Valley of Flowers Trek About Valley of Flowers The Valley of Flowers lives up to its name, with an endless supply of flowers in full bloom. The journey could even be renamed a floral fairytale romance! The Valley of Flowers' unique landscape is like a dream come true: an exquisite valley bejewelled with a never-ending stretch of flowers. Between the rocky mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Great Himalayas are lovely meadows studded with indigenous alpine flora. The area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, was designated as a national park in 1982. The endless stretch of gorgeous vegetation, dotted with colourful blossoms of pink, yellow, purple, red, blue, and orange hues, is the highlight of this excursion. Throughout the hike, the fragrant scent of the carpeting flowers entices you. Botanists, flower lovers, bird watchers, wildlife photographers, hikers, environment enthusiasts, and adventure seekers from all over the world are drawn to the valley's unspoiled beauty. It...
Manali Himachal Pradesh
Whether you are on a
solo trip in search of inner peace, or an adventure backpack tour with your
besties or a honeymoon trip with your beloved, Manali and its mountains will
never cease to fascinate you. The hill town has blossomed into a paradise for
the wandering heart and it also has some cultural gems that are unique to this
part of the world.
Manali is a high altitude Himalayan
resort town in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as
a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a
gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It's
also a jumping off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir
Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m high Rohtang Pass,
Manali is named after the Sanatan Hindu lawgiver Manu.
The name Manali is known as the derivative of 'Manu Alaya that means 'the abode
of Manu'. Legend has it that sage Manu stepped off his ark in Manali to
recreate human life after a great flood had deluged the world.
Manali is in the North of Kullu
Valley. The valley is referred as the 'Valley of the Gods'. Old Manali village
has an ancient temple dedicated to sage Manu.
The British introduced apple
trees in this area. The first apple orchard was set up by the British
near Patlikuhal,
before this, no Apple trees grew this area. To this day, apples along with plum
and pear remain the best source of income for the majority of inhabitants. Both
Rainbow and Brown Trout were also introduced into the
rivers and streams of the area by the colonizers.
Manali witnessed a surge in tourist traffic. This once quiet village was transformed into a bustling town with numerous home stays as well as the occasional boutique hotel. During the warmer summer months, cafes and restaurants can be seen doing brisk business
Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful.
Manali also shares a piece of
history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and
stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the
temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old
forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against
the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit.
Having said enough about the
terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide
range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river
rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has
rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences.
Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies.
Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature,
wildlife and tranquillity.
All this grace makes up Manali for
a romantic honeymoon with a subtle blend of adventure. Newly wedded couples
choose this place to begin the new life of their love amidst the fresh meadows
and white streams of water. Striding around the mall road at night is also a
very pleasing option where they together can try on distinct local cuisines.
However, the regional cuisines are majorly influenced by Punjabi and Tibetan
tadka, but that ends up making it tastier. Mall road also leaves options for
buying unique stuff like singing bowl, woollen clothing, Dorje, prayer wheels
and other souvenirs. These lit roads at night and gleaming valleys in the
morning give picture perfect backdrops for their honeymoon photos. Even
photography enthusiasts can capture these frames along with flora and fauna of
the city.
Manali is no less than a box full of
an array of sweets. You can dig in it and collect as many gems as you want. And
by gems, it means ‘memories’. Wait no longer and pack all that you need for a
fun filled trip. Grab your laptop to book your tickets and head off to this
lovely place to have some experiences to cherish throughout your life.
If you are planning
a trip to this Himalayan town in Himachal Pradesh, here’s the list of the top
places to see in Manali,
1. Hidamba Temple
Beautiful hill station Manali in the
state of Himachal Pradesh is not only a home to beautiful and romantic
attractions, but it also have a deep devotional enthusiasm that is provoked by
most devoted temple named Hadimba temple Manali. A pagoda shaped roof, front
doorway covered with figures and symbols, amazing and intricate woodcarvings
with cover to the pillars, door posts, lintels, etc names a few that are enough
to describe the deep enthusiasm of devotees towards Hadimba temple Manali.
At
the same time, deep pine forest ranges near old Manali symbolizes that you have
in the lap of Mother Nature where Mother Goddess of the valley or Hadima Devi
has left a lot of spirituality. Hadimba temple Manali that is dedicated to
goddess Hadimba hold a very devoted history.
The temple is alos
knowen as Hidimba Devi Temple and Dhungari Temple, this ancient temple was
built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553. The temple is dedicated to Hidimba
Devi, wife of Bheema. The wooden architecture of the shrine is very distinct
from most Hindu temples you will come across in the country. There’s another
shrine dedicated to Hidimba Devi’ son Ghatotkacha in the premises. Surrounded
by thick cedar groves and with snow capped mountains serving as the backdrop,
the temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali.
