Snow-Capped Mountains and Extreme Sports: An Adventurer’s Guide to Manali, India

Why Go

Visit Manali, India for the sheer beauty of it all. With people raving about its scenery and markedly different change of pace, Manali is one of India's must-see destinations. Thousands of tourists head to this small but very beautiful spot tucked into the northern mountains of India, making it the most bustling part of the Himachal Pradesh state. A perfect vacation destination for adventurers and contemplators alike, travelers of all stripes will appreciate the stunning hilltop views and lovely scenery. Those looking to unwind can find harmony with nature and take in the picturesque landscape, while more energetic explorers have no shortage of options to suit their needs, as the area is famous for all kinds of adventure sports. Depending on the season, skiing, hiking, paragliding, rafting, and trekking opportunities attract daredevils and novices from all over the world. And with plenty of monestaries and historic sites to explore, those moving at more leisurely pace will have their own adventures to plan, too.

Insider Tips

The best time to visit is April through June or December through January. July, August, and September are the region's rainy season, which changes one's plans for outdoor adventuring considerably. There have been success stories about people getting lucky with good weather during the rainy season, but outdoorsy travelers might not want to risk it.

Manali is around 550 km far from Delhi and is well connected to all parts of the country. Unfortunately, there is no railway station in the city, so you’ll either have to fly or undertake a somewhat long road trip by bus or car. The most direct way is traveling by bus from Delhi or from Chandigarh. There are buses with different levels of comfort: Ordinary, Delux, AC, and Volvo – listed in order of comfort provided. It will take you 13 hours to reach Manali from Delhi and nine hours to reach arrive from Chandigarh. Ticket prices for the Volvo Bus from Delhi are around Rs1150 and for the AC Bus from Chandigarh it costs Rs500 one way. You can purchase your tickets at the counters. Unfortunately, online booking services do not accept international credit cards.

The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, just 50 kilometers away. Archana Airways and Jagson Airlines operate daily flights. From the airport, travelers can reach Manali by bus or taxi. If you plan to save money, you should take a bus from Bhuntar to Kullu and then another from Kullu to Manali. The bus fare will be around 37-40Rs. If you prefer to take a taxi, there is a taxi stand just outside Bhuntar Airport. It will cost you between 1,000 and 1,500 Rs (depending on your bargaining skills) for a ride to Manali.

With some majorly winding roads ahead for those braving the bus, it is definitely necessary to keep some motion sickness medicines on hand.

Consider bringing warm clothes with you, even in summer months. It is unexpectedly cooler in these mountains than in other parts of India.

You can find maps of the area and information booklets in Manali Tourist Office (open daily from 8am – 9pm), located at the Mall on the town's main drag.

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation provides information on both car rentals and private cars for hire. You can find more information on getting around at the Him-Aanchal Taxi Operators Union, located in the mall. Hiring a taxi is the best way to get around Manali; one day of will cost you around Rs. 1,500 ($35).

There are a limited number of ATMs in Manali. Depending on the situation, some of them might be out of service (or money) and some might not accept international credit/debit cards. This means carrying cash and stocking up before arrival is a must.

Where to Stay

Manali is a popular adventure travel and honeymoon destination, which means it offers a great range of accommodations. Expect to find everything from budget to moderately upscale digs (though don’t expect 5-star resorts) in and around the town.

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation runs a number of budget hotels in Manali that are known for their good service and reasonable prices. These hotels can be booked online, or at the counters located in all major cities in India. Their Tourist Hotel on Circuit House Road is a good no-frills bet. Located a short 10-minute walk from the downtown area of Manali, its location is reason enough to spend nights here. Situated in an apple orchard with a view of the snow capped mountains, views from certain rooms offer a delightful respite from a day of adventuring. Rooms cost $20-30/night, making that view even more of a deal.

For more comfortable digs, try Banon Resorts. For an even more secluded experience, its cottages dotting two acres of lush gardens provide guests with a bit more privacy, also with magnificent views of snow capped mountains. Rooms are spacious, have their own balconies, and are equipped with wood-burning stoves for cozy winter stays. Deluxe suites are $140-150, and packages that include breakfast and dinner are also available.

