Manali Adventure Sports/Activities

Trekking

Manali is very popular for its trekking routes. Tourists from all over the world visit here to trek and explore the beauty of this Himalayan region. Nestled amidst a vast and serene landscape, Manali is home for trek lovers. The place opens innumerable stretches to trek and conquer. Some of the popular trek routes here are Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, Chandratal and Bhrigu Lake. These are just a few. Several other trekking trails in the interiors will surprise you with its majestic beauties. All you need to do is simply get yourself fit for trekking as well as get the necessary requisites for trekking.

Skiing

Skiing is a popular activity, which is possible to enjoy only in the snowy regions. It involves tucking your foot along the metal bars with 2 poles. These bars are called skis and they are built in such a way that you do not sink in the snow. Your feet are buckled up with the bars which ensures that you do not fall.

Dressing

With so much snow around and above all, enjoying this sport cannot be done with your regular winter clothes. You are required to dress differently if you are going for this sport. High boots, helmet, turtleneck sweater or fleece jacket, waterproof snow pants and a pair of hand gloves are necessary. Also, a pair of tinted sunglasses can be used to avoid the effect of harsh ultraviolet rays. You can get the entire outfit on rent while you are on your way to the skiing destination in Manali.

Right time to visit

Of course the apt time to visit this area for skiing is when there is enough snow in the region for you to carry on this sport. The important thing is that the layer of snow should be thick enough so that you can slide easily. So, you need to check the weather reports before you go for it.

During Skiing

It is vital that you listen to all the instructions carefully given by your guide for this sport. The speed at which you are skiing should be such that you are in complete control at all times. You should be able to stop when you want to. Be mindful of the signboards to refrain from going to prohibited routes.

Manali is a snowy region and that makes it perfect for skiing. It is one of the few places in India where you can enjoy this sport. The most popular places in Manali for skiing are the Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. You can reach Solang Valley through a cable car ride of about 1.3 kms. It is at an altitude of about 8400 feet. Rohtang Pass is also a very famous tourist destination to enjoy skiing. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach Rohtang Pass from Manali by road.

Rappelling

Rappelling is one sport that can be enjoyed in any hilly or mountainous region with low to medium ranges. Manali has the perfect geography for you to indulge in this thrilling sport. With correct guidance and techniques, you can enjoy rappelling here and have an unforgettable experience.



Rappelling is an activity, which requires a lot of physical strength and is quite popular among adventure enthusiasts. Rappelling involves climbing downwards from a mountain or rock tied with a rope with the help of a harness. In Manali, the rappelling rock is just beside the Beas River.

You need to get to the location at the given time for this activity. Your clothing should be comfortable and light. You will get instructions from your guide before you get into the harness and go for it. You will also get to take pictures with the crew.

Age Range : 6 years to 45 years of age
Weight Range : 20 kgs to 120 kgs
Other requirement : Candidate should be physically fit

Things to carry

• Valid ID Proof
• Comfortable footwear
• Sunglasses
• First Aid Kit
• Water
• Napkins
• Camera
• Sunscreen

The activity includes providing all safety equipment like harness, gear, etc, English speaking guide as well as a briefing session about safety.

Rock Climbing

The rocky region of Manali makes it apt for rock climbing. It is a completely random sport as you can choose the rock you want to climb. However, it is better to take a path that has been used before for safety reasons. Mountaineers love this activity and just get on their way up anywhere they find a rock to enjoy the view at the top.



Aleo in Manali is a popular spot for executing sports and adventurous activities. Rock climbing is just one of the activities among many. Although rock climbing is an exhausting sport, it still leaves you in high spirits and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

The activity is well organized and the crew provides harnesses and the necessary safety equipment along with safety instructions before you move ahead. However, following points must be considered before you go for rock climbing:

• It is advised not to carry any valuable item with you during this activity
• One must be physically fit to do rock climbing as this activity involves exertion.
• The climber must be with the group or the guide throughout the activity to avoid taking up risky route

Things to carry

• ID Proof
• First Aid kit
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Napkin
• Cap (if sunny)
• Pullovers or sweatshirts

River Rafting

River rafting is facilitated by private organizers at the campsite and a water sport center has been set up to provide all the water sport activities to the tourists at one spot. River rafting is particularly one of the popular sports in Manali.



