Manali – Ride to the Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass

Manali is an incredibly beautiful hill resort of Himachal Pradesh located just a few kilometers from Shimla; Manali is a popular tourist destination, honeymoon destination and also the adventure destination of India. But in this blog am not going to talk about the beauty and charm of Manali, which can never be fully put down in charms.

In this blog I’ll write about the Rohtang Pass and the incredible journey I had out there. The name ‘Rohtang Pass’ means ‘pile of corpses’ in Tibetan but it is far from being that dreaded destination, in fact it is a really beautiful pass that connects Kullu valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh, although it is pretty understandable looking at the high death rates in the region, how this dreaded name stuck to this beautiful region.

Sitting at an altitude of 13,051ft, it is one of the highest motorable roads in the world. The region is although characterized by sudden blizzards and landslide which makes Rohtang pass one of the most dangerous, but taking the risk is all worthwhile and the feeling is just incredible, unmatched with any other extreme activity.

This incredible pass is opened only for a limited period of time in summers and completely shuts down in winter. An incredible site, Rohtang Pass is a must visit at least once in a life time.

Manali – A complete Holiday Package

Pleasant View of Manali

Lady selling local bead accessories at Manali market

Skiing - one of the adventure sports offered at Manali

Manali Souvenir

Vishnu Temple - Manali

Manali a popular hill station of Himachal Pradesh is not just any run of the mill tourist destination of India, in fact it is more than just any other ordinary hill resort or a honeymoon destination, Manali is an amalgamation of adventure, leisure, romantic, religious and relaxing holidays, thus putting forth a complete holiday package to tourists.

With so many avenues to explore, Manali is one of the most happening tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh and seeing its close proximity to Shimla, Manali becomes an even more lucrative holiday destination.

Manali offers many mushy locations perfect for all the newlyweds coming to the region to enjoy each other’s company, besides that there are also a variety of adventure sports activities offered by various associations and government organizations ranging from the easier ones to the more nerve testing ones, for instance horse riding, camping, trekking, paragliding, zorbing, skiing, sledging and much more, thus appealing to all form of tourists.

Manali also offers several destinations wherein tourists can peacefully begin their spiritual journey and embark upon self exploration.

So, if its honey moon, adventure or just a simple leisure holiday, Manali is the destination to be, while you are there don’t forget to pack on the local specialties of processed fruit products, honey, woolens, etc

Manali Home Stays – Homely Accommodations

Manali is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India enjoying the patronage of both local as well as foreign tourists. The region not only offers local sightseeing and shopping adventures to its tourists but also a whole range of adventure sports activities that are bound to tickle any adventure enthusiasts. A unique thing about Manali adventure sports activities is that they are not seasonal and hence can be enjoyed all year round and thus Manali transforms as a major adventure hub of India.

Another pleasant adventure of its kind is the home stays that offer a different accommodation experience from the Manali hotels.  The advantage of staying at these home stays is that these home stays offer a unique homely feel with all the comfort of home from great rooms to quality food, etc.

Tourists also get to learn a lot about local life and culture from the home stay owners, who reveal interesting facets of the region not found anywhere else.

A few of the credible Manali home stays are Shantikunj Orchard Home Stay, Neelas  Home Stay, Shakya Niwas Home Stay, Dvdhar Home Stay, Orchard Retreat Home Stay, Nihal Home Stay, Rashpa Home Stay and many others.

Comfortable accommodation at a Manali home stay

A Manali Home stay

Home cooked food offered at Manali home stays  

So explore something new this holiday and enjoy the homely feel at the home stays.

Heli Skiing in Manali

Manali is a popular summer escape for many an Indians and is also a popular haunt of foreign nationals who are attracted to the region from all parts of the world with the charm and beauty of the place. With the advent of adventure sports activities in the region Manali has gained even more popularity and has witnessed a spurt in tourists foot fall, with adrenaline junkies from all parts of the world flocking to the region to test out their skills in the hilly region of Manali.

One such adventure activity that has caught the imagination and fancy of tourists is Heli Skiing, an adventure sports activity wherein a helicopter rather than a ski lift takes you to a very high mountain peak and from there you have to ski all the way down to the base of the snowy

mountain.

Some of the best heli skiing areas nearby Manali include Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani Pass.So if the high altitude does not scare you and you are not afraid of the unknown then grab yourself some skiing equipments and ski all the way down through unknown routes and ridges and earn something to brag about for the rest of your life.

Manali Fast facts

Manali, a beautiful hill station perched up at a height of 6398 ft in the Himalayas is a popular tourist spot for both Indians as well as foreign travelers. This charming little hill station not only attracts visitors from all parts of the world during the summer months but also during the winter months as lakhs of tourists flock to the region to enjoy the snowfall along with some winter sports. Tourism being the main economy driving factor in the region, there is a good infrastructure in place to support this crucial industry, as such there is no dearth of quality accommodation and transportation in this hill station.

However, there are certain pointers that every tourist should keep in mind in order to have an enjoyable and safe trip.

Firstly, Manali being a hill station the temperature hovers around 13 to 18 degree Celsius;hence carry warm clothing with you. Besides that do make prior hotel bookings if travelling during peak tourist season of May and June, as the hotel rooms get hard to avail during these times.

There are ample number of adventure activities arranged by local authorities and local clubs. Tourists should strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by them and not venture on their own for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Thirdly, while visiting local markets avoid touts at all costs and exercise your bargaining skills to the fullest for tourist season causes a spike in prices of everything.

Lastly, while using public transportation settle on the price first and then sit in the vehicle, to avoid haggling in the hands of the driver.

And yes don’t forget to try the local specialty like sidu and other dishes and also the local fruit wine. Keep these pointers in mind and have a safe and happy trip to Manali.

Manali Luxury Hotels – Lavish Indulgence

Manali is one of the most popular hill stations of India, situated on the northern end of Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Sitting at an altitude of 2050 m above sea level, the region offers panoramic views of the hills and the valleys. A perfect summer getaway, Manali also enjoys the patronage of tourists even during the winter months, owing to the range of winter sports available here.

Now, there are several ways you can see this charming little hill station, however, in my opinion probably the best way to holiday at any destination is probably luxury. And as such the best way to enjoy the beauty of Manali is by luxury. Moving in this regard Manali Luxury Hotels offer guests lavish indulgence of the highest type.

One such luxury hotel of Manali is the Apple Country Resorts, which is known for its uber luxurious rooms and facilities and services unmatched in the entire region. Having stayed at this resort during one of my trip, I can vouch for the high quality of facilities, amenities and services offered here. Even the entire staffs team out here are highly experienced and amiable and now how to keep a guest happy and completely relaxed.

A few of the high end facilities offered at this premium hotel includes 24 immaculate rooms and 15 superior suites,bar, restaurant, discotheque, spa, travel desk, car rental, coffee shop, bar, business center, gym, room service, telephone, television, music, executive lounge, electronic safe, banquet,

conference facilities, fitness club, laundry and many more.

The hotel also offers hosts of recreational facilities within its premises and also organizes interesting recreational activities from time to time.Having stayed at Apple Country Resorts and enjoyed its renowned services, I can truly say that the best way to enjoy Manali is definitely by luxury.