19-09-2024
By Urvashi
Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh's most well-known hill resorts, provides some of the state's most breathtaking vistas of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountains, typically blanketed in snow throughout the year. Manali has become a popular destination for young people seeking extended work stays.
Old Manali is one of their favourite neighbourhoods because it has cosy cafés, good Wi-Fi, little eateries, and convenience stores. Manali is an excellent starting point for exploring this side of the Himalayas because there are multiple trekking opportunities nearby.
With the Atal Tunnel, travellers may travel from Spiti to Sissu in a matter of hours, thus increasing its accessibility. The snowiest months are January and February, followed by December and March.. If you're very fortunate, snow may still be present in April.
The Jogini Waterfall Trek is the best day hike in Manali and one of the top attractions. The Jogini Waterfall Trek begins in the tranquil village of Vashisht, and it takes around three kilometres to reach the waterfall. A stroll through the forest will give you views of Rohtang and the Beas River on your left. This trek is the finest thing to do in Manali if you have a limited amount of time, and it is also one of the most picturesque locations in Manali.
Hardcore mountaineers and trekkers have long made Manali their base of operations. After all, mountains like Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakh, and Friendship Peak simply tower over the town, beckoning to be scaled. Here, mountaineering schools have formed themselves to serve this expanding community of hikers and climbers. The Patalsu peak is very close to these trekking trips. It is a relatively short hike in comparison. But what makes this summit trip unique is its accessibility to beginners. A summit ascent is an experience that stays with you for a very long time. The easy-moderate Patalsu walk provides the same unique sense as a peak ascent.
Hardcore mountaineers and trekkers have long made Manali their base of operations. The Bijli Mahadev Mandir, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, is when the Bijli Mahadev Trek gets its name. The location, at the height of 2452 metres, is 24 kilometres east of Kullu in the Himachal Pradesh district. Even though the trekking path includes a strenuous climb for the first kilometre, it subsequently eases into a more gradual and comfortable ascent for beginners, making it the trip that the less intensive traveller chooses among all the trekking places in India. Despite spending a lot of time in Himachal Pradesh.
The Anjani Mahadev Temple may be found at Solang hamlet, above Burma's ski slopes. Only a mule and horse-drawn trip will get you to the temple. The temple is well-known for its 20-foot-high ice sheet, which Baba Prakash Puri found 15 years ago. Anjani, Lord Hanuman's mother, is thought to have utilised this location for prayer and meditation; as a result, the temple bears her name.
You may get to the Mahadev temple by taking a short stroll through the valley, rivers, stones, and innumerable steps. The Shivling-Fatru-Solang, regarded as one of the most beautiful paths in both the summer and the winter, is overcome by this route, saving time. Anjani Mahadev Trail, which overlooks the picturesque Solang Valley, is still one of the most majestic locations with a waterfall that freezes in the winter and creates a 30 m tall natural Shiva lingam.
This waterfall in the middle of the hills has a beautiful, picturesque environment, making it a must-see location in Manali. The stream that subsequently combines with Beas is what creates this waterfall. Tourists like to enter the little pool at the bottom of the structure. However, it is advised against swimming in the collection during the rainy season due to the exponentially quick water flow that could cause injury.
This trail leads past quaint towns and picturesque valleys, and the area is so serene that it makes one desire to stay put forever rather than leave this Xanadu. At the base of the Jogini Mata fall is a modest temple with religious importance. A sight to behold, this 150-foot-tall waterfall is made even more impressive by the village's picturesque valleys.
By Air:
There isn't an airport in Manali; the closest one is in Kullu, 50 kilometres away, at Bhuntar. There are flights between Kullu and Delhi. However, they are erratic and quite expensive. Himalayan Bulls company provides the flights to the airport in Kullu from Chandigarh. Currently, the firm operates three flights a day from Chandigarh to Kullu. A pre-paid taxi is the most convenient way to go to Manali from the airport. An affordable alternative is to take public transportation from Kullu. Most travellers carry a flight to Chandigarh or Delhi before taking a drive to Manali. Delhi and Chandigarh are large cities with frequent flights into and out of them on all airlines.
By Road
Buses are a fantastic alternative if you're on a tight budget and want to get to Manali. The distance from Delhi, the Indian capital, is 570 kilometres, and buses frequently go between the two cities. Reservations for trips to Manali can be made online, at the Inter-State Bus Terminus, or at the Himachal Tourism office in Delhi, located on Safdar Hashmi Marg close to Mandi House. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses are well-liked, effective, and luxurious. The website that sells these VIP Volvo bus tickets also takes international credit cards.
Fourteen hours are needed to go from Delhi to Manali, 10 hours from Ambala, 8 hours from Chandigarh, and 1.5 to 3 hours from Kullu to Manali.
By train:
Ambala is the nearest station, 200 km away, and the closest train station to Manali. Another choice is to take a 250 km away train to Chandigarh. On the Delhi to Amritsar route is Ambala. Even trains bound for Jammu might halt in Ambala Cantt, from which point you'll need to take a bus or a car for the remaining 10 hours to Manali. There are other, less well-liked options for Manali, such as Joginder Nagar and Kalkaji.In Punjab, near the city of Nangal, Kiratpur Sahib is the closest station. It is located in Punjab's Ropar district. The station is along the Indian Railways' Ambala Cantt–Una route. Buses to Manali are readily available from here.
What precautions should I take when hiking in cold weather conditions in Manali?
When hiking in Manali's cold weather, there are a few considerations to make. To stay warm, first layer your clothing. Additionally essential for weather protection are waterproof boots and gloves.
Be conscious of your surroundings and take note of the weather. Avoid overexerting yourself if it is snowing or the wind is blowing fiercely.
Always inform someone of your whereabouts and anticipated return time.
Finally, pack a first aid kit and a map of the area to prepare for eventualities. You may have a safe and pleasurable experience hiking in Manali by taking these safety precautions.
What should I pack for a winter trek in Manali?
Winter is the season when lows of 0 °C are most common. Acclimatise can be challenging for you because of the high altitude and snowfall.
Keep an eye on your tolerance levels as a result. Additionally, be careful to include the following things for a winter trip.
You can bring your whole summer outfit with you for a winter holiday. However, it would be best only to carry woollen socks when travelling.
Manali winter excursions require both men and women to pack thermal clothing and bottoms. They serve as a good foundation layer for layered cold clothing. In freezing weather, layering is necessary.
You'll also require a sweatshirt or merino wool pullover for a winter journey.
Snow pants are essential, particularly if you're going to the Rohtang Pass.
Accessories are also essential for your vacation to Manali. You can bring some woollen gloves and beanies. Suppose you're planning to have snowball fights. Make sure your hands are wearing waterproof gloves.
Are there any dangers I may encounter on a winter trek in Manali?
We are all aware of the long-term repercussions of soil erosion, which results in the mountains' unnatural degradation and even landslides and rockfalls. Trampling causes the track to widen and plants to die. Trampling, trail widening, the development of additional trails, and increased soil erosion are all effects of Trekking.
All of this and the area's breathtaking geography provide thrilling chances for trekking in Manali. By experiencing the exhilaration of Manali trekking with one of the several Manali trekking packages, your trip to this beauty is complete. The area has frequently been referred to as a trekker's heaven. Adventure seekers pack their bags and travel to Manali throughout the year to be greeted by its breathtaking surroundings, which are just so ideal. Since most of the well-known treks in Himachal Pradesh begin in the Manali region, trekking in Manali has advanced significantly. Most of the nation's major cities are easily accessible by road, train, and air.