Beas River in Manali is a fast-moving River with waters gushing rapidly. This setup is perfect for river rafting. This is a great sport for anyone who loves water activities. River rafting is thrilling, gets your blood rushing, and leaves you enthralled.

The crew provides the gears and other safety equipment and even a brief session about safety instructions is conducted prior to commencement of the sport. Rafting here is generally open all year round except during the rainy and winter season due to extreme climatic conditions.

Some points to consider

• The duration of river rafting ranges between 10 to 45 minutes
• Candidates must wear life jackets and helmets at all times
• Experiences rafters/crew members are in the boat with the participating group
• Rafts used for the activity are well tried and tested several times to confirm safety.

Quad Biking Adventure

Bike lovers are in for some fun with quad biking. ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) is used for this sport. With quad biking, you can explore the maximum region here. This sport is exciting and even a bit risky for anyone who is up for it.



The interior of Manali is a hilly region and exploring it with ATV is another adventure altogether. Riding through the forest will expose you to the views and experience that is unmatchable.

About the activity

There is no doubt this sport is a bit risky and you need to be aware of the dangers involved. Before you begin the activity, you will be given some training as to how you can go about it. There is even a training ride as well. So you have enough time and practice to get confident before you actually go for the ride on your own.

Points to remember

• You need to be above 18 years of age to take part in this sport
• Clothing should be light and comfortable
• Helmet will be provided along with the ATV you are riding
• Physical fitness should be at par to enjoy this sport
• Training ride will be around 1 km
• Be careful and listen all the instruction given by the guide and ask in case of doubts
• Refrain from taking the bikes to prohibited areas
• Do not miss on taking pictures once you arrive at your destination
• You also get to take pictures after returning from the ride
• Do not carry any valuable items with you on this ride
• Any damage caused to the vehicle has to be borne by the rider

Things to carry

• Riding shoes
• Extra pair of clothes
• Riding gear
• First aid kit
• Valid ID proof
• Water bottle

Mountain biking

A bicycle ride is something we all enjoyed in childhood. To refresh those memories and explore the surrounding in an eco-friendly way, grab a bicycle and get going to soak in the magnificence of nature.



While in Manali, exploring the majestic Himalayan region through mountain biking is the best and eco-friendly way to make most of your trip. With mountain biking, you can explore the alpines, rivers, Jana Falls, Rhala falls and Rumsu village. This activity of mountain biking runs all day long and will leave you awestruck with the beauty and charm of this region.

Points to consider

• Pick up and drop facility is provided by the organizers
• The activity organizers will provide you with lunch, mineral water and transport bicycle
• Comfortable and light clothing is preferable for this activity
• You must take of your belongings like phones, camera, wallets, etc
• Do not litter while exploring in the interiors. Also, do not throw plastic bottles or any waste on the road
• Since this is a daylong and exhausting activity, you must be physically fit to go for it

Things to carry

• Jackets/pullover/sweaters
• Raincoats
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight
• Moisturizers
• Power banks or solar chargers
• Hat or cap

Paragliding

Paragliding is an activity you should not miss while in Manali. While it may seem overwhelming, paragliding is an experience you will never forget in your life. With Himalayan ranges encircling the entire region, it is like a trip to heaven. Solang Valley is the best place to enjoy paragliding in Manali.

About Paragliding

Adventure enthusiasts find paragliding extremely appealing and never miss an opportunity to glide. It is flying artificially - like a bird, besides the mountain ranges, which you have been admiring from the bottom. Doesn't that sound unreal? Well, paragliding is like magic you must experience to believe.

