Let’s Uncover the Beauty and Charm of Old Manali
If you are planning to visit Manali Himachal Pradesh, you cannot give Old Manali a miss. Old Manali Himachal Pradesh is a charming place and is the crown of Manali for a reason. Whether you’re into nature, culture, adventure, or just looking to relax, Old Manali has got you covered. Help yourself soak into the culture of Old Manali by offering you the perfect vibe of the place. So what are you waiting for? Book a trip with Himachal pradesh tour packages and find some joy in your journey with us.
Let us navigate more through the roadmap of the Old Manali travel guide. The village is only 3 km uphill from the main town of Manali, and it’s situated across the Manalsu River. You are sure to love the apple orchards, quaint homestays, and cozy cafes that offer a variety of cuisines and live music.
The town has an exotic charm that will make you feel like you’ve entered a whole other world. It’s managed to retain the old-world charm, and you’ll find a great mix of world travelers and hippie vibes. You’ll also discover the traditions of older civilizations that are still alive and well here.
Best Time to Visit Old Manali
Old Manali Himachal Pradesh is a beautiful town that can be visited throughout the year. If you want to enjoy the chilliness of the weather and have a snowy experience then the best time to visit would be between January and February.
During this time you can even indulge in activities like snowboarding, skiing, and trekking. You can also participate in the annual carnival that is held in January to showcase the cultural and artistic diversity of Himachal Pradesh.
Summers from April to June are also pleasant and comfortable, inviting a lot of tourists from all over. Activities like trekking and camping can be enjoyed now. You can also enjoy the Hadimba Devi Festival which is held in May to commemorate the birthday of Hidimba Devi.
Suggested read : 5 Things to do in Manali in One Day
Old Manali Vs New Manali
Choosing between Old Manali and New Manali depends on your preferences. Old Manali is famous for its rustic charm, hippie culture, vibrant nightlife, shopping, cafes, and budgeted stays. Whereas, New Manali is more developed and modern. It is suitable for travelers looking for luxury, shopping, and entertainment.
Places to visit in Old Manali
1. Ancient Temples Of Old Manali
Old Manali has two ancient temples of historical and cultural importance – the Manu temple and the Hidimba Temple. The Manu Temple is located on the banks of the Beas River and is dedicated to the sage Manu, while the Hidimba Temple is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hadimba Devi. Both temples are open from 8 am to 6 pm and have free entry.
2. Jogini Waterfalls
This well-known waterfall is one of the most popular places to visit in Old Manali . You can reach Jogini waterfall in Manali by trekking through a scenic trail that passes through apple orchards and pine forests. The trek takes about an hour. Visitors enjoy taking baths at the small pool under the waterfall.
3. Naggar Castle
The castle, a prominent cultural and architectural landmark in the region, is an offbeat place inOld Manali, attracting visitors from all around the world. The famous Bollywood movie “Jab We Met” has been shot here. The castle is open from 7 am to 10 pm and the entry fee is Rs. 15 per person.
4. Vashisht Temple and Hot Spring
This is a temple dedicated to Sage Vashisht, who was the guru of Lord Rama. It is situated on the banks of the Beas River and has a natural hot spring inside it..You can bathe in this spring and experience the healing powers it has. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Manali. The temple is open from 7 am to 9 pm and entry is free.
5. Van Vihar National Park
Vihar National Park is a magical place filled with green trees, chirping birds, and fresh air. It’s like a huge playground where you can run, jump, and play all day long.
Things to do in Old Manali
Visiting the old Manali snow point and playing in the snow is a must-do thing with your loved ones. Visitors can get stunning views of snow-capped mountains and heaps of snow. Adventure seekers can contact local operators for some adventure activities in Manali like skiing and snowboarding.
Old Manali is a great place for shopping in Manali. You can buy traditional clothes, jewelry, local handicrafts, souvenirs, and unique woolen shawls. The market is open from 10 am to 8 pm and entry is free.
Party lovers can expect some vibrant nightlife in Old Manali. The place offers some of the best places to eat in Old Manali, with several bars and cafes that offer the best local food of Manali.
Accommodations in Old Manali
Some of the best resorts in Old Manali are
- The Orchard Greens Resort
- Snow Valley Resorts and Spa
- Manali Heights
You can also consider to stay at some of the best Old Manali Homestay like
- The Mountain Nest
- The Orchards House
- The Heritage Homestay
- The Alpine Lodge
Old Manali Zostel
Zostel Manali in Old Manali is a backpacker hostel located in the scenic town of Manali. It offers a range of activities like snowboarding, trekking, and paragliding, making it an ideal destination for adventure and mountain lovers. The hostel also has The Garden Café, which serves authentic Himachali food and is a great place to meet new people.
Are there any cultural experiences unique to Old Manali?
One can feel the cultural experiences after visiting ancient temples like Manu temple and Hidimba temple. You can also participate in local music, and festivals, and interact with the local residents to get a feel of the cultural experiences.
What are some local cuisines and specialties to try in Old Manali?
Some of the local cuisines to try in Old Manali are siddu (steamed bread stuffed with nuts), thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), trout fish (fried or grilled), etc
How can one reach Old Manali?
The distance is about 2 km from the city centre to Old Manali and visitors are required to cross a narrow bridge to reach the place. You can either hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw to reach Old Manali.
What is Old Manali?
Old Manali is the quaint part of the Manali town famous for its narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, cafes, and laid-back vibe.
