Nestled on the bank of the Beas River, Manali is a popular tourist destination in Himachal. Tourists from all over the world visit here to enjoy their vacation and rejuvenate amidst serene environs. Manali is the perfect getaway from the scorching heat of the plains during summers and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks in winters. Dotted with ancient temples, apple orchards, gushing waterfalls, sparkling streams, and tranquil lakes, Manali has it all. Still, the excursions from Manali lend true fun to any Manali holiday package. There are numerous tourist places to visit near Manali that interest tourists and make them enjoy themselves during their trip to Manali. For adventure lovers, it is the Solang Valley with numerous fun activities such as zorbing and paragliding.
For couples, the honeymoon tour in Manali is an amazing choice and they can visit the Rohtang Pass, which is known for its vast expanse of snow. But, again, Rohtang is not just about snow – which can be experienced there all around the year. There are plenty of fun activities in Rohtang in which tourists can indulge, such as snow scooter riding, skiing, and sledding. Moreover, there is no dearth of Manali nearby places, which one should add to their itinerary and make their Himachal trip memorable.
For those looking for religious experiences near Manali, excursions to Naggar, a scenic village; Vashisht, with its old temples; Manikaran with its holy Gurudwara, which is an important pilgrimage destination, and of course, Kullu with its numerous trekking trails and pastoral setting are some of the popular excursions near Manali. With our Manali tour packages, you can explore famous tourist places near the town. These holiday packages are customizable and you can modify the itinerary according to your requirements. Contact our travel experts for more information and book a tour with us!
Top Places to Visit near Manali
Solang Valley
A paradise for nature lovers and a hub for adventure enthusiasts, Solang Valley is one of the most popular destinations to visit near Manali during the Himachal trip. It has something for every kind of traveler, including family, friends, kids, and couples. There is no dearth of activities to do in Solang Valley with kids. Honeymooners can soak in the serene aura of this breathtakingly beautiful tourist destination of Manali. To enjoy snowfall, tourists can visit Solang in winter when the region looks like a fairyland.
- Things to do: Trekking, zorbing, horse riding, hiking, camping, and cable car ride.
- Best time to visit: April to June & November to February (for snowfall)
- Distance from Manali to Solang Valley: 13 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx.)
Bhrigu Lake
Perched at an elevation of 4,300 m above sea level, Bhrigu Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh that trekking can reach. With the backdrop of majestic Pir Panjal ranges, Bhrigu Lake is situated in the lap of the mountains and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped hills. Dedicated to Maharishi Bhrigu, who was believed to meditate here, this lake holds religious and spiritual importance for the Hindus.
There are various trek routes to reach here, including the Vashisht Temple route and the Gulaba Village route. The trek to this sacred lake is for beginners as well. The region is covered with a thick blanket of snow during winters, and the lake freezes down, transforming the region into a winter wonderland.
- Things to do: Trekking and camping
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Manali to Bhrigu Lake: 17 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Gulaba Village
An idyllic village situated in the proximity of Manali and is one of the most beautiful villages of Himachal Pradesh, Gulaba is a hub of adventure lovers and trekkers. It is a base for numerous treks and the trails of the village offer panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. Moreover, the lush green meadows and rolling slopes of this quaint village offer an amazing experience to nature lovers. Away from the hustle-bustle of the city amidst the lush greenery, Gulaba provides rejuvenating and relaxing environs, which makes it the perfect getaway from Manali.
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, paragliding, ice skating, and camping
- Best time to visit: March to April & October to February (for snow activities)
- Distance from Manali to Gulaba: 4 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 20 minutes (approx.)
Arjun Gufa
Nestled on the bank of the River Beas, Arjun Gufa is associated with the legendary figure and holds special significance in Hindu mythology. Dedicated to Arjun, one of the Pandavas, this cave is a natural formation and a popular picnic spot in Manali. The narrow path into the hill leading to the cave and hiking to the Arjun Gufa is an amazing experience. It is believed that Arjun did penance and meditation here to please Lord Shiva. Surrounded by natural bounties, this is among the best places to visit in Manali, and you get awe-struck by the natural splendors.
