manali tourism government

• Bir Billing
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• Kinner Kailash Mountain
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• Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
• Satdhara Falls
• Subhash Baoli
• Dharamkot Studio
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium
• Gyuto Monastery
• Kangra fort
• Kareri Dal lake
• Library of Tibetan Works
• St. John Church
• Triund Hill
• War Memorial
• Chadwick Falls
• Christ Church Shimla
• Dhilon Pond
• Indian Institute of Advanced Study
• Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
• Green Valley
• Jakhoo Temple
• Kogi Mata Temple
• Naldehra Golf
• Summer Hills
• Hidimba Devi Temple
• Manali Sanctuary
• Manu Temple
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• Rohtang Pass
• Solang Valley
• Vashisht Hot Water Springs & Temple
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• Spiti valley
• Himachal in January
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In the majestic Himalayas, Manali offers countless breathtaking valleys covered with oaks, pines, firs, and fir trees. The area is a complete package of outdoor activities, cuisine, action sports, and historical sites. Beas River splashes brightly through the valley. From randomly positioned rocks, several waterfalls flow, including Jogni Falls and Rahala Falls. Additionally, you can see expansive meadows, terraced agriculture, and fruit orchards. The combination of all these sights gives the town a breathtakingly lovely appearance.

Manali too shares a portion of history, providing it magnificent architecture and breathtaking views in the form of ancient heritages. People who are religious gather here to honour temples like the Hadimba, Manu, and Shiv temples. History buffs visit historic forts like Naggar and Kuthar. Visit these locations because of the amazing architecture set against the mountainous landscape.

Having said enough about Manali’s landscapes, it is a mecca for extreme sports. For adventure seekers, there is a wide variety of adrenaline-inducing activities to choose from, including paragliding, camping, hiking, and river rafting. It also offers rural backcountry areas, which encourages hippie experiences.

Manali is perfect for a romantic honeymoon with a hint of adventure thanks to all this grace. In the midst of fresh meadows and crystal-clear streams of water, newlywed couples chose this location to start their new life together. It’s also a lot of fun to go around the mall road after dark, when they may sample various regional foods together. However, Punjabi and Tibetan tadka have a significant influence on regional food, which ultimately makes it tastier. Shopping on the mall route also offers the chance to purchase unusual items such as singing bowls, woollen garments, Dorje, prayer wheels, and other mementoes. The lighted roadways at night and the morning-glow valleys make for the ideal backdrops for their honeymoon photos.

In terms of variety, Manali is nothing short of a candy box. Dig up as many jewels as you like. We mean “memories” when we talk about jewels. Get ready for a great trip right away by packing everything you’ll need. Make your way to this lovely location and experience some memorable moments with your laptop, tickets, and your camera.

Nightlife in Manali

10 places to keep your night going strong for manali’s nightlife.

Manali is a very well-known hill town in Himachal Pradesh that is located at the northern end of the Kullu Valley. The region is well recognised for its beautiful scenery, heart-pounding adventure activities, Himachali food, as well as the local climate, mountains, and The Mall road. Sincerity dictates that all that is praised about Manali can be endured during the day, but what about at night?

There aren’t many places to party and Manali’s nightlife is somewhat undervalued. However, we were able to find the ones that perfectly matched your needs.

1. Johnson Café Manali Nightlife

Johnson Bar is regarded as one of the best bars and nicest establishments for nightlife in Manali. It has a lengthy night of excellent service, vintage bar aesthetics, and every type of wine in the world. Here, you’ll have an unforgettable night. The venue is a natural fit for you and your friends to hang out because of the elegant wooden furniture, the soft white lights creating the ideal ambiance, the long bar stools, and the unending talk over a few glasses of wine. The warmth of the blaze can be enjoyed while drinking hot chocolate or watching cricket on the big screen.

Tip – Recommend making reservations in advance

Closed at: 11.30 p.m.

Circuit House Road in Siyal is where it’s situated.

2. Johnson’s Dining Room

You will approach this restaurant with an empty stomach and leave with a satisfied appetite because it is a part of the Johnson Hotel grounds. There are both restaurant-style and lounge-style seating options available. You stay in this place longer because of the mesmerising ambience and foot-tapping music. At 8 PM, the DJ or live acts begin; otherwise, the music never ends. If you’re not a vegetarian, order the trout fish first for a better start!

Recommend making reservations in advance.

Circuit House Road in Siyal, Kullu, and Manali is where it’s based.

3. Lethargy Dog

This café is completely sumptuous; from the moment you enter, it attracts you and your group with its wonderful service and hearty sips of pleasant beverages. In addition to that, the live band performances and the casual Manali weather make your night even more extraordinary.

The restaurant features a clever menu with a wide selection of meals and unique drinks that will tempt you to order another!

Location: Old Manali’s Manu Temple Road

Adventure activities in Manali

Adventure activities are popular among tourists in Manali. There are a few things to keep in mind. Dress in a way that makes it possible to wind the harness firmly. Both too much and too little should be avoided. Avoid going there in the wet season. For your adventure, check out these additional details!

• Accommodations – Manali has always been a popular vacation spot in India, particularly among North Indians. There are numerous lodging options available, ranging from budget-friendly hostels and hotels to opulent resorts. The option of camping in Manali’s lovely lawns is also available.
• Maintain a watchful eye on your respiratory system. Please refrain from participating in this exercise if you have any heart-related conditions or respiratory problems.

Restaurants and local food in Manali

Manali is a hill town that sparkles with great eateries, cafes, and pubs that can satisfy any appetites or needs that travellers may have. Numerous eateries can be found, all of which offer a wide selection of mouthwatering dishes. Along with the well-known Tibetan Momos, you may discover Italian, Chinese, Korean, Continental, Indian, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines here.

Cafés with a parallel culture are popular with younger crowds. Among the foods served at these eateries are apple pies, momos, banana pancakes, pizzas, and yak’s cheese. Along with this, eat some of the street cuisine, which includes Gulab Jamun, Bread Pakoras, Paav Bhaji, Samosas, Aloo Tikki, and more.

Itinerary (03N/04D)

Day 1 –  Arrive in Manali early. After breakfast, take some time to unwind. You can begin your tour at the Hadimba Temple after getting ready. Following that, you can venture outside to the Mall Road for some food and some retail therapy. The main market is humming with activity, and you can get anything you need there as well as woollen clothing, shawls, and regional handicrafts.

Day 2 – You should travel to Rohtang Pass on from April to November, it is open. It takes two hours to go there from Manali, so you should leave early in the day—around 4:00—to beat the traffic. You can purchase entry passes in Manali, but you must do it as soon as possible.

Day 3 – You can also go to Vashisht thermal springs. It feels amazing to soak in the hot springs throughout the winter. After that, you may go shopping and have a delectable lunch in Old Manali.

Day 4 –  On the way back, pause in Bhuntar so you may go rafting during the appropriate season. Alternatively, you may go visit the bazaar and temples in Kullu. Various options are available, depending on your mood and the time of year.

Best time to visit Manali

October through June is the ideal season to visit Manali. characterised by vibrant, colourful flowers that are in full bloom and a comfortable climate with temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. The greatest time to enjoy snowfall in Manali is from December through February. When temperatures remain below zero, Manali’s snow-covered surroundings turn into a heaven on earth. Manali receives visitors all year long, however, the monsoon season (July to August) is rather slow because to landslides and terrain obstructions.

Summertime in Manali (March – June)

Manali has an unrivalled appeal from March through June. characterised by vibrant, colourful flowers that are in full bloom and a comfortable climate with temperatures between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. River rafting, paragliding, walking, and camping are just a few of the outdoor pursuits available in this gorgeous hill station. If you are planning a vacation during these months, don’t forget to visit the Beas Kund Trek, Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Baths, Hampta Pass Trek, Van Vihar, and the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art.

Winter in Manali (October – February)

By the middle of September, the monsoon begins to diminish, and from October on, winter begins to arrive. The best time to take in the snowfall and breathtaking beauty of this location is from December to January. Manali, with its snow-covered environs, transforms into a paradise on earth when the temperature is below zero. For honeymooners and adventure seekers, it is the ideal time. The Chandratal Baralacha Lake, the Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, Nehru Kund, Manali Sanctuary, and Jogini Waterfall are just a few of the breathtaking views you shouldn’t miss. Other popular sites are Rahala Falls and Arjun Gufa.

Monsoon in Manali (July – September)

When it rains heavily in Manali during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to the second week of September, there may be regular landslides that obstruct most of the roads. It is best to avoid visiting this location at this time, despite the dramatic decrease in accommodation rates. Monsoon season is not the best time to visit Manali.

Tourist Attractions in Manali

Manali, a significant hill town in northern India that was once dubbed the “end of the livable world,” is a popular tourist destination. Those suffering from the sweltering Indian summers will find it to be the ideal sanctuary because to its cool atmosphere. Manali is known for adventure activities including skiing, hiking, mountaineering, paragliding, rafting, trekking, kayaking, and mountain biking in addition to having a large number of tourist attractions. In summary, Manali, the authentic “valley of the Gods,” is the perfect location for anyone seeking both comfort and excitement. Buddhist monks, Nepali porters, Kulluis in colourful puttoos, Tibetan ladies in ankle-length rainbow-striped pinafores, and even an unusual group of Zanskaris dressed in floppy woollen gonchas mixed together with Indian and other tourists looking for souvenirs

Manali, the head of the Kullu valley, is located in the centre of the Himachal Pradesh state in northern India. It is 280 kilometres (km) north of Shimla, the state capital, and 108 kilometres (km) from Mandi. Manali is located along the banks of the river Beas and is perched at a height of 2050 metres above sea level. Wintertime temperatures can dip below freezing, necessitating the wearing of thick wool clothing. The summer months are pleasant, thus light woollens or cottons are advised. High mountains hidden by hushed snowfall and vast canyons littered with boulders may be found at Manali. There are dense woodlands with brisk air and chirping birds. There are orchards filled with fruit, notably apples, little charming hamlets, and meadows of wild flowers.

The name Manali is based from mythology from the Stone Age. Hindu mythology describes Manu as the first creation and Vaivasvata as his seventh incarnation. Vaivasvata discovered a little fish in his bathing pool. The fish advised him to give it loving care since it would one day be of tremendous assistance to him. The fish was raised by the seventh Manu until it became so large that he could release it into the ocean. The fish urged Manu to construct a seaworthy ark before departing, forewarning him of an approaching flood during which the entire world would be drowned. Vaivasvata and the Seven Sages were dragged to safety by Matsya (fish), Lord Vishnu’s first form, when the water arrived. The seventh Manu’s ark came to rest as the floods began to recede.

Things to do in Manali

About zipline at atal tunnel.

Enjoy the magnificent Zipline at Atal Tunnel in Manali for a panoramic view of the highlands. A mountain blanketed in greenery is a treat to the eyes. Make memories of a lifetime while experiencing the adrenaline rush of this experience.

River Rafting at Lahaul

Enjoy the stunning valley while being awed by the majestic river’s raging rapids. Witness the spiritual beauty of the hills and crystal clear white water. Indulge in fun-filled activities as you discover the hidden adventurer within you. The adventure involves rafting and is a group activity. Up to 6-7 people, including the instructor, can board the raft at the same time.

Buggy Ride at Atal Tunnel

Embrace your wild side and engage on the most exhilarating drive of your life, preferably alone or with a buddy. Off-road buggies are the best to drive because of how light the chassis is, which means that all of the engine power goes directly into the speed of the buggy, ensuring an amazing – and very fast – ride! Steering the completely automatic, two-seater, off-road buggies, which are a great ride for everybody, is a magnificently unforgettable journey.

About ATV Ride at Atal Tunnel

The ATV trip, designed especially for thrill-seekers looking for pure enjoyment, is a fantastic way to discover Manali’s rural charm. Don’t miss this adventurous ride during your Manali stay.

How to reach Manali

Via air – The closest airports to Manali are those at Bhuntar and Kullu Manali. It is around 50 kilometres away from the major cities. Chandigarh and Delhi witness frequent flights from the airport in Bhuntar. Private cabs are accessible outside the airport.

BY RAIL – Jogindernagar Railway Station, which is 143 kilometres away from here, is the closest railway station to Manali. Manali is connected to significant Indian cities via this railhead. Manali and other Indian cities are Chandigarh (314 km) and Ambala Cantt Junction (342 km)T offer nearby access to Manali to and fro. The railway provides access to the hill town through taxis and buses.

BY ROAD – Manali, a well-liked hill resort, is well-connected to renowned Indian tourist locations including Delhi, Leh, Kullu, Dharamshala, Chandigarh, Ambala, Dehradun, and Shimla. In addition to private taxis and cabs, regular private and government-run buses travel to Manali. Both regular and air-conditioned bus services are available.

Manali’s Tourist Attractions

The Hidimba or Dhungri Temple is a popular tourist destination in Manali. This temple was built in 1533 and honours the local deity Hidimba, the wife of the Pandava prince Bhim. In May, a sizable event takes place in this area. The temple is renowned for its magnificent woodwork carvings and four-story pagoda.

Shiny Buddhist monasteries called gompas are well-known for being in Manali. It is renowned for its 1969-built Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and has the biggest number of Tibetan refugees in the whole Kullu valley. Donations from the neighbourhood and proceeds from the selling of carpets made by hand that are woven in the temple workshop are used to support the monastery.

