Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass: 51 Kms from Manali – 13,050ft / 3955 metres . This is the highest point on the road on the Kullu side before it winds down into the Lahaul- Spiti district. You get amazing views of the barren mountains to the north while to the south the Kullu valley presents a picture of rich green hillsides. Directly opposite lies the Sonepani glacier just left of the twin Gephan peaks.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley : 13 Kms northwest of Manali are the beautiful hill slopes of Solang Valley. On the banks of the Solang Stream, it has excellent ski slopes in winter, while in the summer it is the venue for Hot Air Ballooning, Paragliding and four-wheeled motorbike rides on the hill tracks. You can also take a horse ride into the meadows and forests all around. In winter go skiing or take a snow scooter ride on the glistening snow slopes. You can also climb up to a natural shivling which is formed in December and February each year.
Vashisht
Vashisht: 3 Kms from Manali across the river, this ancient village with traditional houses, is the site for hot sulphur springs which flow into two tanks where you can take a rejuvenating dip. The village also has a temple of Vashisht Rishi and another of Lord Rama.
Hadimba Temple
Hadimba Temple, is located in Manāli, a hill station in the State of Himāchal Pradesh in north India. It is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, sister of Hidimba, who was a character in the Indian epic, Mahābhārata. The temple is surrounded by a cedar forest at the foot of the Himālayas. The sanctuary is built over a huge rock jutting out of the ground, which was worshiped as an image of the deity.
Naggar
Naggar Castle: 8 Kms from cottage. This now growing village was once the capital of Kullu state. This ancient castle built around 1460 by the then ruler –Raja Sidha Singh is constructed in the traditional stone and wood architectural style. It was later taken over the British and was also a courthouse and the residence of the District Collector. It also contains a huge slab of rock with an interesting legend. Beautiful views of the widest part of the Kullu valley far below.
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev Temple: This beautiful temple high up on a mountain ridge opposite the Kullu town, affords breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains and thickly forested hillsides all around. Also get spectacular views of the Kullu and Parvati valleys. It is also the site for an unusual phenomenon that occurs every year. A fork of lightening strikes the temple’s metal spire which travelling down shatters the shivling within the temple. This is then put together with butter by the priest and is miraculously restored to its original form.
Manikaran
Manikaran: This small town is a major pilgrimage centre for the Sikh community and the large Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) is often hidden by the vapours rising from the Hot Springs here. The water is so hot that you can spot pilgrims cooking Rice and Dal in cloth bags. There is also an ancient temple here. A popular legend says that Parvati the Divine Consort of Lord Shiva retrieved her lost earrings here.