Manali Himachal Pradesh India: Situated in the central parts of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is at the head of the Kullu valley, 280 km north of the state capital Shimla and 108 km from Mandi. Manali is basically a small town in the Kullu valley of Himachal Pradesh. Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot summers. The town provides ample opportunities for adventure sport and winter sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking. There are thick forests, filled with cool breezes and bird song. There are fields of wild flowers, small picturesque hamlets and fruit-laden orchards, especially apples. One sees well-defined snow capped peaks, the Beas river with its clear water meanders through the town. On the other side are deodar and pine trees, tiny fields and fruit orchards. The Kulluis in brightly patterned puttoos, Tibetan women wearing ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, Nepali porters, Buddhist monks, and even the odd party of Zanskaris, swathed in fusty woollen gonchas, muddled together with souvenir-hunting Indian and Western tourists-all add up to the welcoming hub of Manali. Doongri Festival, dedicated to Goddess Hadimba is held in May. A fair held in Doongri Forest in honour of the Goddess.

Weather

In winters, the temperature can drop below freezing point when heavy woolens are required. Summer temperatures are mild and light woolens/cottons are recommended. The best season to visit Manali is from April to mid-July, mid-sep to mid-nov.

Adventure Sports

Skiing is a major pastime in Manali. Facilities for skiing are available at Solang Nullah (January-March) and Rohtang La (during summer). The Mountaineering Institute at Solang Nullah is a good training institute. Heli skiing is possible at the deep snowfields.

The Mountaineering Institute and Allied Sports (Ph. 52342) is about 3 km from the Mall and offers mountaineering and kayaking courses. Kayaking is possible on the Beas River.

There are several good hikes from Manali. The 12-km hike up the western banks of the Beas to the Solang Valley is noteworthy. Lama Dugh meadow is a 6-km hike up to the Manalsu Nala, west of Manali town.

In the summers, several travel agencies organize paragliding on the slopes of the Solang Nullah. The charges generally include accommodation, food, equipment, and a guide, but not transport.

From May to July and, depending on the monsoons, from mid-September to mid-October, some basic rafting is possible on the Beas. The trips generally begin at Pirdi and continue 16 km down to Jhiri.

How to reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla.

By Train: The closest narrow-gauge railhead is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away. The closest broad-gauge railheads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).



By Road: Manali is well connected by road with Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Haridwar, Shimla, Dharamsala and Chamba/Dalhousie. Regular buses ply between these stations. It is connected with Leh during July to October.The distance from Delhi via Mandi is 585 km, and from Shimla the distance is 270 km.

Places of Interest: Vashist Temple , Hadimba Devi temple , Manu Temple , Tibetan Monastery , Nehru Kund , Club House , Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture

Places around Manali: Bhuntar , Bhutti Weavers Colony , Keylong , Rohtang Pass , Udaipur , Beas Kund , Mountaineering Institute , Arjun gufa , Jagatsukh , Solang Valley ,Rehalla Water Falls , Kothi , Manali Sanctuary

Vashist Temple: Vashist is a small village located on the left bank of river Beas towards Rohtang pass.The hot water spring of Vashishtha is famous for its medicinal power. A large number of people throng here for a bath as the water of the spring is believed to cure several diseases. There is a pyramidal stone temple nearby, which is dedicated to Vashishta Muni. There is another Temple of Lord Ram here.

Hadimba Devi temple: The Hadimba Devi temple is an important place to visit in Manali. The temple is dedicated to the goddess-turned-demoness Hadimba (or Hirimba), the wife of Bhima. It is said that Bhima fell in love with Hadimba, the sister of demon Tandi, whom he killed in order to marry Hadimba. Built in the 1553, this temple is locally known as Doongri Mata temple. The temple is characterised by its pagoda-like roof that adds into the beauty of the place. According to a legend, to prevent the duplication of this four-tier temple construction, the chief craftsman’s right hand was chopped off. But this motivated the builder to construct another more elaborate and beautiful temple with his left hand, for which he lost his head. The second temple was built at Triloknath, 155 km away from Manali.

Manu Temple: 3 kms. from the main bazar in old Manali lies the temple of MANU RISHI. It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who was the creator of human race on the earth.