Nearer to the bazaar is the Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa, which is more compact and contemporary.

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• 1.1 Weather
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.2 By private taxi
• 2.3 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 9.2 Home-stay
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Manali is a city of about 11,000 people (2023) in Central Himachal Pradesh . A staging point for a number of treks (Beas Kund, Chandrakhani Pass) and sports such as white-water rafting, Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Spiti and Rohtang Pass, which is the main attraction near Manali.

Understand [ edit ]

Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station at a height of 2,050 m (6,398 ft) in the Himalayas. Situated on the Beas River (Vyaas in Hindi) and near its source, it is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter.

Weather [ edit ]

The minimum temperature ranges between -15 and -5 °C from October till March. December, January and February are coldest months. For the rest of the year the minimum temperature would be between 15 and 20 °C.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate in Manali is predominantly cold during winters, and moderately cool during summers. The temperatures range from 4 °C (39 °F) to 26 °C (68 °F) over the year. The average temperature during summer is between 4°C (39°F) and 15°C (59°F), and between −15°C (5°F) and 05°C (41°F) in the winter. Monthly precipitation varies between 31 mm (1.2 in) in November and 217 mm (8.5 in) in July. In average, some 45 mm (1.8 in) of precipitation is received during winter and spring months, increasing to some 115 mm (4.5 in) in summer as the monsoon approaches. The average total annual precipitation is 1,363 mm (53.7 in). Snowfall often takes place between November end and early February. The weather in Manali is not stable.

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

Manali is about 570 km (350 mi) from Delhi and there are buses connecting the town with Delhi, Shimla , Dharamsala and Leh . For service from Delhi to Manali, tickets and reservations can be made at the Inter State Bus Terminus as well as at the Himachal Tourism office on Safdar Hashmi Marg near Mandi House in New Delhi. Privately owned Volvo buses offer 60% cheaper ticket prices than the government owned Volvo buses. The approximate travel time from Delhi to Manali is 14 hours; from Ambala to Manali is 10 hours; and from Kulu to Manali is 1½ to 3 hours. Volvo buses—which depart at around 5PM and reach at 9-10AM next day—are available from Delhi and is the best option in terms of comfort and value for money to reach Manali but you need to book these in advance. Some hotels will book your Volvo with WiFi connection and personal LED screen along with their hotel package.

By private taxi [ edit ]

If hiring a private taxi, ensure that the driver has experience driving in hilly regions and does not have the habit of drinking alcohol. Also make sure the driver has done the trip at least once before and knows all roads. Also make sure that the driver is used to drive for long hours. Many operators turn off air-conditioning during the majority of the hill journey, or demand to be paid extra if asked to. Best to confirm this prior to booking. If you are going to Manali through Chandigarh-Ropar-Kiratpur-Bilaspur-Mandi-Kullu highway, then your driver would need to drive on hilly roads for at least 6 hours. The expected price is somewhere around ₹3000 to ₹4000/day for an Indica hatchback or a bigger Innova car from Delhi. To get the best deals on cabs, look for cabs that came one-way from Manali/Kullu to drop tourists at Delhi. These cabs (usually with HP01K registration plates) offer 60% cheaper fares, as they've been paid fully by the previous customer. Also, you can find them at parking station near Majnu ka tilla/ New Aruna Nagar.

By train [ edit ]

The nearest Broad Gauge Rail Head is Chandigarh (310 km). Ambala Cantonment en route Chandigarh is on the Delhi - Amritsar and Delhi - Jammu main lines and is well-served by rail, but you will need to travel to Ambala to get a bus for the 10 hour ride to Manali. Jogindernagar and Kalka are other, less preferable, rail heads for Manali.

The nearest Broad gauge station is Kiratpur Sahib in Punjab near the city of Nangal. It lies in Ropar district of Punjab. The station lies on the Ambala Cantt - Una route of Indian Railways. From here you can easily get buses for Manali.

By plane [ edit ]

The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) Airport ( KUU  IATA ); Tel: +91 1902–265037, 265603), 50 km from Manali, 10 km from Kullu , about one hour away. Air-India has a morning flight from Delhi operated by Alliance Air.

Delhi is the nearest international airport, 560 km away from Manali. That airport is well connected to major cities in India as well as cities abroad.

Get around [ edit ]

There are various ways of getting around in Manali, if you are not already travelling with your own vehicle. Most tourists hire a taxi (various kinds available) [dead link] , which takes you around to all the sight seeing spots in and around Manali (Rohtang, Manikaran, etc.) It costs about ₹1800 per day, or little over ₹3000 if you book together for 3 days (in the peak season). Dress for Rohtang cost around ₹150 for each set including boots and ski set will cost you around ₹200. These detail are mentioned at a board at Mall Road. Be sure to bargain.

The second most common way is to hire a motorbike. There are many places where you can hire a motorbike (easy to find if you ask around), and is the most common mode of transport for foreigners. Cruiser bikes like Bullet, Royal Enfield Himalayan, and sport bikes from Honda, Bajaj, Yamaha, are easily available, though Bullet is the most commonly seen one on the roads. Rates hover around ₹800-1500 per day in the peak season, but much discounted at other times. A good place worth a look will be in Bike Rentals Manali office in Vashisht 9816044140, have a good selection of Royal Enfields and Pulsars. Also 'Tinku' Bike mechanic near old Manali bridge is an honest shop for bike rentals.

Public transport is not so good. There are cheap bus services, but they are not so frequent. Yet, if you are going to stay for a long time, it is better to know the times and use them, as other modes of public transport and exorbitant compared to bus. For e.g., auto rickshaws take ₹200 from Manali Mall Road to Solang Valley, while the bus will cost you just ₹10. The buses are not punctual specially because they seem not have a written schedule. The best option is to ask about timing at the bus terminal. Buses starts to run at 7-8AM. Frequent a bus can be cancelled or late. You can get in and out almost at any place on the route; just wave at the driver.

Public bus routes

• Kullu - Manali. Price ₹60. Every 15 min
• Manali - Naggar. Every 1½ hr
• Manali - Solang. Every hour

See [ edit ]

There are several beautiful places that you can visit around Manali . You can either use your own vehicle or Hire local taxes [dead link] . There are even buses are running frequently to these places except Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple etc. with very less cost. Below is list of places with detail expalnation.

• 32.37164 77.24662 1 Rohtang Pass . At an altitude of 3979 m (13,050 ft) above sea level, this is another adventure tourist site where it can be cold even on a summer day. It is the highest point on the Manali-Keylong road and provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above clouds, which is truly breath-taking. Close by is a small lake called Dassaur Lake. Beas Kund, the source of river Beas, is also nearby. In winter, the road of Rothang Pass is closed. The road to Rohtang Pass is closed at Manali bridge on all Tuesdays between 9AM-6PM for carrying out road widening work & repairs. If you are able to leave early, before 09:00, you can avoid the traffic rush (found on all other days) and have Rohtang Pass to yourself (well almost!). Flip side is to be prepared for stoppages (extending up to a few hours) on the return trip as the road is blocked off where repair works are progressed. If you are driving up, be prepared for the rough broken roads at many places, sheer blind turns and tight hairpin bends, which can be exhilarating depending on the state of your nerves. If you are hiring a vehicle then better rent a four wheel drive vehicle from Manali. Some times the local people along with police does not allow the non-four wheel drive vehicles from going beyond Snow-Point (a place 16 km before Rohtang Pass) and force to hire their owned 4WD vehicles at exorbitant prices which can be up to ₹2000 per person. This happens in the winter times when there is heavy snow fall. The tours organized by HPTDC do not go up to Rohtang pass and terminate at Snow-Point. Shared taxis are also available.  

• 32.36645 77.0855 2 Beas Kund . An igloo-shaped temple, on top has a spring which is the origin of River Beas.  
• Fun park . Near the Hadimba Temple  
• 32.11312 77.16416 3 Gauri Shankar Temple .  

• Maa Sharvari Temple . This temple is represented as Kuldevi of the kings of Kullu in early times and is worshipped as a manifestation of Durga, and image of the goddess is also enshrined here. The divinity is popularly worshipped throughout the region during the festivals and the Goddess is transported to Kullu to visit the Lord Raghunathji during Dussehra festival. This temple is on the top of above the Shaminallah village, which is around 5 km from Manali, across the Beas river on the left bank on the way to Naggar Casttle.  
• Monasteries . Manali is known for its shiny gompas or Buddhist monasteries. These are maintained by donations from the local community and by the sale of hand-woven carpets in the temple workshops.  
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art . The museum is situated on a two minutes walk from the Hadimba Devi Temple in Utopia Complex. The museum is a unique and extraordinary collection of unknown and rare antiques of the state. It demonstrates the almost extinct articles that clearly display the forgotten culture, art and handicraft of Himachal Pradesh. The museum has 18 galleries in it which display antiques from different aspects of cultural life of people of Himachal Pradesh.  
• 32.25215 77.17871 5 Old Manali . 3 km northwest of Manali is Old Manali, famous for its orchards and old guesthouses. There is ruined fort here by the name of Manaligarh. There is also the Manu Maharishi Temple, dedicated to sage Manu.  
• 32.33655 77.21851 6 Rahala waterfalls . About 16 km from Manali at the start of the climb to the Rohtang Pass, are the beautiful Rahalla Falls at an altitude of 2,501 m.  
• Rozy Falls . On the way to Rohtang amazing water fall worth seeing. this water fall looks amazing between the high hills.  
• 32.31309 77.16355 7 Solang Valley . Popularly known as Snow Point, Solang Valley is 13 km northwest of Manali and famous for its 300-m ski lift. The Ski Lift ticket is ₹400 per head. It is a picturesque spot and offers splendid views of glaciers and the snow-capped mountains. Jagatsukh, the former capital of Manali, is also an important spot.  
• 32.26684 77.18753 8 Vashist Hot Water Springs and Temple . Around 3 km from Manali, across the Beas river is Vashist, a small village with natural sulphur springs. Modern bathhouses, with Turkish-style showers, have the hot water piped into them for the convenience of the visitors who come here to benefit from the medicinal properties. Vaishisht, also boasts a pair of old stone temples, opposite each other above the main square. Dedicated to the local patron saint Vashista, the smaller of the two opens on to a partially covered courtyard, and is adorned with elaborate woodcarvings. Those lining the interior of the shrine, blackened by years of oil-lamp and incense smoke, are particularly fine. The temple tanks are underground hot-water/sulfur springs. Be wary of hanging up your trousers or bags on the hooks provided, pickpocketing is a daily occurrence. Hand over your wallet to a trusted person for safekeeping before you enter the springs for a bath.  

There are some interesting temples of Tibetan Buddhist lineages located between old and new Manali.

• Beautiful Log Hut Area and Club house . Both these places especially log hut area have some good hotels to stay.  
• The Manali Gompa . Manali Gompa was built in 1960. It is one of the most important places for Buddhists. Buddhists come to this place from Ladakh , Tibet, Spiti, Lahul and Kinnaur. Manali Gompa is world famous for a large statue of Buddha and for its wall paintings.  
• 32.11037 77.16298 9 Naggar . The Castle, Roerich House and Art gallery are places to see. Moonlight dinner on the balcony of Hotel Castle restaurant is worth experiencing, with the lovely sight of twinkling lights below in the Beas valley. Bijli Mahadev temple, about 20 km from Naggar, is also worth visiting.  
• 32.05471 77.17258 10 Jana Falls ( Jana Waterfall ). 15 km from Naggar and 35 km from Manali, at Zana Village, beautiful Water Fall is worth visiting. The valley provides amazing views. There is one water fall on the road side and two other water falls which are not much explored by tourists and are amazing. Moreover traditional Himachali food is available here at small hut like shops.  

Kothi is at the bottom of Rohatang Pass. It is a beautiful and photographic village where tourists can capture different thrilling views of the deep gorge through which the Beas swiftly runs. This is an amazing place to experience the natural beauty of high altitude mountain.

• Enfieldpoint , Old Manali , ☏ +91 96466 52350 .  
• Nehru Kund . Nehru Kund is around 6 km from Manali. It is one of the natural springs of natural water in India. Nehru Kund is named after the late Prime Minister Jawar Lal Nehru. Nehru used to drink water from this Kund, while his journey to Manali. Nehru Kund is on the Manali-Keylong road, about 6 km from Manali. It is understood that a landslide has wiped out this spring.  

Do [ edit ]

• Get your photos clicked with either rabbits or yaks (near the Hidimba Temple). It will cost about ₹10-20 for a single photo.
• One can also enjoy paddle boating in a fun park near Hidimba temple.
• River rafting, skiing, zorbing, trekking, snow scootering, and river crossing. One of the best adventure companies is the High Himalayan Adventure, based in Vashisht village.

