Manali

Uphill above the bustle and chaos of Manali town, you'll find the relatively peaceful village of Old Manali, which is dotted with simple traditional-style homes.

Old Manali is a laid-back traveler center, and the road here is lined with guesthouses, cafes, and small shops—ideal for chilling out and watching the world go by. Right at the top sits Manu temple, dedicated to sage Manu, who was the first man created by God according to Hindu mythology. The views are worth the steep but scenic walk to get there.

Solang Valley is located about 30 minutes from Manali and attracts travelers both in winter, for its snow, and in summer for its adventure sports.

From January to March, it's possible to ski and snowboard there, and a gondola carries visitors 1.3 kilometers up to the runs. After the snow clears, paragliding becomes popular. However, keep in mind that it's not well regulated and there are safety concerns (people have died in the past).

Additionally, many people who visit Solang Valley opt out of the adventure-seeking to experience a bit of culture by visiting the Shiva temple above the village. If you don't want to walk up to it, it's possible to ride a pony there.

Stop by Dhungri forest on the way to Old Manali to visit the ancient Hadimba temple (also known as Dhungri temple). The temple, a four-tiered pagoda, was built in 1553 and has a facade of wood carvings. It's dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata.

Yak rides and huge fluffy angora rabbits ready to pose for photos are added attractions there. Additionally, a fascinating three-day temple festival takes place here in mid-May every year, and people from all over the region come to attend it.

A picturesque and enjoyable short hike through the hills behind Vashist will take you to Jogini waterfall. The waterfall itself is not particularly impressive but a dip in its chilly water is invigorating, and the surroundings are truly enchanting. There are a few small restaurants and guesthouses along the way, so you can stop for a meal before or after you take a dip in the refreshing waters under Jogini Waterfall. 

If you love immersing yourself in nature, don't miss taking a stroll through the thick cedar trees in Manali Nature Park, which borders the Beas River between Manali town and Old Manali.

The towering trees of Manali Nature Park provide a dense shield from the outside world, giving the park a magical, mystical feel. There's also another similar park, Van Vihar Park, with the entry adjacent to Manali town, if you want to continue your exploration of the natural beauty of the region once you've finished hiking through Manali Nature Park.

There's a small Tibetan colony just south of Manali town that's worth visiting for its serene and soothing Buddhist temples, and shops selling Tibetan handicrafts and carpets. One of the temples, the Himalayan Nyinmapa Gompa, is home to a huge gold statue of Lord Buddha. The temple is beautifully illuminated at night.

Gelukpa Cultural Society Gompa, further along on the same lane, has an atmospheric prayer room filled with small statues. Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa was built by Tibetan refugees in 1960 and is covered in brightly colored frescoes. Inside there's a medium-sized Buddha statue. The temple also has a list of Tibetan martyrs killed during 1987 to 1989 in the Tibetan unrest.