2. Solang Valley Manali
A mini valley
located near about 8400 feet above the sea level, Solang Nala is a short drive
away from Manali. It is a haven for adventure and sports lovers and while here,
you can try your skills on a pair of skis or go for a snowmobile exploration.
When the weather warms up, people flock here for zorbing and paragliding. You
can also hop onto a cable car and enjoy mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. If
you are looking for snow based activities and sports, winters are the best time
to visit while the months of summer are ideal for other adventure sports.
1. Jogini water falls Manali
The rushing cascades
of Jogini Falls are a short and invigorating trek away from the main town of
Manali. The trail which goes to the waterfall is scenic and gives you a glimpse
of the River Beas and the snow capped peaks of Rohtang. Jogini is also an
important place of pilgrimage and you can visit many old shrines around the pool at the bottom. An early start
is recommended so that you can spend more time at this picturesque natural
spot, which is one of the top trekking as well as picnic places in Manali.
2. Manu Temple
Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at
a distance of three kilometers from the main market. The temple is dedicated to
the Indian sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer
of Manusmriti. Though temple is situated in a congested place, visitors from
across the globe come to visit it. The charming location of Manu Temple, on the
bank side of river Beas, adds to its attraction.
The Manu Temple is
dedicated to an old sage after whom it has been named. The pagoda style
architecture of the shrine stands out amidst the deep valleys and mountain
peaks that form a postcard worthy backdrop. You will have to hike a little to
reach the temple, but the views at the summit and the spiritual vibes it exudes
make all your efforts completely worth it.
3. The Manali Gompa
The ornate design
and the quintessential Tibetan architecture make the Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, more commonly
referred to as the Manali Gompa, one of the finest landmarks in Manali. Built
by Tibetan refugees in the 1960s, this monastery allows you to enjoy quiet
settings and unmatched spiritual vibes. Some of the key highlights of the
Manali Gompa include exquisite murals that depict important events of Buddhism
in vivid colors and roofs built in the Pagoda style. The stalls in the complex
are a good place to pick up some souvenirs and Tibetan handicraft items.
4. Bhrigu Lake, Manali
A lot of trekkers do the Bhrigu Lake trek for the lake steeped in mythology. This trek lies in Himachal Pradesh, around 20 km north of Manali and can be accessed from Gulaba. It is known as the place where the famous saint Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. However, we believe the lake is not the only thing the trek has to offer. You must do the Bhrigu Lake trek for its grasslands.
To enter an alpine meadow in our
country, one has to often spend at least a day or two trekking within the
treeline. We are talking about two or three days of hard ascent. This is
because most alpine meadows start at around 11,000 ft above the treeline. However,
on this trek, you are in the meadows within the first 10 minutes of this trek!
Imagine having meadows such as these right in your backyard. No wonder we go
gaga over landscapes that are seen in places like Switzerland.
The meadows on the Bhrigu Lake trek
stretch far and wide – almost like an endless carpet. Wild horses gallop around
you. The grazing sheep look up when you come out of the treeline, almost as if
to greet you. From these grassy knolls, you will see the mountains of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar dominating
the skyline.
7. Hampta Pass,
Manali
Known as the one of the easy to medium difficulty
Himalayan treks, the Hampta Pass trek shows you mesmerizing views of the Kullu
Valley and Lahaul Valley. The Chandratal Lake located on the route is another
attraction of the trek. The pass is located on the Pir Panjal Range at an
elevation of over 4000 meters and the route includes fascinating river
crossings.
Hampta is a dream come true for
trekking enthusiasts who are constantly on the look out for an unforgettable
experience in the scenic valleys of Kullu
and Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh. Why, you ask? Hampta pass is literally a paradise filled with eye catching views and ever
modifying scenery that captivates travelers in a lasting trance. Every turn of
the trail is an immensely rewarding experience as it reveals nature’s hidden
treasures. The rare
sights of alpine forests, glaciers, and Himalayan flora and fauna make this
expedition truly spellbinding.
It’s
a moderate trek
that goes to magnificent foothills of the Pir Panjal Range and the great Himalayas. As
you gain altitude, the trail offers different shades of nature, from green pine
forests to the awe inspiring view of Indrasan and Deo Tibba mountains.
A Quick Overview of Elevation Points
The adventure began from Manali, situated
at 2,050 meters. This is
the point from where you will head towards Jobri by road, taking you to Chika at 3,100 meters. You will trek from here to your base
camp Balu Ka Ghera
Hampta Pass at 3,600 meters.
Also known as the ‘Heaps of Sand’, it is said that brown bears hibernate at
Balu ka Ghera in the winters. The place offers the breath taking sight of the
magnificent Dauladhar
Ranges.