• Paragliding - Paragliding is quite popular in Manali, especially in the peak season. The scene is located at Solang Valley. There are multiple levels, starting from the basic 1-minute flying for ₹450 (the most common), progressing to a more fun 5-minute flight for ₹1500. But the ultimate is the half an hour flight for ₹2500, for which they take you up almost halfway to Rohtang, and bring you back to Solang all the way by paragliding. In such a long flight, wind plays a big role, and sometimes it is not possible to fly all the way to Solang, something to keep in mind while going for it. Generally, later in the day you go for it, better are the chances you will do the whole flight. However, before you decide to paraglide in Manali, have a look at the "Stay safe" section of this article.
• Rock climbing - there are some fabulous routes, however, go with a reputable company that can provide you suitable gear, otherwise this can become a dangerous sport. Look for the bright orange building across from Pizza Olive. The company also does abseiling trips, in which you can swing down into 9 tiers of a waterfall using rock-climbing equipment. Another contact is Dave Morahan (9805346007) who takes you to all kind of rock climbing trips for all difficulty levels, and is quite skilled himself.
• Bookworm in NAC Market behind the bus stand has books including travel literature, Indian Himalaya maps, postcards and coffee table books.
• Early morning walks as Manali are best enjoyed before the town wakes up.
• Go camping . Camping in this town is one of the most incredible experiences to have. You can camp at the alpine meadows, pine forests, by the lakes, or the base of snowy mountains. Beas River, Tirthan Valley, Solang Valley, Bhuntar, Sarai and Kothi village are some of the most scenic camping spots.
• Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek: This trek is a technical trekking trail in Manali. This trek is a famous trek among the experience climbers. This trek gives a magnificent view of Deo.
• Friendship peak Trekking: This is one of the majestic mountains in the beautiful valley of Kullu. This mountain is situated at around 5289 m above the sea level. Best way to go for this trek is from Beas Kund and Dhundi.
• Hampta Pass Trek: This trek is one of the most famous trekking trails in the Manali region. This trek is suitable for those who have some prior trekking experience and are reasonably fit. This trek passes through lush forests and eventually to scree and pebbles.
• Himalayan Caravan Adventure: Offer you an array of adventures from off-beat safaris, less-known but more-interesting trekking paths, rock climbing, canyoning, white water rafting, paragliding, skiing & snowboarding etc. www.himalayancaravan.com
• Brighu Trek : Brighu is very good place to trek. A lot of tourist heavily enjoy this trek. Mostly 2-3 day is enough for this trek. Local people often visit Brighu because it really memorable place.

Buy [ edit ]

Keychains, name plates, etc. which are customized to ones own message are worth buying as mementos. Also you can get your name carved on a single grain of rice. One can also visit Manali Market to buy woolen stuff like sweaters, pull overs, shawls, and blankets. Hippie clothes and jewellery can be found in Old Manali.

• Chingu. Local shops are aplenty selling chingus (a type of blanket) claiming to be warm in winters and cold in summers. Be wary of these. They will show you parcel ready chingus. Do not fall prey to them.
• Fruit products, honey and apricot oil at Himcoop Juice Bar Manali are also something local produced in the valley. Jam from Himcoop taste like real fruit due to high contents of fruit pulp and apricot oil is good for joint pains and also general massage.

Do not buy saffron ( kesar ), musk ( kasturi ), or shilajit from street vendors; most of these products are fake. Buy from government-authorized shops only.

Eat [ edit ]

• Blue Elephant Cafe . It is a small eatery with good Indian and Western spread at very reasonable rates close to the bridge on Beas river. You get the option of sitting and enjoying the food right next to the river gushing by. Try out the freshly made parathas, bruschettas, omelettes and traditional Indian tea.  
• Bob Dylan's Cafe ( Roasted and Toasted ). It is in the heart of old Manali. It serves the most delicious cookies and sandwiches. With its extremely good menu and pocket-friendly price, it remains one of the most popular destinations after a day's sightseeing. Also, at no extra cost, you have a very comfortable movie theater where you can choose among some 100 movie titles and watch as you eat on those delicious cookies. And yes, they do play Bob Dylan's songs. Must visit.  
• Cafe Bella Vista , Hadimba Temple Rd ( 10 Minutes walk up from the mall road ). A small Spanish style cafe with 2 small & 2 cottage rooms available for stay. Serves amazingly fresh, brick-oven pizzas & Italian. Great service & very nice people.  
• Cafe m 1947 , Old Manali , ☏ +91 9418461969 . The 1st music cafe in Old Manali (near the bridge), located on the banks of the River Manalsu. Cuisines from all around the globe and known for its dishes like the "Burger of Bodom", "UFO", and "The Terminator". Travelers can also pacify themselves by playing instruments in rhythm with the Voice of the River. Also, there are unplugged concerts and parties held time and again.  
• Cafe Zeppelinn , Kothi village ( 13km from Manali, on the way to Rohtang Pass ). all day long . The last cafe once you leave Manali and are heading towards Rohtang Pass. It is run by young enterpreneurs for their love of life in the mountains and music. They serve good pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and momos. They also play excellent rock music from the 1960s and 1970s. Most paragliders will land at their cafe and should enjoy they services while waiting for their friends or families to pick them up. reasonable .  
• Chawlas Square ( Chawla Chicken ), Rangri NH21 ( 2 km from mall road, towards kullu ), ☏ +91 9816198928 . Delicious north Indian and Mughlai food. A great place for adventure too.  
• Chopsticks ( opposite the bus stand ). Really good Tibetan food.  
• Dawat Restaurant ( sunparkresorts.com ), Left Bank Aleo New Manali ( left bank aleo ), ☏ +91 9816100049 . 24 hours . A well-decorated, in-house, multi-cuisine restaurant that offers Indian, Mughlai and Chinese delicacies. ₹1,500 .  
• Drifters' Inn and Cafe ( Situated in Old Manali ). This has great food, Wi-Fi internet and friendly atmosphere.  
• Il Forno ( ca. 100 m below the Hadimba Temple, in direction of New Manali ), ☏ +91 98160 40144 . Original Italian pizzas prepared by an Italian cook. Prices higher than Indian average but still cheap for Italian pizza .  
• Green Forest cafe ( lying on the Hadimba-temple old manali road, only a few hundred meters from the temple ). It is also a very popular destination for both locals and foreigners. It serves Tibetan soups, veggie dumplings and other sandwiches and snacks.  
• Johnson's Bar and cafe ( 5 minutes walk up from the mall road ). It is a great place to hangout in the evening. The food and service is quite good, and is thus a very popular place.  
• Lazy Dog , Old Manali . It has an extensive multi-cuisine menu. The food is quite good and the ambience is great.  
• Local Himachali Dish-Sidu ( It is right at the tea shop behind bus stand in municipal market ). One can eat Sidu (which is like filled Idli or filled rice baked bun) with Chutney to experience a slice of Himachali cuisine in Manali with tea, black tea, or coffee. This is the only 1 there is visible yet hidden but worth a gem before leaving Himachal.  
• Madras mess . It is a popular mess which serves south Indian meals and unlimited meals ₹80 .  
• Manali market . This is the key place for eatables. Right from chat to Indian (veg/nonveg) to international cuisine like Italian/Chinese are available in the main market which is just opposite the Manali Bus stand. The mall road has a variety of eating options ranging from stalls and dhabas to fancy restaurants. Deeper into the lanes of the town, one can find more local eating places, catering to special tastes and habits ranging from Tibetan food, to Vaishnavi Dhabhas. You are sure to find something without hunting around too much.  
• Mayur Restaurant ( in a lane opposite the upper end of the bus stand ).  
• Moondance ( is right opposite the Dylan's cafe ). It also has a multi-cuisine menu, and the food and ambience are all good.  
• Old Manali . It is one of the best places to hang out in the evening. It has a great collection of restaurants/bars and shops. It is also not crowded like the Mall Road, with the crowd consisting mostly of foreigners.  
• Pizza Olive , Old Manali . This place has the best pizza in town and is worth the trek to Old Manali. Also try the fabulous tiramisu.  
• Satyam Restaurant , Mall Rd ( Next to Shri Heera Medical Store ), ☏ +91 98168 94518 . On the mall road 200 m away from main Manali Bus stand with sitting capacity of 75 persons at a time on 2 floors. Vegetarian with Jain options available. All types of Punjabi, Gujrati, South Indian and continental.  
• Shere Punjab . Serves good butter chicken with butter naan. You can also get a beer which is not mentioned in the menu, if you ask for.  
• Shiva Paradise Cafe ( Non-veg Food ) ( Old manali just on the bridge ), ☏ +91 9805379377 . Delicious non veg food specially kolapuri chicken and Trout Fish .  
• Vaishnao dhaba ( in the market adjacent to the bus stand ).  
• Valley View Restaurant , Snow Valley Resorts . Known for beautiful view and good homely buffet food.  

Drink [ edit ]

The locals drink two kinds of alcoholic beverages : Lugdi (plains) or Chang (Himalayan), a kind of crude beer made from fermented rice or barley and Sharab (plains) or Arak (Himalayan), an alcoholic drink distilled from Lugdi/chang. Arak can also be made from jaggery or apples or any other fruit.

It might be an interesting experience to visit a local home when the ladies make arak (quite regularly). You can sit in the fields where the ladies make it, have hot water from the distilling to wash with and "test" the product at frequent intervals.

Because there are apple orchards all around Manali, it's often possible to find apple cider . Besides this, there is alcohol available in bars, larger restaurants and the larger hotels.

Kullu-Manali Valley is known as fruit bowl of India . Himcoop Juice Bar at The Mall Manali is one of the well known corner shop since 1972 selling 100% Natural Apple Juice and fruit drinks made from local fruits besides some syrups known as "Fruit Crush" to carry home to prepare fruit drinks after diluting with fresh water. Himcoop Juice Bar is on the Main Mall as one of the corner shop next to Temple.

Sleep [ edit ]

Budget [ edit ].

As of May 2023 it is still definitely possible to get a comfortable room with a great mountain view for around ₹800. Bargaining is a must if you're a foreigner and coming without an online booking, to avoid pushing the prices further up.

• Apple View Guest House , ☏ +91 1902 253899 . Check-out: noon . Very friendly, food menu provided for additional nominal fees. Hot water is free. ₹300-400 .  
• Footloose Camps, +91 8800763430. Hamta Valley, 9 km from the Mall Road. Backpacker hostel and campsite costing ₹500-900 per bed.
• Blue Guest House , Castle Road Naggar, Brahman Kothi, Naggar, Kullu Manali, +91 9817287347, +91 9816421109 (Mrs. Lata Sharma), +91 9816377076 (Mr Chander Shekhar Sharma), hot water, CTV, view of Kullu Valley and Beas River and roof-top restaurant. This is a family-run guest house and the couple is very courteous. The guest house costs ₹200-500 per night and is on the way up, about 0.5 km before the Castle. Manali is 30 min by local bus.
• Drifters' Inn & Cafe , Manu Temple Road, Old Manali (www.driftersinn.in) ( about 300 m before Manu Temple ), ☏ +91 9805033127 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . 3 km from the main town of Manali. Drifters is really high on value for money. Rooms and toilets are clean and cozy.  
• Flamingo Resort , Kanyal Road, Simsa ( about 2 km from Mall Road ), ☏ +91 9816051236 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Room + breakfast + dinner @ ₹2300 per night for 2 persons. ₹2300 .  
• Hotel Shandela , Club House Rd ( Near electricity office, The Mall ), ☏ +91 9418388208 , [email protected] . Rooms overlooking the forest on one side. A favourite with World Challenge expeditioners.  
• Kapoor Resort , Hadimba Temple Rd ( about 0.5 km from Mall Road ), ☏ +91 9736386854 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Room + breakfast + dinner @ ₹1200 per night for 2 persons.  
• Rocky's Guest House and Cafe ( approx. 300 m uphill from Manu Temple in Old Manali ), ☏ +91 78319 58071 , +91 98164 91374 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: 11AM . Run by a local family, with spacious rooms, mountain views and an outdoor cafe that serves food of Himachal Pradesh as well as a wide range of Indian, Tibetan, Italian, Thai, and Israeli cuisine. ₹600-1,200 per night . ( updated Apr 2018 )
• Tiger's Eye , Club House Rd ( Above Drifter's and towards the right in the village ). Clean and warm rooms. Nice wooden floors. Comfortable bed. Hot water. Pretty courtyard. ₹400 .  
• Himanshu Resort , Himanshu Resorts Manali Siyal Road, Model Town Mall Manali Distt Kullu Himachal Pradesh India PIN 175131 ( from Mall Road, it take only 2 minute by walk from mall Road Manali; from the Volvo station, it takes around 10 minutes by cab to reach Himanshu Resort manali ), ☏ +91 9736000016 , [email protected] . Check-in: 10AM , check-out: noon . ( updated Oct 2018 )

Home-stay [ edit ]

