May 6, 2018
Back in Manali an old man will sell you a knife from his bike, another old man (in the hut - dhaba) dispense a cup of tea, you can post a letter or get distracted by the plants on the roadside....
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from Indonesia
seen from Iraq
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Indonesia
seen from South Korea
seen from India
seen from Türkiye
Back in Manali an old man will sell you a knife from his bike, another old man (in the hut - dhaba) dispense a cup of tea, you can post a letter or get distracted by the plants on the roadside....
aries
One of India's most stunning tourist spots is Manali. It is known as the "Valley of Gods" and is situated in the stunning Himalayan hills
2-Day Manali Itinerary: Himalayan Highlights & Yolo Backpackers’ Adventure
This brand-new Manali blog, which was inspired by my time at Yolo Backpackers, is filled with three heart-pounding hikes and five exhilarating adventures. Put on your boots and get moving!
Hidimba Temple
📅 2-Day Manali Itinerary
Your journey will begin with sunrise hikes and end with riverbank chills—two days jam-packed with more activities than a Himalayan prayer wheel.
Day 1 Morning: Beas River Trail & Old Manali Stroll
Hike along the Beas River’s mist-flecked banks as dawn paints the water in molten silver—this 5 km trail feels like wandering through a lucid dream where every pebble has a story.
Return to Old Manali for a caffeine recharge at a cliff-side café, then wander cobbled lanes to sample street-side Himachali cuisine like piping hot sidu and trout tikka.
Day 1 Afternoon: Hidimba Devi Temple & Forest Walk
Venture 2 km from town into Dhungiri Van Vihar to visit the 1553-built Hidimba Devi Temple, where towering deodars form a living cathedral around the pagoda-roofed sanctuary.
Day 2 Morning: Great Himalayan National Park Day Hike
Drive to Tirthan Valley and set off on a 6 km loop through the Great Himalayan National Park, where rhododendron blooms and hidden waterfall glens beckon—if you’re lucky, you might spot a blue sheep peering from a rocky ledge.
Day 2 Afternoon: Paragliding & River Rafting Finale
After landing back in Solang Valley, trade your boots for a raft on the Beas River—navigate Grade I–III rapids as snow-fed currents propel you past pine-fringed banks and craggy peaks.
📖 Manali Travel Guide
Manali perches at 2,050 m where pine-scented breezes and river spray conspire to awaken your spirit. Here are five unmissable experiences:
🌲 Trek the Beas River Trail: A gentle 5 km morning walk where mist drapes the river like a silken scarf—perfect for chasing sunbeam reflections.
🏯 Worship at Hidimba Devi Temple: Lose yourself in the temple’s wood-carved legends, then explore the silent forest shrine dedicated to the feral goddess of the Mahābhārata.
🦌 Wildlife Spotting in GHNP: Join a guided park hike to glimpse musk deer or Himalayan tahr amid UNESCO-listed biodiversity—every rustle might be your new story’s hero.
🪂 Paragliding over Solang Valley: Soar like an eagle above emerald meadows and distant glaciers—each thermal burst is a ticket to a bird’s-eye fairytale.
🌊 River Rafting in Beas River: Tackle frothy rapids on a 14–20 km stretch from Pirdi to Jhiri; the river’s churn feels like nature’s own espresso shot.
🏯 Hidimba Devi Temple
A sacred boulder that was hauled from the forest floor is 24 meters above the four-tiered wooden shikhara of this cave-sanctuary, which was constructed in 1553 by Maharaja Bahadur Singh. Navagraha themes, dancers, and scenes from the Mahābhārata are shown in intricate door carvings, which invite followers into a world where myth and mossy roots coexist.
🌲 Great Himalayan National Park
GHNP, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, has 1,171 km² of alpine meadows and steep valleys that support 805 vascular plants and 375+ animal species in four biogeographic zones. Conservation routes near Tirthan, where hidden rhododendron glades bloom every spring, are open to day hikers.
🌊 River Rafting in Beas River
The Grade I–III rapids on the 20 km Beas River rafting route near Manali are surrounded by pine-lined banks and snow-capped hills. In order to surf the foam with complete piece of mind, local outfitters at Pirdi and Jhiri offer helmets, life jackets, and guides. These locations are ideal from April to June (and again after the monsoon in October).
P.S. At Yolo Backpackers, the only alarm you’ll hear is mountain light slipping across your bunk—so trade your snooze button for an alpine breeze and let the Himalayas wake you instead! 🏔️✨
Under the September sky!
🌄 Old Manali: Where Time Slows Down and Magic Wakes Up Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Old Manali isn’t just a destination—it’s a mood. Imagine cobblestone paths winding through apple orchards, rivers humming ancient secrets, and cafés where every latte comes with a side of wanderlust. Here’s how I fell under its spell during my stay, and why you’ll want to pack your bags today.
