Rohtang Pass:
This high altitude pass is situated at an altitude of 3,978 meters that connects the Kullu Valley with the Lahul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, India. It has become a summer tourist spot, all thanks to the rising popularity of Manali.
Almost every visitor to Manali yearns to visit Rohtang Pass as one can feel and touch snow even in the peak of summer on this pass. The pass is open from May to November, has a nasty reputation for being very dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and high winds. Rohtang literally means the "pile of corpses" in Persian.
The Pass presents a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. Here eye meets a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled moraine and deep ravines. To the opposite is the well defined 'Sonepani Glacier' slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geyphang, snow crowned. The Beas River rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. To its left, 200 meters higher, is the little lake of 'Sarkund' (Dashahr) visited by a large number of people every year. The baths in the water of Sarkund lake effects cure of all bodily ailments or imaginary.
Arjun Gufa:
15 kms from Manali town is a legendary cave near the village of 'Prini' on the left bank where Arjuna practiced austerities to get the powerful 'Pashupati. Arjun Gufa in local Indian language means Cave of Arjuna. In this cave Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupati Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Mountaineering Institute:
The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (DMAS), Manali is an Indian institution located in Manali, HP providing specialized training in Mountaineering, Mountain Rescue, Skiing, Water Sports, Trekking and Rock Climbing.
Keeping in view the value of adventure sports, the present Institute was established in 1961 at Manali as the Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (WHMI). The institute was later named as the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports and more than 80,000 people have been trained in different adventure activities since its inception. Training is imparted under the guidance of 22 experienced instructors (including four Everesters) who have extensive experience in Skiing and Mountaineering in Himalayas, Alps,(France) and Norway.
Solang Valley:
Just 13 kms away from Manali on the way to Kothi lies a beautiful valley which offers views of the glaciers and snow covered mountain peaks. This plateau is frequently used for holding camps by the trekking parties. The surrounding areas of Manali from 3 to 20 kms are suitable for rock climbing. The winter skiing festival is organized here as well as training in skiing is imparted at this place.
Rohla Falls:
16 kms on way to Rohtang pass. If one goes to Marhi on foot from Kothi from the old road, the sight of the falls is fascinating. It is a good picnic spot as well.
Marhi:
39 kms from Manali city A barren landscape offering extensive views of the valley and the mountains. 15 kms short of the 13,050 feet high Rohtang Pass on the Manali-Leh road lies one of the most picturesque places in Manali region. Marhi - a mountain plateau surrounded by lush green meadows strewn with myriad wild flowers. The place remains a stopover for transit visitors and tourists during summer and autumn seasons and a transit place for the people to wait for the ferocious weather to improve at Rohtang Pass to cross over to Lahaul and Spiti valley, during the winter months.
Club House:
2 kms from the Manali town, club house has indoor games facilities which have been located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.
Nehru Kund:
A natural spring of clean cold water named after the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Lal Nehru, who used to drink water from this spring during his stay in Manali. It is located on the Manali-Keylong road and is 6 kms away. The spring is believed to be coming from 'Bhrigu Lake'.
Kothi
Located 12 kms away from Manali town. A beautiful and quiet spot. The rest house here overlooks the narrow valley and has commanding views of the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a km. the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, 30 meters or more in depth. The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in early annals of Kullu. This place is famous for movie picturisation and resting resort for poets, writers and lovers of peaceful environments.
Jagatsukh:
The original name of this was ‘Nast’; it remained the ancient capital of Kullu for about 10 generations. Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple in Shikhara Style and interesting old temple of 'Gayatri Devi' and Devi Sharvali.
Vashisht:
This place is famous for its hot water springs and temples of Vashisht Rishi and Lord Rama. It is located on the bank of Beas, but well above the river. Only 3 kms away from Manali. Natural hot sulphurous springs with two separate bathing tanks for gents and ladies are always full of tourists. Turkish style showers-fitted baths have also been built nearby. Hot water from the nearby spring is provided for bathing.
Hadimba or Hidimba Devi Temple:
Just at a short distance of 1.5 kms from main Manali. Built in 1553 A.D. also known as 'Doongri Temple' dedicated to the Goddess Hidimba (Hirma Devi), the wife of Bhima, has a four tiered pagoda shaped roof with a doorway carved with figures and symbols. Although carving is simple yet beautiful. This temple was built by Raja Bahadur Singh of Kullu.
MANU TEMPLE
This is dedicated to the sage Manu. Just near the Hadimba temple flows the Manalsu River, that culminates in the main Beas river. Across the Manalsu river is the original village of Manali that houses the ancient temple of the sage Manu. Manali itself is named after Manu, who is said to have dwelt here.