Trekking will continue to an elevation of 4,000 metres at Shia Ghoru. The next stop will be Chatru and later you will arrive at the crystal clear Chandratal Lake at 4,270 metres. Moreover, steadily flowing streams, the long wavy bridges and a range of vibrant flowers offer great delight and peace. 8. Nehru Kund, Manali
A natural
spring located on the Manali – Rohtang Pass Highway, Nehru Kund is a good place
to visit during summers. The spring is named so because Nehru, India’s first
prime minister, used to visit it during his stay in Manali and drink water from
this natural spring. The clear waters and the calm Himalayan landscapes make
this a good stop for those heading over to the Rohtang Pass. It goes without
saying that Nehru Kund makes for an ideal destination for photographers and
nature lovers.
9.
Arjun Gufa (Arjun Cave), Manali
Located close to the gushing currents of
the Beas River, the Arjun Cave is associated with a legendary story from the
Hindu epic Mahabharata. As per the legend, Arjun, who was one of
the Pandava brothers, meditated here. One of the best places near Manali for a
basket picnic, Arjun Cave offers stunning views of the hills and the valleys
surrounding it. You can also visit the Kunt Bhayo Lake and Kunti Mata Temple,
two of the key attractions near the cave.
10. Van Vihar, Manali
If you are looking for some tranquil
moments in the bohemian setting of Manali town, a short stroll through the Van
Vihar Park is highly recommended. One of the most popular attractions in
Manali, Van Vihar is a public park complete with lushness and sky touching
deodar trees. You can even hop onto a boat and maneuver around the man made
lake here. Bird watchers will enjoy spotting local species in the park,
especially in the morning hours.
11. Himalayan Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple,
Manali
The soothing silence of the Nyingmapa
Buddhist Temple in Manali will calm even the most frazzled of nerves. This
Shangri-La-like haven sits in the middle of the busy town, while its
pagoda-style architecture and vibrant tones add a mystical allure to the whole
setting. While here, don’t forget to spin the prayer wheels and admire the
Sakyamuni idol and wall paintings. Counted among the best monasteries in
Manali, Nyingmapa is where you can connect with your spiritual side.
12. Vashisht Hot Water Springs and Temple,
Manali
A place of great spiritual importance,
Vashisht village is home to a beautiful temple set amidst the dramatic
Himalayan topography. It is believed that the temple has a history of more than
4000 years and the interiors of the shrine feature wooden carvings, antique
figures, and paintings. What makes this destination even more unique is the
presence of hot springs that are believed to hold healing properties. What’s
more, the place also offers modern-day visitors a glimpse into the old history
of Manali. You can also enjoy some shopping in the surrounding area – the
woolens here are very famous.
13. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk
Art, Manali
14. Kothi, Manali
Located on the iconic Spiti highway at
an altitude of 2500 meters, Kothi is a charming hamlet in the mountains that is
renowned for its scenic setting and the majestic views it offers of the
snow-capped peaks and glaciers. It is at the foothills of Rohtang Pass and the
terrain is sculpted by the Beas which flows through this part of the region.
The village is also a perfect spot for
camping, especially if you are planning to explore Rohtang Pass on foot. The
village also has a temple dedicated to Goddess Shuwang Chandika.
15. Beas River,
Manali
The Beas River is a natural landmark in
the region that will accompany you on most parts of your Manali trip. Vashisht
village is considered to be one of the best places to enjoy excellent views of
the river valley while a trip to Kothi will bring you up close to its clear
blue waters. The Beas is a hub of water sports such as kayaking and rafting and
the village of Pridi is considered to have some of the most exciting rapids.
16. Great
Himalayan National Park, Manali
The snow
leopard is the apex predator here, and there are populations of the Himalayan
tahr and brown bears. You will be relished capturing the wildflowers and
glacial valleys that dot the entire terrain. You can also engage in some fun
nature activities like hiking and camping in designated areas of the National
Park. Permits to enter the park need to be obtained in advance and the park
offers many simple and decent accommodation options within it.
A trip to Manali should include visits
to nearby villages to experience the culture of the place along with stunning
visuals. You will not be disappointed if you add Gulaba to your list. A
favorite haunt for winter travelers who yearn for some snowy landscapes, the
village has some of the most captivating trekking routes in Himachal Pradesh.
Many consider it a good spot for camping and stargazing because of the low
light pollution and high altitude.
18. Old Manali, Manali
Old Manali refers to the more antiquated
part of town. Here, visitors can wander around the streets and catch vignettes
of a bygone age, when Manali was a sleepy pilgrimage town before the
backpackers arrived in droves. Old Manali offers some of the best views in the
region because of the forests and apple orchards around the settlement.