• Nature Treat Hut , Jagat Sukh ( 6 km south of Manali ), ☏ +91 9816056934 , [email protected] . Its in a small village with traditional wooden houses, close to Gayathri Temple. It is surrounded by an apple orchard and wide view of the Himalayan mountain range. It is far from the crowds, and the kullu local food can be tasted.  
• Ramgarh Heritage Villa ( in the small town of Raison, midway between Kullu & Manali ), ☏ +91 9816248514 , [email protected] . A heritage bungalow built in 1928, during the British era, with high ceilings, spacious bedrooms and fireplaces, and surrounded by apple orchards & kiwi plantations. It is managed by the descendants of the same family that built it. Behind the home-stay is the village of Benchi, whose residents work on the orchards. The village offers a glimpse of the Himachali countryside with its by-lanes overlooking the Beas and the Dhalaudhar range. ( updated Jun 2017 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Himachal Cottage Villa ( Village Bashkola, Kullu-Manali ), ☏ +91 9417150502 , [email protected] . Set of three cottages near orchards.  
• Himkund Cottages , Rangri , ☏ +91 9817094200 . A collection of three cottages with 2-3 rooms in each cottage, which are well decorated. ( updated Dec 2015 )
• 32.2401 77.1917 1 Honeymoon Inn Manali , Left Bank, Aleo Manali ( 1.5 km from the main bus stand on the left bank of the river on the road going towards Nagar ), ☏ +91 11-43101103 , [email protected] . 59-room hotel with extensive lawns and indoor facilities.  
• Manali Camp , Kullu Manali Naggar Road Sarsai ( Haripur ), ☏ +91 9816828821 , toll-free: +91 9318621000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11AM , check-out: noon . Provides accommodation with adventure activities facilities and free WiFi in camp area. There is a park on site and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. A vegetarian/non veg food is served at the property. The tented camp offers a barbecue. Guests can rent a car or use the business centre. The camp can also arrange a bicycle rental service. ₹2250 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
• Manali Heights ( Log Hut Area ), ☏ +91 9316101103 , [email protected] . Resort set near the Dhungiri forest, amidst ancient deodars.  
• Shingar Regency , ☏ +91 9816921378 . 44 rooms, walking distance from the main market, in very pristine surroundings around Hadimba Temple.  
• Silmog Garden ( Near Mall Road ), ☏ +91 1902 252862 , +91 94182-05147 , [email protected] . Touts its "homely food and comfort". Hotel has facilities like Wifi, backup power, restaurants, television, credit card acceptance, 24 hours hot water with solar-heated backup heater, parking.  
• Le Grand Manali , National Highway 03, The Mall Road, Rangri ( on the back of river Beas ), ☏ +91 9736 797918 , +91 98100-02393 , [email protected] . 3-star hotel with 75 rooms. The hotel uses imported wooden flooring and has balconies that face the valley and snow-clad mountains. The rooms are furnished with 32" LEDs with satellite TV and refrigerators. The hotel also has a discotheque with a bar, and a multi-cuisine restaurant called Silhouette. ( updated May 2019 )
• Snow Valley Resorts , ☏ +91 1902 253 228 , +91 1902 253-027 , +91 98160-03027 , [email protected] . This is a handsome place sprawled over the Log Hut Area and is surrounded by apple orchards and deodhar forest. All rooms have facilities like 32" LCD TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee maker, wooden flooring.  
• 32.239632 77.188714 2 SunPark Resorts , Left Bank Aleo New Manali , ☏ +91 1902253037 . Check-out: noon . 3-star property with facilities such as a discotheque, coffee shop. 2000 .  
• Johnson Lodge , ☏ +91 1902-251523 . Tastefully done up property with a popular bar and restaurant. Rooms @ ₹4000 .  
• Tree House Cottages , Village Jong, Katrain , ☏ +91-70182-28952 , +91-98160-78765 , [email protected] . Check-in: 11AM , check-out: noon . ( updated Dec 2015 )
• White Mushroom Manali . A stone and wooden property facing the Himalayas. It has 7 bedrooms with attached bathrooms, TV, tea/coffee maker, and additional amenities. Each room has a great panoramic view of the mountainous landscape from the balcony. ( updated Jun 2018 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 32.2446 77.182 3 The Himalayan - Castle resort , Hadimba Road ( 1.5 km. from Mall Road, short of Hadimba Temple ), ☏ +91 1902-250777 , +91 1902 250999 , +91 8894005999 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . 8 guest rooms with four-poster beds & antique armoires, and 8 cottages (each with 2 bedrooms complete with en-suite bathrooms, dining space with working fireplace). All cottages have their own private gardens, balconies and mountain views. Conference, bar, restaurant and room service available. Gymnasium, croquet, trampoline and table tennis provided. Refectory restaurant serves continental and Indian cuisine. There is a bar and a swimming pool open to non-resident guests at a charge. ( updated Jul 2016 )
• Manu Allaya .  
• Mapple The River Crescent Resort , ☏ +91 9816921378 , [email protected] . 4-star resort at Rangree on banks of the River Beas. 50 AC rooms, centrally heated with all amenities.  
• 77.185993 32.221067 4 Royal Inn Manali , Kanyal Rd, Simsa Village , ☏ +91 9988007573 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: 10AM . Has family and couple suite rooms, and an onsite restaurant with beautiful views. ( updated May 2023 )
• Span Resort and Spa , Kullu Manali Highway, Katrain , ☏ +91 11 4143 7900 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Manali is a safe city but during seasonal time a surge of visitors keep visiting this beautiful place and some transients exploit this opportunity for their own benefits. Best be exercise caution if in a crowd.

If you get lost and don't have enough directions get around the city then just ask for Mall Road (Manali town centre). From there you can easily head to any destination of your choice.

Don't exchange currency in illegal market. Always ask for receipt after doing currency trade with exchange dealer. There is a Western Union office on the Mall Road.

A word of caution about paragliding in Manali. Many pilots of these parachutes are un-trained and obtain licences in the usual way any licence is obtained in India. Many a tourist visits the Lady Willingdon Mission Hospital with broken bones, sometimes protruding out, after accidents. Some para-gliders crash into innocent bystanders who end up with spinal injuries and paralysis. Serious, complicated cases with multiple organ injuries and heavy blood loss are stabilized to the extent possible and referred to either Chandigarh or Shimla. Sadly, some don't make it. Blood availability is very very limited in this hilly area. So think very carefully before deciding to paraglide in Manali.

Women should avoid going into small lanes and by-lanes after it is dark and make sure that you are not wearing any jewellery while walking on the streets. There were two reported rapes of tourists in 2018 alone.

Go next [ edit ]

Travelling northward from Manali is the breathtaking region of Lahaul and Spiti across the Rohtang Pass. The highway crosses the pass and forks at Gramphoo (12 km) the left one goes to Lahaul and is the Manali Leh highway and the road on the right leads to Spiti via Kunzum La. The Rohtang pass also marks the boundary between the fertile Kullu valley with its lush greenery and the sparse vegetation Lahaul and Spiti. The Ladakh, Zanskar and Changthang areas further on are even more barren.

• Beas Kund - It is named after the sage (Rishi) named Beas and this tiny lake is situated at upper Solan valley, which is a heart of summer and winter games in Manali.
• Deo Tibba - It is one of the peaks set back in valley of Manali. It is famous among trekkers who have substantial mountaineering knowledge.
• Friendship Peak - Friendship peak is located in Beas Kund region of Manali, facing other different kinds of peaks such as Shiti Dhar, Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters. It is the only peak in Himachal where no royalty needs to be paid to IMF.
• Hamta Pass - At a height of 4,268 m, Hamta Pass is made of various snow bridges which pass over Hamta Stream. It is highly renowned trekking base and as a part of trek, visitors can also explore Bara Shirgi Glacier.
• Purola - It lies in the state of Uttrakhand and leads to almost identical geographical location of Yamunotri . There are ample transportation facility available to reach Purola.
• Indrasan Peak - After crossing Hamta Pass one will find Indrasan Peak ( Throne of Indra )

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Kullu Manali Travel Guide: Mountains, Snow and Adventure

Manali, with its soothing backdrop of the Himalayas, offers a blend of tranquility and adventure that makes it one of northern India's most popular travel destinations. You can do as little or as much as you want there. It’s a magical place bordered by cool pine forest and the raging Beas River, which give it a special energy.

Manali is 580 kilometers (193 miles) north of Delhi, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh .

Getting There

The nearest main railway station is at Chandigarh, 320 kilometers (198 miles) away in Punjab state, so it’s necessary to travel quite a distance by road to reach Manali.

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Himachal Tourism both operate buses from Delhi and surrounding locations. The trip from Delhi takes about 15 hours and most buses travel overnight. It’s possible to book a sleeper, so you can actually lie down and rest properly, although many people prefer the semi-sleeper reclining seats in the deluxe Volvo buses. It's also possible to book bus tickets online at redbus.in (foreigners will need to use Amazon Pay, as international cards aren't accepted).

Alternatively, there's an airport in Bhuntar, around two hours from Manali.

This article about how to get to Manali has more information.

The best time for travel to Manali is late March until mid July (before the monsoon rain arrives), and September to October. From October onward, the nights and mornings are cold, and it usually starts snowing in December. The spring (late March to late April), when nature starts coming alive again after the cold winter, is a beautiful time to visit. The crisp clean air, rows of blossoming apple orchards, and masses of butterflies are a real treat. August is apple season, and the orchards around Manali are filled with them.

For ideas of things to do, check out these top 10 places to visit in and around Manali .

Anyone looking for thrilling adventure sports will love Manali. Fishing, whitewater rafting, paragliding, skiing, mountaineering, and hiking are all on offer in or around Manali. You’ll find many companies that organize and run adventure tours. Some reputable ones with high safety standards are Himalayan Journeys , North Face Adventure Tours, and the government operated Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

Himalayan Trails in Old Manali offers a wide range of outdoor activities including guided treks. Yak and Himalayan Caravan Adventure is also recommended for trekking and outdoor adventure activities, including day hikes, rock climbing, and rafting. For extra adrenaline, you can also take on the Himalayas by bike!

In addition, many people head off on a road trip to Leh from Manali.

The three-day Dhungri Mela at Hadimba Temple , which takes place in mid-May each year, provides an interesting glimpse of local culture. Gods and goddesses from local villages are dressed up and carried in procession to the temple, and local artists perform traditional folk dances. There’s also a carnival for the kids. Another popular festival is Kullu Dusshera , which falls in October each year. Outdoor trance parties are held in the hills around Old Manali, mostly from May to July, but police interference has put a huge dampener on the party scene and it’s not what it used to be.

Where to Stay

If you feel like splurging, Manali has some wonderful luxury resorts with tranquil mountain settings. Choose from these top luxury resorts in Manali.

Uphill from Manali town, Old Manali has village homes and inexpensive guesthouses, surrounding by apple orchards and snow-covered peaks. Head there if you want to get away from the crowds. These guesthouses and hotels in Old Manali are among the best places to stay.

Nearby Vashist is another option that will appeal to backpackers and budget travelers.

Where to Eat

If you don't necessarily want Indian cuisine, you'll find the most atmospheric restaurants and best food in Old Manali. Cafe 1947 has a refreshing riverside location there and serves yummy Italian dishes.  Il Forno is another place to get outstanding Italian food, and it's set right in the middle of an apple orchard in a traditional ancestral home. You'll get authentic Mediterranean food, with an emphasis on Spanish, at Casa Bella Vista Cafe . Also, The Lazy Dog is renowned for its western food and live music (it also has a branch at Beach Street Resort in north Goa). It's an ideal place to hangout in the evenings. Drifters has new owners and isn't quite what it used to be but still draws a crowd.

For the best coffee and cookies, visit Dylan's Toasted and Roasted Coffee House . It's right near the government school in Old Manali.

Keen to try the local specialty -- Himalayan river trout? Johnson's Cafe serves 10 different preparations of it!

About 20 minutes drive from Manali along Naggar Road, the Fate Plate serves homely food made from ingredients grown on the property. It's set amid a garden by the river, and there's accommodations as well.

Kasol, around three hours away in the Parvarti Valley, is a popular side trip from Manali. It's frequented by hippies and Israeli backpackers, and it's there that you'll find most of the psychedelic trance festivals. It does get crowded from April to July though. Kasol is also home to the remarkable Himalayan Village resort. Another attraction in the area is Manikaran, with its hot springs and enormous riverside Sikh Gurudwara. If there's too much commotion in Kasol for you, make your way to offbeat Kalga village.

Travel Tips

Manali is divided into two parts -- Manali town (New Manali) and Old Manali. The town is a commercial area that caters to the masses of middle-class Indians (both honeymooners and families) who flock there to escape the scorching summer heat. It's noisy and chaotic, and distinctly lacks the charm and village atmosphere of Old Manali. Foreigners and cosmopolitan young Indians usually stay in Old Manali for this reason.

Delicious local fruit wine is available for a few hundred rupees a bottle. It's worth trying!

You'll see marijuana plants growing wildly on the side of the road all around Manali. However, do keep in mind that it is illegal to smoke.

10 Top Places to Visit in and Around Manali

7 Popular India Adventure Travel Destinations and Attractions

12 Top Himachal Pradesh Tourist Places to Visit

15 Best Destinations for Backpacking in India

15 Top Tourist Places to Visit in North India

12 Budget Guesthouses and Homestays in the Indian Himalayas

The Top 10 Places to Visit in India's Parvati Valley

A Summer Exploring the Culture and Sights of Ladakh

13 Budget Guesthouses and Backpacker Hostels in Old Manali

6 Romantic Hotels and Honeymoon Places in India

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14 Coolest Houses You Can Rent in India

Travel Guide to Manali, India

The Complete Guide to Rishikesh, India: the Birthplace of Yoga

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7 Places to Visit Tea Plantations in India

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• Manali will be reopened for tourists in a month’s time: Himachal CM

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that his government accords highest priority for green industries including tourism and there is no dearth of land for infrastructure including hotels in the State.

