Located in Himachal Pradesh, how a small and discreet town like Manali has gained traction all over India is worthy of praise. Located in the Kullu Valley, formed by the Beas River currents, Manali is often identified along with its neighbor and is collectively called Kullu-Manali. It is little known that Manali is named after Manu, the mythological law-maker of the Manusmriti.
If hill stations are synonymous with adventure sports, the adventure activities in Manali are classics in the field! Whether you are a new adventurer or a seasoned veteran, this article is your guide to the best adventure activities you can experience in Manali.
About Manali
The mythologized origin of Manali, according to Hindu cosmology, is quite adventurous. After a great flood had swept the earth, marking the end of a cyclic age, Manu is believed to have launched his arc in the Kully Valley to mark the beginning of new life. That’s why Manali is often regarded as the “Valley of Gods.”
What Adventure Sports Can You Do In Manali?
Hill stations are the prime location for adventure sports. This is because the topography and weather conditions of hilly areas make them ideal for activities like zip lining, sledding, zorbing, etc, without tiring people out from the heat. The cool, snowy terrain also makes a lot of adventure sports physically safe to embark on.
Manali is no stranger to the thrills of adventure sports. In fact, adventure sports in Manali are a significant contributing factor to its tourism.
Here are our top picks for adventure in Manali tours that bring the true adventurous spirit within you.
Paragliding
Manali paragliding is distinguished among hill station adventure sports. The elevation and wind speed of mountains make paragliding easy and accessible from the hills. The numerous valleys in Manali make paragliding an easy and popular choice among tourists who are not afraid to brave the cool and airy heights of the atmosphere.
The best paragliding in Manali can be found in Mahri, Kangra Valley, Fatru, etc. However, paragliding in Manali Solang Valley is favored by most thrillseekers.
Night Camping in Manali
When thinking of camping, most people imagine pitching tents on hard solid ground and making one-pot meals over a fire they have painstakingly lit. However, camping has way more to offer than just that. Manali camping has diversified over the years and now offers various sites.
From night camping to Manali adventure camp, various possible avenues exist to encapsulate and explore the wilderness lifestyle. Night camping can also encapsulate the spirit of romance, making it the perfect component of honeymoon packages in India.
Trekking
Trekking is a more familiar and safe choice for those just starting their adventure sports journey. Many Manali trekking camps are included in Manali holiday packages that can ease beginners into trekking and- quite literally- show them the ropes.
This is a great place to start for beginners to adventure sports who want to ease into the more thrill-chasing activities. You can find numerous trekking trails on itineraries on Manali packages from Bangalore.
ATV ride in Manali
Adventure terrain vehicles are another popular choice for beginners and kids. These off-road vehicles are used for traversing different terrains and are popular in hilly areas. Generally, kids can drive ATVs without a license under parental and adult supervision.
Besides ATVs, you can also opt for a snow scooter in Manali. The best time to visit Manali for snowfall is during the biting winter months of December to January when snow cooters come in handy. While it is bitterly cold, the snow opens up the scope for adventure at Manali through sledding or a wholesome snowball fight among friends.
River rafting in Manali
River rafting is certainly on the more extreme end of any adventure sport. Especially in hilly terrains, where one had to brave not only the cold but also the unpredictable drafts of the river cutting across the valleys. As majestic as that sounds, it is an incredibly difficult skill to master. However, due to the growing interest in rafting in Manali, plenty of guides and experts will happily lend their skills to interested tourists.
All the best Manali tour packages come with an itinerary with rafting. Manali river crossing is best experienced in summer or June and July when no ice forms on the rivers to obstruct the flow. Rafting has developed its following in India, with many people even trying out Manali white water rafting, which is considered far more difficult to navigate. Nonetheless, Kullu Manali river rafting is an adventure sport that has earned its fame.
Yak rides
Yak rides are some of the coziest and leisurely activities on the hills that can be done for children and older people. Yak, also called the Tratary ox, is a native animal important for maintaining the ecological balance of hilly areas. Domesticated Yak are benign and can even be friendly! The Manali yak rides are favorites among animal lovers who enjoy interacting with yaks as much as riding on their backs across the slopes. These are a popular addition to your itinerary for a trip to Manali from Chennai.
Zorbing
Another hugely popular sport that enjoys currency in Manali sports is zorbing. Enjoyed by a large range of age groups, zorbing can- quite literally- make your rollover from fun! When zorbing, you are enclosed in an insulating giant orb that is rolled down the hills. The orb absorbs the shock of the motion as it is rolled down the hill.
Zorbing is quite a whimsical recreational sport that emerged in New Zealand only recently in the 1990s. It has been globalized since and has even made its way to adventure places in Manali.
Bungee Jumping in Kullu Manali
Five kilometers from Manali, Bahang is one of the most coveted points in India from which you can bungee jump. It maintains impeccable safety measures and checks, which is why it is a trusted tourist spot. Bungee Jumping Manali provides not only the adrenalin rush of the fall but also the majestic view of the greenery that overlooks the Himachal.
Ziplining
Ziplining, also called flying fox, involves sliding down a cable suspended, generally across a river between two hills or any elevated space. This is an incredible way to enjoy scenic landscapes while zipping across them at an elaboration that gives you a great vantage point. The Solang Valley has the most frequently availed Manali zipline. The Manali zipline at Solang spans over 500 meters and crosses from the Patalsu Peak to the Beas River.
Skiing
If you’ve enjoyed the air and the water through rafting and paragliding in Manali, enjoying the snow through skiing should also be an enchanting experience for you. Skiing is a staple recreational activity on any snowy hill. Giling across the snow on skis is universally enjoyable and is especially popular among children who can let loose on their competitive streak.
All the best tour packages in India during the winter months suggest skiing as an indispensable adventure sport in Manali.
How Do Trip Planners India Help You?
If you’ve chosen Trip Planner India as your guide to Manali, your adventure spirits can be assured. As the best trip planners in India, they offer a wide range of tour plans to cover all your travel cravings.
With best-selling tour plans like Manali tour packages from Bangalore to Manali trip packages from Chennai, leave all your travel jitters at the door to embrace your inner adventurer. Visit the site today to embark on all the thrills Manli offers!
As the editor of the blog, She curate insightful content that sparks curiosity and fosters learning. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, she strive to bring diverse perspectives and engaging narratives to readers, ensuring every piece informs, inspires, and enriches.