manali Archives - EXPLORE WITH BOB

I have been all over Indian Himalayas, and trust me; nothing beats Manali in terms of beauty. Easy to reach and stay and so much to see, Rafting and adventure coupled with trekking bonanza. Rohtang is stunning when the road opens up in June, and the snow is still thick and strong. Tosh is a gateway to a heavenly one-day trek to Kheerganga-itself, offering staggering views of green tops and gushing waters. There’s a lot on offer when you are at Manali-juts that you need to have time-you have plenty to trek, and even if you don’t, you have lots of nature to gaze at!

6 reasons why you must visit Manali-Tosh-Rohtang:

Manali is thought a paradise for trekking like Hampta Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Deo Tibba base camp, etc.

Manali in early morning in month of June

This beautiful place is known for paragliding, especially in the Solang valley from January-May and October-December. Solang Valley has lots of other adventurous activities on offer as well.
14 km Rafting in the waters of Beas River that starts from Manali and terminates at Jhiri is an experience not to be missed. The best time to do Rafting here is from April to June.
Manali is also known for a waterfall named Jogini waterfall, which is about 7.5 km from Manali Town.

Manali is widely known for the Hadimba Temple dedicated to Hadimba, the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata, in the middle of the Dhungri Park. Ghatotkach, the son of Bhima and Hidimba, is also worshipped as a sacred tree.
Kheerganga is a must trekking adventure of 3 hours that takes you through the wilderness, tiny paths, and dense forests and lands you up in a meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains-dream come true moment-Right!
Walking along the Parvati River is a must-to-do activity in Tosh (close to Manali), located at an elevation of 7,900 ft.

Location: Manali and Rohtang are about 540 km and 590 km respectively north of Delhi, and close to Kullu is about 540 km north of Delhi.

Lush green meadows are common after the snow melts over the Rohtang region.

Lush green meadows are common after snow melts over Rohtang region

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Manikaran Hot Spring, Manikaran Gurudwara,Kullu,Kheerganga,Malana,Chandratal lake,Rohtang La and Manali:Hadimba Devi Temple,Mall Road,The Great Himalayan National Park,Nehru Kund,Bhrigu Lake,Jogini Falls

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Tosh, Kangra, Kheerganga, Narkanda, Chandigarh, Kullu, Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Bir-Billing, which range from 150 to 400 km.

Kullu in the late evening time

Distance Charts:(Manali)

Kullu-Manali section offers excellent rafting opportunity

How to Reach Shimla/Dharamshala:

Road Routes:

Delhi-Shimla-Kullu-Tosh-Kheerganga-Tosh-Malana-Manali-Rohtang La-Chandrataal

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Roads are smooth in most places except in Rohtang and Tosh regions.

2)Rains are to be avoided -strictly a no-no from June to September due to frequent landslides and floods.

3)Public transport is almost everywhere, so there’s not much to worry about.

4)November to May -you need a good winter jacket and cap with gloves and shoes-anti-slip/snow resistant. In June, before the monsoon arrives, light woolens will also do/have an umbrella.

5)Please book hotels in advance, especially for peak seasons, May-June and September end-November start as there’s a full rush.

6)Try covering treks to tosh, Malana, Kheerganga, Kasol, and Solang Valley by at least taking six days extra on your existing itinerary.

7)Food is available throughout the region; hence, no issue on that part, have water with you if you need it in an emergency.

8)Manali is the gateway to two regions-Kaza, and Keylong side (Lahaul-Spiti), and the Leh-Zanskar regions-do. So make a plan from late May onwards.

RAIL: The nearest railway station is Shimla, for which toy trains run from Kalka/Chandigarh.

AIR: Chandigarh is the nearest airport for both tourist spots.

ROAD: A bus from Delhi and Chandigarh ( HPSRTC BUS SERVICE ) will help you be here in about 8-11 hours, depending on whether it’s Kullu or Manali.

Map:

Kullu Tosh Kheerganga Malana Manali Rohtang Kunzum Pass — Kullu Manali Rohtang Kunzum Pass

Time to Visit:

May to June; September-October are best times to be here.

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Manali and Kullu are flooded with hotels, but when it’s peak season, Manali becomes a costly and damn difficult place to lodge in. Kullu will be cheaper and easy to stay. Manali will be better off if you book in advance (through Goibibo or Makemytrip or Yatra website) or get a package tour from local agents to help you see Shimla, Kullu, Manali and Rohtang Pass(Will be cheaper for families, followed by groups). Food is never a big deal all through-Aalu(Potato), Paratha(Bread), and Maggi! Hahaha…

Expense:

A 3-day trip to Kullu and Manali will cost as follows:

Food:INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: INR 800 for bus charges from Kullu to Rohtang and back; Kullu to Tosh will cost 300 INR by bus up to a point after that which public transport is a question mark at least in my case. I May need to hire a car halfway down @INR 1000

Lodging: INR 900/day X2@ Manali and INR 600/day X1 @ Kullu

Entry Fees include various places (varies): INR 200 (max)-at Rohtang for parking and a few places in Manali

NOTE: You can add some days to the itinerary if you plan to do some treks to Kheerganga, Malana, Bhrigu Lake, etc., and that’ll be worth every penny more, so if you can, go to the Chandrataal side.

A tourist who came to visit Tosh along.

Total: 5600 INR(goes upto INR 6800 if the private car for Fagu/Chail is booked)

Total: 5600 INR(goes upto INR 6800 if private car for Fagu/Chail booked)

manali

Manali-Tosh-Rohtang:The closest to Heaven experience you can have-Just jump in!