Manali in Himachal Pradesh is a place where nature offers a perfect blend of beauty and charm. This place is where valleys, colourful traditions and delightful food come together to offer an unforgettable experience. But the magic of Manali is not only limited to this town itself but spreads to the destinations near it. Rohtang Pass, Koksar, Sainj Valley, Sissu, Gulaba, Kasol, Parvati Valley, and Tirthan Valley are famous tourist places near Manali for a beautiful Himalayan adventure. From peaceful valleys to unforgettable adventures, these places add even more wonder to your journey.
Even if you are looking for quiet relaxing moments in nature or exciting escapes here is a list of places to visit near Manali where you can find all of it.
Also read: How to go Delhi to Manali by Road?
Sainj Valley
Being a part of the Great Himalayan National Park, Sainj Valley is a peaceful and offbeat destination near Manali. Located about 50 km from Kullu, the Sainj Valley provides a set of peaceful and mind-absorbing experiences of a lifetime. This place is famous for its green landscapes and villages – in short, its beauty. Not only from Kullu or Manali but you can also a peaceful trip from Delhi to Sainj Valley for a stress-free weekend. Here you can try the Sainj Valley trek which is perfect for beginners with the amazing views of forests, rivers and meadows. Here not-to-miss thing would be Shangarh Meadows and hamlets like Raila and Shenshar.
Manali to Sainj Valley distance: 86 km
Best time to visit Sainj Valley: Spring, Summer and Winter months are delightful times with the valley showing different colours as per the seasons.
Koksar
With all the hidden gems in Himachal, a small village on the way to Lahaul Valley, Koksar is a perfect stopover for those going to Leh or beyond Rohtang Pass. Located on the famous Leh-Manali Highway, Koksar village is at a height of 12, 201 feet in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. The peaceful environment and beautiful landscapes make Koksar a must-visit for those visiting Himachal. Known for its cold temperatures and snow, it is also one of the best places to visit near Manali to try traditional Himachali food in roadside dhabas.
Manali to Koksar distance: 41 km
Best time to visit Koksar: The summer season or when the Leh-Manali highway is open.
For more information: A Guide for Manali to Koksar by Road
Kullu
Kullu also known as the “Valley of Gods”, is a famous place for its temples, river rafting and Dussehra festival. The town is surrounded by lush greenery, apple orchards, and scenic mountains. If you are an adventure lover then you can indulge in paragliding, trekking and camping. This place attracts outdoor lovers and Honeymooners the most. It is surrounded by nature and is connected to Shimla and Chandigarh. You can also explore our Kullu Tour packages, for a wonderful experience with spirituality, adventure and scenic beauty.
Things to do: River rafting, trekking, visiting temples, exploring local markets.
Kullu to Manali distance: 40 km
Places to explore in Kullu: Kullu Valley, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple.
Best time to visit: from March to June and September to November(during Dussehra)
Marhi
Marhi is a small halt which is a shanty town of roadside restaurants on the way to Rohtang Pass and is famous for its views and cool climate. It is surrounded by pine trees and a peaceful place located at a high altitude of 3360 meters from the sea level. Marhi is also a camping site where you can spend a night under the stars and experience the Himalayas.
Activities: Camping, photography, nature walks.
Manali to Marhi: 35 km
Places to visit nearby: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley (en route)
Best time to visit: May to October.
Kasol
Kasol also famous as the “Mini Israel of India” is a beautiful village on the Parvati River. Known for its laidback vibe, mind-blowing views and cafe culture, Kasol is a backpacker paradise. It is also a base for treks to Kheerganga and Tosh which have amazing views of the Parvati Valley. Kasol is also famous for its Israeli food, unique cafes and vibe.
Things to do: Trekking, cafe hopping, Manikaran Gurudwara.
Distance from Manali: 76 km
Places to explore in Kasol: Tosh, Kheerganga, Manikaran.
Best time to visit Kasol: March to June – the summer season
Must Checkout: Manali Honeymoon Tour Package
Sissu
Sissu is a small village located in the Lahaul Valley that has gained popularity due to its landscapes and the Sissu Waterfall. After crossing the Atal Tunnel Sissu offers a serene escape with amazing views of the Chandra River and surrounding peaks. It’s an ideal stopover for those travelling to Leh or Spiti Valley, providing a peaceful environment to rest and take in the natural beauty. The village is known for its clear skies, green meadows, and rustic charm.
Things to do: Visit Sissu Waterfall, enjoy riverside walks and explore monasteries.
Distance from Manali: 40 km, 24 km via Atal Tunnel
Places to explore: Sissu Waterfall, local monasteries, Chandra River.
Best time to visit: May to September.
Rohtang Pass
Situated at an altitude of 3980 meters, Rohtang Pass is one of the most popular passes in Himachal. It connects Kullu Valley to Lahaul and Spiti and is famous for its glaciers, peaks and rivers. The name Rohtang means ‘ground of corpses’, named after the incident when several people working in CBRE died whilst trying to cross it. A trip to Rohtang Pass is an experience you will never forget with options of snow sports and adventure activities. This beautiful Pass of Himachal is said to be the only pass in the country to be covered by snow throughout the year which makes it one of the best places to visit near Manali.
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking.
