5 Must Visit Places in Manali 2024

Today I am sharing my Top five destinations you should explore while planning your next trip to Manali. If you enjoy adventure, there are countless trekking opportunities here or if you’re looking to relax for a few days or do remote work, you can easily find a peaceful spot to unwind. Manali will never disappoint you. The vibe here is unique once you arrive; you may find it hard to leave as there’s so much to see and experience. Here are my top 5 places to visit in manali 

1    Old Manali

• Old Manali is 3 km away from Manali.

If you are interested in experiencing the hippie culture. Old Manali is a must visit especially if you are a backpacker and planning to stay in hostels. You can explore local cafes. Some of my favorite cafes are The Lazy Dog and Sunshine Cafe.  The vibe here is totally different from the Manali town. Here you will see more international travellers than locals. You can also buy hippie clothes and handmade jewellery.

If you’re on a budget trip or a solo traveler there are loads of options for a stay, starting from shared doms to single rooms, which are reasonable and great places to meet like-minded people.

People often come here to relax and meet new people, I remember when i first visited old Manali, I met a fellow traveler from Israel, and he told me old Manali is quite famous in Israel too; they even have an Israeli community in old Manali, which i think is pretty cool.

 

2  Pangan Nyingma Monastery

Nyingma monastery is located near Pangan village in Patlikuhl.

• Patlikuhl is 14 km from Manali

• Patlikuhl is 34 km from Kullu

Nyingma monastery was founded by Padmasambhava. This monastery is part of  Nyingma tradition and serves as a teaching centre for monks and local people who want to learn Buddhism.Teachings here highlight the value of meditation, compassion, and understanding the nature of reality.

The location of this monastery is famous for its breathtaking natural landscape which includes river, mountains and a variety of vegetation.

3  Nagar

•  Nagar is 20 km from manali

•  Nagar is 25 km from kullu

Nagar is famous for Nagar Castle, which was built during the 15th century by Raja Sidu Singh. Here you will see old traditional Himachali houses, which are made from stones, wood, and clay, called kat kuni style. Kath Kuni is an old and unique construction style that combines alternating layers of wood and stone without the use of cement. Here in Nagar, there is a small museum inside, showcasing artifacts of the region.

Another famous attraction here is the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery. The gallery was the home of the famous Russian painter when he fell in love with this place in the early 20th century and decided to settle here along with his wife. He painted Himalayan landscapes and the people. Roerich’s artwork is infused with mystical and spiritual elements. you can enjoy art museum.

Entry fee: 50 rupees; non-Indians: 500

 

4 Rumsu

Rumsu is 5 km away from Nagar 

Rumsu village is situated just above Nagar. Very few people know about this village. I would definitely recommend you explore this village. Rumsu is famous for handcrafted products like the kulluvi shawl, which is made from sheep wool, pashmina. You can take a tour of  village where you can see beautiful apple, oak and pine trees, enjoy panoramic views of the Kullu Valley connect with locals, and visit a local temple.

It is also the starting point Chandrakhani Pass trek. This pass connects Rumsu with Malana village. The pass is about 3,660 meters. From the top, you can enjoy the Dhauladhar Range, Pir Panjal Range, and Parvati Valley. The best time to do this trek is during the summer months, May to June or late monsoon, September to October.

 

5   Rohtang pass

Rohtang pass is 35 km from Manali

Rohtang Pass situated at 3978 meters is the highest motorable pass in the world that connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valley, famous for breathtaking views. Before the inauguration of Atal tunnel, this was the only route to Lahaul and Spiti Valley, but as the number of vehicles going through this route increased, it caused the glaciers on this mountain to slowly start to deplete.

Due to this, access to Rohtang Pass is restricted to only people having a permit approved by the government. This is enforced from the gulaba police checkpoint that is situated halfway up the mountain pass.

Upon reaching Rohtang Pass you’ll see a mesmerizing view of snowcapped mountains all around in 360 degrees. This is go to location if you want to experience snow in the summer months of May and June. But make sure you have good layers of clothing as it can gets cold even at that time of the year. Weather you are solo or with friends this is the ideal location to visit if you are staying in or around Manali. You can come here in a car or motorcycle.