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Himachal Pradesh · Himalaya

Manali

A Himalayan resort town for snow, apple orchards, adventure sports and the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti and Ladakh.

Best timeOct-Jan, Mar-Jun
Ideal stay3-5 days
GatewayKullu-Bhuntar (KUU) · Chandigarh (IXC)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril (good)
  5. MAy (good)
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly
  8. AUgust
  9. SEptember
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Manali suits everyone: families come for snow at Solang and Atal Tunnel, couples for cosy cottages, and adventurers for paragliding, trekking and road trips over the high passes.

Highlights

  • Old Manali and the Hadimba Devi temple
  • Solang Valley (snow and adventure sports)
  • Atal Tunnel to Sissu in Lahaul
  • Rohtang Pass (permit needed, season-dependent)
  • Naggar Castle and the Kullu valley

What to eat

  • Siddu
  • Trout
  • Himachali dham

Where to stay

Old Manali for cafés and a backpacker vibe; Log Huts and Hadimba Road for comfort.

Getting there

Overnight Volvo buses from Delhi (12-14 hours) or fly to Kullu-Bhuntar (limited) or Chandigarh and drive.

Tips

  • Peak weekends and holidays mean heavy traffic: travel midweek if you can.
  • Rohtang needs a permit; check road status before planning.
  • Winter snow can close roads beyond Solang.

Best time to visit

Oct-Jan, Mar-Jun. See what else is good in March and our best time to visit India guide.

Temples and shrines near Manali

All pilgrimages in India

Places to see in and around Manali

23 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.

More places in Himachal Pradesh

Food to try in and around Manali

Himachal Pradesh favourites to look out for.

  • Sidu
  • Patande
  • Chukh
  • Rajma
  • Til chutney
  • Kangra Tea GI: tea or coffee
  • Himachali Kala Zeera GI: spice or chilli

The full food passport, state by state.

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Nearby and similar

Leh & Ladakh

High-altitude desert of monasteries, turquoise lakes and the world’s highest motorable passes: India’s great adventure.

May-Sep 6-10 days

Shimla

The old British summer capital: colonial Mall Road, pine forests and the UNESCO-listed toy train from Kalka.

Sep-Dec, Mar-Jun 2-3 days

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