Manali to Rohtang Pass distance: 61 km
Places to visit: Rohtang Glacier, Solang Valley (enroute)
Best time to visit: summer season
Know More about all the details of the Manali to Rohtang Pass Tour
Atal Tunnel
This wonder in Himachal is one of the biggest infrastructure projects in India, connecting Manali to the Lahaul Spiti region, so you can travel to it throughout the year. It is a 9.02 km long tunnel that is a treat to your eyes as you travel through it. This engineering wonder has reduced the time to reach Sissu, Keylong and Leh, so it’s a must for every traveller. It’s not just a tunnel but an experience to showcase the technology and the beauty of this region which makes this a amazing places to visit near Manali.
Distance from Manali: 24 km
Places to explore: Keylong, Sissu, Lahaul Valley.
Best time to visit: Year-round (the tunnel is open throughout the year).
Sethan Village
Sethan is a small, Buddhist village in Hampta Valley located near Manali famous for its landscapes and adventure activities. It offers the most peaceful stays in small cottages, camps and igloos during winter and is called the “igloo village” of Manali. The village is gaining popularity among travellers looking for a peaceful escape from touristy places. One of the must-try things here is stargazing, in the soothing atmosphere that is undisturbed by people.
Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, photography, stay in Igloo Houses
Distance from Manali: 15 km
Places to explore: Skiing spots, village, visit Pandu Ropa, explore Indrasana Peak.
Best time to visit: December to February (for snow sports).
Parvati Valley
Parvati Valley near Kasol is a trekker’s and nature lover’s paradise. The valley has several small villages like Tosh and Malana each with its own culture and charm. Villages of Kasol, Manikaran, Shilha, Barshaini, Gargi, Kalga village, and Pulga are dotted around the rich banks of this Valley. It is said that Lord Shiva meditated in these mountains for about 3,000 years. Manali to Parvati Valley distance makes it a perfect base for trekkers to explore the region. Here Parvati Valley trek offers great views of snowy mountains, rivers and green landscapes.
Things to do: Trekking, hot springs, village walk.
Manali to Parvati Valley: 75 km
Places to explore: Tosh, Malana, Kheerganga, and Manikaran hot springs etc.
Best time to visit: summer and post-monsoon time.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is located between Beas Kund and Solang Village and is famous among tourists for its mountains and glaciers which attract ski enthusiasts from all over the world. By the time of winter when the whole place is covered with fluffy, milky white snow and the whole place looks like a movie set. Famous for paragliding, zorbing, and skiing, Solang Valley is one of the best places to visit near Manali.
Things to do: Paragliding, skiing, zorbing, trekking, photography etc.
Distance from Manali: 13 km
Best time to visit: December to February for snow activities, March to June for others.
Read more about Things to do in Solang Valley
Hampta Pass
Hampta Pass is a famous trek near Manali where the scenery changes dramatically as you ascend. It is a beautiful crossover trek that spreads across the green valleys of Kullu-Manali to the landscapes of Chandra Valley in Lahaul. The Hampta Pass trek is moderate to difficult and suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers and takes you through the amazing views of dense forests and snow peaks. However, you need a Hampta Pass permit to trek in this region.
Activities: Trekking, photography, camping, Rock climbing, and exploring places like Chika and Balu Ka Ghera.
distance from Manali to Hampta Pass: 15 km
Best to visit: June to September
Naggar
Situated on the left bank of river Beas, Naggar is an ancient town that commands extensive views, especially to the North West of the valley. Situated at an altitude of 1851m, Naggar was the former capital of Kullu and now is famous for its history, apple orchards and beauty. Manali to Naggar distance is very less so it’s a perfect day trip. Naggar Castle here is a historical landmark that offers great views of the valley and is a great place to chill and enjoy the surroundings. The town also has Roerich Art Gallery and several temples so it’s perfect for history and art enthusiasts.
Things to do in Naggar: visit the Roerich Art Gallery, Naggar Castle and temples.
Manali to Naggar distance: 24 km
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Jibhi
Slightly farther, but Jibhi is another hidden gem in Himachal that is perfect for a short trip. This unexplored town in the Banjar Valley is known for its clear streams, wooden cottages and forests which makes this place a nature lover’s paradise. Nearby attractions like Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake add up to the charm of this place. A Jibhi tour will be one of the perfect places to visit near Manali for travellers seeking peace and mesmerizing beauty away from the busy popular tourist spots.
Things to do in Jibhi: Rock climbing, Mountaineering, River Rafting, Nature walks
Places to Visit in Jibhi: Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake, Shringa Rishi Temple, Great Himalayan National Park etc.
Best time to Visit Jibhi: Summer
Must Checkout: Jibhi and Manali Tour Package
Gulaba
Gulaba is a small village located just a few kilometres from Manali situated on the way to Rohtang Pass, on the Leh-Manali Highway. Called as a great snowy region, Gulaba is also famous amongst sports and adventure enthusiasts. The natural landscape of this village attracts a large number of tourists every year, especially who come here to soak in the beauty of the place. The views from here are nothing less than enchanting, guaranteed to make you feel peaceful.
Things to do: Photography, nature walks, snow activities in winter.
Manali to Gulaba distance: 27 km
Best time to visit: November to February for snow activities and summer.
Conclusion
Manali and around has everything for every kind of traveller. From peaceful valleys to thrilling treks, from villages to cultural landmarks, Himachal Pradesh is just amazing. Whether you are looking for an adventure trip or a relaxing retreat, these places will give you memories to treasure forever. So pack your bags, book Manali Travel Packages and start your journey to the beautiful landscapes of Manali and beyond. There are so many places to visit near manali, each more beautiful than the other, you will find your piece of heaven here. Let nature, adventure and hills rejuvenate you. Happy travels!