20 Best Places to Visit in Manali in 2026 – 27
The best places to visit in Manali are Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Mall Road, Vashisht hot springs, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Rohtang Pass, Jogini Falls and Naggar Castle. Plan at least 3 days for Manali sightseeing. Visit from March to June for pleasant weather and adventure, or December to February for snow.
Manali is one of the most loved hill stations in India. Sitting at about 2,050 metres in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, it is surrounded by snow peaks, deodar forests, apple orchards and the fast flowing Beas river. Honeymooners come for the romance, families come for the snow and adventure lovers come for paragliding, rafting and treks.
In this 2026 guide, our team at The Travelit lists the 20 best places to visit in Manali, with what to do at each spot, a simple 3 day plan, the best time to visit and practical travel tips. Whether this is your first trip or your fifth, this list will help you plan your Manali sightseeing better.
Why Visit Manali in 2026 – 2027?
Manali is easier to reach and explore than ever. The Atal Tunnel has made Lahaul Valley a quick day trip, roads have improved, and there are more cafes, homestays and adventure operators than before. Manali is also the gateway to Spiti and Ladakh, so many travellers start their big mountain road trips from here.
Most travellers combine Manali with Shimla on a week long trip. Our Himachal tour package from Delhi covers Shimla, Kufri, Manali, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Kasol in 6 nights and 7 days.
20 Best Places to Visit in Manali
1. Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Devi Temple is the most famous of all Manali tourist places. Built in 1553, this four tiered wooden pagoda style temple stands inside a tall cedar forest called Dhungri Van Vihar. It is dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Visit early in the morning to enjoy the peaceful forest before the crowds arrive.
2. Old Manali
Old Manali is a charming village above the main town, full of old wooden houses, apple trees, guesthouses and cafes. It is a favourite with backpackers and young travellers. Walk across the Manalsu river bridge, try Israeli or Italian food at a riverside cafe and enjoy live music in the evenings.
3. Mall Road
Mall Road is the busy heart of Manali town. It is lined with shops selling woollens, Kullu shawls, local handicrafts and dry fruits, as well as restaurants and street food stalls. Evening walks on Mall Road are one of the simple but fun things to do in Manali.
4. Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs
The village of Vashisht, about 3 km from Manali, is known for its ancient stone temple dedicated to sage Vashisht and its natural hot sulphur springs. Separate bathing areas for men and women let you take a warm dip, which feels wonderful on a cold day.
5. Manu Temple
Manu Temple in Old Manali is dedicated to sage Manu, believed to be the creator of the human race in Hindu tradition. The temple has a peaceful setting and lovely views of the valley.
6. Jogini Falls
Among the best nature places to visit in Manali, Jogini Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Vashisht village. The easy trek of about 2 to 3 km passes through pine forests and apple orchards. It is one of the best short hikes in Manali for families.
7. Solang Valley
Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali, is the adventure capital of the region. In summer, enjoy paragliding, zorbing, ATV rides and the ropeway. In winter, it turns into a snow playground with skiing and snow scooters. Read our detailed guide to Solang Valley for prices and activities.
8. Atal Tunnel
The Atal Tunnel, opened in 2020, is a 9 km long highway tunnel under the Rohtang Pass that connects Manali to Lahaul Valley. It is one of the longest highway tunnels above 10,000 feet in the world. Driving through it and coming out into a completely different landscape on the other side is a highlight of any Manali trip.
9. Sissu
Sissu is a small village in Lahaul Valley, just across the Atal Tunnel. It is known for its waterfall, the Chandra river and wide snow covered landscapes, even in early summer. It has become one of the most popular new places to visit in Manali for a day trip.
10. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass, at about 3,978 metres, is one of the most famous high mountain passes in India. It is usually open from May or June to October or November, depending on snow. You need an online permit for vehicles, and the number of permits per day is limited. Rohtang Pass is often closed on Tuesdays for road maintenance, so check before you plan.
11. Naggar Castle
Naggar Castle, about 20 km from Manali, is one of the most historic places to visit in Manali, a 15th century castle built by the Raja of Kullu in a mix of stone and wood. Today it is a heritage hotel and museum with superb views of the valley. It is a quiet alternative to the busier Manali tourist places.
12. Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery
Close to Naggar Castle, this gallery is set in the former home of Russian painter Nicholas Roerich. It displays his famous paintings of the Himalayas and offers a peaceful garden walk.
13. Tibetan Monastery
The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa near Mall Road is a colourful Tibetan monastery with prayer wheels and a large Buddha statue. A small market nearby sells Tibetan handicrafts and carpets.
14. Van Vihar
Van Vihar is a municipal park along the Beas river, opposite Mall Road. It has tall deodar trees, walking paths and a small lake for boating, making it a nice break for families.
15. Club House
The Club House is an entertainment centre with indoor games, a roller skating rink, adventure activities and cafes. It is great for families with kids on a rainy or cold day.
16. Kullu and River Rafting
Kullu, about 40 km from Manali, is known for its shawl factories and the Dussehra festival. Between Pirdi and Jhiri, you can enjoy river rafting on the Beas, usually from March to June and again in October.
17. Manikaran Sahib
Manikaran, about 80 km from Manali in Parvati Valley, is a holy site for Sikhs and Hindus. The gurudwara has natural hot springs, and the community kitchen uses the hot water to cook food for the langar.
18. Kasol
Kasol is a riverside village in Parvati Valley, known for its cafes, Israeli food and easy treks. It is often combined with Manikaran on a full day trip from Manali.
19. Sethan Village
Sethan is one of the offbeat places to visit in Manali, a small Buddhist village about 12 km from town, known for snow activities in winter and camping in summer. It is less crowded than Solang and perfect for snow lovers who want a quieter spot.
