Bored of visiting all the popular places in Himachal? Want to discover the hidden treasures up in the north, but not able to find the right place? Well, Mandi is one place that will definitely satiate your wanderlust. Situated along the river Beas, it is a beautiful town known for its rich culture & for being the gateway to the famous Lahaul and Spiti Valley. But, it is not its location rather the best things to do in Mandi that make it an extraordinary holiday place in Himachal.
From trekking to camping, this place offers all kinds of experiences that will help you indulge in adventures and soak in peace like never before!
Top 14 Things To Do In Mandi
Mandi is very popular among the tourists because of its scenic beauty. Some of the best things to do in Mandi include trekking, hiking and biking trips. Besides, there are many temples and monasteries in Mandi that draws tourists in large number every year. If you are still wondering about the options of things to do in Mandi, check out the below list.
- Trek To The Gorgeous Prashar Lake
- Rejuvenate Your Mind & Soul At Bir Monastery
- Treat The Shopaholic Within At The Famous Markets
- Camp Under The Stars In Barot Valley
- Visit The Popular Shikari Devi Temple
- Bring Out The Foodie In You At The Topchen Restaurant
- Soak In Ultimate Peace At The Sunken Garden
- Spot The Himalayan Black Bear At The Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Stay Like Royalty At Hotel Raj Mahal Palace
- Stop By The Famous Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery
- Visit The Fascinating Rewalsar Lake
- Admire The Architectural Wonders At Bhima Kali Temple
- Explore The Mysterious Kamrunag Lake
- Enjoy Thrilling Water Sports At Pandoh Dam
1.Trek To The Gorgeous Prashar Lake
The first thing that you’ll ever hear about Mandi is its beautiful Prashar lake. Be it walking through the forests or passing through the small villages, trekking to this beautiful lake is indeed one of the best things to do at Mandi. Offering a 180-degree view of the Dhauladhar range that encircles the lake, this place will let you capture the unseen beauty of Himachal.
Location: Panarsa Pines, Mandi, India
Price: INR 2,500 and above per person (only if you book a trekking tour)
Best Time To Visit Prashar Lake: Although you can visit the lake throughout the year, the ideal time to go here is mid-April onwards as the lake’s beauty can be witnessed perfectly during this period.
Must Read: 13 Best Places To Visit In Mandi For A Family Vacation In 2022!
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2. Rejuvenate Your Mind & Soul At Bir Monastery
Offering an escape from the fast-paced city life, this monastery will definitely take you to another world. Here you can get a glimpse of the Tibetan culture and also witness the mesmerizing statues of the Lord Buddha. Besides indulging in the adventure activities in Mandi, this place is a must-visit if you wish to rejuvenate your mind, body & soul.
Location: Bajinath, Mandi
Timings: The monastery stays open for 24 hours
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting the monastery.
Suggested Read: 18 Things To Do In Spiti Valley That Would Absolutely Satisfy Your Wanderlusting Soul
3. Treat The Shopaholic Within At The Famous Markets
Mandi is famous for its local handicrafts like rugs & carpets, stone & metal work, leather chappals, and more. From wooden crafts to traditional jewelry, you will come across many shops selling these handmade wonders, which you can buy and take back home as souvenirs. After all, there’s no better experience than shopping!
Best Places For Shopping In Mandi: Indira Shopping Complex, New Sarika Shopping Complex, RCM Shopping Point, and Sunken Garden Shopping Complex
4. Camp Under The Stars In Barot Valley
This town has so many ineffable experiences in store that ‘what to do in Mandi’ will never be your concern. Camping in the beautiful Barot Valley is one such experience that will leave you awestruck. Imagine spending a night under the stars, amidst lush greenery and eternal bliss. Sounds like an experience you wouldn’t want to miss, right?
Price: INR 1,099 per person (on an average)
Ideal Duration: 2 Days
Suggested Read: Barot Valley: Explore The Rising Hub Of Adventure In Himachal At Its Best With This Detailed Guide!
5. Visit The Popular Shikari Devi Temple
Considered to be situated on the highest peak in the entire Mandi district, Shikari Devi Temple is a must-visit place in Himachal. Be it the roofless architecture or the 1000 steps that are steep enough to climb, this temple has got a lot that will leave you amazed. Apart from taking the blessings of the ‘Hunter Goddess’, you can also enjoy the mystical aura that surrounds the temple.
Location: Shikari Devi, Himachal Pradesh 175046
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
6. Bring Out The Foodie In You At The Topchen Restaurant
Indulging in the local cuisines which is also one of the best things to do in Mandi is one thing you definitely cannot miss out. If you wish to try something different from the usual vegetarian or non-vegetarian cuisines, then this restaurant is indeed the right place to visit. Famous for its momos & thukpa, this place will not only treat your taste buds but also give you a glimpse of the Tibetan culture around.
Location: Rewalsar, Himachal Pradesh
Timings: NA
Suggested Read: 9 Best Things To Do In Chail For A Thrilling Mountain Escape In 2022!
7. Soak In Ultimate Peace At The Sunken Garden
The sight of dazzling flowers and lush green plants in the Sunken garden will allure you to visit this garden time and again. And since the garden is 500 years old, it has got a lot of intriguing stories associated with it, which you can find out by interacting with the locals nearby. Apart from this, this garden is also a famous center for major activities in Mandi.
Location: NH3, Seri Bazar, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting this attraction in Mandi.
Timings: The park stays open for 24 hours.
