Discover the natural and religious wonders of Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, with our comprehensive guide. Explore the best activities, tourist attractions, and shopping options. Plan Manikaran Tour Packages
Guide to Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh: Discover the Best Activities, Tourist Attraction
April 13, 2023
Manikaran, a small town nestled in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is a popular destination among tourists. The town is known for its natural hot springs, beautiful temples, and picturesque surroundings. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Manikaran, including the best time to visit, how to reach there, nearby attractions, and more.
Best Time to Visit Manikaran
Manikaran can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C.
In the summer months of May and June, the temperature can go up to 30°C, but the cool breeze from the mountains makes it comfortable to explore the town. The monsoon season, which starts in July and lasts till August, brings heavy rainfall and landslides, making it difficult to travel.
During the winter months from December to February, the temperature drops down to -10°C, and the town gets covered in snow. While it may be a beautiful sight to behold, it's not recommended for tourists to visit during this time due to the harsh weather conditions.
How to Reach Manikaran
Manikaran is located around 85 km from Kullu and 170 km from Shimla. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is 35 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manikaran.
If you are coming by train, the nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 95 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Manikaran.
If you are traveling by road, you can either take a direct bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Kullu, Manali, Shimla, or Chandigarh. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey is scenic and enjoyable.
Best Activities in Manikaran
Now that you know how to reach Manikaran and the best time to visit, let's look at some of the best activities to do in Manikaran. Manikaran attracts tourists from all over the world. In this article, we will explore the top tourist attractions and activities to do in Manikaran.
| Tourist Attraction | Distance from Manikaran | Activities to do |
|---|---|---|
| Manikaran Gurudwara : The Manikaran Gurudwara is a popular religious site for both Sikhs and Hindus. It is believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, visited this site during his travels. The gurudwara is located right next to the hot springs, which makes it a perfect spot for a religious visit followed by a therapeutic bath. The langar (free community meal) served at the gurudwara is also a must-try. | 0 km | Religious visits, langar |
| Hot Springs: The hot springs in Manikaran are a natural wonder that attracts tourists from all over the world. The water in these springs is believed to have medicinal properties that can cure various ailments. Tourists can take a dip in these hot springs or enjoy a therapeutic bath in the designated bathhouses. | 0 km | Take a dip, therapeutic bath |
| Kheerganga Trek : The Kheerganga Trek is a popular trekking route in the Parvati Valley that starts from Barshaini and ends at Kheerganga. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and streams. Once you reach Kheerganga, you can enjoy the hot springs and camp overnight to witness the stunning starry sky. | 22 km | Trekking, camping |
| Parvati River : The Parvati River flows through Manikaran and offers several exciting activities for tourists. You can enjoy river rafting, have a picnic by the river, or just take a stroll by the riverbanks to enjoy the stunning views. | 1 km | River rafting, picnic |
| Tosh Village : Tosh Village is located around 20 km from Manikaran and is a popular tourist spot. The village offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and is surrounded by beautiful apple orchards. You can enjoy trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the local culture and lifestyle of the village. | 20 km | Trekking, sightseeing |
| Malana Village : Malana Village is located around 44 km from Manikaran and is known for its unique culture and lifestyle. The village is inhabited by the Malana community, who have their own language and customs. You can enjoy trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the unique culture and lifestyle of the village. | 44 km | Trekking, sightseeing |
Best Shopping While in Manikaran
As mentioned earlier, Manikaran is known for its local markets where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and local produce. Some of the things that you can buy while in Manikaran are:
- Handicrafts: Manikaran is known for its traditional handicrafts like shawls, rugs, and carpets. These handicrafts are made by local artisans and are a reflection of the rich culture and heritage of the region.
- Local produce: Manikaran is located in the apple-growing region of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its delicious apples, walnuts, and apricots. You can buy these fresh fruits from the local markets and enjoy them on your trip.
- Souvenirs: Manikaran has several souvenir shops where you can buy souvenirs like keychains, fridge magnets, and postcards. These souvenirs are a great way to remember your trip to Manikaran.
FAQ on Manikaran
Q: Is Manikaran safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Manikaran is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it's always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Q: What is the best time to visit Manikaran?
A: The best time to visit Manikaran is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities like trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the town.
Q: How to reach Manikaran?
A: Manikaran is well-connected to major cities in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states like Punjab and Haryana. The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is around 35 km from Manikaran. The nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is around 95 km from Manikaran. You can also reach Manikaran by road via buses or private taxis.
Q: What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Manikaran?
A: Manikaran is home to several natural and religious tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Manikaran include the Manikaran Gurudwara, the hot springs, the Ganga trek, and the Parvati River.
Q: What are the best activities to do in Manikaran?
A: Manikaran offers several exciting activities that you can enjoy during your trip. Some of the best activities to do in Manikaran include trekking, camping, hot spring bath, rafting, and exploring the local markets.
Q: What is the distance between Manikaran and Kasol?
A: Kasol is located around 4 km from Manikaran, and it takes around 20-30 minutes to reach Kasol from Manikaran by road.
Q: Is there any accommodation option in Manikaran?
A: Yes, Manikaran has several accommodation options like hotels, guesthouses, and campsites that offer comfortable and affordable stay options for tourists.