Manali Local Attractions

Hadimba Temple

Hidimba temple lies nestled among tall deodars at around 2kms from the main market area of Manali. The wooden temple built by Maharaja Bahadur Singh in 1553 is dedicated to demoness Hidimba, wife of Pandava Bhima. Roof of the temple consists of massive deodar planks, which has largely survived the rages of time. To the left of the temple is a natural rock shelter with oversized footprintssaid to be the footprints of Hidimba. Annual Dhungri Mela (fair of the temple) is held in mid-July, which culminates with beheading of an ox.

Tibetan Monastery

Manali has three important Tibetan Monasteries: Himalayan Nyinmapa Temple, the traditional Gelukpa Gompa and the other one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river. The first two monasteries are easily accessible from the town. The market near to the monastery sells rugs, Kullu shawls, and Tibetan souvenirs.
The Monasteries are open 6AM to 6PM

Vashist Kund

Vashist is a small village famous for its hot springs and temple of Rama and Sage Vasisht. There is a separate bath area for men and women near the hot springs which unfortunately gets dirty as the day progresses. There was an attempt to build modern turkish style bath houses but the project faced resistance from local people is now abandoned. An hours enjoyable walk from Vashist village leads to an attractive waterfall.

Manu Mandir

Manali takes its name after Manu, the sage who authored Manu-smriti, probably the earliest codification of law. Fittingly, there is a temple dedicated to Manu at Old Manali. There is an interesting walking trail from Old Manali to Solang valley passing the villages of Goshal,Shanag and Buruwa. For the uninitiated, the walk can be tiring.

Old Manali

Old Manali used to be a hippy haven but today houses some of the most interesting restaurants of Manali. Many options for youngsters to chill out in the evenings.

Van Vihar

A nature park of deodar grooves on the banks of Beas River. The park houses a small aviary of Himalayan birds.
The park is open from 8AM to 6PM