At 1,926 meters on the northern edge of the Kullu valley, is the most popular tourist resort in this area. Though it does not have the colonial characteristics of Shimla, over the last few years Manali has developed into a major hill resort, chock-a-block with modern hotels and tourist lodges. Situated along the Beas River with a superb view of the perennial snow cover of the Solang Nala, Manali transports travel-weary tourists into the exalted heights of the Himalayas. Originally known as Manu-alaya or abode of Manu, the name was later simplified to Manali. The ancient village is said to be the original home of Manu, the 2nd century BC lawmaker of the Hindus.
Manali is the focal point for treks and mountaineering expeditions into the Solang Valley and over the Rohtang Pass into Lahaul-Spiti. It is also the beginning of the epic two-day trans-Himalayan journey up to the cold desert town of Leh in Ladakh, connected by the Leh-Manali highway. Manali’s rapid ascent as a major tourist destination has been further accelerated by the rise of terrorism in the Kashmir valley. Besides the local Kullu people, Manali is full of migrants including Lahaulis, Nepali labourers and Tibetan refugees. Manali is also one of the favourite joints of marijuana-hunters, ever since the hippie cult of the 60s.

Places to see:

The most visited site in Manali is the Hidimba or Dhungri Temple. Dated 1533, this temple is dedicated to the local deity Hidimba, wife of the Pandava prince, Bhim. The temple is noted for its four-storeyed pagoda and exquisite wooden carvings. A major festival is held here in the month of May.

Manali also attracts tourists with its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. The Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa, built in 1969, is most famous. The monastery is maintained by donations from the local community and through the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshop. The smaller and more modern Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa stands nearer the bazaar, in a garden blooming with sunflowers. The Museum of Traditional Himachal Culture, near the Hidimba temple, is worth a visit.