December is a month that surely add an extra dose of white chilled charm in the beauty of Manali. From a backpacker’s paradise to a thriving hub for friends, from a rejuvenating family retreat to a romantic honeymoon destination, this hill station has served as one of the most versatile tourist destinations in the country. The majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, scenic landscapes, lip-smacking cuisine, distinct culture, and lavish hotels personify the beauty of this resort town. With so much to offer its tourists, here are the best places to visit in Manali in December to witness the true essence of nature at the crown jewel of Himachal.
Best Places To Visit In Manali In December 2023
To get an extraordinary Manali experience, here is the perfectly curated list of Places to visit in Manali in December. Keep scrolling down to know more!
1. Manali Mall Road: Shop Til You Drop
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Known as the heart of Manali, Mall Road is one of the busiest place of this hill station. Studded with hotels, restaurants, local shops, and emporiums throughout the walkway, it is one of the top places to visit in Manali in December. It is a popular shopping destination where you can enjoy bustling streets and explore a great variety of woolens, handicrafts and souvenirs. You can also visit the Gaiety Theatre to enjoy various cultural activities. If you want to have a delightful shopping experience in Manali, then this is an amazing spot.
Location: Mall Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Things To Do: Shop to your heart’s content, dine out at popular multi-cuisine restaurants, and taste the local street food of Himachal.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Also Read: Things To Do During Snowfall In Manali
Himachal Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Head to Himachal to witness lush valleys surrounded by snow-capped hills. Indulge in skiing, paragliding, and other adventure sports. Book holiday packages inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing, and meals to Shimla, Manali, Kasol, Dharamshala, and more.
2. Solang Valley: Glide In The Air
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Looking for adventure sports in Manali? Indulge in a number of thrilling activities at the mesmerising Solang valley, during your trip to Manali in December 2024. Situated just 14 kilometers away from the city centre, Solang is a popular tourist hotspot that is famous for its scenic views, and venturesome activities like trekking in Manali. Along with admiring the most stunning view of nature, you can also enjoy various adventure and winter sport activities to add some thrill in your trip. Here you can also visit various temples and monasteries located nearby.
Location: Solang Valley, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Things To Do: Indulge in activities like cable car ride, helicopter ride, skiing, paragliding, trekking, and zorbing.
Best Time To Visit: April through June and December-January
3. Old Manali: Experience The Nature’s Bliss
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Situated just 3 kilometers away from the city centre, Old Manali is a backpacker’s paradise, tucked away from the crowded Mall Road. It is one of the best Manali places to visit in December where travelers can witness an amalgamation of traditional, and contemporary culture with historical temples on one side, and modish cafes on the other. Flaunting the stunning natural vistas and its heritage, Old Manali is such as beautiful place to visit and observe the culture of Manali from a little closer.
Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Things To Do: Savour fusion cuisines at popular cafes, rent a vehicle, and indulge in the activity of water rappelling
Popular Attractions: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Cafe 1947, Red House Cafe, and more.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Related Post: Places To Visit In Manali
4. Siyali Mahadev: Visit The Enchanting Temple
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Just a stone’s throw away from the famous Mall Road, the Siyali Mahadev Temple is a popular Hindu shrine in Manali. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the best places to visit in Manali in December. It boasts elegant wooden architecture and tranquil surroundings. This temple is adorned with chalet and pagoda style and is packed with a great religious significance. If you are looking for a unique place for serene surroundings, then this is a perfect place to go and have a blissful experience.
Location: Siyali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Things To Do: Meditate amidst the tranquil surroundings of the temple, offer prayers, and take blessings from Lord Shiva.
Best Time To Visit: March to September
5. Gulaba: Explore The Majestic Village
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Longing for snow in Manali in December? Then travel to the majestic village of Gulaba. Located at an altitude of 4,300 meters, Gulaba is an emerging tourist attraction within the vicinity of Manali. It is one of the best places to visit in Manali in December when Rohtang Pass is closed due to heavy snowfall. Tourists can enjoy various activities, and relish enthralling views of the nearby snow clad mountains.
Location: Gulaba Village, Leh-Manali Highway.
Things To Do: Skiing, Paragliding, and other snow activities.
Best Time To Visit: November and February
Related Post: Best Places In Manali For Honeymoon
6. Hampta Pass: Discover The Small Passage
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Situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters, the Hampta pass is a small corridor in the Pir Panjal range that connects the Kullu Valley to Lahaul. It is one of the best places to visit in Kullu Manali in December for travelers who are hunting for trekking trails in the valley and best sites for camping in Manali. While standing on the pass, one can witness the lush green mountains of Kullu on one side, and the cold desert of Lahaul on the other.
