India is a country of cultural, religious, and linguistic diversity, but there are still some things that bind together all its diverse regions. One such thing is their natural beauty and the various landscapes that it offers. Check out these nine best things to do in Manali. Manali is a city in the north-eastern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Although it was built as an administrative centre for British Raj, Manali’s prime attraction became its surroundings rather than the town itself. It has a vibrant culture and international sensitivity and attracts people from across India to celebrate different festivals. Manali is also known as a famous tourist destination, especially during winter, as tourists flock to enjoy the chilly climate.
The town itself is surrounded by several valleys and forests that you can explore on horseback or by taking jeep safaris through the passes located in the nearby mountains. A paradise for nature lovers, numerous waterfalls and hills lend beauty to this picturesque land.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2025: Visit the Most Photogenic Top 10 Zoos in India this March 
Things to do in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
What to do in Manali? If you want to make your trip adventurous but are confused about what to do, then this article will help you with different activities that you can do in Manali.
#1. Adventure places in Manali
Manali is located at an altitude of 1700m above sea level, where pleasant weather and cool temperatures are experienced throughout the year. Summers are warm due to their proximity to the Himalayan ranges, and winters are cold due to their being situated in the higher altitudes.
The place has the rare advantage of being filled with natural meadows and forests, which provide plenty of hiking, cycling, and sightseeing opportunities. There are also opportunities for adventurous activities in Manali, like horse riding, mountaineering, rock climbing, and skiing in the snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
#2. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is one of the highest motorable roads in India. Traveling through this pass will give you spectacular views of the Himalayas and a panoramic view of the snow-clad mountain peaks, ice fields, and glaciers around it. Many hotels on either side of Rohtang Pass run down to the river that offers all sorts of accommodations and food and shopping facilities.
The place is at a distance of 51 km from Manali and is nestled at the height of 3979 meters. This mountain pass is covered with snow 12 months of the year. Rohtang Pass is open from June to October but closed in winter.
It is also a gateway to Lahaul Spiti, Leh Valley, and Pangi. You can visit this place for one of the best things to do in Manali.
It is also known as the Snow Point of Manali. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks and glaciers from Rohtang Pass. People can enjoy adventurous activities in Manali, such as skiing, mountain biking, and snow scooting, and this place is most liked by adventure sports seekers.
Best time to visit Rohtang Pass: The perfect time to visit Rohtang Pass is between May and June for summer sports. Snow-loving people can visit here from October to November.
#3. Manu Temple at Manali
This temple was built over 1000 years ago by Rai Manu, who came to these parts after being exiled from Nepal. You can visit this temple and worship the lingam in the temple. Also, there is a waterfall nearby, in a cave of rock. The waterfall has some natural holes where you can dip in the cool water.
#4. Solang Valley
This place is primarily famous for wintertime snowfall, but summer has its own view here. The place has a view of glaciers and snow-capped peaks, and you cannot miss this place when in Manali.
It is the hub of adventurous activities in Manali. If you are thinking about what to do in Manali, then you have a bunch of options like skiing, trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, paragliding, ATV Ride, Zorbing, bonfire, and more.
This place is also famous for camping along with these adventure sports.
#5. Manali Wildlife Sanctuary
This natural paradise is located 2 km away from Manali. The Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 3,000 hectares and is laden with lush green forest.
Visit this place for beautiful flora and fauna and the calming sounds of colourful birds. There Is no second thought that this place is considered a heaven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
#6. Tibetan monastery in Manali Gompa
You will find a huge Tibetan population here in Kullu and Manali. There are many monasteries, including Manali Gompa, which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. The place is also known as Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and is one of the top tourist attractions in Himachal.
This place has been a refuge for people migrating from Tibet since 1960, when it was constructed.
The place is known for its wall paintings, pagoda-style architecture, a giant statue of Lord Buddha, and chortens.
While you are at this place, don’t forget to purchase unique Tibetan handicrafts sold by small vendors within the complex.
