Here are some of the things that make the summer, and July, the perfect time to visit Manali.

Adventure Activities

The weather is perfect for trying out some of the many adventure activities in and around Manali. An adventure sports centre offers various trekking and rafting opportunities near the Beas River where trained experts provide advice and act as guides. Some people also plan longer treks starting from Manali. Treks like Solang, Kinner, Kullu, Chandartal and Chandrakhani are very popular.

The region also becomes conducive to cycling and many expeditions leave at this time towards Spiti or Leh. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a cycling enthusiast. Travellers come from all over the world to traverse the high passes towards Leh and beyond.

Other fun adventure activities are also organised in July. Rappling, Zorbing and paragliding are becoming quite popular with children. Run by professionals, these activities are not intensive and perfect for a short holiday.

Roads to Leh and Spiti

Even though the passes open up in mid June, it’s not until July that the weather really improves enough for reliable travel along these routes. With word passing through the travel community about it’s spectacular natural beauty and interesting culture, Leh is the most popular destination to visit from Manali. Plenty of vehicles leave Manali in July to traverse the high passes of Chang La, More plains, Tanglang La and other fantastic topography.

Regular trips also leave for Spiti to arrive in the monastery towns of Kaza, Nako and Tabo.

Rohtang Pass

While the weather in Manali is bright and sunny, Rohtang pass (about 1.5 hours drive from Manali) still has snow. Various tea stalls, restaurants and small knick-knacks shops line the area.

Since it’s a relatively short drive away it’s a popular destination for a day or even half-day trip. Yak rides and all terrain vehicles are seen all around.

Old Manali

With no thunderous showers over your head, it’s a good time to hit Old Manali street to pick up kitsch products, bright hippie clothes or just sit around and experience the Bohemian life. Old Manali is also famous for its orchards and old guest-houses. A ruined fort and the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu offer a couple of interesting sightseeing opportunities.

Other articles and links of interest
Top 10 Manali Things To Do
Manali Destination guide
Manali homestay collection
National Parks of India – The Great Himalayan National Park

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Manali Things To Do – Himachal Hill Station Tips
2. Photo of the month competition: July 2010
3. Photo of the month competition: July 2011

Latest on the list of hot-spots for wildlife, is the Great Himalayan National Park.

About The Great Humalayan National Park
Located in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, the park is spread over an impressive 1171 sq km. It has about 375 fauna species and a wide array of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, including snow leopards.

Cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Great Himalayan National Park is replete with rivers, camping spots, trekking trails and wildlife watching locations.

How to Get There
The Park is accessible by over-night buses from Delhi or flights that land in Bhuntar in Himachal Pradesh. Make Kullu your base and then enter the park for wildlife spotting.

Entry Fees
There are separate fees for Indian and Foreign Nationals for the park entry at Rs 10 and Rs 200 per head, respectively. You also have to pay charges for carrying still and video camera. Students can get discounted prices.

Season
The best weather conditions for wildlife spotting are summers. This is the time when the animals step out of their verdant surroundings in search for water. If visiting Kullu, it is best to use this as a gateway for other places in Himachal and also Ladakh. Avoid the monsoon season due to road blocks and landslides.

Things to do
Apart from the key activity of wildlife spotting, the Great Himalayan National Park allows for some more interesting activities as the park lies in the heart of Himachal and there are plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals. Some of the things that you may want to include:

1. Treks – There are 7 serious treks that you can do in addition to numerous smaller hikes. Sainj Valley, Tirthan, Gushaini, Jiwi Nala, Rakistar and Pin Parvati are some of the names that many adventure lovers reckon with. Book ahead to get a place on the treks with experts from the region.

2. Local Architecture – There has been a huge effort to retain and preserve the old Himachali architecture in the region. See the old wooden, mud and stone houses preserved by the Ecozone of GHNP, which blend in seamlessly with the environment.

3. Festivals – The Eco Tourism wing of the park gives you the opportunity to mix with the locals, especially at the times of the festivals. It is a great way of adding a unique experience to your visit and to get an understanding of the local lifestyle. Be a part of Fagli in winter, village fairs in April and the much celebrated Dusherra in October.

4. There are a number of pilgrimage sites close to the park. Local deities and Gods command great reverence. Raktisar, Hanskund and the Sirikhand Mahadev Lake are three places that one can visit.

5. Watch educational films and documentaries at the Larji Information Centre built for the benefit of the tourists. This is a great place to engage children with some knowledge based activities.

Explore the region
There are many reasons to visit this part of Himachal Pradesh and a variety of experiences for travellers. Make your base in the non touristy areas, and explore the hills and the frothy rivers. Camping, rafting, climbing, fishing and getting up close to village life should all be part of the itinerary.

Great destinations to explore in Himachal Pradesh include Manali which is just 32km from Kulla and a good place to base yourself for a few days.

If you are interested in visiting The Great Himalayan National Park  then our reservations team can help you plan a trip based on your interests. Get in touch to find out more!

Related posts:

1. National Parks of India – Eravikulam National Park
2. National Parks of India – Hemis National Park
3. National Parks of India – Mukurthi National Park

1. Make the most of Manali
A short drive from the main Manali town is Manali Meadows (pictured above), a homestay enveloped by serenity and undisturbed natural beauty. The peace of the surroundings is carried into the décor of the house, which is soothing and warm. This homestay in Manali has three spacious and distinctly styled guest bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and a balcony, which affords guests a different view of the region’s beauty. Tucked away in the foothills and surrounded by infinite cedar trees the homestay’s offers different vistas with every season. The homestay’s front lawn has a small camping tent for those who wish to rough it out for a night. The main Manali town, many monasteries, the snow clad Rohtang Pass and the over 400 year old Hidimba temple are all nearby the homestay. Treks, skiing, white water rafting and other adventure sports can be easily arranged for guests. For a more relaxed interaction with nature, you can go to a farm to enjoy orchard farming, honey collection and other rural activities.