Location: Pir Panjal Range
Things To Do: Trekking, and Camping
Best Time To Visit: Mid-June to mid-October
7. Beas Kund: Trek All The Way Till
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Beas Kund is one of the most popular trekking sites in Manali. It is one of the most preferred Manali visiting places in December for travelers who wish to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. Travelers can cherish the awe inspiring views of peaks like Hanuman tibba, Ladakhi Peak, and friendship peak.
Location: Beas Kund, Manali
Things To Do: Trekking, and Camping
Best Time To Visit: Mid-May to mid-October
Related Post: Manali Festivals
8. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara: Find Lost Peace
Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara is a Tibetan monastery located in the quaint Kullu Valley. With its counterpart in Tibet, this non profit organisation aims to preserve and promote living traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the most serene places to visit during a Manali Trip in December where tourists can find peace amidst the enchanting mountains of Himachal.
Location: Gompa Rd, Sarabai, Himachal Pradesh
Things to do: Seek blessing and enjoy serene surroundings
Best Time To Visit: October to December
9. Chandrakhani Pass: Capture The Landscape View
Leading to the pristine village of Malana, Chandrakhani Pass is one of the most exquisite places to visit in Manali in December. Travelers can opt for an adventurous trek to the Malana village through the villages of Rumsu, and Pulag via scenic landscapes of the Chandrakhani Pass.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Naggar Village
Ideal Duration: 3 Days
Best Time To Visit: May & June
Related Post: Restaurants In Manali
10. Gauri Shankar Temple: Visit The Ancient One
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Gauri Shankar Temple is another famous Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in close proximity to the famous Naggar Castle, this 12th century temple is one of the best places to see in Manali in December where travelers can relish the architectural marvels, and intricate carvings inside its premises.
Location: Naggar Castle Rd, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh
Timings:5:00 am to pm 12:00 pm and 4:00 to 9:00 pm
Best Time To Visit: May to July
Places To Visit Near Manali In December
To find all about such places, here is the perfectly curated list of Places to visit near Manali in December. Keep scrolling down to know more!
11. Kasol: A Backpackers Paradise
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One of the most popular destinations amongst backpackers, Kasol is one such place which you cannot ignore during your trip to Manali in December. Kasol is a small village located in the mystical Parvati Valley where travelers can enjoy a peaceful night stay, and relish an experience of riverside camping.
Distance from Manali: 75 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Things To Do: Camping, trekking, and dining at popular cafes
Best Time To Visit: April, May, October, & November
Related Post: Manali In January
12. Kheerganga: The Rustic Village Of Himachal
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Located at an altitude of 3,960 meters, Kheerganga is one of the best offbeat places to visit near Manali in December. The only way to access this old-world village is by trekking through the mountains. This trekking trail takes you through charming landscapes, and the enormous Rudranag Waterfall where one can rest at various cafes during their journey.
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Barshaini
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Best Time To Visit: September to October
13. Bhrigu Lake: The Hiking Trail Of Gulaba
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Located close to the Gulaba village, at an elevation of around 4,300 meters, Bhrigu Lake is one of the best offbeat tourist places in Manali in December. This glacial lake is an adventure hotspot in Himachal as it is one of the best hiking trails in the Shivalik ranges.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Point: Manali
Ideal Duration: 2 days
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Related Post: Best Cottages In Manali
14. Kullu Valley: The Valley Of Gods
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Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Kullu is a thriving town of Himachal Pradesh nestled in the arms of the awe inspiring Himalayan ranges. This all in one destination is one of the most popular places to visit near Manali in December that offers almost everything to its tourists, from historical temples to upmarket restaurants, resorts, adventure sports, and a lot more.
Distance from Manali: 40 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
Popular Attractions: Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Beas River, Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery.
Best Time To Visit: March to June
15. Tosh: The Gem Of Parvati Valley
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Tosh is another popular village of Parvati Valley that leads to the stunning Pin Parvati Pass. It is one of the most famous places to visit near Manali in December where one can witness the confluence of Tosh, and Parvati rivers, and relax at cafes set amidst the prepossessing ranges.
Distance from Manali: 95 kilometers
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Popular Attractions: Pin Parvati Pass, Pink Floyd Cafe, and Cafe Vee.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Related Post: Things To Do In Tosh
16. Manikaran: An Exquisite Himachal Gem
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If you are planning a Manali road trip in December then do plan to visit Manikaran. Situated adjacent to the charming river of Parvati valley, the famous Manikaran town is only 4 kms away from Kasol and is also called the Israeli capital of the country. You can choose to walk about or trek through the famous trails here or visit the famous Manikaran Sahib which holds great significance for people belonging to Sikh religion.
