Manali

Whether you're seeking nature or adventure, Manali offers it all to its visitors. For a calm day out, seek out the Wildlife Sanctuary. A dense forest defines this outing along with plenty of creatures dotting the landscape. In fact, walking among the trees or across the nearby meadows are two of the most pleasing aspects of trekking around Manali. Bring your backpack, comfortable shoes, refreshments, and an open mind as you bask in the Himalayan beauty.

There are plenty of temples and monasteries to visit in Manali too. Local maps can guide you to the most popular landmarks.

Many travelers look to Manali for its adventure-sports options. Paragliding, whitewater rafting, skiing, and rock climbing are just a few of the adventures to seek in and around Manali. Most visitors can sign up for an activity as they explore the area. Reserving the activities beforehand isn't usually necessary.

If you're new to any of these activities, the locals are happy to assist with beginning classes. Mountaineering, for example, gives you a taste of how to rock climb and maneuver among the cliffs with safety as a guiding principle. Simply ask about how-to classes when you find an attractive activity.

At times, the weather might hinder a few activities. Be flexible with your day if the winds are too harsh for paragliding, for instance. A hike along the valley can be just as rewarding. The next day might be better for a bird's eye view of Manali anyway.

March-June

During the spring, Manali offers comfortable temperatures between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, this time is the busiest because the moderate weather is ideal for paragliding, trekking and ropeway rides. Indeed, Solang Valley's attractions are open for nature enthusiasts or adventure seekers. For example, hike Rohtang Pass with snowy mountaintops as your background. Because of the good weather, be prepared for some crowds and top-tier pricing for goods and experiences.

July-September

Manali is known for its monsoonal summers. Sudden downpours and muddy conditions create treacherous conditions at times, for instance. The hot and humid daytime temperatures cool off as the evenings set in. Luckily, between the rainy periods are green landscapes and few people across the region. You can also find reduced prices on lodging, food and other necessities, too. Ideally, stay flexible during this summer vacation. Outdoor activities can be canceled depending on the weather. Instead, focus on indoor retreats to fill your time, such as restaurants or temples.

October-November

The fall offers drier conditions and few tourists in the region. Take advantage of the cool temperatures and no snowfall with famous hikes in Manali. For example, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake and Beas Kund treks are ideal retreats in the fall. Prices remain low during this season, which gives you more funds to stay longer. Truthfully, snowfall is extremely rare before December.

December-February

Manali has a thick layer of snow during the winter. If you visit for winter activities, check the road conditions and pack for cold weather before arriving. For snow fans, Manali is famous for skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding. The open valleys and foothills are ideal for both beginner and advanced riders. Also, the region hosts an annual winter carnival. With some planning, a wintry Manali visit can be as rewarding as spring's peak season.

One of the main reasons why Manali is so attractive is its small-town charm. It may be a bustling city, but its remote location still makes it a treasure to be discovered. Because it isn't close to a major airport or railway system, it's important to understand how to reach Manali in a safe manner. The towering mountains make the journey an unusual one.

Most visitors reach Manali by starting off in Delhi. There are airports and trains that frequent these cities, which allows you to arrive from nearly anywhere on the planet. The more than 500 km journey to Manali, however, is possible with the help of overnight buses. They're large and comfortable buses that bring almost everyone to the city. Most bus rides start in the early evening so that you can be dropped off in Manali as soon as the morning sun rises.

These buses take you along winding, mountainous roads. The drivers are highly experienced at these trips, which allows you to take in the sights as you look out the window.

You can also take a flight to Bhuntar, Kullu which is the nearest airport to Manali and approximately 48 km away from Manali.

Once you reach Manali, traveling by foot or auto-rickshaw is preferred. This city is known for its adventurous personality, which can be discovered as you walk the open meadows and walkways.

Depending on the destination, zorbing, horseback riding, paragliding, trekking and many other activities are available. Also, the Beas River runs from north to south within the Manali region. Because of its strong flow, enjoy rafting or even dipping your toes in this picturesque water feature.