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Devlok Manali: A cultural theme park redefining tourism in Himachal Pradesh

Devlok manali is a cultural theme park revolutionising tourism in himachal pradesh through a unique blend of tradition, luxury, and entertainment..

Devlok Manali, a groundbreaking cultural endeavor developed through a pioneering Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Himachal Pradesh Government, is a newly launched cultural theme park. Situated along the picturesque banks of the Beas River in the enchanting town of Manali, this one-of-a-kind cultural theme park is set to change cultural tourism in the state by offering an extraordinary fusion of tradition, luxury, and entertainment.

The collaboration between Maya Digital Media and the Himachal Pradesh Government signifies a shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state. Through this partnership, Maya Digital Media aims to set a new standard for collaborative ventures aimed at fostering economic growth while safeguarding the natural and cultural treasures of Himachal Pradesh. (Also read: Madhya Pradesh travel guide: Discover top destinations for every traveller's bucket list )

Devlok Manali invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery, enrichment, and entertainment amidst the majestic Himalayan mountains. This unique Cultural Theme Park features a diverse array of attractions and amenities tailored to cater to every visitor's interests and preferences.

At the heart of Devlok Manali lies a luxury boutique resort- Ezzenza Swarg By The Beas, offering guests unparalleled luxury accommodations and panoramic views of lush green fairways and the River Beas. Guests can rejuvenate their body and mind at ARK The Ayurvedic Spa, offering holistic treatments inspired by ancient Indian traditions. Adventure-seekers can find camaraderie at the MySpace Express Alaya- Backpackers Retreat Hostel, while cultural enthusiasts can explore Himachal's rich heritage through traditional arts and crafts at the Alankaar -Handicrafts Zone.

Culinary enthusiasts can indulge in a gastronomic adventure at Kachnar, the park's fine dining restaurant, where traditional Himachali delicacies, authentic street food, and a fusion of Indian, Oriental, and Continental cuisines await.

For those seeking an immersive cultural experience, Him-Katha - the Entertainment Zone boasts state-of-the-art hi-tech shows such as Flyover Himachal & Spirit of Himachal. Meanwhile, Rang-Lok's Open Arena Theatre mesmerizes audiences with vibrant performances showcasing Himachal's rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, martial arts, and acrobatics.

Furthermore, the park features a scenic 9-hole golf course, providing enthusiasts of all skill levels with the opportunity to tee off against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. Deepa Sahi, a filmmaker and leader in new media technologies in India, who is also the Promoter of Maya Digital Media, stated that their vision is to position India on the global map as the number one cultural tourism destination in the world, given its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

"Ketan Mehta, the acclaimed filmmaker and Promoter of Maya Digital Media, said, 'The company's vision is to establish premier cultural tourist destinations across India through a PPP model with state governments.' He further highlighted that Devlok Manali is poised to offer a captivating array of experiences that nourish the spirit, aiming to elevate Indian tourism to a prominent position on the global stage."

The resort guarantees unforgettable memories for every guest, as the saying goes, "A lifetime is not enough to explore the marvels of Himachal Pradesh."

• Himachal Pradesh
• Himachal Pradesh Government

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Rapid Tourism Growth In Kulu-Manali Not Sustainable

Manali : Accelerated growth of tourism in the Kullu-Manali valley over the past decade has had considerable impact on the local society, economy and environment. A study on the growth of tourism in and around Manali; it impact on the environment reveals that the rapid rate of growth that started out in early 1985 and continued uncontrollably till about mid-1990’s may not be sustainable, rendering the physical and cultural attractions of the area becoming compromised by some of the impacts of tourism.

The Kullu District contains extravagant mountain scenery and a fascinating cultural heritage with deep historical roots. For centuries it has fascinated visitors and has catered to tourists and traders. From the beginning of the 1990’s, violent conflict in Kashmir, upgrading of National Highway 21, improvement in communications, effective marketing, and growth of the Indian economy all have contributed to a very rapid growth in tourist visitations and supporting infrastructure which has occurred with both positive and negative effects. During the last decade of the twentieth century, this idea has strongly emerged that tourism depends ultimately upon the environment, as it is a major tourism attraction itself, or is the context in which tourism activity takes place. Even those wearing the croatia uniform have added value to the tourism here.  The relationship between tourism and the environment can be seen at various levels. In addition to direct tourism impacts on the environment through pollution, noise and disturbance, indirect, irreversible and long term impacts of tourism on environmental quality is characterized by dynamic feedback mechanisms.

Many studies throughout the world have now documented the ecological impacts of the home-grown population on the environment. The growing impact of multiple threats has been often synergistic rather than additive and it affects all the components of wilderness ecosystems and all levels of natural organization  The Studies on tourism in India are few and mainly impact oriented, research on India’s domestic tourism is almost non-existent.

One of the reasons for this lays in the fact that ‘tourism’, which is typically a product of ‘western’ modernity and industrialism, conceptual contrasts the inheritance of travel practices of native Indian masses. Prior to its arrival as the tourism industry, during the colonial and post colonial times, indigenous forms of traveling and touring had a spectacular and dynamic presence in the country.  There is high confidence that the exposure of people and infrastructure to cry globe hazards in high-mountain regions has increased over recent decades. Some regions, tourism development has increased exposure, where often halfheartedly regulated expansion of infrastructure such as roads, trails, and overnight lodging brought more visitors into remote valleys and exposed sites. The eagerness of local providers to make the most of the tourism boom surpasses the willingness of tourism developers and local authorities to monitor and organize the tourism sector. Consequently, the principles of sustainable tourism development are not well understood and implemented, as tourism infrastructure development mainly remains confined to increasing bed capacities only. Community participation too has degenerated with increasing alienation by various interest groups. To make matters worse, an apathetic attitude, on the part of the locals, towards this widespread debasement has emerged with the ‘development’ agenda being dictated from far away, by people who were either unrelated to tourism of Manila’s charms . Common pool resources, particularly natural springs, which were earlier managed and utilized by community folks, are now ‘owned’ and ‘managed’ by hotel owners. The tourism stakeholder’s local population has increasingly been recognized as part of the tourism resource, however, is challenging as it is often the disadvantaged social groups that experience the most negative consequences and the smallest number of beneficial consequences of tourism development. The Community participation too has degenerate with increasing enmity by various interest groups. To make matters worse, an indifferent attitude, on the part of the locals, towards this widespread humiliation has emerged with the ‘development’ agenda being dictated from far away  by people who were either unrelated to tourism. People cannot adapt to all stresses and shocks, given the constant change communities do face. Virtually any community will face a series of challenges, such as an influx of transients, natural resource declines, infrastructure development, and protection of planned interests. Based on the overlay analysis, it is found that rate of increase in built-up is uniform. Due to the inbuilt characteristics, steep and very steep slopes are more vulnerable to landslides. Spread out of built-up on these slope classes is symbolizing the disproportionate ratio of land use due to rapid and unplanned urbanization leading to natural hazards causing human risk. This could further implicate the growth of tourism industry and in turn on related residents.

Sanjay Dutta, an engineer by qualification but is a journalist by choice.

He has worked for the premier new agency Press Trust of India and leading English daily Indian Express.

With more than a decade of experience, he has been highlighting issues related to environment, tourism and other aspects affecting mountain ecology.

Sanjay Dutta lives in a village close to Manali in Kullu valley of Himachal.

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‘Tapasya’ As Governance

What Tourism Can Do: The Fall of Pastoral Manali Resort in the Kulu Valley of the Indian Himalayas

• First Online: 05 April 2018

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• Masood A. Naqvi 7 &
• Gaitree (Vanessa) Gowreesunkar 8  

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Tourism is a queer paradox. It can be benign and malign, and at times it can conserve and consume resources, protect natural capital while damages heritage and so on. This dualism in tourism is not inherent or native to its character, but it is due to some policy failure, bad planning, ill governance, poor management of skills or want of new knowledge. This chapter shall illustrate the case of Manali in the Indian Himalayas which is now transformed from a rural pastoral settlement to an urban destination due to lack of sustainable pro-growth policy and tourism intelligence inaction. Efforts are being made for implementing sustainable tourism policy through ‘Explore Rural India Project’ that shall decongest Manali destination and diversify tourism activity all-through the Kulu Valley with Naggar as a satellite resort.

The first author revisited the Kulu Valley after a span of 25 years to review further the development and landscape changes of Manali.

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Singh, T.V., Naqvi, M.A., Gowreesunkar, G.(. (2018). What Tourism Can Do: The Fall of Pastoral Manali Resort in the Kulu Valley of the Indian Himalayas. In: Wang, Y., Shakeela, A., Kwek, A., Khoo-Lattimore, C. (eds) Managing Asian Destinations. Perspectives on Asian Tourism. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8426-3_9

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• Coronavirus updates: How Covid-19 affects Kullu-Manali tourism
• January 5, 2022 January 6, 2022
• The Himalayan
• 11 Comments

On this page, we shall keep updating the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) impacts on the Himachal and Kullu Manali Tourism.

05 January 2022:  To control the spread of Covid-19 and it’s Omicron varient, Himachal government has imposed night curfew in the state from 10 pm to 5 am. The gathering will be in 50 per cent capacity. However, there will not be much impact on the tourism.

26 December 2021: The first case of Omicron has been reported from Himachal today. A woman with a travel history of Canada has been tested positive for the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. The 45-year-old woman from Mandi district of Himachal, whose samples were sent to Delhi for whole-genome sequencing to confirm Omicron on December 18, was tested negative for Covid-19 on December 24 while her sample for Omicron was found positive on December 26. This lone case is expected to have no impact on tourism as the woman is in home isolation and her three contacts have also been found to be negative. The woman and her three primary contacts are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

24 December 2021: Thousands of tourists have thronged Manali. Tourists are expecting a White Christmas this time as met office has predicted snowfall in the next few days while it’s already snowing on the peaks. Most hotels are fully occupied. Traffic moving slowly at some places. Unfortunately, 99% tourists are not wearing face masks which has become a matter of concern and challenge before the authorities in combating Covid-19.

21 December 2021: Manali is witnessing a huge tourist rush with most hotels fully occupied till the first week of January. The town is expected to remain overcrowded from 24 December to 1 January during Christmas and New Year Eve. Kasol, Manikaran, Jibhi, Tirthan and other places of Kullu-Manali are also being witnessed by large number of tourists.

20 December 2021: Manali police have again launched the campaign to fine the tourists who do not wear face masks.

15 December 2021: Despite Omicron scaring the world, tourists in Kullu-Manali are not wearing face masks. Only local residents are wearing masks and adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols.

8 December 2021 : Himachal government has requested tourists visiting the state not to take Covid-19 lightly and comply with the Covid safety protocols like wearing the face mask and maintaining a physical distance.

4 December 2021: Himachal becomes the first state in India to have its all adult population vaccinated against Covid-19. All the residents of Himachal above 18 years have been fully vaccinated. The government and tourism stakeholders believe it will help in the growth of the tourism in the state.

30 November 2021: As Himachal, particularly Kullu-Manali, has negligible cases of Covid-19, Manali is expecting to host record number of tourists during Christmas and New Year eve.

15 October 2021: Not to crowd and not too lean — a consistent flow of tourists is heading to Kullu-Manali these days. Himachal is reporting almost negligible number of cases of Covid.

5 August 2021: Himachal government today cleared that tourists who do not have Covid-19 vaccination certificate — either of single or double dose — will have to produce a negative RT-PCR test report not older than 72 hours to be eligible to enter the state.

3 Aug 2021: A negative RT-PCR test report or certificate of both the doses of Covid-19 vaccine will be mandatory to enter Himachal as Himachal government is all set to impose this new norm to control the rising cases of coronavirus in the state.

4 June 2021 : Tourists can visit Himachal after applying e-pass and carrying RT-PCR test report.

30 May 2021: Corona curfew in Himachal has been extended till 7 June 2021.

15 May 20 21: Given the rising cases of Covid-19, Corona curfew in Himachal has been extended by 10 more days till 26th May.

May 14: Tourist entering Himachal without permission arrested

May 07: epass must for tourists, may 05: corona curfew in himachal, april 28: tour operators to supply free oxygen, april 25: rt-pcr test report required to enter himachal, april 25: 20,000 lose jobs, april 19: hotels shut, staff relieved, april 18: admin to take care of positive tourists, april 16: covid report not mandatory for tourists, april 11: covid test report required to enter himachal, april 8: ready to welcome tourists, april 1: no lockdown in himachal, march 4: covid-19 test report not required, march 3: atal tunnel becomes favorite destination, february 20: tourists ignore face masks, january 21: covid-19 cases dip, january 8: volvo bus service resumes, january 5: night curfew ends, january 1: no covid-19 fear; tourists flock to manali, december 31: tourists fined, december 24: night curfew relaxation, december 19: no need of covid test, december 12: volvo bus service begins.

