Manali
Human-reviewedManali, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
- Altitude
- ~2,050 m
- From Bhuntar airport
- ~50 km
- From Delhi
- ~540 km (road, 12–14 hr)
- Known for
- Hill-town base, adventure sports, mountain gateway
- Time needed
- 2–4 days
About
Manali sits where the Beas valley narrows below the Pir Panjal, about 270 km north of Shimla. The town splits into the busy market around the Mall, the quieter lanes and orchards of Old Manali across the river, and Vashisht with its sulphur hot springs and old temples. The Hadimba (Dhungri) temple stands in a cedar grove above the Mall, and the Manu temple is in Old Manali. It is the starting point for Solang Valley and, in season, Rohtang Pass; the Atal Tunnel now carries the Leh–Manali highway into Lahaul year-round.
How to reach
- Fly to Bhuntar (Kullu–Manali) airport, ~50 km, then drive up the valley.
- Overnight Volvo and HRTC buses run from Delhi and Chandigarh to the Manali bus stand.
- By train, reach Chandigarh or Ambala and continue by road via Mandi.
Best time to visit
March to June for green slopes and open passes, and September to November after the monsoon. December to February is cold with snow — good for the town, harder for the high roads.
Things to know
- Rohtang Pass needs an online permit and is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance; the Atal Tunnel does not.
- The Mall and Old Manali get very crowded in May–June and around New Year.
- Book adventure activities (paragliding, rafting) through licensed operators only.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Manali?
Two to three days covers the town, Solang and Old Manali. Add a day or two for Rohtang / the Atal Tunnel and Sissu, or use Manali as a launch point for Spiti or Ladakh.
Is Rohtang Pass open from Manali?
Roughly May to November, with a daily vehicle cap and an online permit. Outside that, the Atal Tunnel gives year-round access to Lahaul.
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Location
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