Tibetan Monastery: There are 3 newly constructed colorful monasteries, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.

Nehru Kund: 5 kms. on National Highway to Leh,a natural spring of cold clear water named after Pt. Jwahar Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. This spring is believed to originate from the Bhrigu lake situated high-up in the mountains.

Club House: 2 kms. from the town, club house has indoor games facilities which has been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.

Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture: This small, privately funded museum near the Dhungri temple is worth a quick visit. The curator has spent years collecting folk art and handicrafts from surrounding villages to protect the traditions of the Kullu valley.

Places around Manali

Bhuntar: Located at a distance of 50 km from Manali town, Bhuntar is a picturesque town. Bhuntar houses the nearest airport to Manali.

Bhutti Weavers Colony: Bhutti is an important shopping place around Manali. It houses the Himachal State Weaving Co-Operative, also called the Bhutti Weavers colony. It has retail outlets for shawls, caps, gadmas and other handicrafts.

Keylong: Keylong, located at an altitude of 3,350 metres, is the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district of the state of Himachal Pradesh. Keylong makes a convenient base to visit some of the nearby destinations like the Rohtang Pass, Koksar, Sissu, Gondla and Tandi.

Rohtang Pass: Situated about 51 kms from Manali town at an altitude of 4,111 metres (13,400 ft) on the highway to Keylong, is Rohtang Pass. Now regular bus service plies over it from Manali to Keylong in Lahaul district. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendour. At the top of the Pass the air seems to glitter against the snow as you look down over herringboned ridges into the Lahaul Valley. There is a beautiful Dashohar Lake left to the pass, where pilgrims go every year on the auspicious day of 20th Bhadon. This is the only access to Lahaul valley. The pass is open from June to September each year although trekkers can cross the pass a little earlier.

Udaipur: Located at a distance of about 145 km from Manali, Udaipur is the base point to visit a number trekking of sites. It is also famous for its exemplary shikhara style temple built after 1720 near Chamba. Formerly known as Margul, the name Udaipur was given during the reign of Raja Udai Singh of Chamba (1690-1728). The place is also known for its apples, walnuts, apricots, etc.

Beas Kund: The famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas river, at the Rohtang Pass is easily accessible. The great Vyas Rishi performed 'tapa' here during the Mahabharata Kal. The place is still hallowed by the celestial light. It was because of this that the river got the present name of Beas.

Mountaineering Institute: Located 3 kms. on the left bank of river Beas towards Kullu. This Institute organises basic & advance training courses, in trekking, mountaineering, skiing and water sports. Skiing and trekking equipments can be hired from here by booking in advance. Tourists can visit an interesting showroom here.

Arjun Gufa: Located at a distance of 15 km from the main Manali town area, Arjun Gufa is another place to visit in Manali. Located near the Prini Village, the legendary gufa (cave) is an ideal spot for a daylong visit. According to a legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, used to practice stringent meditation here to attain the powerful Pashupata Ashtra (a powerful weapon used in warfare).

Jagatsukh: Located at a distance of 6 km from Manali, Jagatsukh is the largest village of Kullu district. It is situated on the bank of the river Beas, and is famous for its glorious history as well as the religious importance that it holds. The village has a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The structure of the temple is of the Shikhara style. Jagatsukh also holds historical importance as it functioned as the ancient capital of Kullu for about ten generations.

Kothi: Situated on the road to Rohtang pass, a picturesque spot, Kothi is 12kms. from Manali. A PWD rest house is situated on a ridge overlooking a narrow valley with a very good view of mountains and valleys. Large number of films (movies) have been pasteurized at this place and is the ideal resting resorts of poets, writers and the lovers of peaceful environs.

Rehalla Water Falls: Located at a distance of 16 km from Manali, the picturesque Rehalla Falls is a result of spilling water from steep rocks and melting glaciers. It is perched at an altitude of 9,000 ft. and provides you an excellent view of the nature around. The entire area is also characterized by the forest of deodar, silver birch trees and a fresh and aromatic air.

