Be it with friends, family, or your partner, Manali is one of the best holiday destinations to have fun at. Manali has become so popular among backpackers, honeymooners and hippies that now it has an estimated 800 to 1000 hotels and guesthouses. The peak time to visit Manali is from mid-April to mid-July, mid-September to mid-October. Over Christmas and New Year the place gets overrun with cars and people everywhere. Along with hotels, there are also a number of pretty cafes and restaurants.
If you are planning a trip to Manali in the month of December, and you are clueless about which places to visit, here is a list of places for you to consider. I am telling you, you don’t want to miss these.
- Solang Valley: If you love trekking, you have to go to Solang Valley! It is a popular tourist spot that not only has trekking, but also other interesting and thrilling activities like skiing, paragliding, zorbing, cable car ride, helicopter rides, etc.
- Hampta Pass: Hampta Pass is a small corridor in the Pir Panjal range that connects Kullu valley to Lahaul. If you are looking for trekking trails and camping, this is the best place for you. You can see the green mountains of Kullu as well as the cold desert of Lahaul from here.
- Gulaba Village: There might be a scenario where the Rohtang pass might be closed due to heavy snowfall in the month of December. If that does, do not feel low because you have an option of visiting the beautiful Gulaba village located in the vicinity of Manali. It is located at an altitude of 4300 meters, and you can enjoy enthralling views of the nearby snow clad mountains from here.
- Siyali Mahadev Temple: There are a number of temples and Monasteries in Manali, but trust me, this one is worth visiting. From its architecture to its vibe, it will give you immense peace and serenity. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an elegant wooden structure with a picturesque view. It is located near the Mall Road.
- Naggar Castle: Naggar Castle is located amidst breathtaking forested hills and is a magnificent historical edifice. It is an amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture made of stone and wood. There are three small shrines within the premises, each holding religious importance of its own. You cannot miss this if you are travelling to Manali in the month of December!
- Old Manali: If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of Mall Road and want to spend some quality time with your loved ones, Old Manali is your go-to place! You can witness traditional as well as contemporary culture there, with temples on the one hand and fancy cafes on the other.
- Mall Road: If you want to shop or get souvenirs for your loved ones from Manali, you have got to visit Mall Road! It is one of the busiest places of Manali, that consists of everything from hotels, cafes, local shops to walkways. You can try out the amazing local street food too!
