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Hill Stations In Manali: 8 Top Manali Hill Station List

Niharika (CK Book Critic)

July 30, 2018

Nestled cozily in the state of Himachal Pradesh, showcasing an unprecedented beauty, Manali is situated at an altitude of 2050m in the majestic Himalayas. A popular vacation spot, frequented by tourists from all around the world, Manali features a cool temperature and pleasant weather throughout the year. Surrounded by verdant greenery and high peaks of the Beas valley, this place has an enticing history that relates to the legends of King Manu, who had the responsibility to protect the human life after the great flood that was to destroy the world. Derived from the words ‘Manu-Alaya’ which translates to ‘the abode of Manu’, Manali is often referred to as the ‘Valley of Gods’.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road – There are many buses that connect the town of Manali with the cities of Delhi, Shimla, Dharamsala and Leh.
You can travel from Shimla to Manali via Bilaspur, Mandi, Bhuntar and Kullu.
Cost of Driving to Manali: Rs.1000 – 2000 (round)

By Flight – Bhuntar Airport near Kullu is the closest airport located at a distance of 50 km from Manali. Airlines like Spicejet and AirIndia will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.6000 – 12000 (round)

By Train – Nearest Railway Station is Ambala Cantt Railway Station (336 km).

• Uttar Sampark Kranti (New Delhi)
• Shri Shakti Express (New Delhi)
• Swaraj Express (Mumbai)
• Madurai – Chandigarh SF Slip Express (Chennai Central)
• Himgiri SF Express (Kolkata)

Things To Do In Manali:

• White Water Rafting (throughout the year except during the rainy season)
• Skiing
• Rock Climbing
• Jeep Safaris
• Bike Safaris
• Trekking
• Shopping
• Paragliding

Also See: Things to do in Manali

Places To Visit In Manali:

1. Bijli Mahadev
2. Vaishno Devi Temple
3. Khir Ganga
4. Manikaran
5. Raghunath Temple

Best Hotels In Manali:

• V Resorts Conifer Chalet Kullu
• Hotel Kasol
• Himalayan Hamlet Valley view Hotel & resort

Here are some other Best hotels in Manali

8 Amazing Hill Stations In & Near Manali – 2019 List

Hill Stations Manali: Complete Guide for Best Hill station In & Near Manali

1. Gulaba

Flanked by picturesque views of the snow- capped mountains and perennial grasslands, Gulaba is a small village located near Manali. Once there, you just won’t be able to take your gaze off the majestic mountains, the twirling Beas River and the serpentine roads that lead up to this place.

Distance from the city: 14.2 km

Why Visit: Perched at an altitude of 4000m on the way to Rohtang Pass on Leh – Manali Highway, Gulaba is named after Raja Gulab Singh of Kashmir, who set up a camp at this place while invading China. Famous for the adventure activities like Skiing and Paragliding carried out here, this place is full of natural scenic views to drool over.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Well connected by the public transport to other tourist places, you can visit Gulaba by private taxis, cars and jeep. Additionally regular buses to Rohtang Pass are also made available to the travelers by HPTDC.
You can travel from Manali to Gulaba via Vashist, Bahang and Palchan.
Cost of Driving to Gulaba: Rs.100 – 200 (round)

By Flight – Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the closest airport located at a distance of 64 km from Gulaba. AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.6000 – 12000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Jogindernagar Railway Station.

• Joginder Nagar – Pathankot Passenger (Pathankot Junction)

Things To Do In Gulaba:

• Skiing
• Ice-bike riding
• Trekking

Places To Visit In Gulaba:

1. Bhrigu Lake
2. Jogini Waterfalls
3. Vashishtha Temple
4. Hadimba Devi Temple
5. Manali Bazaar
6. Anjani Mahadev Temple

Best Hotels In Gulaba:

• Geto Hotels & Resorts
• Solang Valley Resort
• Solang Ski Resort

2. Naggar

Another picturesque hill station located near Manali, Naggar is a beautiful village located on the left bank of the Beas River. Perched at a height of 1752 m above the sea level, Naggar was once the capital of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

Distance from the city: 21 km

Why Visit: With beautiful spectacles that unfold gradually as you get closer, Naggar provides a mystical experience to all its visitors. The surreal natural views of the deodar trees, verdant vegetation, majestic mountains and the hurtling waterfalls will make you fall in love with this place. Once there, one can definitely feel the serenity and spirituality endowed in its environment.

3. Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Buses run by HPTDC are available enroute Manali to Naggar via Khakhnal.
You can travel from Manali to Naggar via Soil, Khakhnal and Jagatsukh.
Cost of Driving to Naggar: Rs.100 – 200 (round)

By Flight – Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the closest airport located at a distance of 40.2 km from Naggar. AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.6000 – 12000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Jogindernagar Railway Station.

• Joginder Nagar – Pathankot Passenger (Pathankot Junction)

Things To Do In Naggar:

• Trekking
• Fishing
• Shopping
• Exploring
• Sightseeing

Places To Visit In Naggar:

1. Naggar Castle
2. Uruswati Himalayan Folk Art Museum
3. Dagpo Shedrupling Monastery
4. Gauri Shankar temple
5. Jagatipatt temple
6. Tripura Sundari Temple

Best Hotels In Naggar:

• Soham’s Chateau De Naggar
• Classic Hotel
• Naggar Castle

3. Kullu

A small hill station located in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu is an open valley situated at an altitude of 1230 m. Frequently visited as a popular nature retreat along with Manali, this place offers scenic views of the Deodar and Pine trees that stretch along the majestic hills.

Distance from the city: 40.3 km

Why Visit: A cluster of mesmerizing valleys, Kullu has a lot to offer to its tourists. Featuring a pleasant and cool climate throughout the year, Kullu is a hot favourite for all kinds of adventure sports. Offering spectacular views of the snow covered mountains and the winding Beas River that flows nearby, this place is famous for its Dussehra festival.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Well connected by roads and national highways NH1 and NH21, Kullu can be easily reached by a road drive.
You can travel from Manali to Kullu via Jagatsukh, Khakhnal, Soil, Raison and Bastori.
Cost of Driving to Kullu: Rs.200 – 400 (round)

By Flight – Bhuntar Airport in Kullu is the closest airport located at a distance of 10 km from Kullu. AirIndia flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.6000 – 12000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is Jogindernagar Railway Station.

• Joginder Nagar – Pathankot Passenger (Pathankot Junction)

Things To Do In Kullu:

• Skiing (In winters only)
• Rock Climbing
• Para-Gliding
• Trekking
• Mountaineering
• Jeep Safaris
• Bike Safaris
• Angling
• Shopping
• Exploring
• Sightseeing

Places To Visit In Kullu:

1. Bijli Mahadev Temple
2. Khir-Ganga
3. Bhrigu Lake
4. Chanderkhani Pass
5. Chandratal Lake
6. Great Himalayan National Park
7. Jana Waterfall
8. Beas Kund

Best Hotels In Kullu:

• Himalayan Hamlet Valley view Hotel & resort
• Hotel Sangam
• V Resorts Conifer Chalet Kullu

4. Bir-Biling

A paragliding destination located in the heart of the Himalayas, Bir and Biling are two small but famous towns in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh collectively known as Bir-Billing. Also known as the Paragliding Capital of India, Bir-Biling also houses many monasteries making the overall environment there even more peaceful and serene.

Distance from the city: 177 km

Why Visit: Want to experience how it feels to fly like a bird? Visit Bir to experience an ultimate paragliding experience. Mainly a Buddhist town, Bir is also known for its ecotourism, spiritual studies and activities like meditation and yoga. Apart from Paragliding, you can also try your hand at mountain biking and trail running. Situated away from the busting crowd of the cities, Bir-Biling is a silent valley that is adorned with verdant greenery and mystical views of the mountains of Himachal Pradesh.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– You can visit Bir-Biling via self-drive or taxis. Buses from Dharamshala and New Delhi also ply from Lower Dharamshala and ISBT respectively.
You can travel via car from Manali to Bir-Biling via Kullu, Pandoh, Mandi and Joginder Nagar.
Cost of Driving to Bir-Biling: Rs.1000 – 2000 (round)

By Flight – Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala is the closest airport located at a distance of 67.8 km from Bir-Biling. AirIndia and Spicejet flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.3000 – 6000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is broad gauge railhead – Pathankot Railway Station (140km) & narrow gauge railhead – Ahju (3km).

