Himachal Tour

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12 Exciting ways to Experience Manali

20-10-2014
By Ankita

12 Exciting ways to Experience Manali - 
Manali is a land with contrasting landscapes. In Manali, there are a plethora of things to do for fun and relaxation. On the one side, there are the everlasting high peaks that surround this natural wonder. When you add adventure sports, crystal clear falls, crisp weather, and tranquil temples to the mix, you start to enjoy the mystical music of this year-round attraction. Here are the best ways to experience this incredible destination in the lap of Himalayas:

1.     Hike to Hadimba Temple and ditch Yak ride: The magnificent architecture, wooden doorways, mud walls, miniature paintings of the Goddess, and fascinating arrangement all contribute to the allure of this place of worship. This location is a must-see, set in the middle of lush green forests and completely tranquil. Locals refer to the Hadimba temple as the Dhungri temple because it is located in the Dhungiri Van Vihar forests. The temple is significant to Hindu pilgrims because it is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima, one of the five brothers in the Mahabharata Indian epic.

2.    Enjoy trekking: Trekking is one of the easiest ways to burn off some steam when taking in the natural beauty. Remember to bring your cameras to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. When trekking together, wear good trekking shoes and appropriate clothing to prepare for peace and quiet in the middle of nature.Some amazing trekking routes here are Beas Kund Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek, Friendship Peak, etc. Quench your thirst for adventure and leisure time on foot with spectacular views on these treks.

3.    Schedule a visit to Naggar: Naggar is a small village in Manali's vicinity. This tiny town, which sits at an elevation of around 1800 metres, was once Kullu's capital. Here explore the Gauri Shankar Temple sitting on a hill top and go gaga as you visit the Naggar Palace- an architectural marvel in itself. This is where Kareena Kapoor danced through a song in the movie ‘Jab We Met’. In all honesty, the market around is better than one in Manali, cheaper and authentic handicrafts and non-alcoholic fruits wines will just make your day.

4.    Indulge in hot water springs treatment: Bathing in the hot water spring and experiencing its soothing powers is one of the mystical yet mesmerising things to do in Manali in May and June. Vashisht village, located near the Beas River, is a popular tourist destination. Natural minerals are thought to have soothing properties in the hot spring. Take a dive and see for yourself whether or not the magic remains.

5.    Discover the past at Himalayan Museum of Culture & Folk Art: The Himachal Museum of Culture and Folk Art, located on Hadimba Devi Temple Road, is undoubtedly one of Manali's most famous tourist attractions. It was built with the aim of preserving and restoring the region's local art. Models of ancient temples, homes, and forts, as well as stone pots, utensils, and other everyday objects used by local families, can be seen at the museum. A visit to this museum will also give you a better understanding of the evolution and development of the Himachali population in the region.

6.    Thrill of River Rafting: One of the must-do activities is river rafting, which you will enjoy with your mates. The Beas provides the best river rafting conditions and lengths of water. With its source in the Rohtang Pass, the river is very stable for a 20-kilometer stretch around Manali, where adventurers can enjoy various levels of rafting. Though river rafting is available in Manali all year except during the monsoon season, the months of June and July are ideal for this adventure.

7.    Experience the vibrancy of Old Manali: Backpackers' paradise, shop until you drop in this charming place, and don't forget to sharpen your negotiating skills. The lively nightlife of Manali is best experienced in Old Manali. To get around the narrow lanes, you can either walk or hire a two-wheeler. After exploring, come here in the evening, just before the sun sets, for a hearty meal at one of the many cafes.

8.    Witness the charm of Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass, at nearly 4,000 metres above sea level, is a stunning destination and one of the world's highest mountain passes. It is Manali's best tourist destination for experiencing snow all year. The Rohtang Pass slopes also offer the opportunity to try skiing and/or tubing. The Rohtang Pass is closed in the winter due to heavy snowfall, but it is accessible in the summer.

9.    Blissful Monasteries: In Manali, there are two well-known monasteries that draw a large number of visitors. These Tibetan monasteries exemplify Buddhist culture and provide tourists with a great sense of peace and pleasure. Locals sell a variety of colourful handicrafts and other artistic products at very fair prices right outside these monasteries.

10.    Shop till you drop at Mall Road: The market on Mall Road is the place to go if you enjoy shopping and have the ability to negotiate the best price for your desired products. In Manali, there are numerous markets to visit, each with its own unique charm. Manu market, located near Mall Lane, is the best place to go for anything from books to clothes, footwear, and small appliances.

11.    Ski through your way: In the winter, Manali is fully engulfed in thick layers of snow, with the cold spell usually starting in November-December. It also transforms this hill station into a winter sports adventure zone. Skiing is a popular activity that transforms Manali into a hub of activity, especially in the Rohtang Pass and Solang valley or Solang Nallah areas. 

12.    Pin Valley National Park: With a buffer zone of 1,150 sq km and a core zone of 675 sq km, visiting Pin Valley National Park to see the exotic flora and fauna is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do in Manali. This National Park, which attracts animal lovers and nature lovers from all over the world, has a lot to offer.