Outdoor activities in Manali are a mix of adventure sports and some laid-back vibes amidst scenic beauty. Manali comes with an ideal terrain and atmosphere to spend active holidays and make plenty of unforgettable memories. So, explore the wilderness of Manali and spend some time in the lap of nature with these exciting outdoor activities Manali has to offer. From the most adventurous experiences to the most popular ones, the following list combines it all to make sure you do not miss these unique experiences while planning a trip to Manali.
Outdoor Activities in Manali
From sunrise to sunset, let's discover the best spots for outdoor activities in Manali:
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There was a time when Solang valley was known to only the adventure enthusiasts who carried out camping here. However, today this valley attracts a lot of tourists who come here to get enamoured of its beauty as well. Summer might seem like the better time to visit this cold region. But the winters are action packed with skiing and other winter sports taking hold of the tourism scene. There is ...Read more -
Rohtang Pass
(17782 Votes)
From May to November, you can access one of the most precarious places on the earth; The Rohtang Pass. This beautiful and yet dangerous place is named so (the literal meaning in Bhoti is “piles of corpses) due to its reputation of being an extremely unpredictable place. Nevertheless, tourists love it. The beauty of the Rohtang Pass is extraordinary. It is the highest point in the whole of...Read more -
The Pandoh Dam is situated on the mighty Beas river which runs through Himachal Pradesh. A serene spot, you won’t miss it if you are travelling from Shimla to Manali. Under the Beas Project, the dam was completed in the year 1977 and it was built with the primary purpose of hydroelectric power generation. Head over to the dam to marvel at its architecture, its vastness and to get inspired...Read more -
Located two kilometres from Manali, the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise spread across 3,180 hectares. The sanctuary forms the catchment of Manalsu Khad. Dense forests made up of Deodar, Chestnut, Poplar, Maple, Willow and Fir trees, pristine glaciers, colourful birds like Kingfisher, Chakor, Monal and Snow Pigeons and animals like Musk deer, Monal and Brown bear, all these leave visitor...Read more -
Great Himalayan National Park
(8538 Votes)
A must visit for nature lovers, the Great Himalayan National Park is situated around 110 kilometres from Manali, in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. A paradise for trekkers, the Park was constituted in the year 1984 and was formally declared a National Park in 1999. It covers an area of 754.4 sq. km. (square kilometres) and is host to around 2,300 households spanning over 160 villages. T...Read more -
Vashisht Spring
(8191 Votes)
Located about 3 kilometers away from Manali, the Vashisth Spring is a definite must visit. The River Beas can be seen in all its glory at this site. It is a well known attraction that is pretty popular among the tourists. The hot springs are completely natural and are a great place to see. The verdant village of Vashisht is a must visit due to these beautiful natural wonders. You can defin...Read more -
Beas Kund Or Chandratal Lake
(10936 Votes)
The Chandrataal is a beautiful lake in Himachal Pradesh. Its name literally stands for Moon Lake. Standing behind it is an imposing mountain range. The source of this lake is the groundwater underneath as you cannot see any source of water over the ground. This unique feature does set the lake apart but its height at more than 4000 feet makes this quite surprising. The water reserves are so vas...Read more -
Bhrigu Lake
(5376 Votes)The surrounding mountains and trails of Manali make up for excellent trekking and camping opportunities. Located at a distance of just 1 hour from Manali, the Bhrigu lake is visited for its quiet beauty and exciting trails. This lake is surrounded with lush forests of fir, spruce, moru and the higher altitude Kharsu oak trees around Gulaba, from where trek starts. Spiritually also the lake is q...Read more -
Pin Valley National Park
(1587 Votes)
Stretched over an area of 1150 sq km, the Pin Valley National Park is a part of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area. This national Park acts a haven for the lovers of birds, animals and flora and fauna. Established in 1987, this national park is known throughout India for the conserving the endangered species of Snow-Leopard. Other rare animal and bird species that you can see h...Read more -
Running through the terrain of Manali and Kullu, the Beas River is a legendary river whose mention is found in Hindu myths as well as historical records. Flowing on India's eastern-most border that was invaded by Alexander the Great's in 326 BC, it is this river which proved to be a hurdle in the way of Alexander's expansive project. Originating from the Vyasa Kund from where it gets its name, ...Read more -
Kothi used to be a very popular place for camping while trekking towards the Rohtang Pass. It is still famous as a camping spot but now it has become very easily accessible by car. As a result Kothi is now a popular tourist destination. This village is a real treat in summer. The months between March and June as well as September and October are the best time to visit Kothi. You can embark upon...Read more -
Van Vihar National Park
(2913 Votes)
Van Vihar National Park is one of the most frequented attractions in Manali that offers a quiet escape from your otherwise thrilling tour. Full of Deodar trees that shade the whole area, this park is an ideal place to take your leisure strolls and to enjoy sunny afternoons. Inside the park, there are concrete as well as wooden benches where you can sit for hours together and marvel at the beaut...Read more -
A short trek from Vashisht town takes you to these cascading and enchanting waterfalls. For trekkers, a hike to Jogini waterfalls is sort of an acclimatizing one. For others however, the area surrounding the waterfalls turns into a delightful picnic spot. The waterfalls is a must visit for photography buffs. From the serene pathways leading up to the falls to the actual falls themselves to the ...Read more -
Associated with the legend of Mahabharata, it is believed that Arjun, one of the Pandavas, meditated at this Gufa (cave) to get the Pashupata Astra (weapon) from lord Indra. Situated around 5 kilometres from Manali, do visit this place, if not for the legend associated with it, then for its elegant beauty and the challenging hike. -
Naggar is a small village located on the River Beas and not far from Manali. This tiny village is an attractive tourist spot, well known due to its beauty and simplicity. Quite a few attractions can be reached from the village of Naggar. The Uruswati Himalyan Folk Art Museum is also in Naggar. If you are a cultural tourist this museum is a must see for you. The Naggar castle is another reason w...Read more
