Manali

MANALI: The Kullu valley has an ancient town in its lap called Manali. Surrounded by towering peaks at an arm length, Manali's major asset is its proximity to the snowline. It is a flourishing orchard industry, a popular honeymoon destination and trailhead for numerous treks as well as a great countryside ideal for adventure sport lovers.

Manali literally means the 'Home of Manu'. Manu is the mythological character who is supposed to have survived when the world was drowned in Flood. He then came to Manali and recreated human life. Thus, the area of Manali is sacred and Hindus treat the temples over here as pilgrimage.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Manali Area : 5.12 sq.kms.
Altitude : 1,926 metres.
Temperature (deg C): Summer- Max. 25, Min. 12. Winter- Max. 14.5, Min. 2.
Clothings : Summer- Light woollens for both the places. Winter- Heavy woollens for both the places.
Best Season : April to Mid-July and Sep. to Nov. for both the places.
Languages Spoken : Pahari (Local Dialect), Hindi, English.
STD Code : 01902.

TRANSPORT AND COMUNICATION
Air : The nearest airport Bhuntar (10 kms from Kullu and 50 kms from Manali) is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi and Chandigarh. Jagson & Continental Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Kullu.
Rail: The nearest most convenient railhead is Chandigarh (397 kms from Kullu and 357 kms from Manali). The other nearest narrow gauge railheads are Jogindarnagar (126 kms from Kullu & 166 kms from Manali) with a change at Pathankot and Shimla (240 kms from Kullu & 280 kms Manali) with a change at Kalka.
Road: Kullu and Manali both the places are on the National Highway No. 21. Motorable roads and regular bus services connect Kullu & Manali to most of the important places in Himachal Pradesh and the neighbouring states.


EXCURSIONS
Raison (16 km), Katrain (20 km), Naggar (28 km), Bajaura (15 km), Kasol (42 km) Manikaran (45 km), Banjar (58 km), Larji (34 km), Malana, Pulga & Khirganga (16 km & 26 km), Danawar Wildlife Sanctuary (near Manikaran), Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary (20 km from Bhuntar), Khaiv Sanctuary (15 km), Tirthan Sanctuary (10 km from Bunder Gushanini).

Manali-Leh Road:
There are bus services connecting Manali with Leh via Keylong during the period July to October/November. It is a two day journey between Manali and Leh with an overnight halt at Keylong. There are regular bus services between Manali and Keylong (117 kms) which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Bus services between Keylong and Leh (390 kms) largely depend on the weather and road conditions. The journey takes approximately 18-19 hours. Foreign tourists are allowed to travel between 15th July and 15th August on the Leh-Manali road, subject to following conditions.
a) Only groups of foreign tourists whose visits are arranged by Indian Travel Agents, recognised by the Govt. of India, are allowed to travel provided the travel agents representative accompanies the group.
b) Their travel has to be confined to specified modes of conveyance like jeep matador etc.
c) A police escort by the State government is attached to the group.

SPORTS
Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, Manali, Tel: 42. This institute organises training courses, both basic and advanced, in hiking, mountaineering, skiing, water sports and mountain rescues. The complex has hostel facilities and equipment for trekking/hikingcan be hired from institute.

FISHING
The Kulu valley offers ample opportunities for trout fishing in the river Beas & its larger tributaries. Licences can be obtained from the Fisheries officer - Katrain

TREKKING
Kulu-Manali, together with Lahaul-Spiti, offers possibly the best trekking opportunities. Some important treks in Kulu-Manali region:-
Raison-Malana-Chandrakhan-Raison (139 kms) - 11 days
Manali-Bhirug-Rohtang Pass-Manali (55 kms) - 4 days
Manali-Chandratal-Keylong (120 kms) - 10 days
Manali-Chhikar-Hamta Pass-Jagatsukh-Manali (55 kms) - 6 days