- Things to do: Trekking and hiking
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Distance from Manali to Arjun Gufa: 7 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 30 minutes (approx.)
Bhuntar
Located in the Kullu Valley, Bhuntar is the major town of the valley. It is situated on the bank of the confluence of Beas River and Parvati River. It is a popular tourist destination near Manali for those who wish to indulge in outdoor recreational activities. The most famous thing to do in Kullu is river rafting, which allows travelers to explore the raw beauty of the surroundings while steering through the rapids. Other adventure and thrilling sports to enjoy in Bhuntar are trekking, hiking, and camping, making the tour to Manali unforgettable. The majestic view of the mountains around Bhuntar makes it a beautiful tourist destination in Himachal.
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, camping, and river rafting.
- Best time to visit: March to June
- Distance from Manali to Bhuntar: 50 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Kasol
Popularly known as ‘Amsterdam of India’ owing to its breathtaking landscape, Kasol is a famous hill town of Himachal that is flocked by tourists from all over the country. Fondly referred to as ‘Mini Israel’, Kasol is inhabited by a large number of Israelis. Boasts about cozy cafes, Swiss riverside cottages, amazing trekking trails, and a gurgling river, Kasol is located near several well-known attractions, including Malana, Manikaran Sahib, Tosh, and Kheerganga. In addition, it is a part of Parvati Valley and a paradise for thrill-seekers who can embark on trekking alongside the Parvati River and into the woods to explore the pristine beauty of the valley.
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking, nature walk, and camping.
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Manali to Kasol: 80 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Naggar
Located on the bank of the Beas River, Naggar is a quaint hamlet in Kullu Valley. It is known for its architectural wonders and natural beauty. This beautiful hill town is a paradise for history buffs. Set against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, Naggar Castle is a popular attraction in this place. This was an erstwhile residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, which is a perfect blend of European and Himachali architectural design. In Naggar, tourists can spot the edifices built in the ancient style with wood and stone. In addition, a folk art museum is a place where visitors can get glimpses of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Naggar is one of the best places to visit near Manali to sneak peek into the traditions and history of the valley.
- Things to do: Sightseeing and heritage walk
- Best time to visit: November to June
- Distance from Manali to Naggar: 23 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
Kullu
Home to ancient temples, glistening streams, trekking trails, apple orchards, and sprawling meadows, Kullu is among the top places to visit near Manali. This beautiful destination of Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers. Encompassed by Pir Panjal mountain ranges, Kullu is a perfect place to indulge in adventure activities, including river rafting, trekking, camping, fishing, angling, and hiking. In addition, this bustling town is home to some ancient temples, such as Raghunath Temple and Jagannath Devi Temple, which are flocked by a large number of devotees. Kullu Dusshera is also a popular festival and is celebrated with great zeal.
- Things to do: River rafting, hiking, trekking, fishing, and nature walk
- Best time to visit: November to June
- Distance from Manali to Kullu: 41 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.)
Rohtang Pass
One of the highest mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass is a hub of adventure lovers. This high-altitude pass connects Kullu Valley with the Spiti and Lahaul Valleys. Rohtang Pass is located just 50 km from Manali, blessed with natural bounties and a splendid backdrop. The thrilling trails and snow-blanketed peaks of Rohtang Pass offer numerous activities, including trekking, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Perched at a massive height of 3,978 m above sea level, Rohtang Pass is completely covered with snow in winters and remains open for tourists in the summer season.
- Things to do: Skating, ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, trekking, and hiking.
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Distance from Manali to Rohtang Pass: 61 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (approx.)
Jagatsukh
The former capital of Kullu Valley, Jagatsukh, is a tiny hamlet with an enchanting natural landscape. It is known for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This idyllic village is also known for the annual Chacholi Jatra Festival, where people from all over the state get glimpses of the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the bygone era. Carpeted with lush greenery in summers and blanketed with snow in winter, Jagatsukh looks like heaven every season. It is one of the best places to visit near Manali due to its jaw-dropping locales and breathtaking beauty.
- Things to do: Sightseeing and heritage walk
- Best time to visit: October to May
- Distance from Manali to Jagatsukh: 13 km (approx.)
- Travel Time: 40 minutes (approx.)