Places to Visit Near Manali

Beas River (47 kms from Manali)

Cradled in the laps of the Himalayan ranges Beas River originates from Beas Kund and cascades down till the Sutlej basin. It is one of the best riverside camping sites. The majestic views here are breathtaking, something you must have seen only in pictures or postcards. It is surprising to know that Beas River is around 470 kms long. It flows through the states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The water of this river is also used to generate electricity through hydro-electric power plants. Also, the drainage basin of Beas River is among the largest drainage basins in India.



The scourging waters of this river also make it apt to carry out water sports like river rafting. However, there are several other things you can do while on your visit here. You can sit by the river and experience solitude in the laps of Mother Nature. You can take pictures of the mesmerizing beauty around you. Also, if you know how to swim, you can take a dip in the chilling waters of the river.

Although you can visit here all year round, the best time to enjoy the surroundings of Beas River is monsoon. However, monsoon is sometimes risky in Himachal Pradesh due to the possibility of landslides and other calamities due to heavy rains,it is the perfect time to have an unforgettable experience with Beas River.

Tirthan Valley (92 km from Manali)

Tirthan Valley is one of the hidden treasures of Himachal, like a best-kept secret. If you are looking for the best views and want to engross yourself in the beauty of nature, this is the place for you. This place is popular for camping in solitude and still the majority of its parts remain untouched.



This is a peaceful place and is named after river Tirthan on whose banks this region is based. Tirthan Valley is situated at an altitude of 1600 meters and the weather here is pleasant all year round. So, if you want to come here for a quick getaway, it's a perfect place. It is a great place for anyone who loves nature or loves being around wildlife and enjoys bird watching. There are also great photographic opportunities here.

The best part about Tirthan Valley is that it is sufficiently populated and well-connected to the center and yet it is peaceful. It is also an ideal place for activities like trout fishing, hiking, trekking, bonfires, camping and photography.

Solang Nullah (12 kms from Manali)

This is an open meadow along the lush deodar forest about 13 kms away from Manali. This place is bustling with tourists and offers numerous adventure sports activities like paragliding, gondola ride, rock climbing, ballooning, camping, and mountaineering. In winter, the same place becomes a skiing ground.



Solang valley is an ideal place to visit for every kind of traveler. This place has something to offer for everyone. Whether you love adventure or just love spending time with nature, this place won't disappoint you. It will be good to stay here for a day or 2 to completely know this place and explore the surroundings to your heart's content. Even the hotels and resorts here offer world class amenities.

Things to consider before visiting Solang Valley

• Check the weather before you start your journey as this is a snowy region and sometimes the weather can get extreme.
• Pack your clothes according to the season and keep enough woolens. It is advisable to take a pair of extra clothes even if you are visiting for a day.
• Make to book your accommodation well in advance if your visit is during the peak season.
• If you are planning to visit the Rohtang Pass from Solang Valley, you will require Rohtang Pass Permit.
• There is a market for shopping which sells handicrafts and jewelry, you can plan some time to visit there.

Hidimba Devi Temple (2.6 kms from Manali)

This temple is also known as the Dhungri Temple and is in close proximity to the main city area of Manali. Hidimba Devi is actually the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandavas from Mahabharata. In India, this is the only place where she is worshipped as a goddess.



This splendid temple of Hidimba Devi holds great importance in the pilgrim places for Hindus. Hidimba Devi was the wife of one of the Pandavas - Bhim and mother of Gatotkach. The architect of this temple is unique compared to other Hindu temples. The place of this temple is very calm and serene and a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Gradually, it is also gaining popularity and visitors from all over the country.

There is also a shrine of Ghatotkach built near the temple that died during the battle of Kurukshetra. Since Hidimba was from the family of demons, she did hard penance in the forest to shed her identity as a demon. After years of meditation and penance, her prayers were answered and finally she was given the title of a goddess.

Naggar (2.6 kms from Manali)

A small set up near Manali, Naggar is home to Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, Vasuki Nag Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, and Gauri Shankar Temple. Also, there is Naggar castle which is an exhibition of amazing architecture, magnificent wood carvings as well as stone and metal crafts. This castle is now a museum and a heritage hotel.



When in Manali, Naggar is a must-visit place. This small region has an artistic feel to it. Although its in close proximity to Manali, it has a different air about it. There numerous options for staying here as well which include lodges, home stay, hotels and resorts. Often Homestay is the best option to stay in Naggar to experience the essence of the place. It is far from the chaotic life of the city and is a tiny picturesque town in the laps of Mother Nature. Just this, is enough to keep the tourists flooding in here every here.

You can easily reach Naggar to Manali by bus or by car. The monuments, temples as well as the castle here will take you back in time and give you a unique experience.

Brighu Lake (2.6 kms from Manali)

Brighu Lake, at the foot of Brighu peak, is a small water body that is visited by a number of trekkers yearly. It is like a jewel amidst the snow-clad mountains. According to the legend, sage Brighu meditated at this very place. The locals here consider this place to be sacred.



This lake is located at an altitude of 4300 meters in the Kullu district. This location is also a part of the Brighu lake trek where you get to explore the surroundings in detail. During summer, this place is lush green with grassland and the view is just stunning. As we know, in winters, the temperature in this region goes below 0 degrees Celsius, and there is even snowfall in this region of the state. However, legend has it that this lake never freezes completely in spite of frosting weather. This is because Maharishi Brighu meditated near this lake.

Manali Wildlife Sanctuary (1.6 kms from Manali)

Yet another incredible great place for nature lovers, this is a lush forest filled with deodar, kail, walnut and maple trees. This sanctuary starts about 2 kms away from Manali. In this sanctuary, you can spot some really amazing wildlife which you may never otherwise encounter like Monal, Musk deer, Brown bear, Blue sheep, Ibex as well as Snow leopard. Also, the chirping of the birds is very pleasant here.