Are you ready for adventure activities in Manali? Your Himachal Pradesh Tour would be incomplete without visiting this enchanting destination. What makes Manali special? It is one of India’s most famous summer vacation destinations; a popular hilly paradise for backpackers looking to spend their vacations surrounded by mountains, rivers, and more. Apart from the beautiful landscapes, did you know there are also various adventurous activities everyone should try in Manali 2025?
Undeniably, Manali is a perfect blend of natural wonders and exciting activities. From seeking spirituality at pilgrimage sites to enjoying local food and the best snow activities, like skiing and snowboarding, Manali offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re just starting or a seasonal adventure seeker, Manali has got you covered! Come feel the rush amid nature with the 20 best outdoor activities in Manali and cherish the memories for a lifetime!
1. River Rafting In Manali
If you want one of the best adventure experiences in Manali, River rafting is the right choice. It takes place along the River Beas and is suitable for both seasoned rafters and beginners alike.
The rafting section begins at a small district called Pirdi, near Manali. The river flows through several locations like Bajaura, Sarabai, Bhuntar, Shamshi, Mohal, Raisol, and Katrain. If you are in Manali, you must not miss this adventure.
- Best Time For River Rafting: Open throughout the year, but must be avoided during monsoons
- Best Spots: Pirdi
- Cost: Starting from ₹500/- to ₹2000/- per person
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult based on the weather
Looking for the best adventure sports in Manali? Try paragliding. Manali, situated at a height of 2050 metres above sea level offers a beautiful view of green valleys, blue skies, and snow-capped mountain peaks, making it an ideal place for paragliding. Many tourists from both India and abroad come here to experience the sport.
There are two types of flights available:
- Medium Flight: The medium flight lasts for fifteen minutes
- Long/High Flights: These flights can last up to an hour.
If you have a paragliding license, you can choose to fly solo. However, you can opt for a tandem flight, where a pilot accompanies you and navigates the glider.
- Best Time For Paragliding: April and June
- Best Spots: Solang Valley and Marhi
- Cost: Starting from ₹1000/- to ₹4000/-
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
Skiing will definitely secure its place in the list of the most thrilling things to do in Manali. The best part? Manali is a popular tourist destination for its skiing conditions. Ski enthusiasts love to experience the majestic slopes of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. These slopes are perfect for those who are learning their first moves and professionals looking for a thrilling skiing experience. If you are an adventure lover, you can trust professional trainers to guide you through the picturesque setting of Manali. After a day of thrilling adventures, treat your taste buds to the best local food in Manali at the dhabas or indulge in a hot plate of Maggi at the local tea stalls in the valley. The variety and popularity of these local delicacies are sure to leave you craving for more.
- Best Time For Skiing: December to January
- Best Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang, Marhi, Gulaba and Dhundi
- Cost: ₹600/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Climbing rugged terrain and seeing a beautiful view is one of the top adventure activities to do in Manali. Hike up to Chandratal Lake, walk through meadows in Hampta Pass, or get on top of the boulders in Beas Kund. Explore the 6-Day itinerary of Manali for an enchanting experience. Pack your bags and go hiking!!
- Best Time For Hiking: May to October
- Best Hiking Routes:
- Manali – Chandratal – Deo Tibba Base – Manali
- Manali – Beas Kund – Solang Nallah – Manali
- Manali – Naggar – Malana – Manikaran – Manali
- Manali – Batal – Chandertal Lake – Baralacha La – Manali
- Pin Parvati PassGreat Himalayan National Park
- Cost: ₹5600/- onwards per couple
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
Mountain Biking is one of the must-try adventure activities in Manali if you love exploring new trails. You can rent a mountain bike and cycle around the untouched parts of Manali. There are many trails to choose from and several operators offer tailored mountain bike packages. Some of the famous trails in the region include Rumsu Village, Naggar, Jana Falls, and Rahala Falls. These are the most unique offbeat places in Manali.
- Best Time For Mountain Biking: Throughout the year
- Best Biking Route: Manali – Rohtang Pass – Baralacha La Pass – Lachungla Pass – Tanglang la – Khardung la – Manali
- Cost: ₹6000/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
The next on the list is Mountaineering. With snow-capped mountains and peaks in and around Manali, people are bound to think of climbing to the top of them, and they definitely do. This activity in Manali has become popular, and people flock to the base camps with rigorous training and preparation. Kullu’s peaks offer a huge playground for the trained and more adventurous, while Manali has a few small peaks like Beas Kund and Chandratal for beginners.
- Best Time For Mountaineering: All year round except monsoons
- Best Spots: Beas Kund, Chandratal, Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, and Manali Peak
- Cost: INR 3000/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Zorbing is a thrilling hill sport in the Himalayas. The beautiful views combined with the speed and lack of control make it an exciting recreational activity. Zorbing in Solang Valley, one of the top adventure places in Manali, is a unique experience with professional instructors ensuring safety and proper guidance.
- Best Time For Zorbing: January to May, October to December
- Best Spot: Solang Valley
- Cost: ₹500/- per person
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Suggested Read: 10 Top Travel Tips For Manali
Snowboarding is one of the top snow activities in Manali. It is similar to skiing, but it takes place on a steeper hill or mountain. This thrilling sport is enjoyed by those who seek adventure.
- Best Time For Snowboarding: January to March
- Best Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
Jeep Safari is a great adventure tour that allows you to go through the highest mountain peaks and enjoy the scenery. It’s a fun way to explore the mountainous terrain in and around Manali and get a close experience of what it’s like to live in the mountains. In this region, various operators offer Jeep Safari packages, giving you the chance to enjoy this unique experience.