November 30: Deluxe bus service

November 25: hoteliers seek relaxation in curfew, november 23: night curfew in kullu manali, november 19: no entry to lahaul, november 17: tourists throng solang for snow, october 23: stakeholders demand to resume delhi-manali volvo bus, october 1: hotels open, september 25: hotels occupied fully, september 21: volvo buses suspend service, september 17: himachal opens border for tourists, september 11: first covid-19 death in kullu, september 10: meeting of all tourism stakeholders, august 29: many hotels to open from september 1, august 25: hotels in manali to open from october 1, august 19: jibhi, tirthan valley to open from sept 5, august 10: meeting held with all tourism units, july 29: virtual meeting with hoteliers, july 24: interest subvention scheme for travel agencies, july 21: manali's first covid-19 case, july 16: just 12 passengers land at kullu airport, july 09: delhi-kullu flight from july 16, july 09: taxi union, paragliding association to stay shut, july 07: manali hotels to open for tourists in september, july 07: 41 tourists sent back, july 06: hotel bodies say no to tourists, july 03: tourists may enter himachal with conditions, july 02: himachal may open for tourism in a week, june 29: hoteliers say they don't want to endanger villagers, june 26: manali mc waives off garbage fee, june 25: interest subvention on working capital loan, june 22: hotels will get proper business after 2 years, june 2: kullu-manali not ready to host tourists, may 31: kullu gets second covid-19 positive case, may 30: kullu's lone covid-19 positive tested negative, may 20: kullu's first covid-19 positive case, may 18: disconnect our electricity connections: hoteliers, may 18: hoteliers, travel agents say nothing for them in stimulus package, april 15: travel agents seek financial help, april 1: hoteliers seek financial help from govt, march 31: travel agents asked to work from home, march 20: himachal seals border for tourists, march 19: manali calls for complete lockdown, march 17: manali decides to stay open, fight covid-19, march 7: tourists asked to submit travel history, february 2 & 3: two more cases detected, january 30: first covid-19 found in india, december x: early coronavirus cases detected in china.

Updated on April 25, 2021

Thousands lose jobs as hotels, shops shut in tourist places of Himachal

Thousands of people, mostly youth, have lost their jobs again as hotels and shops in tourist places of Himachal have continued to stop operations as tourist inflow has almost stopped amid surging Covid-19 cases.

A large number of hotels have closed down and hundreds more are closing every day. Thousands of staff members have lost the jobs for an indefinite time. Shops at tourist places, which were largely dependent on tourists for their sale, have also started to shut. Most of the hotel lessees and shopkeepers from other states have already left the state. Besides shopkeepers, a large number of salespersons have lost jobs.

The Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association (FOHRA) state convener BP Thakur said the government has not imposed any lockdown in Himachal but tourism industry is already caught up with the curfew-like situation. “Earlier we were requesting government not to impose lockdown so that tourism industry is not hit. Now that tourists are not visiting Himachal and we have no business, we will have no objection to complete lockdown if government will need to take strict action to contain spread of the Covid,” he said.

He added that nearly 2,000 hotels in Himachal are either shut or have sent their staff home. “This means nearly 20,000 people working with these hotels have already lost their job. This number will double in a few days as many more hotels will shut operations by end of this month. Some hotels had more than 50 staff and on an average the hotels had 10 skilled or unskilled staff. And majority of them are local residents of Himachal.”

Hotel industry of Himachal is one of the major employers in the state. People working in hotels had lost job for 8 to 10 months last year. They are facing the same trouble one more time.

Besides thousands of people losing their job, thousands of taxi drivers, travel agents, tourist guides, photographers, tourist bus operators, adventure activities operators have lost business to Covid-19.

“Some hotels are getting booking for one or two rooms. The income from customers is many times less than hotel operations charges. As condition in entire country is not improving, there are chances that over 90 per cent of the hotels, resorts, guesthouses and homestays in Shimla, Manali, Dalhousie, Dharamshala and other major tourist places will be shut by May 10,” Thakur said.

Now that Covid has brought tourism industry back to the knees, tourist places of Himachal are started wearing deserted look. All sightseeing places of the state had come alive with tourists in early April. Now only a few tourists are visible. Despite government assuring tourists of safe atmosphere in the state, visitors are thinking twice before going out of the house with family members.

Everybody who is hit hard by coronavirus is looking for financial assistance from the government. Hoteliers and travel agents have been requesting government to make interest subvention scheme easier and for everyone without tedious bank formalities. As most of the people have huge bank loans, they want government help to prevent them from being NPA.

Update on April 19, 2021

Hotels prepare to shut operations as tourist footfall dips

A large number of hotels in Manali are preparing to shut operations and many others have sent the staff home just when peak summer tourist season has started but footfall has decreased to all time low.

Generally, this was the time of the year when hoteliers in Himachal used to remain busy with renovations, recruitment of new staff and handling lakhs of booking queries. All the hotels used to remain fully occupied in May and June month and sometimes tourists used to spend nights in cars due to overcrowding. With most states of the country imposing curfews and other restrictions, a very few tourists are heading to Himachal. The fate of tourism this season is again under darkness due to consistently increasing cases of Covid-19. To control the operational expenses, hoteliers are forced to think about closing down the operations until tourist inflow increases.

“I have relieved half of the staff as room occupancy is less than 10 per cent. Next 10 days will decide if I should send the remaining staff home and shut the hotel or not. Covid has entirely changed our lives. And lives are more important than the business,” a hotelier Chaman Kapoor said.

Another hotelier Budhi Parkash said he is also working with limited staff and has relieved majority of workforce. “I am planning to shut the hotel in a few days. I have no booking for last few days. Keeping hotel open means unnecessary expenses like electricity charges, staff salary and other running bills. Hoteliers like me already owe banks large loan amounts and many installments are overdue. I think the time has come when we should hand over keys of the hotels to the banks,” he added.

Kullu-Manali has over 3,500 hotels, guesthouses and homestay units which are the largest in Himachal. Over 75 per cent of the properties remain dependent on seasonal business from mid-April till mid July. While hoteliers were expecting a gradual rise in number of tourists, the footfall is decreasing sharply and most properties have no booking for last many days.

“This is heart breaking that our tourist places have a few tourists despite the fact that Himachal government is inviting tourists without any restriction. Our rooms are empty. How shall we survive? How we shall pay salaries and bills and how shall we get rid of bank liabilities. Curfew-like situations are already here,” a prominent hotelier Vimpy Bakshi said.

The lockdown during peak tourist season last year had badly impacted hoteliers and others dependent on tourism. Almost all those depending on tourism took benefit of loan moratorium and now many are availing loan restructuring facility. With decrease in tourist inflow and hotels forced to shut again, they fear that banks will start declaring the loans as NPA.

According to Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Ram Thakur, hotel occupancy is decreasing regularly due to spike in Covid-19 cases. “We are trying to woo the tourists by providing them with extra hygiene, offering discounts and assuring that we shall take care of them in case of any problem. The government is also inviting tourists without the need of any formality. But various restrictions in other states and increasing cases are discouraging them to visit. Situation is not good,” he added.

Update on April 16, 2021

Kullu-Manali readies to welcome tourists amid Covid-19

Kullu-Manali will remain open to tourists despite increasing cases of Covid-19 across the nation and both tourism stakeholders and officials will make required preparations so that tourists also feel comfortable without worries.

Cabinet minister Govind Singh Thakur chaired a meeting with officials from all the departments including DC, SP, CMO, tourism deputy director and tourism stakeholders to make a roadmap for safe tourism amid pandemic. Hoteliers, travel agents, taxi operators, adventure sports operators and others gave their suggestions and complained about the problems they were facing. After a long discussion, it was decided that stakeholders and officials will work together to make a positive environment for tourists so that they could visit the district without panic.

It was decided that all the tourism traders will adopt extra safety and hygiene and administration will take care of the tourists if they are tested positive after visiting the district. Deputy commissioner Richa Verma made it clear that a negative RT-PCR test report is not mandatory for tourists visiting Himachal but it was suggested that tourists should get themselves tested voluntarily and keep report with them so that they are not harassed while travelling through many states. She said tourists are not bound to carry the negative test report but it will make hoteliers, taxi operators, others and themselves feel safe while holidaying.

Summer tourist season in Manali is going to start but hoteliers said number of tourists was declining due to many Covid related reasons. The minister suggested that a positive message should go out of Kullu-Manali that people here are adopting extra safety and are welcoming tourists.

“We have proper health facilities to deal with the situation. Tourists should feel safe while traveling to Himachal. There are many rumours about government making RT-PCR test report mandatory which is not true. I’ve asked officials that if tourist is tested positive, they should talk to him personally over the phone to make tourist feel comfortable. The officials have also been asked to hold meeting with all the tourism unions and associations one by one so that there is no communication gap,” the minister said.

It was also decided that the vaccination in the district will be intensified and chances of vaccinating hotel staff and taxi operators on priority will be explored so that people in district become safe from Covid and could host tourists without much worry.

Update on Sept 21, 2020

Tourist buses stopped from entering Himachal

All the tourist buses that were plying on Delhi-Manali route were prevented from entering the Himachal at Swarghat in Bilaspur district on Monday as they were engaged in inter-state movement without government permission, transport department officials said.

A large number of tourists were asked to leave the buses and they had to continue their journey in the taxis. Citing Himachal government’s decision not to start interstate bus service amid Covid-19 pandemic, the regional transport officers stopped the buses and challaned them. Most of the Volvo buses were ferrying tourists for a long time. The officials had laid naka at Swarghat where buses were stopped in the wee hours and tourists were told that buses cannot drop them at the destination.

An official said that the action was taken as interstate bus movement is not allowed in the state. “The buses that had left for Himachal on Sunday evening were stopped at the state entry point. Taxis were arranged for the tourists from the taxi union,” he said.

Volvo buses are the main transport option to travel to Kullu-Manali from Delhi and Chandigarh. As Himachal has limited flight services, most of tourists visit Himachal in Volvo buses. Tourists avoid travelling in small taxis due to long and hectic journey and poor road condition. A few Volvo buses were providing their services to ferry stranded people and to bring labourers to the state.

After state government decided to open Himachal for tourists in July first week, some of the tourists started travelling in these buses. Now that state borders have been thrown open for all from September 16, number of tourists has increased and many of them were travelling in the Volvo buses.

However, after the action taken by transport department, Volvo operators have decided to stay off the road for indefinite time period. The tourists will have to spend extra money on hiring private taxis or they will have to drive in their private cars.

Himachal Super Luxury Volvo Owner Association president Varun Malhotra said, “Our buses were stopped at different locations. The association has nearly 150 buses. We shall remain off the road until government issues SOPs for us. Hopefully, we shall be allowed to operate. The owners are in financial crisis due to Covid-19 pandemic. And we shall follow all required norms to stop spread of the coronavirus.”

He added that the expensive luxury buses are gathering rust for six months. He said operators are not able to pay the EMIs. “Only a few owners were operating buses. Others are still waiting for a nod from the government. Volvo buses are the only reason that such a large number of tourists manage to reach Kullu-Manali. This is because of the Volvo buses that anybody can visit Kullu-Manali with a small budget,” he added.

Himachal government in its notification dated September 17 had ordered to allow free inter-state and intra-state movement of all the person and goods without requirement of registration or e-pass. However, it had cleared that inter-state movement of public transport buses shall be operated only after issuance of SOPs by department of transport. The department so far has not issued any SOP.

Update on July 7, 2020

Manali hotels to remain closed for tourists till September amid Covid-19 crisis

Expressing their inability in hosting the tourists from other states during the times of Covid-19 crisis, the hotels, guesthouses and homestay owners in Manali on Tuesday decided to remain shut till September.

The hotel owners took this decision unanimously. They said they will demand from the government to conduct special training camps for staff of the hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, taxi drivers and all the tourism units and local stakeholders regarding safe operation during Covid-19 crisis. The hoteliers expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and said both tourism units and the public of Manali are not ready for the tourism.

“We are not ready mentally, physically and practically. The government issued SOP and order to open Himachal in hurriedness without checking if hoteliers are ready enough to resume operations safely. We are thankful to the government that it thought about revival of the tourism industry of the state. But we first need special training on sanitisation, proper disposal of the medial waste, how to treat the tourists etc. The local residents who are opposing opening of tourism activities also need to be taken in confidence to avoid scuffles,” the hoteliers said.

The hotel owners decided that monsoon season in July and August is the time when the state receives the lowest number of tourists, so they will have two full months for preparations. They will have another meeting in September and decide on future strategy. If required, depending on Covid-19 cases in the state and the country, we can further extend the opening time of the hotels, the hoteliers said.

Not just Manali, but hotel, guesthouse and homestay owners in Kasol, Jibhi, Tirthan valley and Kullu also decided not to host tourists for few more days.

Tourists reaching Kullu without Covid-19 test report sent back

After Himachal government opened the state for tourists under certain conditions amid public opposition, large number of tourists are reaching here without bringing their Covid-19 test report.

Kullu police has sent back 41 tourists from its Bajaura check post in two days. The tourists had managed to cross many other check posts and were finally stopped at Kullu’s boundary at Bajaura. When cops asked tourists to show their Covid-19 negative certificate, they failed to produce any such document. The police then stopped them from entering Kullu-Manali and asked them to return back. Most of the tourists were from Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

Kullu superintendent of police Gaurav Singh said all 41 tourists couldn’t produce the required certificate having tested negative for Covid-19. “They were sent back. We are strictly checking all the tourists for the required certificate that has been made compulsory by the government. Kullu district has 11 Covid-19 check posts where vehicles are being checked,” he said.

Himachal government has made it compulsory for tourists to bring a Covid-19 negative report which should not be older than 72 hours and five days advance hotel booking voucher. The travellers, especially from neighbouring states, have rushed to the hill state without the test report and hotel booking voucher.