8. Spot The Himalayan Black Bear At The Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the most interesting things to do in Mandi also includes a visit to this sanctuary, which is located on the banks of Uhl River. This sanctuary is home to different species of birds & animals like monal, musk deer, barking deer, and more. Spotting these animals in their natural habitat here will definitely leave you amused. Just make sure you take your camera along!
Location: Barot Village, Mandi, India
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of April to May and August to October
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Dharamshala: A Mix Bag Of 10 Popular And Offbeat Activities
9. Stay Like Royalty At Hotel Raj Mahal Palace
Once the abode of Mandi’s king, the Raj Mahal Palace was converted into a hotel in 1882. Since it still reflects the same heritage, you can experience the old world charm at this hotel through its ambiance and royalty-like hospitality. Amongst all the best things to do in Mandi, staying here is an experience you should definitely add to your list.
Location: next to District Court, Seri Bazar, Bhagwan Muhalla, Samkhetar, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175001
Suggested Read: 10 Exciting Things To Do In Kangra That Are Sure To Leave You Wonderstruck In 2022!
10. Stop By The Famous Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery
If you are still wondering what to do in Mandi, India apart from indulging in all the above adventures, you definitely need to stop by at this popular photo gallery. A very distinguished place, the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery is the perfect place to treat the photography enthusiast in you and learn about Himachal’s history & culture.
Location: Chandigarh-Manali National Highway, India (4 km from Mandi)
Timings: NA
Entry Fees: NA
Suggested Read: A Guide To Snowfall In Mandi: For A Stunning Numbing Icy Escapade
11. Visit The Fascinating Rewalsar Lake
Image Credit – Mystic from Wikimedia
Famous for its floating island of reed, Rewalsar Lake is a natural lake located 23 km from the city centre. The serenity offered by this place is what makes this place a popular tourist attraction. The stunning beauty of the lake and its surrounding are simply spell bounding. For the best experience, visit this lake during the Baisakhi festival when a large fair is organised.
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee for visiting this attraction in Mandi
12. Admire The Architectural Wonders At Bhima Kali Temple
Image Credit – Nishant from Wikimedia
Bhima Kali Temple is dedicated to Bhima Kali, an incarnation of Durga. Admire the beautiful architecture of the temple that displays wooden carvings. The temple also has a wonderful museum inside showcasing image of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. It is one of the famous religious place in Mandi.
Location: National Highway 20, Bhiuli, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175002
Timings: 6 am to 8 pm
Suggested Read: 12 Hotels In Mandi That Offer Impeccable Views Of The Surrounding Hills!
13. Explore The Mysterious Kamrunag Lake
Image Credit – Dhiman from Wikimedia
If you are visiting Mandi, exploring Kamrunag Lake is one of the must do things. The beautiful lake and its surroundings is a delight for the nature lovers. Located on the Mandi-Karsog road, it is often explored by trekkers due to the amazing trail it offers. It is believed that this is no ordinary lake as it has unknown treasures stored in its bed.
Location: Kamru Nag, Himachal Pradesh 175031
Famous For: Temple and lake
Suggested Read: These 6 Hotels Near Mandi Offer The Best Of Services For Every Budget!
14. Enjoy Thrilling Water Sports At Pandoh Dam
Image Credit – Biswarup from Wikimedia
Pandoh Dam is a wonderful structure constructed on Beas River. The beautiful man made lake created by the dam draws tourists in large number to this place. One can click great pictures here or simply enjoy the view of the water flowing. Rafting is another great activity seen in the lower beds here.
Location: NH21, Uba, Himachal Pradesh 175004
Famous For: Sightseeing
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
Further Read: 11 Travel Tips For Himachal Pradesh That Will Come In Handy For Your Trip In 2022
So, if you have really been looking for a unique holiday experience up north, make sure you customize your Himachal holiday with TravelTriangle and get Mandi included in your itinerary. And oh, don’t forget to tick off these wonderful things to do in Mandi while you’re there!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Mandi
What is Mandi famous for?
Mandi is known for its unique attractions like Prashar lake, Pandoh dam, Jalori pass and offers adventurous experiences like camping and trekking.
Is Mandi a safe place to visit?
Yes, Mandi is totally safe to visit whether you are going with family or friends. You can stroll at night without any hassle. And the people are warm welcoming.
How do I get from Mandi to prashar Lake?
In order to reach Mandi, first take the route to Manali. Once you reach Mandi , you can take a cab till the lake.
How far is Mandi from Manali?
Mandi is located at a distance of 108 km from Manali. The route from Manali to Mandi by road is worth trying as it offers scenic views.
Which is the coolest place in Himachal Pradesh?
Spiti is considered the coldest place in Himachal Pradesh. The temperature of Spiti goes as low as minus 13.8 degree Celsius.
Which is the best hill station in India?
Mandi is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. If you are looking for a tranquilizing vacation, then visit Mandi.
What is the best time to visit Mandi?
The best time to visit Mandi is from March to May and October to November.
How long is prashar Lake Trek?
The picturesque Prashar lake is 15 km long. It looks astonishingly beautiful in both summers and winters.
What are the most romantic things to do in Mandi for couples?
The couples can enjoy night camping amidst the gorgeous Barot Valley or visit the Prashar Lake, especially during the winters when it is all covered with snow during their holiday in Mandi.
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“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.” – Jojo Moyes
Living with this motto in mind. A little too sensitive about anything and everything, this person is writing about traveling, something that she loves and has been doing since her childhood. To her, traveling does not only mean exploring new places but new people and how different life is everywhere else. It makes her think and think, thus making her a writer. If ever, you will find her thinking hard, laughing every other second and trying passionately to bring a change in the world.