What to Eat

Finding a place to eat in Manali is a culinary and cultural delight. Along the main street, there are a number of restaurants, dhabas, and small cafes that suit all manners of taste and budget. North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and European cuisines are available, and local delicacies should be sampled by discerning foodies who want the chance to try regional cuisine. If you want to experience the real India, stay away from traditional tourist places. They often offer overpriced and less tasty food than authentic cafes and restaurants.

For stunning Indian food, travelers should try Sher-e-Punjab on the Manali Mall Road, not far from the bus stand. It serves exclusively North Indian cuisine and is known for its great food quality, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will find a bevy of options here, too. For the most delicious dishes on the menu, you should order Paneer Butter Masala or Rajmaha Chawal.

One of the most popular places in Manali is Chopsticks, a multi-cuisine restaurant on the Mall. This restaurant is run by Tibetans and it is a great place to try Tibetan dishes, though everything from Chinese to Japanese fare is also available. Choices are endless; if in doubt, consult the waiters, who know the extensive menu back and forth.

Great Italian cuisine (including desserts) can be found at Il Forno on Hadimba Road. It's worth a visit just for their fabulous tiramisu.

If travelers are going to make the effort to sample a single dish while visiting Manali, they must try Tibetan momos. These boiled dumplings with stuffing come in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian forms. The trick is to try them when you are around a Tibetan market, where the cooks are like magicians and the momos are absolutely heavenly.

What to Do

There's no shortage of fabulous spots to explore around Manali, whether for cultural encroachment or a jaw-dropping ride through the air. Those who want something contemplative should head to Hadimba Temple, a pagoda-style temple built 1553 and surrounded by green forests, which are perfect for a peaceful walk on a quiet day.

Vashisht Village is just 3 kilometers away from Manali and is known for its natural hot water springs, which are believed to cure skin problems. The springs are located inside the temple in the village and the entry is free. More hot springs can also be found in Manikaran, though that requires a longer drive.

Another great place is Naggar Village. Situated on one of the hills, it offers stunning views and an interesting insight into the world of art. A great Russian artist, painter, writer and photographer, Nicholas Roerich lived there with his family. His house is now a museum and art gallery. With a breathtaking view outside of every window, travelers can see for themselves where artistic inspiration originated in his work.

Also in the village is Naggar Castle. The castle is now a museum and a rest house with a truly engaging history. Built in 1460, it is different from traditional Indian style, with a striking medieval appearance. And nearby Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It is a high mountain pass famous for a great panoramic view of the stunning mountains and countryside. The place is mainly for sightseeing and contemplating the nature. Because of the high altitude, there is snow in the area all year around.

For travelers seeking tranquility, visiting one of the area's many waterfalls is a must. On your way to Rohtang Pass, just 10 kilometers away from Manali, you will see Jogni Falls, which can be accessed by a short trek through lush greenery. Shortly up the road, Rahalla Falls makes another excellent pit stop.

For those who won't be traveling on to Tibet, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the Tibetan monasteries in the region. The monasteries in Manali attract a great number of tourists thanks to their stunning architecture, exciting handicrafts, and aromatic fragrances. Try visiting the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa Monastery, as it sticks the most faithfully to traditional Tibetan architecture. You can visit the monastery at any time you like without prior reservations.

For skiing in winter and paragliding or parachuting in summer, head to Solang Valley, known for its stunning views and ideal terrain. You can arrange your sports activities in Manali independently or with help of travel agencies. Some of the recommended agencies in Manali are Himalayan Journeys, Himalayan Extreme Center, and Himachal Heli Adventures. Be sure to check carefully to confirm what is included in the package you are booking. Himalayan Extreme Center is a Franco-Swiss company that offers a wider choice of activities than the other two agencies. From mountain biking and rafting to safaris and heliskiing, they really will arrange it all for those adventurous visitors. Himachal Heli Adventures focuses mainly on heliskiing. All of their packages include transfers and accommodations, in addition to the chance to leap out of a helicopter to tackle the powder.

Those who aren't interested in death-defying extreme spots can do some shopping instead. Travelers can browse Tibetan handicrafts like amulets, prayer wheels, and musical instruments in the market or pick up woolen articles (shawls, blankets, sweaters, etc.) in the government-run emporiums. These emporiums offer better quality products, although prices will be higher, too.