There’s a lot to choose from, when it comes to places to visit in Manali. Nestled amidst the majestic Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar Ranges, the hill town of Manali is an ideal getaway from the city snarls. From the famous Hadimba Temple and the hot water springs of Vashisht, to the Tibetan centre Gadhan Thekchokling Gumpa, Manali is home to a myriad of charming experiences. Adrenaline addicts can head to Solang Valley for paragliding, zorbing and skiing. From backpackers hanging out in the hippy villages to travellers indulging in adventurous activities, Manali has something or the other for all kinds of travellers.
Mountain biking – Manali
The steep slopes around Manali are ideally suited for a great mountain biking expedition. Manali serves as a base for biking to the regions in Rohtang Pass, Lahaul and Spiti and Ladakh. The best time for mountain biking is during June to September when snow is cleared from the road. There are many local agencies from where bikes can be hired. Alternatively, customized mountain biking tours can also be taken from a local operator like Himalayan Extreme Centre. Himalayan Extreme Centre, 091 9816 174 164, Antrek Tours (Mr Naushad Kaludi) +91-1902-252292 / 254492 / 254006.
River Crossing
Adventurous people can very well go ahead and try out these sports. Popular areas which involve river crossings include Bhang and Aleo.
River Rafting in Manali
White water river rafting is possible in Beas River at Manali. Beas river good for white water rafting, Kayaking, canoeing and other water sports. Rafting Spot at Manali: Pirdi down to Jhiri section near Bajaura in Kullu district. This 15kms rafting distance having grade II and grade III rapids. Pirdi is 45kms far from Manali.
Mountaineering
Manali Himalayas have some challenging peaks and each year expeditions are organised by the Mountaineering Institute at Manali. The Mountaineering Institute has regional centers at Dharamshala, Bharmour and Jispa, which organises adventure courses as well. The Mountaineering Institute located at Manali provides training facilities for basic and advance climbing both for Indian nationals and foreign nationals. This institute also conducts other adventure sport activities like high altitude trekking, minor mountaineering, rock-climbing, skiing, and high altitude rescue and relief courses. The institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes.
Manali Trekking
Manali, Himachal Pradesh is paradise for trekkers and offers a virtual bonanza for them. April-May for low altitude trekking & camping & June to October is season for trekks (moderate to strenuous), which could range up to 11 days.
Rohtang Pass
A gateway to the twin valley of Lahaul and Spiti, Rohtang Pass remains open in summers from May/June (depending on the prevailing weather conditions) to October when regular buses ply between Manali-Keylong/Darcha, Udaipur, Spiti and Leh. On your way to this snow covered mountain pass you will come across many food stalls offering a variety of snacks and beverages. If you have begun very early in the day, maybe you can make a stop for breakfast or brunch here. As you proceed towards Rohtang Pass you will notice that the road narrows considerably. Parking also gets very difficult at this point. It is ideal to begin early in the morning, stay up to afternoon and start your return journey once the traffic clears. If you begin later in the day, you might have to walk for 15-30 minutes or ride a horse to Snow Point. The horseman charges about Rs 400 per horse to and from peak point.
Zorbing
Zorbing is one adventurous sport that can be enjoyed while visiting Manali. This adventure sport began here only in the year 2002, when the adventure operators imported the zorbs from New Zealand. Zorbs are made of transparent plastic and the adventure requires no skill but huge amount of courage. In this adventure, the person is slid inside the zorb and then it is then rolled down the slope. A maximum of two people (whose combined weight is not more than 120 kg) can zorb together. The zorbers are instructed to hold on to the harness places inside the zorb and after ensuring all the safety, these zorbs are made to roll down on 100 meters ride on a gradient. The more adventurous can opt for a 150 meter grade, to make the zorb roll at a higher speed.
Skiing in Manali
The most popular sport in Manali is skiing. The skiing equipment is skis which is heavy in weight. Visitor must be capable to hold the weight of the skis. It is a very fun activity that is enjoy by visitors. In Manali it is mostly played in the region of Solang Valley and Rohtang pass as these are the areas which are covered by snow for whole year and skiing is done well in the snowy area. There are also many other areas in Manali where skiing is possible at some extent. These include Kothi, Patalsu, Gulaba. Skiing is the game which is played by both the inexperienced as well as for professionals. It is a dangerous game which should be played carefully.
Paragliding in Manali
In Manali this game is playing during summer season. Fresher or experienced both can do paragliding as it is done under training of professional guides. Manali is considered as ideal place for the supporter of paragliding. The game is avoided in the season of winter because of the unsuitable conditions or weather. The best time for paragliding in Manali is May to September as in these months weather is suitable and the breeze is also favorable. It is really a thrilling experience to fly in sky and view the surroundings. There is least risk while paragliding as the professional pilot is taking care of every thing. For inexperienced person there is short flight and for experienced person there is high flight.