Distance from Manali: 80 kilometers
Duration: 3 Hours
Popular Attractions: Manikaran Sahib
Best Time To Visit: April, May & June
17. Rohtang Pass: Touristy Vibes Around
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One of the must visit and still most visited places to visit in Manali during December is the famous Rohtang La Pass. Not only does the snow on both sides of the road feels dreamy and a little too filmy, it has been right featured in movies like ‘Jab We Met’ and ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani’, this place also offers activities like trekking, ice-skating, skiing and paragliding.
Distance from Manali: 53 kilometers
Duration: 2 Hours
Popular Attractions: Manali-Keylong highway, Lahaul and Spiti valleys
Best Time To Visit: May & June and October & November
Related Post: Rohtang Pass In Summer
18. Vashisht Kund: For A Unique Relaxation
Image Source: Wikipedia
Known to be a soothing rustic village, the serene land of Vashisht Kund is home to the rejuvenating hot springs that people come to visit from far away lands. The water in this bath is supposed to have healing properties and is also known to cure a lot of illnesses. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the temple of Vashisht which holds interesting legends from the mythology too!
Distance from Manali: 5 kilometers
Duration: 10 Minutes
Popular Attractions: temple of Vashisht, and Hot springs
Best Time To Visit: March & November
19. Naggar: An Ultimate Spot From The Hustle
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The former capital of Kulle welcomes all visitors with equally mesmerizing charm that will sweep you off your feet. Situated on the left bank of the Beas river, this is the perfect place to be if you wish to soak in more serenity outside the bustling city vibes. The nearby mountain ranges and valleys make a perfect backdrop for your pictures.
Distance from Manali: 20 kilometers
Duration: 30 minutes
Popular Attractions: Naggar Castle, Gauri Shankar temple
Best Time To Visit: October & November
Related Post: Naggar Castle
20. Nehru Kund: For More Peace And Quiet
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Called after the famous Dr. Jawaharlal Nehru, this place is amongst the most unusual places to visit in Manali on December. It is said that the prime minister himself used to drink the water of the clear Kund every time he visited and it is provided by the Bhrigu Lake to this kund. Offering a peaceful getaway, this is the perfect spot to revive your senses!
Distance from Manali: 5 kilometers
Duration: 10 Minutes
Popular Attractions: temple of Vashisht, and Bhrigu Lake
Best Time To Visit: May to October
How To Reach Manali?
By Road
The best way to reach Manali is via road. You board a bus from Delhi or hire a taxi. The best route would be taking NH1 until Ambala. From there, take NH22 to Chandigarh and take the diversion to Manali from Chandigarh, called NH21.
You May Also Like To Read: Manali To Kaza
Dreaming of a vacation amidst the snow-clad Himalayan mountains? Plan your trip to Manali to experience the best of the region. There are many places to visit in Manali in December that will surely steak your heart and make your trip mesmerising. These gems are worth exploring and adding in your travel diaries.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Manali In December
Is December a good time to visit Manali?
If you wish to witness snowfall this winter then Manali in December can be the best time for you to plan a vacation. During this time, mountain peaks remain covered with snow, and you can witness snowfall. You can indulge in winter adventure sports in Manali if you are visiting in December.
Which is better: Shimla or Manali in December?
Both the places are known for their exclusive experiences. Shimla is a lively capital city of Himachal Pradesh and hosts an enthralling holiday. Manali too is a lively abode surrounded by impeccable sights in the month of December. Solang Valley and Rohtang host winter sports during this time.
Which are the best shopping places to visit in Manali in December?
Manali Mall Road is the most extensive shopping market in the town. Tourists can shop to their heart’s content at numerous shops located alongside the road.
Which are the best restaurants in Manali?
Chopsticks Restaurant, Kamchatka Bistro & Grill, Gozy Restaurant, and Cafe Nirvana are some of the best restaurants in Manali. You can try a variety of multi-cuisine recipes in Manali.
Which are the most famous temples to visit in Manali in December?
Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Siyali Mahadev Temple are some of the most popular temples in Manali and you can visit throughout the year. Check the weather forecast before heading for the mentioned religious sites.
Where can one witness snowfall in Manali in December?
Solang valley, Gulaba, and Rohtang pass are some of the popular places to visit in Manali in December, if you want to witness snowfall.
What should I wear in Manali?
You must carry a couple of warm clothes for the extreme cold weather in Manali, especially during the winter season. A pair of boots, fur jackets and warm sweaters are ideal clothing that you should carry.
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An empty vessel in Christ’s hands. Rest we can talk over chai. :)