2. The best of Bhimtaal
A testing climb from Bhimtaal will take you to an oak forest beyond Jangali Gaon (Wild Village) where you will come across Emerald Trail (pictured above), a homestay perched on the highest edge of the village. All the rooms in this homestay are large and offer enchanting views of the region’s grand hills and deep valleys. The home is bedecked with antique furniture and the generous use of wooden panels enhance the warm feel radiated by the home. The house has lots of open sitting areas, where children can run around and play for hours. At the homestay you can lend a hand in the daily chores which include milking the cows, picking vegetables and feeding the animals. Tours to the revered Kailash Mandir, Ranikhet, Naukuchiyataal, Bhimtaal, Saattaal and more can be organized with ease. Many nearby trails offer opportunities for walking, cycling and treks. Stargazers will find the family’s telescope handy when it comes to spotting bright constellations. Paragliding can be enjoyed from a site near the homestay.

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3. Homestays in and around Nainital
Set in 8 acres of land The Cottage (pictured above) radiates grace, peace and history. The homestay’s living room is believed to have been the site where Swami Vivekanada meditated under a tree. The home began hosting guests fifteen years ago with just one room but now five exquisite rooms are available for guests. Other than the sprawling home, the property also houses a fruit orchard and animals like the barking deer can be seen from the house. With many echelons the homestay is reminiscent of a playful maze, which surprises you with each turn and corner. Rare paintings done by famous artists as well as previous visitors adorn home and speak of the bond formed between the guests and the host. The bathrooms, much like the home, are cheerful, creative and aesthetically done. The homestay is close enough from Nainital, Bhimtaal, Sattaal and Naukuchiyataal for day tours to be comfortably undertaken then, in the evening, return to The Cottage for a bright bonfire and to see the lights of the region make an “Aum” symbol.

The Hive (pictured above) is a buzzing homestay, which was built in the 1860’s. It boasts of a British colonial architecture complemented by impeccably maintained landscapes. The home has a rich history as it was the home of Christopher Corbett, Father of Jim Corbett. Today The Hive serves as a prestigious homestay for guests of Nainital. Perched on the Ayarpatta hill, The Hive is within walking distance to the Mall road but far enough from its noise and chaos. The homestay has four large and welcoming suites, all with ensuite bathrooms. From the patio you can enjoy picturesque vistas of the region that’s rich with flora and fauna. The home has an old world charm with a warm and earthen ambience that’s enhanced by the generous use of wood and sunlight. The homestay has a private restaurant but also an outdoor verandah – perfect for enjoying snacks and tea in the company of vibrant flowers. The home is just 100 meters away from the protected forests of Ayarpatta hill allowing you to be close to nature and protecting the home from the ill-effects commercialisation. Major attractions near the homestay are the Naina Lake, Nanda Devi temple, St. John’s church and Naina Peak. The Mall is an ideal place for walks, shopping for locally produced goods and trying lip-smacking street food.

Cloaked by the majestic Shivalik range is The Nest Cottage, a peaceful retreat overlooking the Jim Corbett National Park. The homestay has seven lovely private cottages perched on different echelons of the property, offering divines sunsets to guests. A charming fireplace and use of stone and wood in each room augments the natural feel of the property. A rain water harvesting pool feeds the homestay’s greenhouse. Organic cereal, fruits and vegetables are grown on the owners’ farm nearby which are used for self-consumption and sale. The region is rich in trekking trails, which are also suitable for quiet strolls. Picnics in the jungle are great fun followed by bird watching in Kumaon. Popular sightseeing destinations like Nainital, Bhimtaal, Naukuchiyataal, Sattaal etc. are a short drive away. Lesser known gems of the region like natural springs and the ancient caves of Pangot are also nearby. Horse riding can be arranged for children who also enjoy picking fresh produce at the family’s farm.

4. Where to stay in Shimla
Deep Jyoti (pictured above) is a quiet homestay, just 15 kilometers from Shimla town. Located at the base of Tarab Mountain, the homestay is neat and comfortable. The common dining area has a large attached kitchen where vegetarian delicacies are served. The homestay’s three cozy rooms have en-suite bathrooms and all the rooms have large windows to let guests interact with nature. A trek from the home to the top of the Tarab Mountain will lead visitors to the Tara Devi temple, which offers panoramic vistas of the region. A visit to the nearby villages  and sightseeing to Solan’s many forts, sanctuaries and temples can be arranged.

Mid Hills homestay is perfectly located between areas of protected forests, protecting it from development so it retains its peace. The homestay is set to the background of rich forests, apple orchards and more. The homestay is split into two with one section is for the hosts and the other a dedicated area for guests. This affords guests privacy but keeps them in contact with the family. The guest rooms are modern and charming. Their large windows allow sunlight to filter in and wake up guests with a glorious view. The homestay’s two balconies are available for the pleasure of guests and from here one can soak in divine vistas of the region around. Village tours can be organized for guests’ cultural education and walks.

Find out more about staying in a homestay

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