Situated
at the northern end of the kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of
snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all around.
Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It has a flourishing
orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous
treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Manali
Manali has derived its name from Manavalaya, which means "the abode of
Manu". According to myth, Manu the divine law-giver, was the only
survivor of the Mahajal Pralay - the great flood - and is said to have
fathered the human race. He certainly chose enchanting environs. Manali
still maintains its charm and beauty.
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With the majestic grandeur of the Himalayas on one side, river Beas cutting
across the town, verdant valleys with rolling meadows and grazing herds
dotting the hillsides, apple orchards and the folk music adding romance to
the ambience and presenting a wondrous canvas to the traveller.
Experience the local color and beauty in Kullu Manali's temples, quaint
villages and the vibrant and festive mood of the people and their colorful
clothes and handicrafts. Or encounter adventure; on the myriad trekking
trails and routes, while skiing on the snow slopes, rafting down the Beas or
just as you try your hand at some amateurish angling.
Discover for yourself the Kullu Valley,
going up to the Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet and encompassing the beautiful
Manali in-between, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. As
its magical charms enamour, you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been
christened as the "Valley of the Gods".
Major Adventure Sports Sites
Skiing
Manali
The Manali skiing expeditions involve helicopters, which are going to drop
keen skiers onto peaks as high as 6,500m. The high peaks reduce the wind
speed at lower levels where one skis, resulting in consistent, light and
powdery snow. Powder skiing is easier to learn with the new thick kind of
skis, especially if you are new to skiing.
Rohtang
Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the best
part of winter. Commands an awesome height of 3978 Mts. and is 51 kms. from
Manali, Recently a new ski terrain developed here has fired the imagination
of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to their spirit of adventure.
This is the only place in the country where the skiers can indulge in their
favorite sport in summer as well as autumn. With the onset of summer, the
skiers begin arriving here-dotting the silver-white backdrop with vibrant
colors. The steep descents here are truly inspiring. The setting is just
perfect both for the beginners and the seasoned. Skiing equipment is
available and can be hired from the club
Solang Valley
A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi, offers enchanting views of the
glaciers and snow capped mountain peaks, 13 km from Manali, it has good
skiing slopes equipped with an excellent life. Located here are also a
hostel of the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, and a
private trekking and campsite resort with all modern amenities required for
holidaying elites.
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Skiing
in Himalayas
Barely a few yards ahead of "Beas Kund" is the intricate pattern
of snowy spikes emanating from a huge glacier that had slided down. And,
here one is on the top of the world at the 13,500 feet high and mighty
Rohtang pass with its deadly aura. The top looks more like a levelled barren
sandy land. From here, the thick green forests look like tiny grasslands. In
fact, trekking to Rohtang Pass is an adventurous journey that shows mountain
escapes as beautiful as any in the world, with breathtaking vistas of
brooding cliffs threaded by silvered waterfalls, pine-spiked ridges
protruding out into the dizzying distance, and stretches of blueing
mountains- range upon receding range.
Manali
Situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley, Manali has spectacular
views of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all
around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It has a
flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead
for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport
lovers.
Kothi
Kothi is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the 13,400 ft.
Rohtang Pass about 12 km away from Manali town, situated on the Lahaul Spiti
Leh highway. It used to be the camping place when the pass had to be climbed
on foot and it is now accessible by bus, jeep or pony. There is a beautiful
PWD rest house amidst open surrounding, offering a magnificent view of the
snow capped peaks and glaciers.
River
Rafting
Spiti
The wonderful adventure from Manali to Simla includes a 03 day run on the
scenic Spiti river, surrounded by mountains and vehicular sight seeing trips
and day hikes to historic monasteries and old villages.
Angling
Kullu
An angelers paradise, Kullu has several spots for both trout and mahaseer
as well as other fish. Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both
brown and Raibow trout are found in Kullus Stream. The upper reaches of the
river Beas in Kullu valley, and its streams like the Sarvari, Parbati,
Saint, Hurla are excellent for the sport.
Important Temples in and around Manali
Vashist Springs
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur
springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht.
Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can
soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments
out of their systems.
Jagatsukh
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from
Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara"
style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini,
is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced
austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut
shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows
at the source of the river like a spring, so clear and icy cold that it
almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little
vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the
wind on a clear sunny day.
Rohtang Pass
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the
highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake
left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul
Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however,
unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here
one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendor. A few km
away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the
twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
Kullu
Enclosed by the snow range of the Himalayas, the Dhaula Dhar, and Pir
Panjal, running parallel to the south of it, is a valley called Kullu, that
leaves the spectator awe-struck at the breath-taking grandeur of its
mountains, its torrents and its vast expanses of snow in its upper regions,
Fascinating, calm, placid and gorgeous, this is the Valley of the Gods.
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable
world.
Places of Interest in Kullu
Raghunathji Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu committed a great wrong. To
atone for the sin he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord
Raghunath - Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the
image and even today, is greatly revered. The shrine houses an image of Shri
Raghunath in his chariot.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Set on a spur that offers some spectacular views, this temple is famous for
its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the
'Shivalinga' and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the
'linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.
Around Kullu
Naggar
For 1,400 years Naggar remained the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century
stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a
gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar
also has three other old shrines.
Parvati Valley & Manikarna
At 1,737 m, here am hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the by waters
of the Penal river. The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs Treks from
here lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai' a stretch of considerable
natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m),
which opens into the Sutlej valley.
Himalayas Tour Packages
by Interest
