| Places
to see in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Kothi
12 km. A quiet but picturesque spot. The Rest House overlooks the narrow
valley and commands views of the mountains. Below Kothi, for more than a
kilometre the river Beas flows through a deep gorge, almost a
subterranean passage, 30 metres or more in depth, and the cliffs which
flank both sides of the canyon are a favourite haunt for rock pigeons.
The site of the bridge provides an interesting historical episode in the
early annals of Kullu.
Solang
Valley
13 km. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi which offers views of
the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. The plateau is frequently
used for holding camps by the trekking parties. Good skiing slopes of
the Mountaineering Institute. Venue of annual winter carnival from
February 10-14. Bus service upto Palchan village (10 km) and then by
jeep or on foot.
Rahla
Falls
2 km from Kothi. Here the river Beas hurtles down from a height of about
50 metres. Charming spot for picnics.
Manali
Sanctuary
A bridle path from the Manali log huts goes past the Dhoongri Temple and
wanders into the dense deodar, kail, horse chestnut, walnut and maple
forest which is a part of this sanctuary. Camping overnight in tents at
Lambadug or Galiani Thatch is possible.
Lush
green alpine pastures and glaciers lie beyond Galiani Thatch. Musk deer,
monal and brown bear are often spotted. For those who venture still
further into the glacier zone in summer, there are herds of ibex.
Hadimba
Temple: Hadimba
or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the
region. This four-story wooden temple is located in the middle of a
forest called the Dhungiri Van Vihar.
Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa: This
Gompa dominates the Tibetan area around the bottom of the Mall in Manali.
The Tibetan refugees built the Gompa in the late 1960's. The Gompa is
covered with brightly coloured frescoes and a mid size Buddhist statute.
It also carries a list of the martyrs killed in occupation of Tibet of
1987 to 1989.
Old Manali: The
old Manali area is located some 3-km from the present day Manali. The
old Manali is covered with guesthouses, which look ancient now, and
orchards where the livestock move at will.
Temple
of Manu:
Slippery
stones paths lead through the old village houses up to the temple of
Manu. Manali is named after the sage Manu who meditated when he came in
this area.
Tibetan Temple: Tibetans
have a base in Manali too. There is a large modern Tibetan temple to the
South of the bus stand and also a small handicrafts center.
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.
Around
Manali
Rohtang
Pass
51 km. At an altitude of 4,112 metres on the highway to Keylong, the
pass affords a wide-spread panorama of mountain scenery. In place of the
pinnacled hills, sheltered valleys and cultivated tracts, the eye meets
a range of precipitous cliffs, huge glaciers and piled Moraine, and deep
ravines. Almost directly opposite is the well defined Sonepani glacier,
slightly to the left are the twin peaks of the Geypang, jagged pyramids
of rock, snow streaked and snow crowned.
The Beas
river rises near the crest of Rohtang from a block of Mica-Schist. The
pass normally opens for traffic after mid-June and officially closes in
November. To its left, 200 metres higher, is the little lake of Sarkund
(Dashair) visited by a number of people, the general belief being that a
bath in these waters effects a cure of all bodily ailments-real or
imaginary. 10 km before Rohtang is the barren-landscape of Marhi which
hums with activity during summer and autumn months because almost
everyone stops here for refreshments.
Keylong
117 km. A fair sized village amidst green fields of barley and
buckwheat, Keylong is the headquarters of the Lahaul and Spiti district,
surrounded with brown hills and snowy heights. Karding Monastery
overlooks Keylong and is 3.5 km across the Chandra river while Shashur
Monastery is about 1 km. HPTDC Tourist Bungalow.
Triloknath
and Udeypur
These are two important places of pilgrimage in Pattan Valley. At
Triloknath is a six armed image in white marble of Avalokiteshvara,
Bodhisattava. Visitors will enjoy crossing the Chandra-Bhaga river and
the trek of 3 km to reach the destination. The temple of Marikula at
Udeypur is highly remarkable for its wood carvings. Udeypur is 166 km
from Manali. |
