15 Things to Do in Manali Beyond Rohtang Pass & Solang Valley

Most Manali itineraries follow a predictable script: queue up for a Rohtang Pass permit, snap photos at Solang Valley, walk the Mall Road, and head home. But the Kullu Valley has so much more soul than that checklist suggests. Peel back one layer and you'll find ancient hot springs, Buddhist villages perched above the clouds, a 15th-century castle with Himalayan art, and a 9-kilometre tunnel that drops you into an entirely different world.

Here are 15 things to do in Manali that go beyond the usual tourist trail — experiences that will make you wonder why you ever thought Rohtang was the whole story.

1. Soak in the Hot Springs at Vashisht Village

Just 3 km from Manali's Mall Road, the tiny village of Vashisht is home to natural sulphur-rich hot springs flowing at 40–50°C beside an ancient temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht. The free public baths have separate sections for men and women, and while they're basic — stone pools, no spa robes — the experience of soaking in mineral-rich water with snow-dusted peaks in the background is unforgettable.

Insider tip: Combine a morning soak with the Jogini Waterfall trek (see below) for a perfect half-day plan.

2. Trek to Jogini Waterfall

The trail to Jogini Waterfall begins right behind Vashisht Temple and winds through apple orchards, pine forests, and small cafés before reaching a stunning 150-metre cascade. The 3–4 km one-way trek takes about 1.5–2 hours and is suitable for beginners.

Pro tip: The afternoon light hits the waterfall directly, making it the best time for photography. And if you're feeling adventurous, climb beyond the main tourist viewpoint to the second tier — that's where the real magic hides.

3. Wander Through Old Manali

Cross the Manalsu River bridge and you'll step into a world that feels nothing like the bustling new town. Old Manali is a bohemian pocket of backpacker cafés, German bakeries, yoga centres, and traditional Himachali stone houses draped in creepers. It's part of the quirky "Banana Pancake Trail" that winds through Asia's backpacker havens.

Don't miss the locally brewed apple cider — it's something you genuinely won't find anywhere else. Linger at Café 1947 for riverside Italian food and live music, or try Lazy Dog for a chilled-out evening with mountain views.

4. Explore Naggar Castle & the Roerich Art Gallery

About 20 km from Manali, the medieval Naggar Castle was built by Raja Sidhi Singh around 1460 AD using the traditional Kath-Kuni technique — alternating layers of wood and stone without cement. Today it operates as an HPTDC heritage hotel, and you can explore its wooden balconies, royal museum, and Himachali-style temples within the compound.

A kilometre uphill sits the Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, housed in the estate where the Russian painter, philosopher, and explorer lived for decades. His Himalayan-inspired paintings adorn walls in institutions worldwide, and this quiet museum offers a deeply personal window into his life and work. For more on Naggar Castle and Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery, see our dedicated activity page.

Getting there: Rent a bike or scooter in Manali and ride along the left bank of the Beas — the route through Prini and Jagatsukh is scenic and far less trafficked than the main highway.

5. Visit the Hadimba Devi Temple

Nestled in a grove of towering deodar cedars, this 1553-era pagoda temple is dedicated to Hidimba, a character from the Mahabharata. Its four-tiered wooden roof and intricate carvings make it architecturally unique in the region. The surrounding forest is perfect for a quiet sunset walk. Plan your visit with our guide to Visit Hadimba Devi Temple.

6. Day Trip Through the Atal Tunnel to Sissu

This is the experience that has reshaped Manali tourism. The Atal Tunnel, Rohtang stretches 9.02 km under the Rohtang range and is one of the world's longest highway tunnels above 10,000 feet. In about 10–15 minutes, you emerge from the green Kullu Valley into the stark, snow-dusted cold desert of Lahaul — a landscape shift that feels almost cinematic.

Your first stop on the other side is Sissu, a Lahaul village with a dramatic waterfall, a glacial lake, and the temple of Raja Ghepan. Unlike Rohtang, no NGT permit is required for the Atal Tunnel, making this a hassle-free alternative with equally stunning scenery.

Practical note: There's no petrol pump in Sissu — fill up in Manali before you go. Carry cash, as ATMs are scarce in Lahaul.

7. Discover Sethan Village & Hampta Valley

Perched about 12–14 km above Manali, Sethan is a small Buddhist village that serves as the gateway to Hampta Valley. It offers breathtaking mountain views, igloo stays in winter, beginner-friendly skiing, and a quieter, more secluded atmosphere than Solang. In summer, it's the starting point for the legendary Hampta Pass trek — a moderate 4–5 day, 25-km route that crosses from the lush Kullu Valley into the dramatic Lahaul landscape at 4,200 metres.