- Best Time For Jeep Safari: June to September
- Best Spots: Manali – Tsomoriri Lake
- Cost: Between ₹15,000/- to 20,000/-
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
If you’re an adventure enthusiast in Manali, you might enjoy River Crossing. It involves crossing a section of the Beas River using a rope line and safety equipment. This activity is open to people weighing between 35 and 125 kilograms. Many people have enjoyed it over the years.
- Best Time For River Crossing: Throughout the year, except monsoon
- Best Spots: Van Vihar, Solang Valley
- Cost: ₹350/-
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
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Fishing with a hook, also known as angling, is a popular technique. To attract fish, bait is attached to the hook and let into the water. If you’re looking for a great destination for angling, consider the Beas River in Manali. The state tourism board is making efforts to enhance the angling experience in the area. Day trips to Haripur, Patlikhul, and Raison can be planned for this activity. Angling packages include guides and equipment, making it a great sport to experience. You can catch both trout and mahseer in the area.
- Best Time For Angling: May
- Best Spots: Haripur, Patlikhul, and Raison
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Snow scootering is also one of the popular activities in Manali. Tourists love riding these scooters which can travel up to 2 km. You can either ride the scooter yourself or have an instructor drive for you while you enjoy the ride. It’s a fun experience that you won’t want to miss!
- Best Time For Snow Scootering: December to February
- Best Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass
- Cost: Between ₹200/- to ₹1000/-
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Explore the beautiful off-road slopes of Solang Valley near Manali on a Quad Bike. This all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an enjoyable thrill for people of all ages. You can explore Solang Valley up to the banks of River Beas with minimal risk while admiring the scenic beauty of this region. Professional guides are available to help you make the most of this opportunity in a safe and enjoyable way. The combination of a sturdy vehicle and picturesque views will make your experience unforgettable.
- Best Time For Quad Biking: throughout the year
- Best Spots: River Beas, Rocky River Trail, Kiwi Trail
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Camping is one of the most overwhelming activities in Manali among visitors. The town offers a range of camping options like riverside camps, night camps, trekking camps, and adventure camps. You can enjoy these camping activities in Manali and bond with your family or friends. You must consider stargazing also when camping at the exotic locations of Manali.
- Best Time For Camping: May to June
- Best Spots: Sethan, Solang Valley, Bhuntar
- Cost: Between ₹1500/- to ₹2000/-
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Manali is India’s hotspot for trekking—The thrill of exploring the numerous trekking trails that Manali has to offer is unparalleled. The snow-capped Himalayas and the lush greenery of the jungles are just a few of the breathtaking sights that await you. You can escape the busy city life and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of Manali in these treks. The peace and tranquillity that you will experience after reaching the destinations are truly unmatched. This is one of the most popular adventure activities in Manali.
- Best Time For Trekking: April to June, September to October
- Best Spots: Chandrashila Trek, Beas Kund Trek, Kheerganga Trek, Bhrigu Lake Trek, Hampta Pass Trek, and many more
- Difficulty Level: Easy to difficult
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Do you imagine yourself zip-lining through the forest in Manali? With a rope tied to your waist, you can cross hills and forests at an exhilarating speed. Professional guides are available at every stop to ensure a safe and thrilling experience. Ziplining is one of the most heart-pumping adventure activities in Manali that you’ll fall in love with.
- Best Time For Ziplining: May and June
- Best Spots: Solang Valley and Haripur
- Cost: ₹1300/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Rock climbing is an adventure activity in Manali that requires both physical and mental strength. If you plan to try mountain climbing, rock climbing is a prerequisite. Manali is an excellent location for rock climbing due to its stone elements, such as shades, chunks, and dividers. Keep in mind that adventure sports require strength, so it’s important to challenge yourself both physically and mentally.
- Best Time For Rock Climbing: April to June or September and October
- Best Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang, Marhi, Gulaba and Dhundi
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
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Imagine admiring the stunning panoramic views of the hills from 2000 metres above the ground in Manali. The Cable Car Ropeway makes it possible. You can see the cityscape, rivers, mountains, snowy terrain, and greenery from high above. Even though it’s not as adventurous as other sports, it still keeps your heart racing.
- Best Time For Cable Car Ropeway: December to February
- Best Spots: Solang Valley and River Beas
- Cost: INR 650 onwards
- Difficulty Level: Easy
In Manali, one more sport that has gained popularity over the years is rappelling. Rappelling is when one descends a steep and broad rock by being tied with a rope and a harness for support. This sport is similar to rock climbing, except that one is going downwards.
- Best Time For Rappelling: All year round
- Best Spots: Solang Valley, Rohtang, and River Beas
- Cost: ₹1500/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to difficult
Bungee jumping has a spot in Bahang, just 5 kilometres away from Manali. Although bungee jumping used to be offered in Manali itself, it is not available there anymore. Just imagine jumping into the open air, surrounded by green trees all around you. It’s an experience that will give you breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
- Best Time For Bungee Jumping: January to March
- Best Spots: Bahang
- Cost: ₹3000/- onwards
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
After having a long busy day in these activities, don’t forget to relax by doing some shopping on Mall Road which is the best thing to do in Manali, or visiting the Manu temple for some blessings. A stroll in Old Manali will also rejuvenate your body as the place offers some beautiful places to eat in Manali.