A foot-launched aircraft is used for paragliding in India, which is quite lightweight. The glider is tied with the aircraft with the help of a harness and a piece of fabric is attached to the glider which acts as artificial wings. After having a free fall from the aircraft, you need to move your legs in a jogging motion to gain flight. Here, you are in complete control of your flight. If you feel uncomfortable, you can abort the flight. This is a great activity for anyone who wants to overcome the fear of height.

Safety Measures

• You must be over 10 years of age to engage in Paragliding
• The maximum weight allowed is 110 kgs and the participant must have a height of at least 4 feet.
• According to the number of visitors on the day, you might need to wait for your turn.
• The time duration of the activity includes briefing instructions, strapping on and taking off the safety harness and the actual flying time.
• This activity is not meant for pregnant women, anyone with heart, respiratory, sinus or ear problems.
• Due to any unforeseen weather conditions, the organizer has the right to cancel the activity and reschedule it.

Hiking

Hiking is like a mellowed version of trekking. Trekking is for more than a day and is a notch more difficult than hiking. Hiking is basically a day out with longs along the mountainous regions on the routes of well-known trails.



Hiking is something you shouldn't miss while you are in this region. It is one of the best ways to appreciate the mesmerizing nature's beauty of this Himalayan region.

Hikes are also categorized according to the difficulty level into easy, medium and difficult type. You can choose based on your adventure streak and make most of your visit here. Some of the popular hiking trails are as below

Easy

Deep Forest
This is an easy trek, which starts in the morning at around 9:00 am. The trek trail for this particular hike goes through dense forest to Dev Diyar. On the way, you will come across various trees like apple trees, peach trees and palm trees. The trek route is circular and so you will come back through a different route. On your way back, you will also get to witness the local village life here and can enjoy local delicacies. The total time taken for this trek is around 6-7 hours.

Jogni Waterfalls
This is another easy trek route where you will reach Jogni waterfall. There are 2 ways to go for this trek. First is by reaching Vashist and then start your trek of 3-4 hours (going and coming back). The trek gets completed in Vashist and you can enjoy hot water springs and head back to Manali. The second way is to start your trek from Old or New Manali where the trek route includes Jogni Waterfall along with local villages of Goshal and Bahang. You will visit the Jogni Waterfall and Temple and walk your way back to Vashist. From Vashist, you will transport and get back to Manali.

Medium Hikes

Solang Valley
Solang Valley is a popular area in Manali and a must visit on your trip here. This area is the hub for all kinds of adventure sports activities. On this trek you will pass through the villages of Old Manali like Goshal, Sanag and Burua. After arriving at the Solang Valley, you will be stunned by the spectacular views of the glaciers and the snow clad mountains. Later, you will return to Manali using transportation. This trek takes around 6-7 hours.

Gulam Lang
This trek starts from Old Manali. You will pass through the Manalsu River which is named after Lord Manu Rishi. Even the name Manali is after the same Rishi. The first lag of this trek is a slow walk and the second lag involves uphill walking. You will come back from the same route and the maximum altitude that you will cover in this trek is around 2650 meters. This trek will take around 6-7 hours.

Difficult Hikes

Lama Dugs
Lama Dug is one of the most difficult treks in Manali. The trek starts from Old Manali and is uphill trekking all the way up to Lama Dug. The maximum altitude of this trek is around 3200 meters. This is a round trek and the return trek downhill is just 1000 meters. This trek takes around 8 to 9 hours.

Patalsu Peak
Patalsu trek the toughest trek in Manali. For this trek, you will reach Solang Nalla. The trek passes from the Solang village and the Patalsu height is around 4250 meters. It is a completely uphill trek which takes you through dense forest. On reaching at the top, you will see the enchanting views of the valley and it will be worth the climb. You will return to Solang and drive back to Manali. This trek takes around 9-10 hours.

Zorbing

Zorbing is rapidly emerging as a favorite hill sport among the tourists in Manali. Solang Valley, which is the hub of the adventure sport activities, is the best place to enjoy this sport. Professionals manage the arrangement and they make sure of the safety during this activity.