Before reaching Kullu, tourists need to undergo checking at Swarghat check-post at border between Punjab and Himachal and at Mandi district. The tourists told cops that they entered state via Swarghat in Bilaspur.

After over 80 per cent of the cases of coronavirus in Himachal were found to be having travel history from other states, the state government had tightened security at all its entry points.

Update on July 6, 2020

Kullu-Manali’s hoteliers say no to tourists

Tourists may have to wait for some more time to visit Kullu-Manali as the hoteliers of Kullu, Manali, Kasol, Jibhi and Tirthan valley on Monday denied Himachal government’s proposal to open the state for tourists.

The representatives of hotel bodies had a meeting with the Kullu deputy commissioner where they expressed their incapability in opening of the hotels without considering various Covid-19 related issues. Hoteliers decided not to take any action in hurriedness. While tourists have already started to enter the state, the hotel bodies said government should first think on all aspects and possibilities in detail, otherwise Himachal may have to suffer losses in place of benefits.

Kullu DC Dr Richa Verma discussed about standard operating procedures (SOPs) framed by the government for resuming tourism business. “The hoteliers can start operation but they need to follow the SOP strictly. However, they are at liberty about resuming the business as many hoteliers are still in dilemma,” she said.

The hoteliers discussed about the problems that they may face and requested government to make required changes in the SOPs. Some hoteliers said Kullu-Manali has managed to protect itself from Covid-19 with only seven cases so far, but if tourists bring the disease to the valley, it can prove disastrous to the whole tourism trade in next year’s tourism season as well.

“I told the DC that nearly a dozen panchayats have asked our hotel association not to open any hotel in their jurisdiction as villagers are already in panic. “The panchayats have asked not to allow tourism movement in their area. They have warned that if any villager is infected by tourists, the responsible hotel will have to pay for this. The executive members of association will hold a meeting on Thursday to chalk out future plan,” Manali Hoteliers Association president Anup Thakur said.

According to Thakur, government should have taken panchayats and residents in confidence before issuing SOPs. “We are thankful to government for resuming tourism movement. But proper training to hoteliers, panchayats and all the stakeholders should be ensured. We have nearly two per cent hotels that are eager to open but we shall have a meeting first.”

A hotelier Ritesh Sood suggested that government should properly plan, study and allow tourists in phase-wise manner. “A few hotels, especially located away from dense population, can be opened on trial basis. If everything goes right, we can proceed further. We have to learn living with coronavirus but proper planning is required,” he said.

Federation of Hoteliers and Restaurant Association representatives also stressed on changes in SOPs and implementation of three-tier SOPs for tourists, stakeholders and government. Association’s convener Budhi Parkash said, “This is a hasty decision. There are many points which are unclear. The government’s SOP lacks some practical aspects, non-readiness and safeguarding the risk to the public. Hoteliers will have to think multiple times before recruiting the staff and resuming all the services.”

Update on July 2, 2020

Himachal govt to open doors for domestic tourists in a week

Himachal is considering opening its doors for tourism in a week for which officials have been asked to make standard operating procedures (SOP), chief minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Thursday.

The CM said hoteliers in Himachal were divided over resuming tourism trade. As some hoteliers wanted to resume operations but others wanted to wait for some more time, CM said officials have been directed to conduct an in-depth study as government was concerned for both business and health. The government will now study the SOPs of other states like Goa where some hotels have been reopened to domestic tourists.

“We are considering re-opening tourism trade in a week. Officials of tourism department have been asked to prepare SOP. We shall take care of all the aspects. Government is doing all possible to push economic activities in the state. We have given many kinds of relaxation to hotels and industries,” the CM said.

Covid-19 has broken the backbone of thousands of hoteliers and others in tourism industry who have shut their operations for over three months now. Unlike other states, the peak tourist inflow in Himachal remains from April to June. As tourist season has already gone, the industry people have run out of funds.

The CM’s announcement of expected opening of tourism industry in a week has again divided the hoteliers into two. In such critical times, most of the hoteliers want to reopen but are looking at the state government for strict mechanism to filter patients and healthy tourists at the state entry points, but meanwhile they want simple SOP for operations. There are few hoteliers who are desperately waiting for cash flow and are ready to adhere to the government guidelines without question, but other fraction is not in favour of opening hotels for some more time.

Himachal has over a dozen hoteliers’ bodies while some have come up during Covid-19 crisis. The hoteliers have written a large number of emails to the state government and tourism department with suggestions and seeking financial help for the industry. The tourism department held some webinars with the stakeholders to discuss on some points and take their suggestions. There are some hoteliers who are not in hurry to open state for tourists as they believe tourist inflow in Himachal remains lowest during monsoon season in July and August.

Update on June 29, 2020

Can’t endanger villagers by opening hotels: Hoteliers

Alleging that majority of hotels in Kullu-Manali are located in villages, the hoteliers on Monday said they are not in favour of opening of the properties until Himachal government makes adequate arrangements to ensure safe and healthy tourism.

“We do not want innocent villagers suffer due to unpreparedness by hotels and government. Most hotels here are in gram panchayat areas and some are inside the densely populated villages. The residents are already in panic due to present critical situation and are proactive regarding every movement. If any tourist is found to be positive for Covid-19, not only our hotels will be sealed, the villagers will ransack the hotels,” Manali Hoteliers Association president Anup Ram Thakur said.

After a few hoteliers were in favour of opening of the properties, hoteliers’ association members following a long discussion on Monday reached the conclusion that hotels will open when Himachal government will open its boundaries for tourists to enter the state. They also decided that they will request the government to find out solution to some of the major issues that can become big problem in smooth operations of the hotels. The hoteliers said no hotel in Manali will open until trustworthy arrangements are made to filter healthy and infected tourists.

“Some hoteliers are expressing their anxiety in opening of the properties in hurriedness. We are of the opinion that situation should become conducive to start our business without harm to anybody. Local residents in vicinity of the hotels are already feeling insecure. We are waiting for government to set up a foolproof mechanism at the entry points of the state so that only healthy tourists enter Himachal,” Thakur added.

According to hoteliers, their hotels are booked only by tourists. So, opening hotel without allowing tourists to enter the state was impractical for them. There were many hotels who do not want to take risk only for one or two guests. Maintaining extra hygiene, regular sanitisation, changes in the way of cooking and serving meal, room service and concentration on using disposable articles was expected to increase the running cost of the properties.

Hoteliers are also eager to know how government will deal with tourists, hotel and the staff if anybody in the property is found to be positive for Covid-19. The hoteliers said they will wait until tourists are allowed to visit Himachal and government takes responsibility of thorough checkup of all the visitors.

Update on June 26, 2020

Manali MC exempts hoteliers from garbage charges amid Covid-19 crisis

Providing some relief to hundreds of hoteliers and guesthouse owners, the Manali municipal council has waived off garbage fee from April 1 to July 31.

Manali MC executive officer Narain Verma said it was decided in the meeting of MC that hotels should be exempted from the fee for four months. “There is no tourist movement in the town and hotels which are closed are not producing garbage. So, given the present crisis, fee has been waived off,” he said.

Earlier MC had given this relief only to the hotels inside its jurisdiction. But over 75 per cent hotels are outside MC area but their garbage is brought to MC’s treatment facility and MC had decided to charge one third of the fee from them. However, after request from these hotels, MC has waived off fee from all the hotels and guesthouses.

Update on June 25, 2020

Cabinet approves interest subvention on working capital loans to fight Covid-19

Himachal cabinet on Thursday gave its nod for approval of a draft scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality industry to revive state’s tourism industry which has been badly hit by Covid-19 pandemic.

Under this scheme, tourism units paying GST upto Rs one crore will be entitled for maximum loan of Rs 50 lakh while tourism units paying GST of Rs one crore to Rs three crore for at least one year ending March 31 will be entitled for loan up to Rs 75 lakh. For GST payment of above Rs three crore, the units will be eligible for loan of Rs one crore.

Small registered tourism units will also be eligible for maximum loan of Rs 15 lakh. The loan will be for term of four years with interest subvention of 50 per cent each for first two years. Cabinet also decided that transport department will draft an interest subvention scheme for working capital on the analogy of tourism department.

Update on June 22, 2020

Woes continue as hoteliers fail to obtain Covid-19 relief loans

The tourism businesses that have come to complete halt due to Covid-19 pandemic have continued to suffer as majority of the establishments have failed to avail the emergency loan facilities due to very difficult formalities.

The EMI moratorium till August has provided some relief to the businesses, especially hoteliers, but interest on the EMI, even during moratorium period, is giving them sleepless nights. Most of the hoteliers are looking for immediate loan to survive for some time until business comes back on track, but government’s Covid-19 relief loan under Atma Nirbhar Bharat relief package has proved to be useless for them. Nothing is working fine for tourism industry, which according to experts will continue to suffer for minimum of two years.

“I visited my bank to discuss the Centre’s scheme on emergency relief package but I had to return back empty-handed as their terms and conditions are difficult to complete. They told me that borrower should have an old terms loan and not the new loan as was in my case. Other conditions also made me cry. Moreover, they will not give a single rupee in my hand but offered to pay my unpaid bills,” a hotelier Pritam Singh said.

Many hoteliers in tourist resorts of Himachal are planning to sell their properties. Unfortunately, nobody is showing interest in buying new property in such critical times. Over 50 per cent of the hotels in state and over 75 per cent hotels in Manali are running on contract basis. Most of the contractors, who live in Himachal and other states, have left for homes in March and many of them have no contact with the owners. Many contractors have left with unpaid bills and salaries. The hoteliers are worried about how they will pay their EMIs after moratorium period will end in August.

The Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association (FOHRA) state convener Budhi Parkash said the federation had earlier written to RBI for financial aid to hoteliers and other tourism-based businesses and now that Centre’s relief package is not working fine for them, they have written to officials of tourism department in Himachal to intervene.

“The formalities and the condition of this loan scheme is almost impossible for hoteliers. Most of our members are reporting that they lost their dignity after visiting the banks. Since tourism is one of the major industries of Himachal, we have requested government to help us with similar schemes that suit us better. State government should carry forward our message to the Centre,” he added.

“It will take two years for hotels to get guests”

As Covid-19 cases are increasing rapidly in the country, hoteliers are assuming that they will not get any guest for two years and they will have to manage to survive during this time.

“Unlike metro cities and most of the other places where business travellers book the hotels, all the hotels in tourist places of Himachal are booked only by tourists. The situation seems not to be coming under control very soon. This means tourist inflow will take at least two years to come to normal flow. Spending two years without business is going to be impossible for most of the hoteliers if government does not make any practical and fruitful policy,” Manali Hoteliers Association president Anup Ram Thakur said.

He added that majority of the hotels owe huge loans to the banks and hotels which are already feeling helpless in payment of electricity and other bills will not be able to pay the EMIs. He said all hoteliers are looking towards both Centre and Himachal government with expectations that they will get long term relief.

Thakur adds, “We need at least two year’s interest-free moratorium on EMIs for our survival. We also suggest that banks should not grant new loans for new hotel constructions. And we need help with electricity bills. Government already knows that all hotels in Himachal are closed down and are doing no commercial business. Then why hotels should pay electricity bills on commercial rates. We are not asking for free electricity but on domestic rates.

Hoteliers said government has condoned demand charges on electricity for six months for which they are thankful. But they are unhappy that this relief is only for registered hotels. They said if government is collecting taxes and other charges from non-registered hotels as well, why such hotels are not getting this relief.

Update on June 3, 2020

Himachal Hoteliers not in rush to resume operations amid Covid-19 crisis

As government announced to open hotels and restaurants from June 8, the hoteliers of Himachal have split into two groups with majority preferring staying closed until government comes out with a full-proof safety plan and make a uniform tourism protocol.

After participating in video-conferencing meeting with officials of the tourism department, the hoteliers associations of the state have suggested staying closed for some more time. Federation of Hotels and Restaurants Association (FOHRA) has requested government to ensure uniformity in tourism-related rules in all the states after government-level discussions, which may take a couple of months, only then hotels and restaurants may feel safe in resuming operations. Hoteliers also want to know what will be the government action on hotel if a tourist is found to be positive for coronavirus and how government will ensure multi-level senitisation of tourists and their vehicles.

State convener of FOHRA Budhi Parkash said a lot of things need to be discussed and sorted out before resuming operations of the tourism and hospitality sector. “Himachal gets tourists from all the states of the country. A better coordination among states along with uniform tourism rules are required to avoid making tourism disastrous. We have urged government to think on it and we are open to discussion on this and many more topics. When a set of rules are in place across the nation, we can proceed without hesitation. At this critical time, we are handicapped without government help,” he said.

The hoteliers also wanted government to set up a mechanism to sanitise incoming tourists and vehicles multiple times at the borders of each district. They also want government to ensure medical check-up of tourists in presence of government body and take responsibility of the tourists who develop symptoms of Covid-19 or if any of them tests positive for the disease.

FOHRA, after video conferencing, has sent a tourism revival plan with suggestions and requests to Himachal Tourism and Civil Aviation secretary, director and deputy directors where it described about tenderness and limitation of Himachal’s tourism, high hotel operation costs but low viability due to current situation and steps to be taken for survival of the industry.

