The dam’s other purpose is to divert a certain amount of water from the river to transfer it through channels and tunnels over to the Dehar Power House before sending it off into the Sutlej River. 

However, the lake created behind the dam is the main reason of its popularity. The scenic lake, as well as the location and backdrop of the lake, draws a large number of people to this dam to click some of the most amazing pictures here and take them back as memories.

Location: Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 50 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 90 km

Built on the banks of the river Beas in the Kullu Valley, this pyramid style temple carved out of stone stands in one of the most beautiful settings ever. Located in a small village called the Bajura, the temple has idols dedicated to many other gods like Lords Vishnu and Ganesh and Goddesses Durga and Laxmi. Another shrine of Lord Ganesh outside the temple is built in a 3 sided temple style. 

Dating back to the 9th century, the temples intricate carvings and artworks are still preserved inside the complex and attracts a good number of pilgrims from around the country, every year.

Location: Bishweshwar Temple Rd, Bajaura, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 16 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 56.5 km

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The royal residence of the former ruling family of the Kullu region, this palace is now house to some of the most brilliant exhibits belonging to the royals and history of Kullu. It is home to some beautiful paintings created in a mixture of the local Pahari and Colonial style adorned all over the palace. 

These paintings showcase the local culture and people adorning various styles of their traditional attires. The palace is famous for having been destroyed in an earthquake and was reconstructed by the locals in the image of the previous one. 

Also known as Rupi Palace, the original palace dates back to 1600, but the most ultimate part of the entire thing is the beautiful location and setting of the palace amidst towering mountains and snow-capped peaks.

Location: Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 1.2 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 43 km

Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Daily)

Price/entry fee: INR 30

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Deriving its name from the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this place not far out from the city and lying on the Manali Rohtang Highway. The Nehru Kund was named so because the Prime Minister used to drink the clear water from the natural spring here whenever he was in town. 

It is believed that the source of the water in the springs is at the Bhrigu Lake, resulting in the crystal clear water, with the sound of the water bubbling out in the serene calm of this place is one of the best experiences that one can have here. The river Beas flows through the Kund or Pond, making the experience even more amazing.

Its popularity has only risen through the years and it sees a large number of tourists fancying to hang out here.

Location: Bashisht, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 47 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 5 km

Located in the catchment area of the famous Manalsu Khad, this Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Himachal Pradesh starts at just a distance from 2 km from Manali. The Sanctuary spread in an area of 32 sq km and is covered by trees of Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut, and Maple.

As far as the fauna here is concerned, you can spot the most amazing scenes of Brown Bears, Leopards, Musk deer, and most importantly, Snow Leopards roaming in the wild. You can even spot a lot of Mountain Goats roaming in wild herds in the Glacier areas of the park in the summer season. This is one place in Manali that your camera would love more than you would.

Location: Circuit House Marg, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Distance from Kullu bus stand: 45 km

Distance from Manali bus stand: 3 km

Timings: 7.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Price/entry fee: INR 10/-