Manali travel guide

Overview

Manali sits beside the Beas River with clear views toward the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, creating a calm alpine destination.

The hill town is celebrated as the Honeymoon Capital of India due to romantic scenery, mild climate, and access to valleys blanketed by cedar and deodar.

Visitors also find heritage temples and modern adventure hubs within short drives, making planning easy for mixed interest groups.

Local cuisine

• - Dhaam ceremonial platter with rice boor ki kadhi rajma fried dal curd jaggery and sweets.
• - Kullu Trout Fish lightly spiced trout often fried in mustard oil with lemon onion notes.
• - Aktori quick buckwheat pancake from Spiti traditions.
• - Tibetan Thukpa hearty noodle soup in vegetarian or meat variants.
• - Bhey crisp lotus stem with gram flour aromatics and spices.
• - Kaale Chane ka Khatta tangy black chickpeas with fennel mint and tamarind.
• - Madra festive chickpea curry with coriander cardamom cumin and cinnamon.
• - Chha Gosht lamb cooked with gram flour yogurt and warm spices.
• - Babru wheat flatbread stuffed with black gram paste served with chutney.
• - Siddu steamed then roasted wheat bun with vegetable or mutton filling.

Adventure activities

• -Zorbing fun downhill rolls in a giant transparent ball for families.
• - Paragliding tandem flights for aerial views above Solang slopes.
• - Trekking classic routes like Beas Kund that reveal wide Pir Panjal panoramas.
• - Camping alpine tent stays with bonfires clear skies and cool nights.
• - Skiing winter powder sessions with trained instructors for beginners.
• - Mountain biking rugged tracks best for confident riders with solid balance.
• - River rafting guided runs on the Beas with safety briefings before each section.

"

"

Shopping spots

• - Mall Road central street for pashmina preserves caps and decor.
• - Sultanpur Market Thangka paintings antiques Kullu caps and jewellery.
• - Manu Market crockery electronics books handlooms and woollens.
• - Himachal Emporium pashmina Kangra silk pottery and tribal art.
• - Akhara Bazaar wooden toys rugs carpets and traditional attire.
• - Old Manali Market jewellery woollens souvenirs toys and cafe stops.
• - Bhuttico ISO certified shawls caps and winter wear from a local cooperative.
• - Tibetan Market prayer wheels flags singing bowls and Buddhist handicrafts.