Manali

Manali: The Complete Travel Guide

Where is it located: Manali is a popular hill station in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, situated at an altitude of 2,050 meters (6,726 feet) above sea level. Nested between snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and scenic landscapes, Manali is among the most visited destinations in India.

History of Manali:

The name of Manali has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit name “Manu-Alaya,” or the home of Manu, the sage who created human beings, according to Hindu mythology. Manali holds historical significance in the sense that it is believed to be the place where Manu’s ark came to rest after a great flood from the ancient Indian scriptures like the Manu Smriti.

The village began as part of the princely state of Chamba and was later part of British domination, as was a majority of the rest of the region. Manali grew up as a successful hill station of the British era, with its pleasant climate and scenery, so that it came to be just the place people wanted to travel to in order to get out of the torrid heat of the plains.

Major Places of Tour in Manali:

Solang Valley:

14 km from Manali lies Solang Valley, which is popular for sports activities. Winter skiing, paragliding, zorbing, and horse riding are some of the attractions of this valley, which is no less pleasant in summer with grasslands and patches of wildflowers.

Rohtang Pass:

Located at an altitude of 3,978 meters, Rohtang Pass provides picturesque views of snow-capped mountains and valleys. It is a favorite place for snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice-sculpting. The pass is accessible only during summer as it receives heavy snowfall during winter.

Hadimba Temple:

Hadimba Temple, in Old Manali, is a temple made for Hadimba Devi, Bhima of the Mahabharata’s wife. The wooden temple is surrounded by cedar forests and presents a best atmosphere.

Bhrigu Lake:

One of the most visited trekking places, Bhrigu Lake lies at an altitude of 4,300 meters and provides panoramic views of the mountains around it. The Bhrigu Lake trek goes through meadows and forests and is among the most favorite among trekkers.

Tibetan Monasteries:

Certain Tibetan monasteries of note are located within Manali, one such monastic site being the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa. Tibetan monasteries serve to gain information about Tibetan Buddhist life and maintain an aura of serenity for meditations and contemplations.
Great Himalayan National Park