Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in India’s northern Himachal Pradesh state. It has a reputation as a backpacking center and honeymoon destination. Set on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It's also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.
Elevation: 2,050 m
Weather: 22°C, Wind S at 11 km/h, 78% Humidity
Population: 8,096 (2011)
POINTS OF INTEREST:-
- Hidimba Devi Temple:- The Hadimba devi temple was built in 1553 AD by Maharaja Bahadur Singh.[3] The temple is built around a cave where Devi Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimbi was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimb, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshasa family, Hidimba vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimb, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava's exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimb. Thereafter, Hidimba married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha.
People in Manali worship Hidimba devi as a deity. During Navaratri all Hindus across the nation worship goddess Durga, but people in Manali worship Hidimba devi. Queues of people can be seen outside the temple, but the crowd increases during Navaratri
2.MANU TEMPLE:- This magnificent temple is dedicated to the sage Manu, who is said to be the creator of the world and the writer of Manusmriti. The Manu Temple is located in old Manali, at a distance of three kilometers from the main market. Though this area is quite congested, the presence of the River Beas adds to its attraction. The temple is one of the prime attractions in Manali and is believed to be the same place where sage Manu meditated after stepping on earth. This place has a distinct historical background that appeals to most of the people who visit Manali. The popularity of this majestic temple lies in the fact that it is the only temple dedicated to Manu; so whoever visits Manali makes it a point to visit this temple. The travelers are advised to wear dresses covering the knees and shoulders, while inside the temple.
SOLANG VALLEY:- Solang valley is also known as the 'Snow Valley,' which is famous for hosting various winter adventure sports like skiing, parachuting, paragliding, trekking, and mountaineering. This dazzling valley is one of the most picturesque sights in Manali and is located at an average altitude of 2,560 meters above sea level. It is one of the most favorite trekking hotspots of the tourists, holidaying in Manali. Solang Valley is located between the Solang village and Beas Kund and offers majestic views of glaciers and snow capped mountain. The Mountaineering Institute of Manali has installed a ski lift for training purpose and there is a small hut and a guest house that belongs to the Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute. The winter skiing festival is also organized in Solang every year and the activities like Zorbing, Horse riding & Snow Motor Bikes riding are offered for the entertainment of tourists.
ROHTANG PASS:- Rohtang Pass- a gateway to Lahaul and Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, remains one of the most spectacular destinations in the entire Kullu region. This picturesque pass is located around 51 kms away from Manali, at a height of 3980 meters, on Manali Keylong highway. This mountain slope is so beautiful that people from every corner of the country visit this place to take part in adventure sports such as skiing, ice-skating, paragliding, etc. The Rohtang Pass is open for tourist from April to October and the permission to travel on this highway is given by the Indian Army, once they clear the snow.
Highlights
The Rohtang Pass is the same road, which connects to Leh Ladakh (State of Jammu & Kashmir) from Manali. It spot more than 25 lakh visitors every year, however, the routes here are completely covered in snow in winter and hardly anyone visit this place during the snowfall. In May, Rohtang become a place for nature enthusiast and adventure seekers, who can experience adventure sports such as skiing, skating, paragliding, snow scooter, and more.
Just beyond the stunning Rohatng pass is the Sonapani Glacier and the twin peak of Gaypan, which is known for its panoramic view and peaceful atmosphere. People visit this spot to have some refreshing moments purely in the arms of mother nature. Some people also visit the famous Beas Kund, the source of the Beas River and a holy site for Hindus as the same is easily accessible from the Rohtang Pass. It is believed that the sage Vyas used to meditate at this site.
Other Important Facts
The name Rohtang means 'ground of corpses' due to the number of people who lost their lives while crossing this difficult mountain range. It is located on the Pir Panjal Mountain Range of the Himalayas and serves as the gateway to Pangi and the valley of Leh. The Rohtang Pass is a natural divide between the humid Kullu Valley, which has a predominant Hindu culture and high altitude Lahaul and Spiti Calleys, which are predominantly Buddhist.
There is no option to stay at Rohtang Pass unless you have your own tent and set up camp by the roadside. However, Manali has many options and the tourists can easily stay here and relax in the midst of heaven that is Kullu and Manali.
5.Great Himalayan National Park:- Spread over an area of 754 sq. km, the Great Himalayan National Park is the newest addition to the list of India's most amazing national parks. Built in the year 1984, the park lies at an altitude of 1500 to 6000 meters. The exquisite location and scenic surroundings of this park are highlighted with Deodar and Oak trees. The park has many important wildlife species native to the Western Himalayas, like Musk Deer, Brown Bear, Goral, Thar, Leopard, Snow leopard, Bharal, Serow, Monal, Kalij, Koklas, Cheer, Tragopan, Snow cock etc. Many people visit this amazing park to experience trekking and camping in the alpine pastures of the Kully region. The best seasons to visit this park are summer and autumn.
At last this is the end of my Manali journey.