Solang Valley: Located at a distance of 13 km from Manali town, Solang Valley is known for its beautiful landscape, thrilling 13 kms. is a splendid valley between Solang village and Beas Kund. Solang valley offers the view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. It has fine ski slopes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a ski lift for training purpose. Located here is a hut and guest house of the Mountaineering and Allied sports Institute, Manali. Now a few hotels have also come up. The winter skiing festival is organized here. Training in skiing is imparted at this place.

Manali Sanctuary: Manali Sanctuary lies immediately west of Manali township in Kullu District and comprises the catchments area of the Manalsu Nala. The area under Manali Sanctuary is 3,127ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 2,273m to 5,173m. Manalsu Nala is a minor tributary of the Beas River. It flows south from its headwaters, comprising Neliall Lake, and then east until its confluence with the Beas River. Only the upper section of the valley shows signs of recent glaciation. The Manali area experiences a temperate climate characterized by cool summers and heavy snowfall in winter, regularly in excess of 1m at 2,000m. Snow remains from December to March, and in January and February cold northerly winds keep temperatures low. Mean annual precipitation is 1,080mm. Temperature ranges from -4 C to 30 C. There are no villages within the sanctuary. Manali Town is a popular summer resort with thousands of visitors arriving annually in April and May, and again in September and October, but relatively few tourists visit the sanctuary which is accessible by foot. There are no visitor facilities in the sanctuary, but various accommodation is available in town.

Dashir Lake :
Situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level, the lake is located near the Rohtang Pass that connects district Kullu with Lahaul. Rohtang Pass is at an altitude of 3,978 metres on the highway to Keylong, the mass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. Dashir ( also known as Dashaur and Sarkund ) is a very beautiful lake lies near the Rohtang Pass. This attractive lake has a depth of 3 to 4 m. The bath in the water of Dashir lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary.

 

Suraj Tal Lake :
This lake is situated at an altitude of 4980 meters above mean sea level and lies below the summit of the Baralacha Pass in the Lahaul division of district Lahaul and Spiti. The Barachala connects Manali and Lahaul to Ladakh. The name Baralacha means 'Pass with cross roads on summit' (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join on the top of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists. This pass is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. And the lake which draws a considerable number of visitors - especially in summer - lies by its head. This is the source of the river Bhaga. There is a good trek to it by Zingzing bar.

Bhrigu Lake :
This lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6 km from the village of Gulaba. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,235 meters above sea level. Its depth is about 3 to 4 m and and it remains under snow for the whole winter. It is held sacred to Rishi Bhrigu. Being sacred this lake is visited by the people of Kullu, Mandi and Lahaul valley. It also lie on several trek routes of the region.

 

KULLU HIMACHAL PRADESH

Kullu Himachal Pradesh is located, in central part of the state of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern region of India, in the charming Kullu valley and is set amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas at an altitude of 1200 m above sea level at the confluence of Beas and Sarvari rivers. It is 240 km north of Shimla. The Kullu valley, about 80 kms long and often less then 2 kms wide, rises northward from Mandi at 760m to the Rohtang La at 3980m, the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti. This town is famous for its temples, apple orchards and the annual Dussehra festival. It is also known for its handicrafts. The valley is also famous for its exquisitely woven colourful hand made shawls and kullu caps

 

Places of Interest: Naggar, Malana , Roerich gallery , Devi Jaganathi Temple , Kaisdhar , Kasol , Raghunathji Temple , Bijli Mahadev temple , Vaishno Devi Temple , Raison Camping Sight (1433 m), Katrain (1463 m) ,Manikaran (1700 m), Bajaura , Larli (957 m) , Banjar(1524 m) , Great Himalayan National Park , Kais Sanctuary , Brighu Lake , Kanawar Sanctuary .

Naggar: On the left bank of the Beas, Naggar is delightfully situated on a wooded slope and commands an extensive view. Besides its natural beauty, the place is also an important pilgrimage site with its Gauri Shankar Temple, the Chatar Bhuj Temple, Tripura Sundri Devi Temple and the Murlidhar Temple Naggar was capital of the Kullu valley for nearly 1500 years. The castle, built about 500 years ago as the raja's headquarters, was converted to a hotel in 1978. Cars and jeeps easily go upto the Naggar castle. Roerich art gallery which houses the paintings of Nicholas Roerich as well as his sculptures , is less than a km. from the Castle. Naggar is also a base for undertaking treks to Chanderkhani Pass and to remote valley of Malana.

