Things to do in Manali
Manali offers a plethora of options to travellers. For the action oriented there are opportunities to try your hand on various adventure sports others can simply stroll down the mall and take in the beautiful views.
Shopping is a popular thing to do in Manali is renowned for its Himalayan handicrafts and wool products. Good buys like musical instruments, prayer wheels, rosaries amulets, masks, and thangkas are a favourite with the tourists. The Tibetan Market here has a wide collection of beautifully woven shawls including the famous Pashmina shawl. You can check out the Kullu-Kashmir Shawl Emporium, a cooperative run by local women for shawls. The Mall as the main market is called is a cluster of shops, hotels, restaurants and travel agents. The main shopping areas here are Thai Market, Hong Kong Market, Dragon Shopping Complex, Tibetan Market, Lama Underground, Shopping Complex, Shangrila Shopping Complex, New NAC Market and Snow Lion Underground Market.
Adventure Sports is another exciting thing to do in Manali. There are places where you can try paragliding, trekking, skiing, mountaineering, rock climbing, angling, ice skating and jeep safari.
Visit nearby places: You can also explore a number of close tourist attractions, which include Vashisth, a village 3 km away known for its old temples and hot water springs. It also has traditional timber houses.
Jagatsukh, 6 km away is popular for its ‘Shikara’ style Shiva temple. It was once the ancient capital of Kullu. Jagatsukh is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district with old guesthouses and orchards. It is also known for its annual Chachohli Jatra Festival.
Rohtang Pass, 51 km from Manali and at an altitude of 3978 meters is perhaps the most popular day excursion from Manali. Rohtang Pass offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills apart from the huge glaciers. The pass is open from June to October each year.