Manali in pictures

With its beautiful river valleys, thrilling adventure activities and quiet lanes shadowed by soaring pine trees, Manali attracts all kinds of travellers throughout the year. Nestled amidst Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges, the popular hill town is perched at an elevation of 2050 m.

Running along the Beas River, the Mall Road in Manali town is buzzing with activity at any time of the day. Lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and shops, this stretch has something for every traveller, and is often referred to as the heart of the town.

Flowing alongside the Manali town, River Beas has nerve-chilling cold waters throughout the year. The picturesque river banks are ideal for afternoon picnics. Adventurous visitors can try their hand at river rafting.

Manali is a year-round traveller magnet. During winter, especially from November to February , it transforms into a spectacular white landscape. Take in picture-postcard views of snow gleaming on the mountain peaks, and dig your feet in the thick covers of ice on the pathways of the hill town.

While you explore this popular hill station, you are likely to spot many quaint eateries that stand out because of their riverside location, live-music gigs and cosy interiors. Most popular amongst these are Café 1947, The Lazy Dog, Drifter’s Café, Casa Bella Vista and Johnson’s Café.

Best explored on foot, Old Manali greets you with the charm of a mountain village. Admire its beautiful old wood-and-stone houses, enjoy a meal at the riverside, and walk under the shade of tall pine trees. Visit the Old Manali market if you want to purchase touristy knick-knacks and wooden articles.

Nestled between the Solang Village and Beas Kund, Solang Valley offers spectacular views of the surrounding snow-clad mountains and lies 14 km away from the Manali town. A popular hub of adventure sports, the valley is a hotspot for paragliding, zorbing and horse riding in summer months. With snow covering the hills during winter, the valley transforms into a great skiing destination.

If you wish to pick up some fantastic pieces of Tibetan art and intricate hand-woven carpets, then a visit to one of Manali’s many Tibetan monasteries is a must for you. Of these, the Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa situated near the Mall Road is the most popular. You will discover a serene ambience, the heady aroma of Tibetan incense sticks and friendly Tibetans whose warmth will keep you coming back for more.

Surrounded by a dense cedar forest, this 16th-century wood-and-stone temple is 20 minutes away from the north-west of Manali. Dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata), the temple has a four-tiered pagoda-shaped roof and an intricately carved doorway.

A 50-km-long drive amidst green pastures and tall pine trees from Manali town will lead you to the popular tourist destination of Rohtang Pass. Walk on the thick spread of snow, build a snowman or just take in the majestic views of the mountains shining in white glory. The pass is also the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti and Leh. (Text by Mayank Kumar)