ONE PLACE TO GO MAN. Review on Manali

GO mate and you will like it, if not love it.

THE BEAUTY: The snow-capped peaks, the scenery, the flowing Beas. It is a treat for the eyes, believe me. 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. In Manali, one can find high mountains shrouded by silent snows and deep boulder strewn gorges.

Besides offering quite a few places for sightseeing, Manali is also famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking. In brief, Manali is an ideal place for the ones in search of both adventure and comfort.

Manali is the most COMPLETE hill station of northern India. Its cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for the ones afflicted by the hot Indian summers.

Location:

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. Manali is perched at an altitude of 2050 meters and is spread along the banks of the river Beas. (Distance from Chandigarh is 300 km and from Delhi is 585 km).

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.

Sightseeing:

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.

Rohtang Pass, at an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, is another adventure tourist site where it can be chilly even on summer day. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby.

Solang Nullah, 13 km northwest of Manali, is famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains.

For Adventure Sports lover there is a lot that Manali offers.

Skiing is a major pastime in Manali. Facilities for skiing are available at Solang Nullah (January-March) and Rohtang (during summer). Kayaking is possible on the Beas River.

In the summers, several travel agencies organize paragliding on the slopes of the Solang Nullah. From May to July and, depending on the monsoons, from mid-September to mid-October, some basic rafting is possible on the Beas.

How to reach:

For the blessed ones the nearest airport is Bhuntar, 52 km south of Manali. There are flights to Delhi via Shimla. The closest you can get through train is at Jogindernagar, 135 km away.

By road, the distance from Delhi via Mandi is almost 585 km (went there on my bike with a trip meter) so you can trust this, and from Shimla the distance is roughly 280 km.

Accomodation

For sheer luxury, nothing in Manali can beat Himachal Tourism's Log Huts. Here is a blend of countryside charm and modern comfort. Besides these, there are several other accommodations available to suit every budget.

I would advise you not to go during summer vacation because I went there first time in the month of June with my group of friends on our bikes and it was too crowded and very expensive (as it was their peak season rush).

Go in October (the best time as per locals also) and you will never forget the beauty of the place.

I would suggest you to go there with a spirit of adventure (even if it is with your family or partner) and it would be worth it. The best as per me is to have your chaar dost and then have a great time out there.

Wish you a happy journey and safe too (the roads are typical hill station kinda).