As soon as the scorching heat of summers spatters through our country, all vacationers crave for a cool getaway. Although there is no dearth of hill stations in our country. Manali is one of the main summer destination for backpackers, trekkers and honeymooners escaping the summer heat. Due to its scenic beauty, it is also known as the Switzerland of India. Located in the Kullu valley, it is surrounded by snow capped mountains offering an exciting challenge for the trekkers. But Manali is a too crowded you say? You would be surprised by how much this amazing region in Himachal Pradesh has to offer! Salt and Sandals presents to you a list of off beat hill stations near Manali that are neither too crowded nor too touristic to kill your privacy. They serve exactly what you are looking for.
1. Kasol
Kasol
Main agenda behind a visit to Kasol is to just relax as the town does not have much to offer in terms of sightseeing or monuments, but just the natural beauty all around. Make sure you visit cafes and the local market here in Kasol. The Malana Trek will consume a full day, so if you want to do that, you will have to extend your stay for another day or so. Walking is the best way to commute in Kasol as the town is very small. However, if you wish to go to Manikaran or to Malana, then you might need to take a local taxi or a state bus to go there.
2. Rohtang
Rohtang Pass
Located at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Rohtang pass serve as the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. About 50Kms from Manali. The place surely makes to our off beat tourist destination because of its scenic beauty and strategic importance for India. The best time to visit Rohtang is from May to October. Besides sightseeing, tourists can also indulge in sledge rides and skiing. Closest accommodation point is Manali and due to scarcity of food stalls in Rohtang, we advice you to carry your own food while visiting Rohtang.
3. Solang
Solang
Solang Valley is among most preferred locations for adventure sports in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of 8,500 feet and about 16 kms from Manali, Solang valley is a popular for snow capped mountains, lush greenery and apple orchids. Solang offers a variety of options when it comes to eating. You can find Punjabi, South Indian, Italian, Tibetan and Chinese. Resorts and hotels serve non-veg and veg meals.
To enjoy skiing, January and February are the best seasons. For trekking and zorbing, May to November is the best time and for paragliding, it can be done any time except monsoon.
4. Malana
At an altitude of 9,938 feet above sea level lies the village of Malana also known as the village of Taboos. This village is about 60kms from Manali and is considered as one of the oldest democracies in the world.Malana is connected to the Kullu valley by three mountain passes. It can be reached from Parbati Valley, Manikaran after a 10-hour trek over the 3180-meter high Rashol Pass, or via Nagar over the 3600-meter high beautiful Chanderkhani Pass, which is a two-day trek. The easiest and shortest way to reach Malana is from the village Jari connected to Kullu valley. It is an easy and picturesque walk of six hours to Malana, which is only 12 km from here.
Due to its location in the Himalayan region, the village has extreme climate. Summers are the best months to visit the place as it is accessible during that time. The best time to go is early May to August. This is when the summer festival takes place
5. Manikaran
Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley on river Parvati, northeast of Bhuntar in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh. At an altitude of 1760 m and is located about 45 km from Kullu. This small town attracts tourists visiting Manali and Kullu to its hot springs and pilgrim centres. Manikaran is considered a sacred place for both Hindus and Sikhs. Manikaran is famous for the natural hot springs. The hot springs is said to possess curative powers. Many pilgrims take a dip in the holy water to wash away their sins and others seek its curative qualities. Manikaran enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year. Best time to visit Manikaran is from March to May.
Coming back to Manali – Sadhus, yaks, cafes, trance music and the sound of the river running through best define the Manali.
The very artistic, lively, colourful and beautiful Manali is a must visit for any ardent traveller. Do share your travel story with us in the comments below.
