Manali situated in the heavenly Kullu Valley, the abode of heavenly beings, Manali is the landscape of dreams! It is the jewel of one of the most beautiful and authentic states in India-Himachal Pradesh. 

Peek into the lifestyle of mountain people-Paharis and their rich traditions. Set camp amidst deep forests of pine and deodar, Himalayan bird's busy chatter and mighty rivers, and glacial waterfalls.

Manali is a unique travel destination. It embraces all travelers as there is no dearth of new and fun things to do in Manali, be it summers or winters. You could legit stay in a man-made igloo for a night! 

Top 10 Things To Do In Manali in 2021

1. Adore Art and Architecture

2. Adventure Episodes

3. Build an Igloo!

4. Drive to Parvati Valley

5. Great Himalayan National Park

6. Glamp Eco

7. Go for a trek

8. Hangout at Old Manali

9. The Holy dip!

10.Rohtang Pass

Challenge yourself and let's see exactly how many among these are you able to cross off from your list.

Also Read: Solo Trip Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

1. Adore Art and Architecture

Own Work: Hadimba Temple, an architectural marvel.

The most striking thing about Manali is the display of Architecture typical to mountain people. Visit the Pagoda Style Manu Temple and Hadimba Temple, to get a closer look at the traditional wood carvings.  

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Art lovers must head to Roerich Gallery at Naggar, to glance at the most beautiful paintings of the Himalayas. Naggar Castle in Manali is ideal for a lovely date!

Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art is another fun point for history and culture geeks.

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2. Adventure Episodes

Make your way to Solang Valley in Manali and make the most awesome adventure memories. You can fly free in the open skies or dive down on snowy slopes with Heli-Skiing! 

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Yes from amateurs to the crazy daredevils, Manali spells a great time for adventure lovers. 

Water Sports. Paragliding. Skiing. Hiking. Mountain Biking.

Mountaineering and Zorbing are some of the best adventure possibilities in Manali and Kullu, India.

3. Build an Igloo! 

Bored with building snowmen? Tour Manali this winter, January to early March, and encounter the next level of camping out. Couples and children will love this unique stay. 

You get the cozy stay, barbeque food, and spend your day gliding and skiing down vanilla slopes. Manali is the only destination in India with Igloo Hotels, don't hesitate to ask and learn how to build one while here.

Also Read: Leh Ladakh Bike Tour

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

If you happen to be in Manali when there is little snow, go for a treehouse stay, very amusing and affordable. 

Live your childhood dreams at Manali. 

4. Drive to Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley is an hour's drive from Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. It is another unique gem of Himachal Pradesh

Backpackers, international crowds, and young wanderers get drawn to the gates of Parvati Valley.  It's a hippie place with a lot of colorful cafes and shops, international food and music.

Also Read: Tosh  Village in Kullu

Image Source: Pexels

Summer is the busiest time here with Kasol and Manikaran being the most visited places. Kasol also is known as Mini Israel is a cool place to relax and unwind. 

Image Source: Pexels

The Parvati Valley has a lot to offer to the explorers and discoverers. So do drive up here and spend some leisure time by the Parvati River banks.

5. Great Himalayan National Park

The Great Himalayan National Park is amongst the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India! It has a huge network of wildlife reserves and Himalayan flora and fauna. Catch glimpses of rare birds from Black bulbul to blue-capped rock thrush or better yet go fishing.

Also Read: Summer Vacations Destinations in India

Image Source: Pixabay

The Park has a full range of activities for nature lovers to get in touch with the lost wilderness.

6. Glamp Eco

If you have always wished for a quiet corner of nature only for yourself. Wished for a few moments away from the maddening herds and to-do lists, Glamp Eco in Manali will be a luscious mountain love affair.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Warm your feet in a 50-year-old traditional Himachali mud house. Choose to go for day hikes, nature walks, rock climbing, or meditate by the waterfall. Pick apples and fall in love with the scenic beauty of Manali. 

Relish local Himachali dishes and feel the most peaceful here at Glamp Eco, Manali. Solitude lovers, poets, and writers can not miss this!

7. Go for a trek

Climb far beyond and you’d discover that Manali, only gets prettier and better. Manali has some of the best treks for beginners -Hampta Pass, Beas Kund, and Bhrigu Lake Trek.

Chanderkhani Pass Trek, Chandertal Lake Trek, Bijli Mahadev Trek are other attractive trails. While Pin Parvati Expedition, Mt. Deo Tibba Trek, and Friendship Peak trek are hardcore trek options.

Also Read: Famous Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh

Image Source: Pexels

Camping and trekking are a surreal and rewarding experience in Manali. Walk on alpine meadows and hold the mighty Himalayas closer than ever before! Stargaze and laugh around the bonfire for a wonderful time.  

8. Hangout at Old Manali

2 km away from Manali, Old Manali is a foreign locale in this romantic town. This is where you need to be for the evenings. 

Own work: Old Himachal Style Homes

Groove to the live music and order something fanciful from the array of international cuisines or authentic bakeries. Cafe hops, street shop and collect dreamcatchers, hemp bags, or get your hair braided!

Follow the Van Vihar Trail leading to this chill hangout venue and vibe to the tranquil setting by the Beas river.

9. The Holy dip!

The magical hot water springs Manali are widely acclaimed for their healing powers. Hot sulfur springs at Vashisht Village and Manikaran are the most popular. 

Blow off steam here to feel rejuvenated, especially after a hike to Jogni waterfalls! 

The temple at Vashisht is another sensational showpiece of Himachal craftsmanship. Vashisht Village market is a pandora’s box,  don’t leave without collecting a few souvenirs.

Also Read: Travel Tips for Himachal Pradesh

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Colorful Himachali headgear and shawls among beautiful jewelry and gemstones, leather goodies are some things to buy in Manali. 

Also Read: Camping Destinations in Himachal Pradesh

10. Rohtang Pass

A winding drive of 2 hours from Manali takes you to the Rohtang Pass at 3979 meters above sea level. Rohtang Pass means ‘the field of corpses’ and the ride to this high mountain pass will give you goosebumps.

Rohtang pass is also the doorway to paradisical lands of Ladakh, Leh, and Spiti Valley in India.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

You need a permit to drive up to one of the deadliest routes in India! You can book your permits online too. Rohtang remains open from May/June to October/November depending on snow cover. 

Nearby Rahala Waterfalls and Gulaba Village are good ideas for a lovely picnic.

The landscape of Manali is picture-perfect. Keep your cameras handy and make epic memories. All the best for your adventure.

This article is originally published in Tripfore