Manali, a quaint hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is a well-known location. It is known for its busy Mall Road, the Hadimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, its adventure activities, and many other things. But Manali is beyond these known touristy places. This place is also the home to offbeat places near Manali. Witness the lesser-known Manali hidden places to take a closer look at the stunning landscapes.
Here, through this informative blog on the hidden places in Manali, let us know a little better about these hidden gems. So, without wasting any further minutes, sit tight to explore.
11 Offbeat Places Near Manali & Some Hidden Places in Manali
Forget about the basic tourist places and old itineraries that are in the limelight–the Mall Road, Hadimba temple, clicking pictures with rabbits, etc. Discover a new destination, Manali offbeat places, and a new way to go on your next trip to Manali.
Arjuna Cave: A Mythological Retreat
Arjuna Cave is an interesting Manali hidden place, located near Pirni Village. The attraction is related to Hindu mythology. It is believed that the cave is a natural formation in Manali, making it a legendary place in the beautiful unexplored places in Manali. Arjuna, one of the Pandavas of the Mahabharata is believed to have meditated here to receive divine weapons from Lord Shiva. The quietness of the place is disturbed by the flowing water, giving you another reason to visit this hidden place in Manali. The cave is a peaceful escape from the usual tourist crowd amid lush greenery.
How to Reach
- Distance: About 5 km from Manali town.
- Travel: A short trek from Prini village.
READ MORE: Discover Old Manali
Hallan Valley: Soak in Himachali Lifestyle
Hallan Valley has to be on the list of offbeat places near Manali due to its quietness from the Manali chaos. It is one of the smallest valleys to explore. Stretched 6 km with a dozen villages on either side. Connected with motorable roads it will not take you more than 15-20 mins to explore the entire valley. You cannot expect anything touristy here, just soak in the Himachali lifestyle and beauty.
How to Reach
- Distance: 3 km from Naggar (towards Manali) the road to Hallan Valley
- Travel: Drive by car or bike.
Solang Valley: Adventure and Scenic Beauty
Situated between the Beas Kund and Solang Village, Solang Valley is located 13 km away from Manali. A wonderful offbeat places near Manali is popular among skiers in winter and paragliders in summer. But it is the best unexplored places in Manali that you should visit. Anjani Mahadev waterfall, located between the glaciers is a Shiva shrine. One should definitely experience it. If you want a quiet and peaceful trail then avoid visiting during peak hours.
How to Reach
- Distance: 13 km from Manali.
- Travel: Accessible via road; taxis are available.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Cafes in Manali
Nehru Kund: Natural Spring with Crystal-Clear Water
Nehru Kund was named after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. It is located alongside the Manali-Leh highway, one of the offbeat places near Manali. A natural spring famous for its crystal clear water, which originates from the Bhrigu Lake. Other unexplored places in Manali for that refreshing stop also offer landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. You must also know that this hidden place in Manali is “Melting Purity” because it filters the snow of Bhirgu Lake.
How to Reach
- Distance: 6 km from Manali on the Rohtang Pass road.
- Travel: Easily accessible by car or bike.
Customize your Manali Tour HERE…
Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa: A Tibetan Marvel
Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa, a Buddhist monastery is yet another hidden places in Manali. It is located in the heart of Manali, quite near to the Mall Road of Manali. Witness the Tibeatan architecture with which the temple is made up of. The temple also has a large statue of Lord Buddha. You can see the two-storey statue of Sakyamuni. The temple opens at 6 am in the morning and closes at 7 pm in the evening.
How to Reach
- Distance: Near Mall Road, Manali.
- Travel: Walkable distance from Manali bus stand.
Extended Read: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Manali
Gulaba: Quieter Alternative to Rohtang
Gulaba is a beautiful offbeat places near Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass. Unlike Rohtang, Gulaba is a village that is a better option for people as it is one of the hidden places in Manali. Definitely, the best alternative to Rohtang Pass with its landscape, view of snow-covered mountains, and adventurous activities. You must also know that this hidden places in Manali is open all year for tourists.
How to Reach:
- Distance: 20 km from Manali on the way to Rohtang Pass.