20. Gulaba and Marhi
Gulaba and Marhi are snow points on the old Rohtang road. When Rohtang is closed, these points often still offer snow, and they make great stops for photos.
Places to Visit in Manali at a Glance
| Place | Distance from Manali | Best For | Time Needed |
| Hadimba Devi Temple | 2 km | Culture, forest walk | 1 hour |
| Old Manali | 3 km | Cafes, village vibe | 2 to 3 hours |
| Vashisht hot springs | 3 km | Relaxation | 1 hour |
| Jogini Falls | 4 km | Easy hike | 2 to 3 hours |
| Solang Valley | 14 km | Adventure, snow | Half day |
| Atal Tunnel and Sissu | 25 to 40 km | Scenic drive, snow | Half day |
| Rohtang Pass | 51 km | High pass, snow | Full day (permit needed) |
| Naggar Castle | 20 km | Heritage, views | 2 hours |
| Kasol and Manikaran | 75 to 80 km | Day trip | Full day |
What Are the Best Things to Do in Manali?
Visiting the right places to visit in Manali is only half the fun. Here are the best things to do in Manali to make your trip memorable:
- Go paragliding at Solang Valley or Dobhi.
- Take a warm dip in the Vashisht hot springs.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu.
- Try river rafting on the Beas near Kullu.
- Enjoy snow activities at Solang, Sethan or Gulaba in winter.
- Spend an evening at a cafe in Old Manali.
- Trek to Jogini Falls or Bhrigu Lake for the more adventurous.
- Shop for Kullu shawls and caps on Mall Road.
3 Day Manali Sightseeing Plan
Day 1: Local Manali
Start with Hadimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple, then spend the afternoon in Old Manali. Visit the Tibetan Monastery and Van Vihar, and end the day with a walk on Mall Road.
Day 2: Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel and Sissu
Leave early for Solang Valley for paragliding and the ropeway. Continue through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu and return to Manali by evening. In season, you can visit Rohtang Pass instead with a permit.
Day 3: Naggar, Vashisht and Jogini Falls
Visit Naggar Castle and the Roerich Art Gallery in the morning. After lunch, trek to Jogini Falls and relax in the Vashisht hot springs.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Manali?
The best time to visit Manali depends on what you want to experience.
| Season | Months | Weather | Good For |
| Spring and Summer | March to June | 10 to 25 degrees C, pleasant | Sightseeing, paragliding, rafting, Rohtang |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rainy, landslide risk | Budget stays, green valleys (travel carefully) |
| Autumn | October to November | Clear and cold | Photography, apple season, quiet roads |
| Winter | December to February | Below 0 to 10 degrees C, snowfall | Snow activities, skiing, honeymoon |
How to Reach Manali
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport near Kullu is about 50 km from Manali, with limited flights from Delhi.
- By Bus: Overnight Volvo buses run daily from Delhi and Chandigarh to Manali.
- By Road: Manali is about 540 km from Delhi. A private cab is the most comfortable way to travel, and it lets you stop at Mandi, Pandoh Dam and Kullu.
- By Train: The nearest major railhead is Chandigarh, about 310 km away.
Travel Tips for Exploring the Places to Visit in Manali
- Carry warm layers in every season, as evenings are cold.
- Book Rohtang permits early in peak season.
- Start early for Solang and Atal Tunnel to avoid long traffic jams.
- Keep some cash, as small shops and adventure operators prefer it.
- Avoid travel in heavy monsoon rain due to landslides.
- Respect local customs at temples and keep the mountains clean.
Plan Your Manali Trip with The Travelit
Manali is best enjoyed with a comfortable private cab and a well planned itinerary. Our Himachal tour package from Delhi covers the best places to visit in Manali, along with Shimla, Kufri and Kasol, with hotels, breakfast and dinner, and a driver who knows the mountains well. You can also read our guide on places to visit in Shimla to plan the first half of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top places to visit in Manali?
The top places to visit in Manali are Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Mall Road, Vashisht hot springs, Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Sissu, Rohtang Pass and Jogini Falls.
How many days are enough for Manali?
Three days are enough to cover the main places to visit in Manali. Add a day for Kasol and Manikaran or for Rohtang Pass.
Is Rohtang Pass open throughout the year?
No. Rohtang Pass is usually open from May or June to October or November, depending on snow, and needs an online vehicle permit.
Do I need a permit for the Atal Tunnel?
No permit is needed to drive through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu. Rules can change in peak season, so check the latest guidelines before you go.
Where can I see snow in Manali?
You can usually see snow at Solang Valley, Sethan and Gulaba in winter, and at Sissu and Rohtang Pass for a longer part of the year.
Which is the best month to visit Manali?
March to June is best for sightseeing and adventure, while December to February is best for snowfall.
Is Manali good for a family trip?
Yes. Manali has easy sightseeing, safe adventure activities, family friendly hotels and attractions like Club House, Van Vihar and Hadimba Temple.
How far is Manali from Delhi?
Manali is about 540 km from Delhi, a drive of about 12 to 14 hours. Overnight Volvo buses and flights to Bhuntar are other options.
Conclusion
From wooden temples and riverside cafes to snow peaks and high mountain passes, the places to visit in Manali offer something for every traveller. Plan at least three days, choose your season wisely and start early each morning to beat the traffic. When you are ready for the mountains, call The Travelit at +91 76176 11115 and let us plan your perfect Himachal holiday.
About The Travelit
The Travelit is a Dehradun based tour and travel agency with 12+ years of experience and 19,782+ happy clients. Our team plans customized domestic and international holidays, honeymoon tours and Char Dham Yatra packages. Call or WhatsApp us at +91 76176 11115 or email info@thetravelit.com.