Best time to visit Manali Gompa: Throughout the year
#7. Rahala Waterfall
Located on the route of Rohtang Pass, this waterfall is a scenic beauty in Manali. This beautiful sight results from the melting glaciers gushing down from a ridge.
Rahala Waterfall is surrounded by deodar and birch trees and covered with snow mountains in the background. Halt here with your group for a fun picnic and enjoy the beauty and melodies of nature.
Don’t forget to click pictures to make a loving memory of this place.
Best time to visit Rahala Waterfall: The best time to visit this place is from May to October. It gets frozen in winter. Visiting the Rahala Waterfall tops the list of things to do in Manali in October.
#8. Gulaba in Manali
One of the secret sites of Manali, Gulaba in Manali, is nestled at an altitude of 4000 m. The River Beas surrounds this blissful village, snow-capped mountains, and lush grasslands. An interesting fact about this place is that it was the favorite campsite of Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir.
Gulaba is a lesser-known place in Manali; hence, the crowd is relatively minor here at this picturesque green oasis. It is only 6 km from Rohtang, and just like Rohtang, this place also offers snow adventures.
Best time to visit Gulaba: You can visit this place any time of the year, although winters have a magical feel at this place.
#9. Jana waterfall Trek
The Jana waterfall is a hidden place in Naggar, Manali. This beautiful place is surrounded by deodar trees, apple orchards, pine trees, and the most beautiful snow-capped peaks. This place tops the list of things to do in Manali, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
You can trek to the waterfall for a fun time with friends and later enjoy the tranquillity of the place. This is one of the best things to do in Manali.
The best time to visit Jana Waterfall is from September to June.
Most Famous Activities in Manali
#1. Paragliding
As soon as you land in Manali, you’ll see people soaring through the sky on these gliders and having their best time. You can have the best view of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Beas river while paragliding. Solang Valley, Gulaba, and Marhi are among the popular places to get your hands on paragliding.
#2. River Rafting
River rafting is one of the best activities in Manali, and you can experience it on the Beas River. Make your favourite moments of fun and adventure with the thrill of doing river rafting at the river Beas.
#3. Skiing
If you enjoy winter sports, Manali is the best place for having an experience at skiing. Enjoy the breathtaking alpine view while gliding down the sloppy snowy hills. Rohtang Pass allows skiing throughout the year.
#4. Trekking
Most tourists consider trekking as the best activity in Manali. With beautiful trekking trails set amid the snow-capped Himalayas, Manali is a paradise for trekking lovers. The most popular panoramic trails include Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Chanderkhani, Sar Pass, Tapri to Kalpa, Sangla and Barang trek.
#5. Zorbing
You will love getting tossed in a giant ball through which you can see the beautiful view of the mountains. One of the most fun adventures activities in Manali includes getting tossy in this transparent ball. Solang Valley is the destination where you can try zorbing.
#6. Camping
If you have time, do not miss spending a night in the camp at Solang Valley. Camping is year-round and available at Solang Valley with comfortable accommodations and other fun activities.
This is all from our side; you can also check out some off-beat places in Manali. Hope you enjoy your time doing these fun adventure activities in Manali and have a great time with friends and family.
What to do in Manali? Hope you have got a fair idea of the top things to do in Manali; you are all set for your trip!
Delhi to Manali: Travel with Zingbus Max
Online bus booking and purchasing an online bus ticket from Delhi to Tosh is very easy at zingbus.com, and you can book your bus tickets online on our website or mobile app. Zingbus’s Bus Booking app is well-known for its reliable, safe, and timely bus services. zingbus operates a variety of buses that help link various destinations. In the long run, zingbus successfully aims to maintain its quality while providing an affordable bus travel experience. There are several categories of buses to Manali available from Delhi – AC sleeper, AC seater, and non-AC seater & sleeper coaches with luxurious travel experience. You can reach Tosh afterwards via any local means of travel. Enjoy your fullest and have an excellent, safe, and prosperous journey with us. Book your cheapest bus ticket now!
