Things to do in Manali
A Guide to Exploring Manali
Index
Part 1: Getting Around Manali
Understanding Manali’s Left Bank and Right Bank
Manali is divided by the Beas River, with a road running along each side of the valley. Locals refer to these sides as the Left Bank and the Right Bank, and you will hear these terms often when asking for directions.
The easiest way to understand this is to imagine travelling downhill in the direction the river flows. The road on your left is the Left Bank, and the road on your right is the Right Bank. This simple distinction makes navigating the valley much easier during your stay.
If you are not travelling with your own car, renting a motorbike is one of the best ways to explore the valley. It saves time in traffic and makes parking easy, especially during busy seasons. There are many rental options across Manali, and we are happy to share trusted contacts to help arrange a bike for your stay.
We can also assist in arranging local taxis for sightseeing and day trips around the valley. This also helps if you are anxious about mountain driving or parking in the hills.
For a slower and more scenic option, pushbikes are also available for rent across Manali and are a great way to explore nearby villages, cafés and forest roads.
Part 2: Places to visit in Manali
Old Manali
Old Manali is the historic and café-filled part of town known for its relaxed atmosphere, riverside walks and small independent restaurants. It is one of the most popular areas for travellers looking for a slower and more scenic Manali experience.
Getting there from The Duffdun House
Old Manali is a 10–15 minute walk from the estate. A scenic walking path begins just outside the main gate and passes through orchards before reaching the village. You can also walk via Hadimba Temple and take the stairs down into Old Manali. Both routes take roughly the same amount of time.
By car, Old Manali can be reached by driving down Hadimba Road and turning near the Circuit House.
Hadimba Temple
The Hadimba Devi Temple is one of Manali’s most iconic landmarks, set within the cedar forest of Dhungri Van Vihar. Built in 1553, the wooden temple stands over a natural rock believed to be sacred and is surrounded by towering deodar trees that make the area especially peaceful in the early morning and evening.
Getting there from The Duffdun House
The temple is a short 3–5 minute walk from the estate. From the temple grounds, stairways lead down toward Old Manali and Manali town market, making it a convenient walking connection between both areas.
Manali Town
Manali town is the commercial centre of the valley, with markets, bakeries, restaurants and everyday shops. While Old Manali retains a quieter village feel, Manali town offers easy access to shopping, dining and essential services.
Getting there from The Duffdun House
Manali town is a 15–20 minute walk from the estate. Local transport from the Hadimba Temple area reaches the town in a few minutes, and driving takes around 10 minutes depending on traffic. Several paid parking areas are available within the town.
Majhach, Shanag and Burua
Beyond Old Manali lie the quiet villages of Majhach, Shanag and Burua, known for traditional homes, apple orchards and wide mountain views. A clear mountain stream runs through the area, making the drive especially scenic and peaceful away from the main tourist routes.
Getting there
These villages are best explored by car, motorbike or bicycle. From Old Manali, continue along the Club House road and follow the river upstream to reach these villages.
Vashisht Village and Hot Springs
Vashisht is a historic village across the Beas River known for its natural sulphur hot springs, traditional temples, cafés and small market streets. It is one of the most popular short trips from Manali and is especially enjoyable in the morning or evening.
Getting there
Drive to Vashisht village and park at the main parking area at the start of the market, then continue on foot toward the hot springs. If the first parking is full, continue ahead to the next paid parking area. Avoid driving all the way up to the springs due to traffic and narrow roads.
Jogni falls
Jogni Falls is a scenic waterfall above Vashisht, reached by a pleasant walk through forest and small villages. The trail offers wide views of the valley and is a popular half-day outing from Manali.
Getting there
Begin from Vashisht village and follow the walking trail above the hot springs toward Jogni Falls. Locals along the route can easily point you in the right direction.
Naggar and the Left Bank Drive
Naggar is an ancient town on the left bank of the Beas River and was once the capital of the Kullu kingdom. The village offers beautiful views, traditional architecture and a quieter atmosphere compared to Manali.
Getting there
Drive from Manali toward Kullu along the left bank road. Naggar sits roughly halfway between the two towns, and paid parking is available near Naggar Castle.
What to see around Naggar
Naggar Castle
Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery and House
Jana village and local food stops
Scenic left bank drive
The drive itself is part of the experience, with several cafés and restaurants along the route, including good dining stops in the Shuru area on the way.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley is one of the most popular mountain destinations near Manali, known for wide alpine slopes and year-round adventure activities. In winter, the valley becomes a hub for skiing and snow experiences. During the warmer months, activities shift to paragliding, ropeway rides, hiking and scenic viewpoints.
Getting there
Solang Valley is a straightforward drive from Manali and makes for an easy half-day or full-day trip. Taxis are a convenient option for navigating busy seasons. Road access is generally open year-round, though winter conditions can sometimes restrict smaller vehicles depending on snowfall.
Kothi Village
If the goal is mountain views rather than activities, Kothi is a quieter alternative beyond Solang Valley. Less commercial and more scenic, it sits on the road toward Rohtang and offers dramatic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
Getting there
Kothi is best reached by car or motorbike and makes for a beautiful drive in most seasons. Vehicles can usually reach Kothi without permits, though winter road conditions may occasionally restrict smaller vehicles depending on snowfall.
Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the Pir Panjal range that connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti. The drive offers dramatic Himalayan landscapes and is one of the most memorable day trips from Manali.
Getting there
Rohtang is open only for a limited season after winter due to heavy snowfall. A permit is required to visit, which can be obtained online through the official Rohtang permit website. When travelling by taxi, the permit is usually arranged by the driver, but it is best to confirm in advance.
Lahaul Valley
Lahaul lies beyond the Atal Tunnel and offers a dramatic change in landscape from the green Kullu Valley to a high-altitude desert of wide valleys, glaciers and rugged mountains. The region feels remote, quiet and far less commercial than Manali, making it a memorable full-day trip.
Getting there
Lahaul is accessed via the Atal Tunnel from Manali. The drive passes through the tunnel and opens into the Lahaul Valley, where you can explore villages such as Sissu and Keylong. The journey is best done by car or motorbike and is usually possible throughout the year depending on weather conditions.
Kullu
Kullu is the main town of the valley and a gateway to many nearby destinations. It offers temples, monasteries, markets and access to the Parvati Valley and surrounding villages.
Getting there
Kullu is an easy drive from Manali along either the left or right bank of the Beas River. Both routes are scenic, and the choice often depends on traffic or the places you plan to visit along the way. Buses also run regularly from Manali to Kullu.
What to see around Kullu:
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Sharabai Monastery
Kais Monastery
Parvati Valley (Kasol and Manikaran)
Bhuntar Airport
Part 3: Places to eat in Manali
Old Manali and the surrounding villages are known for their relaxed café culture and mountain dining scene. These are guest favourites across the valley.
Near the Estate (Walkable or Short Drive)
Il Forno
Italian cuisine in a historic setting. Around a 10-minute walk or 5-minute drive.
Green Forest
Known for vegetarian momos and chutney. Around a 10-minute walk.
Old Manali Cafés
Come a Napoli
Popular for wood-fired pizzas.
Sabali
Hot chocolate, desserts and café meals in a scenic setting.
Manali Town
Corner House
Known for burgers, wings and pan-Asian dishes.
Chopsticks and Mount View
Tibetan and comfort Chinese cuisine.
Darjeeling Steamers
Home-style, healthy pan-Asian meals.
Vashisht Road
Kyaroo House
Tibetan favourites including shapta, tingmo and laphing.
Shanag Village
Martin’s Café
Known for Sunday roast chicken.
Shuru Area (toward Naggar road)
Pizza Olive
Healthy pizzas, momos, thenthuk and desserts.
Fat Plate
Fresh seasonal dishes and relaxed garden dining.
The Mountain Story
Two different restaurants within. One serving Indian and continental and the other specializing in Pahari cuisine.
Naggar
Ragini
Café meals and mountain views.
Nightingale
Relaxed café food in a scenic setting.
Part 4
Experiences at the Duffdun House
Manali
Life on the Duffdun Estate is designed around slow travel, fresh mountain air and time outdoors. Guests can explore forest trails, walk into Old Manali, relax with indoor games and enjoy seasonal activities designed to make longer stays comfortable and memorable.
Guided forest walks
We arrange guided walks through the Deodar forest behind the estate, timed for sunrise. Guests can enjoy quiet trails, mountain views, and tea with light snacks during the walk
Walkable location
From the estate, guests can walk to Old Manali, Hadimba Temple and Manali town using scenic paths and forest trails. The location allows exploration without relying on vehicles.
Long Stay Lifestyle
The Duffdun House is designed for slow travel and extended stays in the mountains. Guests can settle into a calm daily rhythm surrounded by forest, with quiet spaces to read, work and unwind. The property includes a small library, board games and a garden area suitable for outdoor games such as badminton, creating a relaxed residential atmosphere for longer visits.
Health and Fitness
Guests can maintain their fitness routine during their stay with access to the in-house gym. During peak seasons, complimentary follow-along yoga sessions are also offered, allowing guests to begin the day with gentle movement in a peaceful mountain setting. Availability of yoga sessions varies by season.
Indoor Leisure
Guests can enjoy a relaxed day indoors with a small selection of entertainment available to borrow, including guitars, games and a PlayStation. available on request at a nominal charge.
Work From the Mountains
The quiet forest setting and relaxed pace make the property well suited for remote work and extended stays. Guests often combine work hours with walks, cafés and mountain views throughout the day.
Private House Buyouts
The entire property can be reserved for families, groups or celebrations, offering complete privacy within the Duffdun Estate.
Home-Style Dining
Meals are prepared for resident guests in a home-style setting, focusing on comfort, warmth and seasonal ingredients rather than a formal restaurant experience.
Pahari food Making Experience
For groups of four to eight guests , traditional food making experiences can be arranged in the garden. Guests learn to prepare the local Himachali dishes and then enjoy them fresh by a warm outdoor fire.
Curated events & personalized decorations
Curated celebrations and personalized décor can be arranged for birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions, creating intimate and memorable gatherings within the estate.
500 m
1.2 km
2.3 km
50 km
0 km
Hadimba Temple
Old Manali
Mall Road
Bhuntar Airport
Manali Sanctuary & Forest Reserve