Experiences around – The Wooden Chalet, Manali

The Wooden Chalet, Manali is centrally located. As a destination, Manali offers a lot options
to explore based on your interest. You can binge-watch the snow-cladded mountains from
The Chalet & also include them in your travel itinerary – around the year. Let me share the
recommended options –

High Mountain Passes

• Rohtang Pass: May, June & July are the best months to explore Rohtang Pass for snow seekers and adventure enthusiasts. It remains closed between Oct to April due to heavy snowfall. Altitude: 13,000 feet | How to reach: By Taxi | Distance: 40 km
• Hamta Pass: Hamta Pass is very close proximity to The Wooden Chalet, Manali. Nature lovers can enjoy the road trip, lush greenery, and cool breeze from March to Dec. Snow seekers can reach the pass with 4 by 4 vehicles and enjoy snow activities from Dec to Feb. Altitude: 12,000 feet | How to reach: By Taxi | Distance: 12 km

Adventure

• River rafting: It’s a fun filled experience. Rafting can be done anywhere between Manali to Kullu. There are many adventure operators along the National Highway.
• Paragliding: If you always felt flying like birds, here is your chance. Solang Valley, Dobhi & Rohtang Pass are 3 major paragliding points near The Wooden Chalet, Manali.
• Cable Car Ropeway: Have this ultimate experience of reaching to the top of mountain from Solang valley. Along the panoramic views, you will also witness lot of wildflowers in summer & snow-white meadows at the top.
• Zorbing: Be inside a huge ball, roll down and see the world upside down. You can experience this at Solang valley.
• Ziplining: Cross the mountains & forest with a rope tied to waist. This activity will offer adrenalin rush with speed as you cross across. You can experience this at Solang valley.
• River Crossing: Get tied with safety knobs and cross the river hanging over a rope. You can experience this at Van Vihar (Old Manali).
• ATV/Quad Bike Ride: Experience off roading terrains with this adventure activity at Solang Valley.
• Skiing: Indulge & ski down from snow filled slopes in winters. You can experience this at Solang Valley & Hamta Pass.
• Snow Scooters: Drive a Snow Scooter around Solang Valley’s scenic landscape during winters & fulfill your adventure zeal.

Destinations

• Atal Tunnel – It is World’s Highest Tunnel, situated at a height of 10,000 feet. This 9 km long tunnel is considered as engineering marvel. It connects Lahul & Spiti region with Manali.
• Sissu Village – This is the first village of Lahul District. It is known for an instant change in landscape after crossing the Atal Tunnel. You will find multiple Food & Beverage Refreshment options. Sissu also has a lake & waterfall. This place was in limelight on Instagram for the mesmerizing Autumn Fall. You can also experience snow up till 15th May.
• Chandra River – One should not miss spending an hour or two beside this gushing and broad river. There are various points along the way from Atal Tunnel to Sissu from where this river can be accessed. Broad panoramic views and flowing river will be an amazing memory to take back.
• Suraj Tal – Situated at a height of 16,000 feet, Suraj Tal is known for its scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes.
• Deepak Tal – its located at a height of 12,000 feet and 28 kms before Suraj Tal. Both the lakes are covered together in a day journey and also knows as twin lakes of Baralacha la Pass.
• Solang Valley – This beautiful valley is an adventure hub. It has numerous adventure activities for Summer & Winter. You can also hike (2 km) or do ATV ride/horse ride till Anjani Mahadev Temple.
• Old Manali – Its laid-back village cum marketplace for Hippi clothing, handicraft, hand-woven dreamcatchers & Cafes. You will not be able to take your eyes off from ever flowing Manalsu river.
• Beas River – Your Manali trip is incomplete without dipping your feet, chilling your beers or fruits in Beas river. You can find multiple spots between The Wooden Chalet & way to Atal Tunnel to stop by and take home the memory of this river.
• Manali Mall Road – Like all other Hill Stations, Manali has also got a Mall Road where you can experience multiple cafes, restaurant, shops for handicraft, kullu shawls, caps etc.
• Manu Temple – This temple is dedicated to sage Manu. Manali’s name is derived “Manu Allaya” (abode of Manu). Hence the temple has its historic significance.
• Hidimba Devi Temple – Built in 1553, It’s an ancient cave temple dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, wife of Bheem. The temple is known for its wood & stone structure (Kath-Kuni) & mythological significance. You will be in awe of huge pine trees all around the temple. Sanctuary around is known as Dhungiri Van Vihar. Post your visit to the temple, there are Yak’s available for a ride. Photos in and around the pine filled sanctuary comes out well.
• Vashisht Temple – This 4000-year-old temple is dedicated to sage Vashisht. You can experience hot water spring bath here.
• Tibetan Monastery – This monastery is located at just 5 mins walk from Mall Road. You can visit this beautiful monastery and also buy handicrafts.
• Jogini Waterfall – This waterfall is considered as one of the best waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh. One should not miss a leisure trek to this massive waterfall. It takes around 1 Hr. to reach the place from Bahang.
• Naggar Castle & Roerich Art Gallery & Museum – The Castle is an ancient building. This Castle was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. The hotel overlooks the Kullu Valley and apart from the spectacular view and superb location this has a flavour of authentic western Himalayan architecture. Here, a gallery houses the paintings of the Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
• Jana Waterfall – Jana Waterfall lies in Jana Village, 35km away from Manali, in Naggar. It is a spot where you can try local delicacies like Siddu at Maniram Dhaba. You will also find apple orchards here.
• Prashar Lake – Parashar Lake is a freshwater lake located at an altitude of 2,730 metres & 3 hrs. drive from The Wooden Chalet. It also has a three storied pagodalike temple dedicated to the sage Prashar situated on its bank. It contains a floating island inside it.
• Manikaran – This place is located 4 kms ahead of Kasol. It is known for Natural Hot Water Spring, Gurudwara & Temples.
• Kasol – It’s a hamlet located 80 kms from The Wooden Chalet in Parvati Valley, on the banks of the Parvati River. Kasol is the Himalayan hotspot for cafes & hippi market. It also acts as a base for nearby treks to Malana and Kheerganga.
• Bijli Mahadev Temple – Located at height of 8070 feet, Bijli Mahadev is one of the ancient temples in India and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s a good day trip at a distance of 67 kms by road & rewarding 3 kms trek. This temple offers 360-degree panoramic view of mountains. Every 12 years, the Shiv lingam is struck by lightning which causes the lingam to break into pieces. The priest then wraps the broken lingam with butter and after few days the lingam becomes as it was.