• Uttar Sampark Kranti (New Delhi)
• Shri Shakti Express (New Delhi)
• Jammu Tawi (Mumbai)
• Andaman Express (Chennai Central)
• Himgiri SF Express (Kolkata)
• Toy train from Pathankot to Ahju

Things To Do In Bir-Biling:

• Para-Gliding
• Hang Gliding
• Camping
• Trekking
• Mountain Biking
• Shopping
• Exploring
• Sightseeing

Places To Visit In Bir-Biling:

1. Deer Park Institute Khir-Ganga
2. Chokling Monastery
3. Dharmalaya Institute
4. Sherab Ling Monastery
5. Bir Tea Factory
6. Tibetan Colony
7. Bajinath Temple

Best Hotels In Bir-Biling:

• Chokling Guesthouse
• Bir Resort Hotel
• Camp Oak View

5. McLeodganj

A scenic suburb of Dharamshala, McLeodganj is a beautiful hill station popular among trekkers. Adorned with the beautiful backdrops of Kangra valley, this place is a home to a large population of Tibetans, thus giving it a title of ‘Little Lhasa’.

Distance from the city: 242 km

Why Visit: Nestled cozily amid the verdant greenery and majestic Dhauladhar Mountains of the Kangra Valley, McLeodganj is a serene and peaceful place to be at. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city lives, McLeodganj is the perfect place to be at peace with nature. With many cool hang out places, restaurants and small café’s, one can definitely cherish the authentic Tibetan cuisine here.

Best Way To Get There:

By Road– Well connected by roads and national highways NH3 and NH154, McLeodganj one can easily reach this place via car or cab.
You can travel via car from Manali to McLeodganj via Naggar, Kullu, Mandi, Joginder Nagar, Palampur and Dharamshala.
Cost of Driving to Bir-Biling: Rs.1500 – 3000 (round)

By Flight – Gaggal Airport in Dharamshala is the closest airport located at a distance of 18.4 km from McLeodganj. AirIndia and Spicejet flights will fly to this airport.
Fares: Rs.3000 – 6000 (round)

By Train– Nearest Railway Station is broad gauge railhead – Pathankot Railway Station (116km) & narrow gauge railhead – Kangra Valley Railway Station (20 km).

• Uttar Sampark Kranti (New Delhi)
• Shri Shakti Express (New Delhi)
• Jammu Tawi (Mumbai)
• Andaman Express (Chennai Central)
• Himgiri SF Express (Kolkata)
• Toy train from Pathankot to Kangra Valley

Things To Do In Mcleodganj:

• Camping
• Trekking
• Shopping
• Exploring
• Sightseeing

Places To Visit In Mcleodganj:

1. Namgyal Monastery
2. Bhagsu Falls
3. Tsuglagkhang
4. Triund
5. Bhagsunath Temple
6. Dal Lake

Also See: Places to Visit in Mcleodganj

Best Hotels In Mcleodganj:

• Spring Valley Resort
• Hotel Lhasa
• Green Hotel

6. Shimla

A beautiful city enclosed in the folds of the steep terrains of the Himalayas, Shimla is the summer capital of Himachal Pradesh. Offering spectacular views of the dense forests and majestic mountains, Shimla is a peaceful destination to spend some time in isolation, away from the bustling crowd of the big cities. Featuring a subtropical highland climate, the city experiences lot of footfall throughout the year. Along with providing a natural spectacle to its visitors, Shimla offers a number of cool hubs to shop for local handicraft items. Do try out the delectable food available here. Housing numerous hamlets and buildings styled in Tudorbethan and neo-Gothic architecture the creation of which dates back to the colonial era, Shimla is also a home to many churches and temples.

7. Manikaran

Nestled cozily in the Parvati Valley, Manikaran is an important religious site for both the Hindu and Sikh communities. Numerous pilgrims can be seen visiting this place throughout the year. Believed to eliminate the sins of one’s lifetime, if one takes a holy dip in the hot springs of Manikaran, this place is also a popular excursion site because of its proximity to the popular tourist attractions Kullu and Manali. Also famous for its picturesque natural views, Manikaran overlooks the beautiful snow-covered Harinder Mountains and the eternal Parvati River.

8. Dalhousie

A serene hill station situated away from the city lives, Dalhousie features a matchless charm of an offbeat destination. Perched at an elevation of 1970 m above the sea level, Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amid the verdant valleys and spectacular mountains visible at a distance, Dalhousie features a calm & peaceful environment and is mostly frequented by honeymooners. One can definitely experience the peaceful Tibetan lifestyle, the local cuisine and grab some beautiful handmade Tibetan carpets and other handicraft items here.