The bridge
over the high-current Manaslu River separates Old Manali from the main town and
is an iconic image in itself. While here, you can go café crawling at some of
the popular cafés in Manali,
19. Rahala Falls,
Manali
The
stunning Rahala Falls is located at a height of 8,500 ft and about 16 km from
Manali. It is located on the way to Rohtang Pass and whoever visits the Rohtang
valley makes a halt at Rahala Falls to enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
One can click pictures, trek above the cliff and enjoy the melting ice of this
fall. The Rahala waterfall is a result of melting glacier, and so the water of
this fall is extremely cold. This fall is set amidst dense forest of deodar,
silver birch trees, and fresh and aromatic air. This place is easily accessible
from Manali and one can take a bus, car, bike, or pony to reach the spot. The
view of the place is really attention-grabbing and it gives mental peace to the
visitors. The pleasant weather and the marvelous surroundings make it one of
the best attractions in Manali.
During the
monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, Rahala Falls is an incredibly powerful sight,
with its waters cascading onto the rocks and spraying the visitors with fresh,
cold mountain water.
There are
many picnic areas near the falls where you can tuck into some basket goodies
and enjoy a great time with your family and friends. There are many beautiful
hiking trails around the waterfalls and exploring the region through thickly
populated deodar and silver birch trees is an experience in itself.
20. Jagatsukh, Manali
Jagatsukh
is a delightful settlement tucked in the mountains and famous for its temples.
The backdrop of shimmering snowy peaks and deep verdant forests make visiting
this place a visual treat.
Jagatsukh
can be used as the base for trecking into the Deo Tibba Mountains. The Devi
Sharbali temple located here is one of the many interesting tourist places in
Manali region.
21. Naggar Castle, Manali
Located on the Beas Valley amidst scenic surroundings,
Naggar Castle is a 15th-century historical edifice in the Kullu
Region. Built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, the castle is now a heritage hotel
run by Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. The wooden structure
of the castle is an architectural marvel and reflects the very distinct style
usually found in the region, combined with some European elements added to it
over the years. You can catch fantastic views of the town and the adjacent
alpine forests from the castle.
22. Rohtang Pass, Manali
If you are planning a
trip to the picturesque valleys near Kullu and Manali, Rohtang Pass must be on
your itinerary. The popular vistas point is well known for its unparalleled
natural beauty and is one of the most essential attraction points in the
region. One of the major attractions of Rohtang La is that it is one of
the highest passes in the Himalayas. The pass offers some of the most pristine
views of the Himalayas you will ever get to sea.
Dedicate a day in your Manali itinerary to visit Rohtang Pass and you will not regret it. Located at an elevation of 4000 meters above sea level, this high mountain pass on the Pir Panjal Range will leave you breathless. In addition to being a favorite hub of nature lovers, artists, and photographers for generations, Rohtang Pass is also a haven for adventure activities like mountain biking and skiing.
23. Katrain, Manali
A fishing paradise, Katrain offers an
undulating landscape that is rather distinct from the sweeping terrains you
will encounter on the rest of your Manali excursions. The village ticks all the
boxes of the quintessential Himachali village. While here, do try out some of
the local delicacies filled with rustic, wholesome flavors. Apart from the
bounty of trout in its crystal waters, Katrain is a good place for hiking.
24. Gauri Shankar Temple, Manali
25. Manali Sanctuary, Manali
Located about 2 km from the town,
Manali Sanctuary offers you an unparalleled wilderness experience. The
sanctuary that spreads over 31.8 square kilometers is home to many endangered
and rarely sighted species and animals. During the summer, ibex herds descend
into the range, so keep your zooming lenses handy if you like to take
photographs. Maple, walnut, and deodar groves add extra allure to this
sanctuary, especially in the autumn months when the leaves create a tapestry of
colors. Adventure seekers can opt for the trekking and camping facilities at
the sanctuary.
26.
Nicholas Roerich Art gallery
and Museum, Manali
Named after a
famous Russian artist who spent decades in Himachal Pradesh after fleeing the
revolution, the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and Museum celebrates his artistic
tributes. Artifacts displayed here include rare photographs of the artist,
landscape paintings, and portraits of the indigenous population. The museum,
which was founded in 1962, is housed in the building that once served as his
residence.
27. Chandrakhani Pass, Manali
The arresting natural beauty of
Himachal Pradesh can be encapsulated by a trek to the Chandrakhani Pass. It is
also at this pass that you can visit the famed village of Malana, which is home
to a very distinct community and famous for its cannabis crops. Chandrakhani
Pass is a favorite spot for photographers as it is a vantage point to view the
prominent peaks of the region, including the Deo Tibba, the Parvati range, and
the Pir Panjal.
This list of places to visit in Manali
will tell you one thing the place offers
something for everyone. Enjoy the sight of misty peaks, test your endurance by
engaging in a session of trekking or simply relax in the coziness of small town
hospitality the choice is yours. So
start making plans and find your calling.
In Short Manali is
the perfect Vacation destination or can say the heaven for peace lovers, nature
lovers, trekers. The gods creation.
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