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Places to Visit in Manali: 20 Tourist Places and Things to Do

Manali packs a lot into a small area. Within walking distance of Mall Road you have a 16th-century temple in a cedar forest, hot springs and a village of old wooden houses. Within a day's drive you have snow passes, a high-altitude tunnel and some of the best adventure sports in India. This list covers the places most worth your time, grouped by how far they are from town, with what to expect at each. It's part of our Manali travel guide.

4 min read·Facts last checked 27 October 2026·Himachal Cab Expert trip desk

Part of our Manali travel guide

Manali town spread across the valley under snow-capped mountains

In Manali town (walking or a short ride)

These are easy to fit around arrival and departure days, or a rest day after a long drive.

  • Hadimba Devi temple: a wooden pagoda-style temple built in 1553, set in a deodar forest about 2 km from Mall Road. Free entry.
  • Old Manali: the original village above the Manalsu stream, with old houses, guesthouses and the cafés travellers come back for.
  • Manu temple: in Old Manali, dedicated to the sage Manu, from whom the town's name is usually said to come.
  • Mall Road: the main shopping street, pedestrianised, busy every evening, with shawls, woollens, dry fruit and food stalls.
  • Tibetan monasteries: the colourful gompas near Mall Road, built by the Tibetan community who settled here from the 1960s.
  • Van Vihar: a quiet park of tall deodars beside the Beas, opposite Mall Road, with boating in season.
  • Club House: an old activity centre by the Manalsu stream with indoor games and small rides, good for children.

Just outside town (under 30 minutes)

  • Vashisht: a village 3 km from Manali with natural hot springs and an old stone temple. The baths are segregated and free.
  • Jogini waterfall: a walk of an hour or so from Vashisht through forest and orchards to a tall waterfall. See our Jogini falls trek guide.
  • Nehru Kund: a spring on the Leh road, about 5 km from Manali, named after Jawaharlal Nehru.
  • Arjun Gufa: a cave near Prini, linked by legend to the Mahabharata, reached by a short uphill walk.
  • Sethan: a small village above Prini known for winter snow activities, with a narrow road that's best in a local taxi.

Half-day and day trips

These are the trips most visitors book a taxi for. Each needs a full morning at least, and the high ones depend on season and weather.

  • Solang valley (14 km): snow from about December to March, a ropeway, paragliding and skiing. No permit.
  • Atal Tunnel and Sissu (25 km to the tunnel, 41 km to Sissu): the 9.02 km tunnel under Rohtang and the snowy Lahaul valley beyond. No Rohtang permit needed.
  • Rohtang Pass (51 km): the 3,980 m pass, open about May to November, with a daily vehicle permit.
  • Naggar (about 21 km): a castle built around 1460 and the Roerich art gallery, on the quieter left bank of the Beas.
  • Kullu and the Beas river (about 40 km): river rafting in season, shawl factories and the Raghunath temple.
  • Manikaran and Kasol (about 75–85 km): the gurdwara and hot springs at Manikaran, and the Parvati valley's cafés and walks.

Things to do by season

Winter (December to February) is about snow: Solang, Sissu, sledging, skiing and cosy cafés. Rohtang is closed. Spring (March to April) brings blossom in the orchards and quieter roads. Summer (May to June) is the busiest time, with Rohtang open, paragliding at its best and rafting on the Beas. The monsoon (July to August) is green but wet, with landslide risk on the highways. Autumn (September to November) gives the clearest skies, apple harvest and the Kullu Dussehra festival in October.

Our Manali weather and best time to visit guide goes month by month.

Adventure and outdoor activities

Manali is one of India's main adventure bases. Paragliding at Solang, river rafting near Kullu, skiing and snowboarding in winter, short treks to Jogini falls, Lamadugh and Hampta pass, mountain biking and camping in summer are all on offer through local operators. Our adventure activities guide covers what each involves and how to choose a safe operator.

Making the most of your days

Group sights by direction. Hadimba, Old Manali and Vashisht fit in a single relaxed day. Solang, the Atal Tunnel and Sissu share one road north. Naggar and Kullu lie south, and work well on the way in or out. Rohtang needs its own day and a permit. With three full days you can cover the main sights without rushing; our Manali itinerary guide has day-by-day plans.

Frequently asked questions

What is Manali famous for?+

Snow and mountain views, the Hadimba temple, Old Manali's cafés, Solang valley, Rohtang Pass, the Atal Tunnel and adventure sports like paragliding and rafting.

What can I do in Manali in one day?+

Visit Hadimba temple, walk through Old Manali, take the hot springs at Vashisht and spend the evening on Mall Road. With a taxi, Solang valley fits in too.

Which places in Manali need a permit?+

Only Rohtang Pass needs a vehicle permit. Solang, the Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Naggar and the town sights don't.

What are the best places to visit near Manali in winter?+

Solang valley and Sissu, through the Atal Tunnel, are the usual snow trips. Rohtang is closed in winter.

What can families with young children do in Manali?+

Hadimba temple, Van Vihar, the Club House, Solang's snow play and gentle rides, and short walks in the forest. Avoid long stays at high altitude with very young children.

How many days do you need for Manali?+

Three to four days covers the town and the main day trips. Add a day or two for Kasol, Naggar or the Lahaul side.

What are the top tourist places in Manali?+

Hadimba temple, Old Manali, Vashisht hot springs, Mall Road, Solang valley, the Atal Tunnel and Sissu, Rohtang Pass in season, and Naggar castle.

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