Malana: In the valleys of Kullu and Manali below Chanderkhani Pass, situated at an altitude of 276 meters above sea level, is a little hub of a hundred houses. The kind of village that can be found all over the valleys. Yet there is something special about this cluster of stone roofs. This is Malana or, as the village is popularly known in the Kullu valley, the republic of Malana. The village, which consists of a 1000 tribals, has an immaculate system of self-governance with its own lower and higher court, President and Prime Minister. They are a unique tribe with unique customs who live in a world of self-created autonomy amidst the greater Himalayas and claim a Greek descent. Due to its location in the Himalayan region, the village has extreme climate. Summers are the best months to visit the place as it is accessible during that time. The best time to go is early May to August. This is when the summer festival takes place. Harlala mask dance festival is celebrated in the month of February-phalgun. It is an occasion when everyone takes a bath and a group of people wearing nothing but cannabis leaves and demon-like masks dance around the houses spreading cow dung, which provides insulation from the cold as well.

Roerich gallery: 1 km from the Naggar castle is the interesting Roerich gallery, a fine old house displaying the artwork of both the eccentric professor Nicholas Roerich and his son Svetoslav Roerich. Just uphill from the gallery is the Urusvati Himalayan Folk & Art Museum which houses a collection of embroidery and folk art. Its location is delightful and the views over the valley are great. It's open daily from 9am to 1pm, and from 2 to 5pm.

Devi Jaganathi Temple: Devi Jaganathi Temple is a beautiful picnic spot at an altitude of 5,000 ft and at a distance of about 4.8 kms from Kullu. It can be covered through a bridle path.

Kaisdhar: Kaisdhar is 15 kilometres from Kullu, over and across a steep mountain is a quiet secluded spot of a great beauty known for its magnificent scenery and innumerable walks.

Kasol: 42 kms away from Kullu charmingly located on an open space which slopes down to a broad expanse of clear white sand at the edge of the river. The place is also well known for trout fishing.

Raghunathji Temple: Built in 1651 by the Raja of Kullu, the temple has an image of Raghunathji that was brought from Ayodhya. During the Kullu Dussehra, all the temples in the area send their deities to pay homage to Raghunathji at Kullu.

Bijli Mahadev temple: 10kms. from Kullu across the Beas river, Bijli Mahadev temple is one of the striking temples in the temples strewn district. It can be reached by a tough but rewarding climb of 10 kms. trek. From the temple a panoramic view of Kullu & Paravati valleys can be seen. A 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. In this temple of lightening it is said, the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightening. The rest of the story can be heard from the priest, which is un-believable but true.

Vaishno Devi Temple: At a distance of 4kms. from Dhalpur, a small cave enshrines an image of Goddess Vaishno Devi.

Raison Camping Sight (1433 m): 16kms. away from Kullu, the sight is ideal for spending a quite holiday in solitary splendor and for holding youth camps. There are a large number of orchards in this part of the valley.

Katrain (1463 m): The central and the widest part of the valley, Katrain is 20kms. from Kullu on way to Manali. Apple orchards and trout hatchery lend charm and prominence to the place. It is also famous for bee keeping and Govt. trout farm at Patilkulh.

Manikaran, 45kms. from Kulu and just 3kms. from Kasol, is famous for its hot springs. Thousands of people take a holy dip in hot waters here. The water is so hot that dal, rice & vegetables etc. can be cooked in it. It is also a well known pilgrimage place for both Hindus & Sikhs. Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, visited this place to spend time in meditation. A gurdwara that was built to commemorate his visit, is now a place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs. Ramchandra and Shivaji temples are also there.

Bajaura: 15kms. short of Kullu , Bajaura is on the main road where BASHESHWAR MAHADEV temple is situated about 200 m from the village in a plain between the main road and the Beas river. It is believed to have been built in the mid 8th century.

