OVERVIEW

 

In nature's lap with mighty snow-capped peaks piercing the skies around, Manali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. From Beas Kund, in the vicinity of Rohtang Pass, a gentle river flows past Manali enriching the township and the farmlands on its banks. A year-round destination, the crisp mountain air will recharge any wearied city dweller to get the adrenalin rushing for seeking some adventure.

Trekking, mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding and skiing, snowboarding, or sledging in the winter, there is always a new adventure to take to when at Manali. It also serves as the gateway to the exotic Buddhist lands of Lahaul and Spiti, a part of the trans-Himalayan region that extends into Tibet and Ladakh.

 

1. HIDIMBA DEVI TEMPLE:

 

Famously known as the Dhungri Temple, the Hidimba Devi deity is revered as the presiding deity of Manali. The temple, built over a cave shrine in a forest, is believed to enshrine the footprints of the Devi, who was one of the consorts of Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers in the Mahabharat epic. The temple architecture rises as a four-tiered pagoda that dates back to the 16^th century. The temple doors are exquisitely carved and exhibit the artistic touch of local craftsmanship.

 

 

 

2. ATAL TUNNEL ROHTANG:

 

A new tourist attraction near Manali is the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang. This tunnel is named after former Prime Minister Late Sh. Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Designed in a horseshoe shape, the 9.02 KM long tunnel is constructed at an altitude of 10,040 feet and is an engineering marvel. It connects the Lahaul Valley and beyond. The South Portal of the tunnel is 25 km away from Manali and North Portal is at Sissu (Lahaul).

 

 

3. NAGGAR:

 

It was Raja Visudh Pal, the 12^th generation ruler at Jagat Sukh who transferred the capital to Naggar, and it remained so till the 17^th century. Several monuments and relics of the past lie scattered around this lovely hamlet. The Gauri Shankar temple, Chatar Bhuj temple, Tripura Sundari temple, Murlidhar Temple, Jagat Patti shrine, and Naggar Castle are magnificent structures, much admired for their architecture, wood carvings, and stone and metal craft.

 

Naggar Castle, a hill fortress sheltering the royal residences, was built by Raja Sidh Singh about 500 years ago. Conserved as a heritage hotel run by Himachal Tourism, Naggar Castle also has a small museum. Several temples are scattered around its courtyard.

 

Russian noble and artist Nicholas Roerich, after a lifetime of travels, settled down at Naggar where he built a lovely hill cottage with a painting studio. The residence has been turned into a museum where on display are masterpieces of the great artist.

 

 

4. SOLANG VALLEY:

 

A sloping meadow surrounded by high peaks that turns into a graded ski slope when it snows, Solang is one of the most beautiful tourist spots close to Manali. Lined around by deodar trees, it is just 13 km from Manali. Here an abundance of adventure-filled sporting activities is conducted. One can enjoy trekking, camping, paragliding, Gondola (Cable Car ride), etc. In winter the place turns into a ski resort where even state and national-level events are held.

 

 

5. ROHTANG PASS:

 

Rohtang Pass and Manali are complimentary, a visit to one without getting to the pass is considered incomplete. To preserve the pristine beauty of this pass that divides the catchment of Chenab and Beas Rivers, visitors and vehicles to Rohtang are regulated.

 

Starting from the valley at Manali, a snaking road winding through Kothi village (13 km), Gulaba, and Rahala Falls (27 km), Rohtang Top is 51 km away. In winter, the pass receives very heavy snow that blocks the highway to Lahaul Valley for about 6 months. As the summer picks up and snow in the lower elevations melts away, tourists can experience snow conditions at Rohtang till June/July.

 

 

6. VASHISHT VILLAGE:

 

Easily accessible from Manali is the sacred village of Vashisht, with a temple of sage Vashisht who finds mention in the Rig Veda and other religious books. There is a hot water sulfur spring here and a bath in it is believed to cure skin ailments. There is also an old temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the village.

 

 

7. MANIKARAN:

 

Famous for its hot springs, travelers down the centuries have been attracted to Manikaran. This very scenic locale beside the Parvati River is only 45 km from Kullu. Manikaran is also the base for several challenging treks in the region and views of mountains and the Parvati River from here are spectacular.

 

There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and an old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Manikaran. The old temple is tilted because a powerful earthquake struck the region in 1905. Sikh tradition holds that Guru Nanak Ji with his disciple Bhai Mardana visited Manikaran in the year 1574. To commemorate the visit, a Gurudwara on the bank of River Parvati has been built near a hot water spring.

 

Several trekking routes open up from Manikaran. One of the most challenging treks goes over the Pin-Paravti Pass, into Pin Valley of Spiti. Another route passes through the Great Himalayan National Park and into the Sutlej River basin. Camping meadow sites at Pulga, Barshani, hot water springs at Kheerganga, and the Mantalai Lake can only be reached on foot from Manikaran.

 

 

8.  MOUNTAINEERING INSTITUTE, MANALI:

 

A pioneering institute, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali is one of the few in the country that imparts training from basic to advanced levels in mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, skiing, river rafting, paragliding, and other adventure sports.

 

 

9. GREAT HIMALAYAN NATIONAL PARK:

 

Razor-sharp ridges, pristine glaciers, deep gorges, sublime alpine meadows, and valleys with virgin forests make the Great Himalayan National Park one of the most scenic places for adventurers in the Himalayas.

 

Altitude in the park ranges from 1,300 to 6,100 meters with one-third of the area being under forest, mainly along rivulets and their tributaries. The forests change from sub-tropical to alpine to dry alpine shrub type with elevation. The park abounds in chir, pines, conifers, oaks, firs, rhododendrons, and junipers. It is also one of few places in the Himalayas where the Bharal (Blue Sheep) is found virtually side by side with the Himalayan Thar, which is endemic to India. The endangered musk deer and the elusive snow leopard are also found here.

 

Entry to the park is regulated by issuing permits, which can be obtained either from the GHNP Director’s office or from the range officers. The park authorities also do provide guides and do charge a token fee for entry.

 

 

10.  MANU TEMPLE, OLD MANALI:

 

 

At a comfortable walking distance from Manali's main market, in Old Manali, is the temple of Rishi Manu. This temple of Rishi Manu is rare in the country and Manali as Manu Alya, or the abode of Manu, derives its name from it.