8. Cycle the Manali–Naggar–Jagatsukh Loop

Rent a bicycle and spend a day pedalling through the valley's quieter left-bank villages. The route from Manali through Prini, Jagatsukh, and on to Naggar passes through apple orchards, slate-roofed hamlets, and riverside stretches with barely any traffic. It's one of the most rewarding ways to experience the valley at your own pace.

9. Attend a Himachali Dham Feast

A Dham is a traditional Himachali feast served during festivals and celebrations — think rajma-madra, sepu vadi, tudkiya bhat (spiced rice), and the sweet mittha, all served on leaf plates by hereditary cooks called botis. If your visit coincides with a local festival or temple ceremony, joining a Dham is a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. Discover more regional specialities in our local cuisine to try in Himachal Pradesh guide.

10. Try River Rafting on the Beas

The Beas River between Pirdi and Jhiri (near Kullu) offers Grade II–III rapids that are perfect for first-timers and families. The 14-km stretch runs through forested gorges with mountain views on every side. The season runs roughly from May to early October, with the most exciting rapids during post-monsoon months. For a broader look at rafting options, see our guide to river rafting in Himachal Pradesh.

11. Explore the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa

This colourful Buddhist monastery in Old Manali provides a serene setting for learning about Tibetan Buddhism and meditation. You can join daily prayers, spin the prayer wheels, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere — a welcome contrast to Manali's busier attractions. For more on the region's monastic heritage, see our Himachal Pradesh Buddhist heritage guide.

12. Hike to Bhrigu Lake

If you have two days to spare, the Bhrigu Lake trek (starting from Gulaba, about 22 km from Manali) rewards you with a high-altitude glacial lake at around 4,300 metres. In summer, the meadows en route are carpeted with wildflowers; in early winter, the lake freezes into an ethereal blue-white disc. It's one of the most accessible high-altitude lake treks in Himachal. Explore more options in our guide to the best lakes in Himachal Pradesh.

13. Shop for Kullu Shawls & Local Crafts

Skip the generic souvenir shops and head to a Bhuttico cooperative outlet for authentic hand-woven Kullu shawls and stoles. In Old Manali and the Mall Road area, look for Tibetan handicrafts — thangka paintings, singing bowls, and prayer flags. For edible souvenirs, pick up local apple products, Kinnauri rajma, and seabuckthorn juice.

14. Chase Offbeat Villages: Jana, Hallan & Hampta

For travellers craving solitude, several villages within 15 km of Manali offer a quieter, more authentic Himalayan experience. Jana has a beautiful waterfall and ancient temple. Hallan Valley is a pastoral escape with grazing meadows. Hampta Village — the namesake of the famous pass — sits quietly among deodar forests with views of Deo Tibba. For more inspiration, see our roundup of hidden gems: offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

15. Stargaze and Bonfire in the Quiet Season

Manali's shoulder months (October–November and March–April) bring thinner crowds and crystalline skies. Book a riverside homestay in Prini or Jagatsukh, light a bonfire, and look up. Without the light pollution of peak season, the Milky Way reveals itself in full glory — no telescope needed.

Practical Tips for Visiting Manali

• Best time: March–June for adventure and pleasant weather; September–November for golden forests and clear skies; December–February for snow lovers. See our best time to visit Himachal Pradesh guide for a full seasonal breakdown.
• Getting there: Fly into Kullu–Bhuntar Airport (KUU), or take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh. The nearest broad-gauge railway station is at Chandigarh. For route options, see our guide on how to reach Himachal Pradesh from major cities in India.
• Local transport: Rent a bike or scooter for flexibility. Taxis and shared cabs are widely available. HRTC buses connect to nearby towns. For two-wheel options, check our guide to renting a motorcycle in Himachal Pradesh.
• Budget: Expect to spend ₹1,500–₹3,000 for a taxi to Solang/Atal Tunnel; ₹2,500–₹5,000 for rafting; and ₹50–₹200 for museum entries. For a full breakdown, see how much does a trip to Himachal Pradesh cost.
• Packing essentials: Layers (even summers get cool after dark), sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and cash — many offbeat spots don't have card machines or ATMs.

Final Thoughts

Manali is far more than a pit stop on the way to Rohtang. The real magic lives in its quieter corners — in the steam rising from Vashisht Hot Springs, in the creak of Naggar Castle's wooden balconies, in the sudden landscape shift as you emerge from the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul's silver valleys. Give yourself at least 4–5 days to explore beyond the obvious, and you'll leave with stories that go far deeper than a snow selfie.

Have you discovered a hidden gem in Manali that we missed? Drop your recommendations — we'd love to hear about your favourite offbeat finds in the Kullu Valley.