Manali

Manali, (alt. 6,398 ft) is an important hill station in the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh near the northern end of the Kullu Valley. The small town is a popular Himalayan tourist destination and accounts for nearly a quarter of all tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh. Manali's cool atmosphere provides a perfect haven for those afflicted by the hot Indian summers. It is famous for adventure sports like skiing, hiking, mountaineering, para gliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Rohtang Pass

At an altitude of 13,050 feet above sea level, Rhotang Pass is a tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. At the start of the climb to Rohtang Pass are the beauitiful Rahalla Waterfalls. The road of Rothang Pass is closed in the winter.

Naggar Fort

Located south of Manali, Naggar Fort is a reminder of the 1500 year old Pal Dynasty. Made from rocks, stones, and elaborate wood carvings, it is an ensemble of the rich and elegant artworks of Himachal. The castle was later converted to a rest house and luxury hotel. Tourists often stop at the castle to see the small shrine located in the building's courtyard, a fine example of architecture and design from the Pal Dynasty.

Hadimba Temple

Erected in 1533, this temple is dedicated to the local deity Hadimba. A major festival is held here in the month of May. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings.

Buddhist Monasteries

Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. With the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees in the entire Kullu valley, it is famous for its Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley, popularly known as Snow Point, is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-meter ski lift. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains.

Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple

Around 3 km from Manali is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Vashist, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square.

Other places of interest in and around Manali:

· The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture

· Himalaym Nyingamapa Gompa

· Rani Nala- 46 km from Manali, it is a glacier point where snow is available throughout the year.

· Mankkaran- 85 km from Manali; Parvati river co-exists with hot water springs

Climate

Being situated in the Himalayas, the weather of Manali is very cold. It is located in close vicinity to the snow line. Generally the weather conditions in Manali are such that the summers are pleasant and cool, while the winters are extremely cold. The weather in Manali remains very enjoyable almost all through the year except the rainy season (July and August) when heavy rainfall damages the roads and causes landslides.

Temperatures

· Summers 26 C/79 F to 12 C/54 F

· Winters 12 C/54 F to -2 C/ 28 F

Manali