What you get to do in Zorbing is that you get into a huge transparent plastic ball which is rolled along the hilly slope. This gives the views of the valley from a variety of angles and is a one-of-a-kind experience. Rolling down the hill in this huge ball will give a unique experience and the best part is, you do not need any training for this.

The best time to enjoy this sport is from January to May and October to December. Also, if there is snowfall and mountains are covered with snow, you won't be able to indulge in this recreational sport.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is one of the tough adventure sports which require religious training and discipline before you embark on your adventure. Manali is a popular destination for this activity and one of the reasons being a mountaineering institute in Manali itself. It's the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering which provides complete training for this sport.



This activity is a perfect escape from your boring and routine city life. Although it is a tough sport, Manali has all kinds of mountains. So, whether you are an amateur or experienced, Manali has something for everyone. On your way to climbing the giant mountains, you will encounter stunning views of the valleys and snow-covered mountains in the horizons. Mountaineering is quickly becoming popular with adventure junkies and Manali is emerging as one of the most sought after destinations for this sport.

Among many of the excursion trips, the famous mountaineering excursions include treks to Deo Tibba and Parang La. These two are the favorite among mountaineers.

Deo Tibba

The expedition to Deo Tibba is 13 days long takes you through narrow streams, mesmerizing alpine lakes, and at the top of the Deo Tibba Mountain. The journey starts from Manali and within just 2 days, you would have reached at a height of 14000 feet. This altitude may sound daunting, but you are still on the way. Your final destination is the summit of Deo Tibba which is at the height of 19700 feet on the 10th day. Isn't that exciting? The cold winds, the view at this height and the entire atmosphere there is sure to leave you awestruck. You will trip will ends on 13th day when you reach back to Manali.

Parang La

Parang La is another well-known mountaineering and trekking destination located in the scenic Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. This high-altitude trek takes you to an elevation of around 18,000 feet, leading you across mesmerizing landscapes and towards Kibber village — one of the highest inhabited villages in the world.

Jeep Safari

Jeep Safari is yet another tempting adventure for the tourist visiting this region. The topography of this region makes it perfect to explore the travel through the rugged regions of this mountainous area.



The Jeep Safari tours are well-known here and are offered in packages for various routes. Some of the popularly travelled Jeep Safari routes are Manali to Leh Ladakh, Manali-Chandratal-Kaza Jeep Safari-Photo Tour, Trans Himalayan Jeep Safari Tour and many more. These tours range anywhere from 1 to 10 days. Since this adventure sport is a long duration one, there are many things you need to consider before you embark on your journey.

Points to consider

• The maximum luggage that you can carry will be informed by the guide or tour organizer. You need to adhere to the instructions accordingly.
• Entry tickets to tourist attractions like monasteries and other sightseeing destinations will be borne by the traveler.
• Lunch and other meals during the bus journey will be on the traveler.
• Dinner and breakfast are included in the tour package
• Changes in the itinerary of the package due uncontrollable factors like weather, political disturbances and natural phenomenon will not be accommodated in the cost of the package.
• For a safe and sound experience, be mindful of the instruction given by the guide and follow them.
• Do not consume any intoxicating drugs or alcohol during the tour.
• Avoid going out alone during the night stay.
• Carry your basic medication and first-aid kit in this tour.
• Do not litter around on camp sites and local regions while on the tour.
• While visiting temple, monasteries, etc obey the rules of the place and dress according to their code of conduct.

Things to carry

• Comfortable clothes according to the weather (woolen and water resistant)
• Jackets or pullovers
• Water bottles
• Moisturizers and other such skin care as per your requirement
• Strong pair of trekking shoes
• Warm socks
• Another pair of footwear for hotel rooms
• Caps/hats, sunglasses, camera
• Flashlight or torch with extra batteries
• Towels
• Personal medications and toiletries