Top Offbeat Places in Manali 2023

BY ASHAR KHAN – 7 OCTOBER, 2022

Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the top tourist destinations for a holiday in the Indian Himalayas. Its close proximity to New Delhi and Chandigarh is making it easier for the crowds to break away from the usual city-madness. Its located on the Beas river. This pastoral town spellbinds us with snow-capped mountains, gurgling waterfalls, hot water springs, bustling markets, striking heritage and more. Adventure sports have boosted the popularity of this cool and serene hill station even more. While there are certain offbeat places in proximity to this Himachali settlement that are literally mystical. As a matter of fact, they are far less crowded than Manali, and hence profoundly pristine. Here are the top offbeat places in Manali for a relaxing holiday:

Manali – A traveller’s heaven

1. Gulaba

Gulaba is a small village that’s located a few kilometres from Manali. This place is nestled amidst picturesque snow-capped mountains, lush greeneries and everything that would soothe your soul. Gulaba is a great snowy region that makes your holiday not only relaxing but adventurous too. The trek for Bhrigu Lake starts here. Some of the major activities that you can enjoy here include skiing, hiking, paragliding and snow scooter riding. In winters, this is the last point up to which vehicles are permitted when Rohtang Pass is inaccessible due to snowfall.

Gulaba- A Photography and Adventure heaven

Gulaba – A photography & Adventure heaven

2. Old Manali

Old Manali may have the prefix “old”, but it is way more awesome as compared to the main Manali town. While latter is one of the busiest summer destinations in India, the former is a breath of fresh air. This old part of Manali offers a peaceful and relaxing holiday experience. It certainly offers something for everyone — from booze to yoga centres to a relaxing cafe experience. This hippie oasis is detached from the Main town by a Beas River. It located 2 kilometres from the Mall road. The picturesque place is a part of the banana pancake trail that runs through South East Asia.

THE LAID-BACK OLD MANALI

3. Naggar

A historic place glorifying the past through the stunning Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery and various antique temples like Gauri Shankar Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Vishnu Temple and Jagtipath Temple. Naggar is slowly becoming a preferred destination for travellers who want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. It’s a historical setting which homes stunning Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery and various antique temples like Gauri Shankar Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple and Vishnu Temple etc. The Naggar Castle offers the most splendid Kullu Valley view. Watching the sunset while sipping your evening tea or having dinner under a blue star-studded sky is something that must not be missed.

Mesmerising Kullu Valley View from the Naggar Castle

4. Fojal Valley

Located almost halfway between Manali and Kullu, Fojal Valley is a very offbeat and unpopular valley which homes a main Fojal town and a bunch of pretty rustic villages. To be more precise, it is located in Upper Kullu valley on the right bank of River Beas. Just some 20 odd km from Main Kullu towards Manali. The main town in the valley is also named Fojal and there is a diversion you take in order to reach here. A day trip to this area is recommended as there are very limited stay options available.

Fojal Valley

5. Vashisht

Around 3kms across the Beas River is Vashist, a small village famous for natural Sulphur Springs. They have amazing medicinal and healing properties, curing all kind of internal and external pains. The Vashisht temple here is believed to be more than 4000 years old and is significantly popular amongst the locals and tourists. When visiting Vashisht, do check out the The Bootstrap Café, that offers amazing Mountain View along with Italian, Mexican and Israeli food. And if you are fond of walking in the wilderness, then you can visit two beautiful waterfalls in the vicinity.The Jogini Falls and Vashisht waterfalls.

Vashisht Temple

6. Hamta Valley

Hamta a small village about 15 kms away from Manali in the Kullu district. One can reach here via Pirni Aleo Hydro Power Plant and start the curvy clamber towards the lush green mountain top that overlooks the Manali City. It’s deep valley with lush green trees, candy flossed clouds, tranquil Beas River and the silence of the mountain that will make you instantly fall in love with the valley. If you are a serious trekker then walk all the way over to the base of Pir Panjal Range. The Hamta Pass trek is also named after this valley. It is one of the top offbeat places in Manali for a relaxing holiday.

Hamta Valley

Hence, explore the hidden beauty around Manali, be it its towns, villages and Valleys all around. They are really worth visiting places in Himachal Pradesh. Indeed, People from all over the country visit Manali but often miss these hidden places. So, next time when you plan a Manali holiday, go beyond the obvious. Discover these offbeat places in Manali and evolve from being a tourist to a traveller.

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