Manali

Manali lies on the upper Beas, at about 2,050 m. It is Himachal's busiest mountain base. In town you can see the Hadimba Temple in its cedar grove. There is the old village at Vashisht with its hot springs, and the cafe lanes of Old Manali. Solang valley, the Atal Tunnel and Sissu are all a short drive away. In winter the slopes around get snow for skiing and sledging. In spring and summer there is rafting on the Beas, paragliding, mountain biking and a long list of treks. Manali is also the main starting point for road trips north to Lahaul, Spiti and Leh. Many travellers pass through more than once. Hotels, cars, fuel, banks and medical care are all easy to find. The town is crowded in May, June and around Christmas and New Year. Book ahead, and think about staying in Naggar, Vashisht or Old Manali for a quieter base. Heavy snow can delay roads in winter.