People Also Search For
- The Future of Public Transport in India: Are Electric Buses the Answer?
The public transport sector in India is the lifeline of the country’s mobility. Millions depend upon buses, trains, metros, and other modes of mass transportation to reach workplaces, schools, and necessary services daily. The lifeline itself is being stretched by increasingly adverse challenges — aggravating pollution, traffic jams, and higher fuel prices — that all need to be met by an urgent and sustainable answer. Among the nascent options, e-buses appear to be full of potential. But can they really revolutionize public transport in India? - Global Recycling Day 2025: A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future
Each year on March 18th, the world comes together to celebrate Global Recycling Day as a movement committed to increasing awareness about the important role recycling plays in helping keep our planet healthy. It is a celebration to remind us that recycling isn’t an… - Your Journey, Your Opportunity: How Zingbus is Revolutionizing Intercity Bus Travel in India
Zingbus is a Gurugram-based intercity bus services company in India that aims to create a unified platform for inexpensive, tech-enabled, and replaceable transport in the country. The platform utilises full-stack technology to handle bus travel, including digital access to boarding points and real-time monitoring, and it operates in more than… - 10 Best Places to Celebrate Holi Near Delhi (with DJs and Celebs!)
Let’s gear up to celebrate one of the most anticipated festivals of all time in the whole world, Holi and paint the town pink, purple (or blue, yellow, green, orange, or whichever color your heart desires!). Holi festival is all about colours, happiness, and friendship, so why not celebrate it in your favorite style? Instead of following the boring routine of playing outdoors, let’s get you hooked on a unique 2025 Holi experience! Do not forget to tag along with your friends and book your tickets to celebrate Holi at a party in… - Holi in India vs. International Holi Festivals: What’s the Difference?
Holi, the festival of colours in India, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in the world. The Holi festival is not just about colours; it carries deep cultural, historical, and religious significance. While celebrating Holi in India is a unique experience, the festival has also gained immense popularity globally, leading to… - EV Buses in India: Real-World Applications and Zero-Emission Benefits
India’s transport industry is in its journey of the midst of a major transformation with the adoption of zero-emission EV buses in India (e-buses). This transition has not… - Sangla Holi 2025 – A Colorful Celebration Amidst the Great Himalayas
A Celebration Like No Other – Holi in the Heart of Sangla: Celebrating Sangla Holi in the stunning Sangla valley in Himachal Pradesh encircled by snow-capped mountains is an event unlike any other. In Sangla, a calm… - Best Landour Places to Visit and Things to Do in Landour (Near Mussoorie) This 2025
Welcome to Landour – The Hidden Jewel of Uttarakhand: If you’ve ever been to Mussoorie, you probably think you’ve seen all that this part of Uttarakhand has to offer. But let me tell you a secret – Landour is where the real magic happens! Imagine this: a misty hilltop town, the scent of fresh pine in the air, winding roads lined with charming colonial cottages, and cafés serving the best pancakes you’ve ever had. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, that’s Landour in India for you – this incredible country’s peaceful little hamlet just a short drive from Mussoorie that promises a break from the chaos of city life. So, if you’re planning a trip in 2025 and looking for the best Landour places to visit, you’re in for a… - Top Holi Festival 2025 Celebrations in India: From Mathura’s Lathmar to Udaipur’s Royal Colors and More!
Holi Festival 2025: A Celebration of Colors and Tradition Across India – Holi in India is a wonderful mix of vivid colors, ancient customs, and happy meetings. Called the festival of colors, this great event gathers people to honor love, togetherness, and the victory of good against evil. From Mathura’s spiritual energy to Udaipur’s royal colorful celebrations, every… - 9 Most Powerful Devi Temples in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is a land of diverse cultures. Home to iconic temples and holy shrines, Uttarakhand is rightfully called Devbhoomi, or the land of gods. Other than temples dedicated to local gods, goddesses, Shiva or Vishnu, Devi temples and Shaktipeeth..
Leave a Reply