Discover for yourself the Kullu Valley, going up to the Rohtang Pass at 13050 feet and encompassing the beautiful Manali in-between, nestled between the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. As its magical charms enamour, you ebulliently agree that it has rightly been christened as the "Valley of the Gods".
Major Adventure Sports Sites
Skiing
Manali
The Manali skiing expeditions involve helicopters, which are going to drop keen skiers onto peaks as high as 6,500m. The high peaks reduce the wind speed at lower levels where one skis, resulting in consistent, light and powdery snow. Powder skiing is easier to learn with the new thick kind of skis, especially if you are new to skiing.
Rohtang
Skiing facilities and training for beginners are available during the best part of winter. Commands an awesome height of 3978 Mts. and is 51 kms. from Manali, Recently a new ski terrain developed here has fired the imagination of ski lovers, as it offers a new challenge to their spirit of adventure. This is the only place in the country where the skiers can indulge in their favorite sport in summer as well as autumn. With the onset of summer, the skiers begin arriving here-dotting the silver-white backdrop with vibrant colors. The steep descents here are truly inspiring. The setting is just perfect both for the beginners and the seasoned. Skiing equipment is available and can be hired from the club
Solang Valley
A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi, offers enchanting views of the glaciers and snow capped mountain peaks, 13 km from Manali, it has good skiing slopes equipped with an excellent life. Located here are also a hostel of the Department of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, and a private trekking and campsite resort with all modern amenities required for holidaying elites.
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Skiing in Himalayas
Barely a few yards ahead of "Beas Kund" is the intricate pattern of snowy spikes emanating from a huge glacier that had slided down. And, here one is on the top of the world at the 13,500 feet high and mighty Rohtang pass with its deadly aura. The top looks more like a levelled barren sandy land. From here, the thick green forests look like tiny grasslands. In fact, trekking to Rohtang Pass is an adventurous journey that shows mountain escapes as beautiful as any in the world, with breathtaking vistas of brooding cliffs threaded by silvered waterfalls, pine-spiked ridges protruding out into the dizzying distance, and stretches of blueing mountains- range upon receding range.
Manali
Situated at the northern end of the Kullu valley, Manali has spectacular views of snowcapped peaks and is Surrounded by towering peaks from all around. Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It has a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.
Kothi
Kothi is a quiet but picturesque spot, at the foot of the 13,400 ft. Rohtang Pass about 12 km away from Manali town, situated on the Lahaul Spiti Leh highway. It used to be the camping place when the pass had to be climbed on foot and it is now accessible by bus, jeep or pony. There is a beautiful PWD rest house amidst open surrounding, offering a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks and glaciers.
River Rafting
Spiti
The wonderful adventure from Manali to Simla includes a 03 day run on the scenic Spiti river, surrounded by mountains and vehicular sight seeing trips and day hikes to historic monasteries and old villages.
Angling
Kullu
An angelers paradise, Kullu has several spots for both trout and mahaseer as well as other fish. Acclaimed as the best sport fish in the world, both brown and Raibow trout are found in Kullus Stream. The upper reaches of the river Beas in Kullu valley, and its streams like the Sarvari, Parbati, Saint, Hurla are excellent for the sport.
Important Temples in and around Manali
Vashist Springs
At about half an hour's brisk walking distance from town, there are sulphur springs-gush, hot and medicinal - emerging out of the mountains at Vashisht. Here, in a bath complex with a restaurant and a beautiful view, couples can soak in the privacy of their own sunken bath, warming all kinds of ailments out of their systems.
Jagatsukh
It is one of the biggest villages in Kullu district. About 6-km from Manali, Jagatsukh is famous for its Shiva temple that is built in "shikhara" style and nearby is the old and interesting Devi Sharvati temple.
Arjun Gufa
On the left bank of the Beas, 5-km from Manali near the village of Prini, is the 'Arjun Gufa' or the cave of Arjuna. In here Arjuna practiced austerities to get Pashupata Ashtra or weapon from Lord Indra.
Beas Kund
Further ahead is the Beas Kund. The tiny roundish igloo like stone hut shelters the Beas Kund, the very source of the holy river Beas. Water flows at the source of the river like a spring, so clear and icy cold that it almost numbs the fingers. All around is the rocky terrain with very little vegetation. A few mules graze around while all and sundry try to brave the wind on a clear sunny day.
Rohtang Pass
Situated about 50-km from Manali town, at an altitude of 4,111m on the highway to Keylong, is the Rohtang Pass. There is a beautiful Dasohar Lake left of the Pass. The Pass, which provides the only access to the Lahaul Valley, is open from June to November each year. Snowfall is, however, unpredictable and blizzards can close the Pass even during this period. Here one sees the majesty of the mountains at its height and splendor. A few km away from the pass is the Sonapani glacier and, slightly to the left are the twin peaks of Gaypan-jagged pyramid of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
Kullu
Enclosed by the snow range of the Himalayas, the Dhaula Dhar, and Pir Panjal, running parallel to the south of it, is a valley called Kullu, that leaves the spectator awe-struck at the breath-taking grandeur of its mountains, its torrents and its vast expanses of snow in its upper regions, Fascinating, calm, placid and gorgeous, this is the Valley of the Gods.
Kullu was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the end of the habitable world.
Places of Interest in Kullu
Raghunathji Temple
In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kulu committed a great wrong. To atone for the sin he sent a senior courtier to Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Ram. This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house the image and even today, is greatly revered. The shrine houses an image of Shri Raghunath in his chariot.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Set on a spur that offers some spectacular views, this temple is famous for its 20m high rod that periodically draws lightning, which shatters the 'Shivalinga' and scorches the building. Using only butter as adhesive, the 'linga' is then carefully pieced together by the temple pundit.
Around Kullu
Naggar
For 1,400 years Naggar remained the capital of Kullu. Its 16th century stone and wood castle is now a hotel run by Himachal Tourism. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist, Nicholas Roerich. Naggar also has three other old shrines.
Parvati Valley & Manikarna
At 1,737 m, here am hot sulphur springs that bubble next to the by waters of the Penal river. The place is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs Treks from here lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai' a stretch of considerable natural beauty. The route finally reaches the Pin Parvati Pass (4802 m), which opens into the Sutlej valley.
