Get in

[edit] By bus

Manali is about 550km from Delhi, the capital of India, and there are buses connecting
the town with Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala and Leh (see [2] for information. For service
from Delhi to Manali, tickets and reservations can be made at the Inter State Bus
Terminus as well as at the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi
House in New Delhi. The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 18 hours; from
Ambala to Manali is 10 hours; and from Kulu to Manali is 1.5 to 3 hours. Volvo buses
are available from Delhi but you need to book these two to five days in advance.

[edit] By private taxi

If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions. Also
doesnt have the habit of drinking alcohol.

[edit] By train

The nearest Broad Gauge Rail Head is Ambala Cantt(200 Kms) or Chandigarh (250
Kms)from Indian Capital New Delhi. Ambala Cantt is on the Delhi - Amritsar and Delhi
- Jammu main lines and is well served by rail, but you will need to travel to Ambala to
get a bus for the 10 hour ride to Manali. Jogindernagar and Kalka are other, less
preferable, rail heads for Manali.

[edit] By air

The nearest airport is at Kullu, about two hours away. Indian Airlines, Air Deccan and
Jagson Airlines operate flights to Kullu from Delhi and Chandigarh.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See
View from Rohtang Pass toward Manali

• Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure
tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on
the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains
rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake
called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In
winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed.

• Rahala waterfalls: About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the
Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.

• Monasteries: Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. It is

maintained by donations from the local community and by sale of hand-woven
carpets in the temple workshop.

• At a distance of 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards

and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There
is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.

• Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple: Around 3 km from Manali, across the
Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern
bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for
the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal
properties. Vaishisht, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other
above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of
the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate
woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-
lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground
hot-water/sulfur springs.

• Solang Valley, popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and

famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views
 of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of
Manali, is also an important spot.

• One can visit famous Hadimba Temple.

• Fun park near Hadimba Temple
• Old Manali is an impressive array of wonderful, old wooden houses and happy
smiling faces appearing from windows and over garden fences.
• There are some interesting temples of Tibetan Buddhist lineages located
between old and new Manali.

Naggar Castle and Art gallery is another place to see and so as beautiful Log Hut Area
and club house. In fact both this places especially log hut area has some good hotels to
stay as well

[edit] Do
• Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks. It will cost about 10-20 rupees
(0.5$) for a single photo.
• One can also enjoy paddle boating in a fun park near Hadimba temple.
• River rafting , skiing, paragliding, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing
are some of good adventure sports to go for

Please never buy Kesar(saffron) or any other herbal stuff as all those who claim big
things are actually thugs waiting to cheat you of your money. Food is usually good, most
accommodation is clean, and people are trustworthy, but please do use caution, as in any
other place.

[edit] Buy
Keychains, Name plates, etc which are customized to ones own message are worth
buying as mementos. Also one can get his name carved/written on a single grain of rice.
One can also visit manali market to buy woolen stuff like sweaters, pull overs, shawls,
blankets etc

[edit] Eat
Manali market is key place for eatables. Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to
international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just
opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from
stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find
more local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food,
to Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.

Very recommended places are:

 • Chopsticks (opposite the bus stand).
• Mayur Restaurant (in a lane opposite the upper end of the bus stand).
• Vaishnao dhaba (in the market adjacent to the bus stand).
• Valley View Restaurant at Snow Valley Resorts (known for beautiful view and
good homely buffet food).

[edit] Drink
There's plenty to drink in Manali. For starters, the abundant supply of spring water every
where is delicious in itself and can be drunk all day. One thing that you should search for
is fresh squeezed apple juice.

The locals drink two kinds of alcoholic beverages: Lugdi (plains) or Chang (Himalayan),
a kind of crude beer made from fermented rice or barley and Sharab (plains) or Arak
(Himalayan), an alcoholic drink distilled from Lugdi/chang. Arak can also be made from
jaggery or apples or any other fruit.

It might be an interesting experience to visit a local home when the ladies make arak
(quite regularly). You can sit in the fields where the ladies make it, have hot water from
the distilling to wash with and "test" the product at frequent intervals.

Because there are apple orchards all around Manali, apple cider is available in plenty.
Besides this, there is plenty of other alcohol available in bars, larger restaurants and the
larger hotels.

Purchased liquor has high taxes levied in this state.

[edit] Sleep
They say that the area around Manali has more accommodations available than Delhi
itself. You wouldn't believe it if you saw the summer months. Finding a room to stay in
in May & June can still be a nightmare. A good option would be to head out of the main
town toward Dhungri, Log Hut Area , Old Manali, or any direction that takes your fancy.

[edit] Budget

Mostly budget rates starts from Rs 750/- to Rs 1000/- in off season and Season these
rooms can be had Rs 1500/- to Rs 2500/-. Season Time is 1st April to 15th July , in Oct
During Dushera Festival, in November during diwali and Agian 25th December to 5th
Jan. Rest Time is off season. Generally you can bargain 30% discount during the off
season on room rent and packages offered are already discounted as per season which
could be high season , mid season , low season etc

[edit] High range

 • Snow Valley Resorts, Log Hut Area. Tel:+91 1902 253-228, 253-027. E-mail:
info@snowvalleyresorts.com [3] - 1690-3390rps, including breakfast.