“There are many questions that are still unresolved. Himachal’s tourism infrastructure is already weak. We need to take each step smartly. We have urged government to make arrangement of multi-level sanitisation of tourists, their vehicles, roads, streets and tourist places and to develop a mobile app to keep track of record of each tourist. We also need facilities for symptomatic or Covid-19 positive tourists. The main thing is government should make long-term protocols related to tourist movement, health and hygiene, Dos and Don’ts etc which should be widely publicized across the country,” FOHRA state co-convener Sanjeev Gandhi said.

Hoteliers are concerned for safety of the employees and their properties as well. The hoteliers want government to make regulations on how it will deal with the hotel and its staff if any tourist staying with them is tested positive for Covid-19. They want to know if the hotel will be asked to close down. Hoteliers say masks, sanitisers, gloves, PPE kits will contribute to major hotel waste and how government will help them in its proper disposal. Hoteliers say over 95 per cent of tourists come by road and arrangement for accommodation of tourist drivers will be another challenge.

Budhi Parkash added that insurance of staff working in tourism units, adequate supply of sanitisation items, separate set of rules for hotels in rural areas, Covid-19 training programmes, advertisement of the state tourism on national and international level to revive the industry, including hoteliers’ bodies in task force to combat Covid-19 and increasing state tax collection by registering all unregistered tourism units to fight Covid-19 and various financial helps to the hotels to help them recover from this crisis are some of the other issues that the government has been apprised of.

Update on May 22, 20202

Hoteliers hope for tourist movement in festive season

Although tourism is the worst hit sector due to coronavirus pandemic and hotels across the world are closed for two months now, many hotels in Himachal, equipped with complete staff, are still hoping for good days ahead.

Thousands of hotels and travel agencies have laid off the employees. Many of the hotels that have been locked don’t have even a watchman. Amid all this, there are many hotels that are hopeful of tourist movement soon in the future and are not laying off the staff. Despite financial crisis, hotels are paying salaries to the staff. Such hoteliers say tourism will be the last sector coming back on the track but domestic tourism will definitely start very soon. After summer tourist season failed to bring them business, the hoteliers believe the festive season after monsoon will draw a tourist crowd to the hill stations.

A hotelier Luder Thakur said, “Tourism can never stop. Once the lockdown is removed, tourists will make a beeline. We have to stay prepared for future. Domestic tourism is expected to kick start after monsoon season. Once staff members are laid off, it will be difficult to get them back in the future. A few employees who wanted to go home have left already. The remaining employees also don’t want to leave.”

Nothing can be the best example of the hope that construction of a large number of new hotels has restarted. Hundreds of hotels in Himachal, especially those that were being run by outsiders, have been abandoned. Some hotels have laid off half of the staff and some have cut the salaries. Some have sent staff home for indefinite period. And there are some hotels that have locked the front doors but maintenance works are still continuing inside.

“We have lost the peak summer season to coronavirus. Now everybody is looking at summer season of 2021. I think a huge tourist crowd can visit the state in monsoon season and winters as well. People are fed up of staying home. If situation improves, they need a refreshing vacation,” another hotelier Rakesh Thakur said.

Most travel agents have also laid off the employees, leaving thousands jobless. A few travel agencies are still designing itineraries for their clients who are in their regular contacts. The online marketing is also continuing. The agents are convincing the tourists to visit the state in winter season.

A travel agent Anil Sharma said clients who wanted to visit Himachal in May or June are in regular contact and want to visit the state once lockdown is lifted. “They keep asking about the current situation. As coronavirus crisis may continue for few more months, we are trying to convince tourists to visit the state in winter season when it looks more beautiful.”

Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Thakur said all those associated with tourism industry are hopeful of good days ahead. “Tourism is the lifeblood of economy of Himachal. We know it will take a longer time than we had thought earlier. But tourism activities will restart in a few months. Many hoteliers have lost hopes and others are still adoptive positive approach. Even if tourism activities restart, everything will change. From social distancing to extra hygiene, both tourists and hoteliers will have to be extra alert,” he said.

Update on May 18, 2020

Disconnect our electricity connections: hoteliers

Even as Himachal government waived off electricity demand charges of the hotels for six months, the hoteliers in Manali, who were expecting relief package from the Centre, said they are planning not to pay electricity bills for the next one year.

“The government has not taken any step to help us overcome this crucial time when we have no money in pocket and banks. We shall welcome electricity department to disconnect our connections. It will not hurt us as we are already hit worst by the Covid-19,” the hoteliers said.

Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Ram Thakur said hoteliers had requested the government and the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Ltd to charge them on domestic rates, not the commercial rates, as there is no commercial activity in the hotels since mid-March. “Hotels have received huge bill amounts. How will we pay the bills? As suggested by many hoteliers, we were planning that we shall express our inability in payment of the bills and will not oppose disconnections,” he said.

Thakur added that a few staff members are staying in hotels and there is no tourist since mid-March. He said hoteliers had requested government to calculate their bills on domestic rates until Covid-19 prevents tourists from visiting their hotels. “If there is no government intervention to help hoteliers, mass electricity disconnections is our fate. Hoteliers have no money to pay to staff, the EMIs, electricity bills, water, sewer and other bills,” he added.

The hoteliers were also demanding financial assistance from the government in payment of the staff salaries. “We desperately need interest free loans for at least one year to survive and payment of various bills. The moratorium on loans, interest payments, and working capital for at least one year is need of the hour.”

FM’s Atmanirbhar Bharat package leaves Himachal’s tourism operators disappointed

The hoteliers, travel agents and thousands of others dependent on tourism trade in Himachal are disappointed over not getting anything from the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan economic relief package.

The finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not announce any special relief to the badly hit tourism industry from her stimulus package. Contrary to the other states of the country that are hoping for good tourism business after a few months, the limited seasonal tourism of Himachal that ends in June has been destroyed for over a year. The EMI moratorium period ending on May 31 is scaring thousands of people who are expressing inability in repayment of the loan.

“We have been neglected by the Centre,” said a hotelier Rajesh Sood, adding that either hoteliers will have to surrender before the banks or will have to sell the hotels. “I have asked the bank manager not to harass me for EMI, otherwise I will commit the suicide. I will honestly pay the installments when business is back on the track.”

With over 10 thousand hotels, guesthouses, homestays and even more travel agencies, tourism is the main employer in Himachal that contributes to the state’s GDP by nearly 7 per cent. Nearly half of the state’s hotels are being run on the contract basis. Travel agencies have also emerged as one of the major employers. Closure of hotels and travel agencies has left thousands of employees jobless and the owners are struggling for their survival. Hoteliers say they do not oppose benefits being given go other sectors but they seek special relief to this industry. The many tourism based associations are also sending memorandums to the PM and FM for relief package.

Manali Hoteliers’ Association president Anup Ram Thakur said, “Finance minister’s relief package has left us hopeless. If not any direct benefits, hoteliers should have been given EMI moratorium for at least one year. Tourism trade in Himachal is different from other parts. We have work in just May and June. We earn in two months to repay our loan instalments for the whole year. Everything is coming on track one by one but it is tourism that will come to normalcy in the very end. How will we survive till then?”

Majority of hotels are leased out to others and most of the lessees have disappeared since the lockdown came into force. Thakur said both leaser and lessee cannot be blamed in such circumstances and there is possibility that many lessees will return only if business flourishes again.

Similarly, thousands of youth of Himachal work in thousands of travel agencies which are currently closed and owners have no money to pay wages and salaries.

Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents’ Association president Budhi Parkash said, “The Atmanirbhar Bharat package is not sufficient to make tourism-dependent people of Himachal completely self-reliant. Majority of population of the state is directly or indirectly dependent on tourism for livelihood. Government should have come up with a special relief package. Both hoteliers and travel agents are on verge of becoming bankrupt. How shall we pay our EMIs from June onwards?”

Update on April 01, 2020

Hoteliers demand govt help as Himachal’s tourism set to demolish amid Covid-19 pandemic

The whole year’s tourism of Himachal is set to demolish due to Covid-19, with thousands losing their jobs, peak summer tourism season from April to June sacrificed to deadly disease and even three month EMI moratorium incapable of saving many hoteliers from bankruptcy in next few months.

Tourism is the largest employer in Himachal. The whole tourism industry of the state largely depends on three months – April, May and June – when lakhs of tourists make beeline to hill stations to get respite from the scorching heat. Rest of the nine months are considered lean season when very few tourists visit Himachal. Early April is the time when hoteliers used to start maintenance and repair works of the hotels to welcome tourist crowd. The beginning of April has brought tension among hoteliers who have no reason to decorate their hotels for the first time in decades as tourist movement across the world has come to a complete standstill.

The limited and seasonal tourism season of Himachal almost being crashed, thousands of hoteliers, travel agents, taxi operators and tourism activities operators have lost all hopes till next summer season in 2021. Thousands of people who have got job in hotels, travel agencies and other places are also worried for their future.

The three month moratorium on loans offered by banks is inadequate to heal the wounds of tourism industry of Himachal. Hundreds of hotels in Himachal have been recently built. Large numbers of hotels in state are still under construction. Over 50 per cent of the hotels owe thousands of crore to the banks. Large numbers of travel agencies, taxi operators and others also under the burden of huge loans. The hoteliers, who have nothing to do these days, are busy writing letters and emails to union and state government to seek help.

Manali Hoteliers’ Association (MHA), the largest association of the state, has written to the chief minister Jai Ram Thakur to help hoteliers in overcoming this situation. “We thank government of India and Himachal to take timely strict action to contain spread of Covid-19 by imposing nationwide lockdown. But we want to share that tourism is the main contributor to economy of the state. This industry, especially hospitality sector, is badly impacted by the Covid-19. Hotel industry is facing slowdown since last year. Now this virus has deteriorated the situation,” MHA president Anup Thakur said.

The association has requested government to help contribute to the salary of the staff by adding 50 per cent share from schemes like MGNREGA till hotels are closed. They also requested to charge electricity bill on domestic rates, not on commercial basis.

“Water charge, house tax, garbage charges, sewage charges and pollution charges should be exempted until hotels open. To attract tourists after this problem is over, we should be allowed tax holidays for at least six months. Advance tax deduction, income tax upto Rs 10 lakh should be waived off, renewal fees for bar license, pollution etc should be deferred for one year and new working capital loans should be available without collateral from banks at 0 per cent interest for hospitality sector and minimum credit limit should be Rs 15 lakh,” Thakur said, after having group discussion with the hoteliers over whatsapp.

All the advance bookings in hotels have cancelled till May. The hoteliers are hoping for good tourist inflow after May but the possibility is very bleak. Almost all the foreigners have cancelled their booking for the year and given the current global crisis, others are likely to cancel in next few weeks. The travel agencies have been shut and hoteliers have asked the staff to go back home after government gives relaxation in curfew. Still, most of the staff is in the hotels.

Update on March 20, 2020

Himachal bids adieu to tourists till March 31 amid nakas, arguments

As Himachal sealed its borders for tourists for few days as preventive measure against Covid-19, over 75 per cent of the tourists left the state on Friday and those who had just entered the state had to face nakas.

Implementing the order to stop tourist movement, the police had laid nakas everywhere in the state. Tourists were asked to take a U-turn back home. While most tourists obeyed the instructions in national interest, there were reports of tourists arguing with police. As many places, only one or two cops were handling the situation.

Many tourists, who were concerned for their advance booking amount, were not ready to move back. Similar situation was seen at the border of Mandi and Kullu district were a long queue of vehicles was witnessed all the night. Not just tourists spent night with hope that they would be allowed to enter Kullu, many local residents also had to suffer.

Some tourists stopped at various places were allowed to reach their hotels for one or two days after request from hoteliers association.

There were reports that many hoteliers refused to refund the booking amount while some deducted cancellation charges. Even as some hoteliers, travel agents and taxi operators refunded the full booking amount, many of them had to face the wrath of the disappointed tourists who have no fear of the coronavirus.

“Some tourists are leaving with threat that they will write a poor review for the property. This includes highly educated tourists. They know what the nation is going through, despite this they want us to serve. Those who had booked for later days this month received phone calls and emails from us regarding their booking cancellation are also arguing with us. Ignoring all this, we are standing with the nation,” a hotelier Rakesh Kumar said.

The travel agents have decided to help the tourists with all available resources and most agents did not charge any cancellation fees.

Himachal Pradesh Travel Agents’ Association president Budhi Parkash said all the travel agents have stood together in the time of need. “Tourism industry worldwide is already facing brunt of the Covid-19. Still we have decided to help tourists, tourism department and the government. We shall not deduct any cancellation charges unnecessarily. Future bookings will be made conditional where tourists will be given many options so that in case restrictions are extended by government, they get their booking amount refunded,” he added.

Amid all this, the labourers have continued to enter the state. A large number of Nepalese national reached Kullu on Friday without much effort. Some local residents travelling with them blamed that nobody checked them for the coronavirus.

A local resident of Manali Shamsher Thakur said, “I asked a small group of foreigner tourists roaming freely in the market whether they got checked for the virus, they refused outright. I think we are still taking this lightly,” he said.

Meanwhile, as tourists are leaving Manali, the main tourist destination of Himachal , the municipal council has started spraying chemicals to disinfect the roads, streets and all the public areas. Special cleanliness campaigns have been run to take maximum precation.

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