✨ 3 Unique Travel Experiences That Rewired My Soul
Midnight Music & Moonlit Stories at Café 1947 Picture this: A riverside café lit by fairy lights, the Beas River roaring in the dark, and a guitarist strumming Bob Dylan covers as travelers swap tales. I sipped spiced chai while a backpacker from Argentina shared her Himalayan trekking saga. The air buzzed with spontaneity—a reminder that the best stories aren’t planned, they’re lived.
Meditating with the “First Man” at Manu Temple Perched on a hilltop, the 16th-century Manu Temple is where myth meets mindfulness. Legend says Sage Manu, humanity’s progenitor, meditated here after a great flood. Sitting cross-legged under deodar trees, I felt the weight of centuries dissolve—until a cheeky monkey stole my banana. Spiritual and entertaining? Only in Old Manali.
Trekking to Jogini Falls Through Emerald Alleys The hike to Jogini Waterfalls is like walking through a watercolor painting. Mist-kissed apple orchards, pine forests whispering gossip, and finally—a 150-foot cascade crashing into a crystal pool. I dipped my toes in icy water while a local shepherd offered me wild berries. Nature’s spa, no appointment needed.
🎒 5 Unmissable Things to Do/See/Try
🍎 Pluck Apples (and Secrets) in Hidden Orchards Wander off-path to find family-owned orchards where farmers let you pick sun-warmed apples. Bonus: They’ll teach you Himachali folk songs over siddu (steamed bread stuffed with walnuts).
🛍️ Hunt for Bohemian Treasures in the Hippie Market Think Tibetan prayer flags, hand-knit woolens, and silver jewelry that whispers “adventure.” Bargain like a pro—your haggling skills fund a local artist’s next masterpiece.
☕ Sip Global Flavors at Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted This rooftop café serves Himalayan coffee roasted over oak fire. Pair it with lemon-poppyseed cake while scribbling postcards to your future self.
🪂 Paraglide Over Solang Valley’s Snow-Kissed Canvas A 20-minute drive away, Solang Valley lets you soar like a hawk above emerald meadows and snow-dusted peaks. Pro tip: Scream loud—the mountains echo back.
🧖♀️ Soak in Vashisht’s Sulfur Hot Springs These ancient springs are said to heal everything from heartbreak to hangovers. I left my worries in the steam and emerged lighter (and smelling faintly of eggs).
🌤️ Weather Wisdom: When to Go & How to Pack
March–June 🌸: Sunny days (15–25°C), perfect for treks. Pack light layers, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
July–September ☔: Monsoon magic! Expect lush greenery but slippery trails. Waterproof boots and a raincoat are non-negotiable.
October–February ❄️: Snow transforms Old Manali into a gingerbread village. Thermal wear, woolen socks, and a flask for chai are essentials. Some cafés close—call ahead!
🏔️ Nearby Gems: Day Trips That Steal Your Breath
Rohtang Pass (39 km) A high-altitude wonderland where you’ll sled on glaciers and drink thukpa with nomadic shepherds (open May–Oct).
Naggar Castle (20 km) A 15th-century stone fortress turned art gallery, with views so sharp they’ll cut through your soul.
📣 Your Final Call-to-Action: Let the Mountains Whisper Your Name
Old Manali doesn’t just wait for travelers—it chooses them. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hunting for the perfect cappuccino, or craving silence louder than city noise, this Himalayan haven has your story ready. Book your stay now (spring fills fast!), lace up your boots, and let the deodar trees scribble their secrets into your journal.
P.S. Lost? Follow the smell of apple pie. The mountains always guide you home. 🍏✨
Welcome to Old Manali, a charming enclave nestled in the heart of the majestic Himalayas, just a stone's throw away from the bustling town o
Best Places to visit in Manali
one of the best places to visit in Manali. the best season to visit Manali is April to December. It is famous for adventure sports.
Manali is a very popular destination for honeymoons and also for couples. Manikaran Sahib, Hadimba Devi Temple, Jogini Waterfall, Solang Valley, etc. For detailed information, you can read this blog.
Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti Valley Road Trip in 12 Days – Days 11-12 – Chandrataal to Manali to Chandigarh
Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti Valley Road Trip in 12 Days – Days 11-12 – Chandrataal to Manali to Chandigarh
The last two days of the Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti road-trip is about driving down from Chandrataal to Manali, spending a night there, and then finally driving down to Chandigarh to board the flights to our respective cities. The road-trip started from Chandigarh to Shoghi. Then we crossed beautiful places of Kinnaur like Jeori-Sarahan, Sangla-Chitkul, and Kalpa-Nako. Later, we entered Lahaul-Spiti…
View On WordPress