If you are planning to take a break from a monotonous and hectic life then Manali is the perfect and most loved place to spend your vacation and unwind while admiring the beauty of nature and there are numerous things to do in Manali for an adventurous trip.
When thinking of a hill station the first thing that comes your mind is mountain adventures. Visiting Manali would prove to be an amazing and incredible experience there is a lot to do in Manali such as camping, rafting, and enjoying the breathtaking views.
Manali is a small town in Himachal Pradesh. It is an evergreen tourist place, in summer it is so refreshing and in winters you can witness mountains covered with a layer of snow.
How To Reach Manali?
Manali is a well-connected tourist destination which makes it easier to reach the place by flight, bus, and train.
• By Air
Kullu Manali Airport is the most proximate airport to Manali, located approximately 50 kilometers away from Manali town, in Bhuntar.
Domestic flights from Delhi and Chandigarh are directly connected to this airport from where taxis are available to reach Manali.
The prime operating airline companies are Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet.
• By Bus
Manali is very well-connected to important cities like New Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Kullu, and Leh through an extensive network of state-run and privately owned buses.
The journey through the twisty uphill roads of the town is so mesmerizing as you can catch a glimpse of the bewitching splendor of the mountain ranges, sparkling waterfalls, and lush green valleys on your way to the tourist destination.
If you choose to travel by bus to Manali it is advisable to take a Volvo for a comfortable travel experience
• By Train
The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar Railway Station which is connected with several important cities of the country. Ambala and Chandigarh are other possible alternatives to reach Manali by train.
Other than this, the Kalka Railway Station connects Manali to the major cities like New Delhi, Amritsar, Jammu, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Patna, Kanpur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Best Things to do in Manali for Thrill and Adventure
When wanderlust hits you hard, plan a trip to Manali and let the adventurer and explorer inside you come out. The vacation to Manali should be for 3-4 days to explore the valley and to enjoy the various recreational activities.
1) Camping
Manali is renowned for its picturesque destinations for camping. It is an ideal place for rejuvenation and unwinds in the lush green surroundings.
Moreover, You need not book an extravagant hotel for your stay in the valley. All you need is a tent to camp around in Manali.
Best Places for Camping in Manali
- At the Bank of Beas River to experience the music played by the gushing river.
- Solang Valley – a stunning campsite.
- Tirthan valley – scenic view of Landscape
- Kullu Valley – Experience the serenity and peace in this “Valley of Gods”.
- Bhajogi’s Camp are the heaven on the earth
Read More: Essential Travel Items for A Vacation To The Hills
2) Rafting
The best activity among the various things to do in Manali is river rafting. It is an adventure sport that takes you down the cascading flow of water and spectacular views on both sides.
Manali is a sensual spot for tourists who come to explore nature’s best side as well as experience thrilling adventure activities.
The river Beas is an exceptional sight when it flows gracefully along the stone cut pathways and just like Rishikesh, you can experience a thrilling sports adventure while you are here while rafting among the erratic and furiously running waters.
River rafting camps can be found along the way, where you can relax and engage with other people.
3) Paragliding
Paragliding is on the top when we discuss adventurous things to do in Manali. It imparts distinct happiness to perform paragliding with the loved one in the Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Bir Billing.
Solang valley is a place that treats seekers of wanderlust and gives them a chance to fly high under the sky like a free bird. It allows you to conquer all the inner fear and sense the adrenaline in your veins with exciting and adventurous sports activities.
The propitious time is from January to May and October to December from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Adventure Spot: Fozal hamlet, Himachal Pradesh.
Approx Cost: varies from 600 to 1800 INR per person.
4) Trekking
Trekking is one of the best things to do in Manali as it renders ways to restore positivity while enjoying the beauty of nature. The two things to make your trekking easy and memorable are comfortable walking shoes and a camera to click the nature’s close-up.
Trekking is a fun activity that makes one feel close to nature. If you choose a longer route for trekking you can explore various mesmerizing places and also camp around to relax.
Suggested Trek In Manali
- Beas Kund Trek: Offers splendid views of glaciers and mountains coated with snow.
- Lama Dugh Trek: Thick forests weaved with fields
- Vashisht Jogini Waterfall Trek: Quite smooth 3 km trek around the river Beas
- Bhrigu Lake Trek: One of the most challenging ones during winters, at a height of 14,100 ft
- Friendship Peak: Gives an experience of trekking on a Himalayan peak at an altitude of 5289 m.
- Hampta Pass Trek:It extends views and experiences similar to Ladakh.
The cost would depend on the route and the numbers of days needed to complete the trek.
5) Mountain Biking
To explore the valley and experience the thrill altogether, Mountain biking is one such thing to do in Manali. You can plan a day trip from Manali to Naggar Castle, Rahala Falls, or Rumsu Village, or explore other undiscovered townships. The bikes can be hired on rent by paying a negotiable security deposit and return the same after your excursion.
It is a very thrilling and adventurous way to travel around the serene valley. You surely going to enjoy riding around on the dangerous yet scenic mountain roads. But do wear a helmet and safety gears to avoid injuries and mishappening.
Approx cost: to rent a bike for a day is usually 500 INR.
6) Skiing
Skiing is a winter sport, the best time to experience this activity is November -February. Manali is known for this adventurous activity in especially, the regions of Rohtang Pass and Solang valley & Solang Nallah. So, add skiing to the list of adventurous thing to do in Manali.
Beginners can take a short-term course and can also hire a ski instructor to learn the basics of skiing. Experts can thoroughly relish the time to practice and compete with friends in this white snowy paradise.
It is reckoned to wear suitable clothing underneath the woollen layers, comfortable footwear, sunglasses, and a waterproof jacket.
Operators provide a safe environment and equipment for honing your skills.
Approx Cost: starts from Rs 300 as per the course and duration.
Approx Timing: 9 am to 6 pm.
Conclusion
You live life once, so make sure to live it to the fullest. make a bucket list or checklist of the adventures you must experience at least once in your lifetime. Next time, if you plan a vacation to Manali or any other hill stations, do attempt these adventurous activities and experience the thrill. It is advisable to wear safety gears and do carry a camera to capture the moments to relish throughout life.