• Nature Notes Riverside Resort. A river-side resort that organizes activities such
as trekking, yoga and rafting. Tel:+91 11 6457-9945. Mobile:+ 91 09899699991
[4]

[edit] Splurge

[edit] Get out

Travelling northward from Manali is the breathtaking region of Lahaul and Spiti across
the Rohtang Pass. The "highway" crosses the pass and forks at Gramphoo (12km) the left
one goes to Lahaul and is the Manali Leh highway and the road on the right leads to Spiti
via Kunzum La. The Rohtang pass also marks the boundary between the fertile Kullu
valley with its lush greenery and the sparse vegetation Lahaul and Spiti. The Ladakh,
Zanskar and Changthang areas further on are even more barren.

Adventure Activities in India

India is fast emerging as one of the most popular adventure sports destination in the
world. India offers immense opportunities for an adventure traveller, who is looking for a
varied experience. Blessed with snow-clad peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows and
ski slopes, beautiful valleys, meandering and roaring rivers, gushing waterfalls, thick
forests rich in wildlife, swampy deltas, long coastlines and magical moonscapes - India
has something for everyone looking for adventure.

1.)TREKKING:- Both mature trekkers and amateur enthusiasts are endeared to the
discovery of the unique diversity of Himalayan ranges and its landscape offset by
altitudinal changes. Range upon range of mountain peaks, densely forested mountain
slopes, undulating foothills, large rivers and lakes, plant and animal species, Himalayas
offers unparalleled challenge for climbers. the popular trekking areas in Himalayan
ranges are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the passes between the
Shimla region and the Kullu Valley, the numerous treks in the Parvati valley in Kullu, the
Sangla valley trek in Kinnaur and Great Himalayan trek in Lahaul- Spiti. Trekking
altitudes are between 1500-4000mtrs.

2.)MOUNTAINEERING:- The area in a radius of 3-20 km around Manali valley forms

the core of mountaineering in Himachal. The Beas Kund region and the lower reaches of
Hanuman Tibba (5930mtr.), the Manali and Shitidhar peaks around the source of river
Beas and the Deo Tibba (6001mtr.) are usually are approached by beginners with some
experience. The higher ranges are-Pir Panjal, Chandrabhaga, Dhauladhar, Kullu, Lahaul-
Spiti, and Kinnaur districts.

3.)VEHICLE SAFARIS:- One of the best ways to explore the wonders of Himalayas
and the remote reaches of Leh Ladakh is to take a leisurely driving tour. Immerse
yourself in the vivacious beauty of Himachal Pradesh and the stark moonscape land of
Lahoul vis Manali.

4.)CAMPING:-Camping is perhaps the best way to enjoy the natural outdoors of

Himachal and being part of the life of its people. You can carry your own gear along or
opt for any one of the several camps pitched in various parts of the state. Camps are also
pitched in various parts while on the trekking route for the visitors to enjoy the wonders
of nature. It cost somewhere around Rs.1500/- per day with food and guide.

5.)River Rafting:-River rafting is an exciting adventure sport. There is an unmatched

thrill of shooting down the rapids. Amateur and first timers have their choice of quieter
waters while the professionals can run over Himachal's river rapids in an inflatable rubber
dingy. The sports is now being held on river Sutlej, Beas, Ravi and Chandrabhaga. In
Kullu-Manali it will cost Rs.450/- for short rafting and Rs.750/- for long distance rafting.

6.)SKIING:-The fun, excitement and the thrill while sliding down the snow clad slopes
of the Himalayans ranges in India is, in one word, 'fantastic'. People can indulge in
gentler snow activities or adventurous - Ice skating, Sledging, or Heliskiing. Narkanda,
64kms. from Shimla has comprehensive skiing facilities. Skiing at Kufri near Shimla has
the advantage of its proximity to the plains and is in use during winter. Above Kufri, the
Mhasu ridge also has some good skiing slopes. Solang valley near Manali also offers
some skiing opportunities. with all guide and equipments/Dress it will cost Rs.1250/-.

7.)PARAGLIDING:-You can sail high above the ground and see the mountains as never
before. Experience the rush of cold air on your face and have a thrill of your life. This
sport is a mix of sky diving and hand gliding. Places where paragliding is regularly done
are Bundla Dhar near Bilaspur, the Kullu valley, Intkali near Rohru and Bir in Palampur.
For short flight it costs Rs.750/- and Rs.1500/- for half n hour flight.

8.)Rock Climbing:- Rock climbing is often seen as the basic stage for mountain
climbing. It can also be treated as an independent sport, since it is climbing a rock face,
using only hands and feet with a safety rope. It costs Rs.450/- per person. Group
discounts are available.
9.)Wildlife Safari Tours:- India offers immense opportunities for wildlife tourism. The
immense heritage of wildlife in India comprises of more than 70 national parks and about
400 wildlife sanctuaries including the bird sanctuaries. A paradise for the nature lovers,
these forest areas are also crucial for the conservation of the endangered species like the
Leopard, Lion, Asiatic Elephant, the Bengal tiger and Siberian Crane. Spread across the
length and breadth of India, these reserves and forest areas, right from the Ranthambore
National Park in Rajasthan to the Bandhavgarh Kanha National Park, from the foothills
of Great Himalayan national Park to the Jim Corbett National Park to six national parks
in Goa; the Indian Wildlife circuit is an Incredible treat, unmatched by any other
experience.

http://www.visitmanali.com/adventure/rafting.html

Contact For Special Rates for Rafting in Manali & Kullu.

094181-83993
095010-90093