Larli (957 m): South of Kullu, Larji 34kms. away is a small hamlet providing excellent spot for trout fishing. The PWD rest house is located in a stunning position between the foaming torrents of the river Sainj & Tirthan, before they join the Beas. The place is patronized mostly by anglers.

Banjar(1524 m): At a distance of 58 kms. south of Kullu, Banjar is an excellent spot for trout fishing in the waters of river Tirthan.

Great Himalayan National Park: Great Himalayan National Park, including Tirthan Sanctuary lies in Seraj Forest Division, Kullu District, some 60km by road south-west of Kullu Town. Tirthan Sanctuary adjoins the southern boundary of the park. The park is bounded by mountain ridges on all but its western side, notably Mathaun Dhar/Rakti Dhar to the north-east and Sirikand Dhar to the south-east. Tirthan was notified a sanctuary on 17 June 1976. The area under Great Himalayan National Park is 60,561ha and under Tirthan Sanctuary is 6,825ha at an altitude of 1,500m to 5,805m in Great Himalaya National Park, and from 2,100m to 4,875m in Tirthan Sanctuary. Compared to the rest of the upper Beas area, conditions are more akin to those for Simla and the front ranges, with less snowfall in winter, more rainfall during the summer monsoon and probably higher temperatures. Places of religious importance in and around the park include the hot springs at Khirganga and Mantalai Rakti Sar and Hans Kund. There are four small villages in the park, all of which are in Sainj, namely Sakti, Maror, Kunder and Manjhan. These villages are inhabited by 114 families. The surrounding buffer belt has 75 villages. Tourists are few. There are 13 rest houses in the vicinity of the park and 7 on the outskirts of the sanctuary.

Kais Sanctuary: Kais Sanctuary lies between Kullu and Manali townships in Kullu District, on the eastern side of the Beas River, and comprises Matikochar Forest. The eastern boundary runs approximately parallel to the Beas River but does not extend as far as it. The area uner Kais sanctuary is 1,220ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 2,800m to 3,680m. This sanctuary comprises the catchment area of Kais Nala which flows south-west until its confluence with Beas River. A check-dam has been built inside the sanctuary by the Forest Department and a pipeline laid by the Irrigation Department. The Manali area experiences a temperate climate characterised by cool summers and heavy snowfall in winter, regularly in excess of 1m at 2,000m. Snow remains from December to March and in January and February cold northerly winds keep temperatures low Mean annual precipitation is 1071mm. Temperature ranges from -5 C to 30 C. Pilgrims pass through the sanctuary annually in August to reach the shrine of Bijli Mahadev, situated just outside its southern border. There are no villages within the sanctuary but a number occur on the periphery. There is a jeepable road from Naggar to Bijleemahadev, which is used by tourists, and a forest rest house at Matikochar. Three other rest houses are located outside the sanctuary.

Kanawar Sanctuary: Kanawar Sanctuary lies in Kullu district, 2km from Manikaran, the nearest village. Access is via Kullu to Kasol, and onward by foot. The area under Kanawar Sanctuary is 6,157ha using digitised maps with an altitude ranges from 1,800m to 4,833m. To the south-east, the area is connected by a forest corridor to Great Himalayan National Park. Kanawar is a high-altitude sanctuary, the terrain being mostly precipitous, with rocky cliffs and narrow valleys. Temperatures range from -10 C to 25 C. Mean annual rainfall is 1000mm and mean annual snowfall 321mm There are lakes and natural springs of religious and historical importance at Khirganga and Mantalai on the outskirts of the sanctuary. There is also a temple and a gurudwara at Manikaran, adjacent to the sanctuary Two villages are located within the sanctuary (with an estimated population of 460 people), four temporary settlements, and 14 villages are located in the adjacent area. Many visitors come to climb the peaks in and around the sanctuary. Four rest houses are situated on the outskirts of the sanctuary. Accommodation is also available at some dharamshalas in Manikaran. There are plans to extend tourist facilities and to construct five watchtowers

Brighu Lake: Located in Kullu district, this lies east of the Rohtang Pass and is about 6 kms from the village of Gulaba. This shores of this clear water lake are devoid of human habitation - yet, is it visited regularly by the people of the area and is held sacred to the rishi, Brighu. It also lies on several trek routes of the region.