- Travel: Accessible via road.
Chichoga: A Quaint Hamlet
Another offbeat places near Manali is the Chichoga Village, located 1.8 km from Manali Mall Road. The village is one of the hidden places in Manali, untouched by commercial tourism. Surrounded by apple orchards and lush green Deodar trees standing tall to add to the beauty. Chichoga, the unexplored places in Manali is a great location for photographs. Witness the best views of Kullu-Manali and mesmerizing views of the Pir Panjal Range from the houses in the village. The best time to visit Chichoga village is from March to June or post-monsoon.
How to Reach
- Distance: 1.8 km from Manali.
- Travel: Accessible via a short trek or drive.
TIP: You can get comfortable guesthouses and homestays in the village.
Jana Waterfall: A Scenic Picnic Spot
Jana Waterfall in Jana Village, 32 km away from Manali is a hidden place in Manali. The natural waterfall is surrounded by dense Pine trees on the way. This waterfall is one of the beautiful unexplored places in Manali, near Delhi. It is on the way that leads you to the Bijli’s Temple.
The source of the water in the Jana Waterfalls is unknown, which makes this place even more interesting. The month of September is the best time to visit Manali hidden places.
How to Reach:
- Distance: 11.5 km from Naggar Palace.
- Travel: Requires a scenic drive followed by a short trek.
Naggar Castle: Blend of History and Views
This offbeat places near Manali, the Naggar Palace is located 20 km away from Manali. It was built in 1460 A.D. by Raja Sidhi Singh. Earlier this hidden place in Manali was used as a Royal residence and state headquarters until the British took over in 1846. The palace was converted into a rest house in 1978. Currently, it is a heritage hotel run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).
Visit these wonderful unexplored places in Manali to witness the perfect blend of Himalayan and European architecture. The magnificent view from this destination should be on your Manali bucket list.
How to Reach:
- Distance: 20 km from Manali.
- Travel: Easily accessible via road.
Vashisht Hot Water Springs: Natural Thermal Baths
Located along the Beas River, close to Rohtang Pass, Vashisth Hot Water Spring is a must-visit hidden places in Manali. The place is known for its Vashisth temple dedicated to Sage Vashisth and the sulphur-filled water. One can enjoy the mesmerizing view of River Beas. For the convenience of people, this hot spring is divided into two tanks one for men and the other for women. Also, find Turkish-style baths here for private showers.
How to Reach:
- Distance: 6 km from Manali.
- Travel: A short drive or trek.
Bhrigu Lake: High-Altitude Gem
4300 metres above sea level, Bhrigu Lake is one of the Manali offbeat places. The place is said to have a history of Saint Maharishi Bhirgu sitting and meditating. To reach the lake you have to do the Bhirgu Lake trek, which lies 20km north of Manali. Easily access the trek from Gulaba. Not only do you get to see the Lake after the trek but the greenland of this trek is also an unmissable attraction.
How to Reach
- Distance: 20 km from Manali.
- Travel: Requires a beautiful trek.
Manali is not just a tourist site, it has all the hidden places in Manali that inspire a journey of adventure, spirituality, history and even solitude. Whether you’re seeking ancient caves, high-altitude lakes or just a little time away in a quiet hamlet, these 11 hidden gems across Himachal Pradesh guarantee an experience away from the more typical.
FAQs
Where are the most offbeat places in Manali?
There are many unexplored places in Manali, but Hallan Valley by far tops the list. It is one of the best-kept secrets of Manali.
What are the hidden places in old Manali?
Gulaba Lake and Bhirgu Lake are some of the few hidden places in Manali. These are some beautiful places that should be visited during your Manali trip.
Where is the best place in Manali to stargaze?
Rohtang Pass is the most popular place in Manali to stargaze. The high altitude and less pollution present make it perfect for stargazing.
Which is the less crowded place in Manali?
Some of the less visited tourist places in the hustling-bustling Manali are Bhirgu, Jana, Sethan, etc.
So, next time you visit Manali, step away from the crowds and discover these lesser-known wonders of the Himalayas.
