In the lap of the permanently snowcapped higher Himalayas lies the majestic winter resort of Manali, just 219 kilometers away from Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. If you are a winter sports lover, and get a thrill from the chill, Manali is the destination you should head for this season.

Stay in the quaint town, nestled on either side of a gurgling Beas river, and drive north on the road that goes to Rohtang Pass (and beyond that, to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir) and branch off towards Solang Nallah  a beautiful meadow in summer which transforms itself into one of India's best snow slopes in winter.

Here you can do everything  skiing, heli-skiing, tobogganing, paragliding. And if you are not into physical activity, go for a snow scooter drive, or a slower-paced yak ride. Or you can simply take in the scenery. Solang, described once as the “end of the habitable world,” is bestowed with a pristine natural beauty, dense forests, towering mountains, steep cliffs and rolling valleys.

The good thing about Manali is that while it offers amateurs and beginners a good time, it also has something for professional skiiers. Heli-skiing is strictly for the pros. They are taken up in helicopters to an altitude of close to 14,000 feet and let loose for a dramatic downhill slide. It's exhilarating  and expensive  and yet is fast becoming popular.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali is one of the premier institutions for skiing in the Himalayas. The organisation offers ski courses throughout the winter, and can provide both assistance as well as advice on where and how to go skiing. The directorate also hires out equipment.

Located at an altitude of 2050 metres, the winter in Manali is quite cold, with temperatures dipping to sub-zero levels. Yet, if it is not snowing and the sun is out, the days can be very pleasant and rejuvenating. And if you are visiting in February- March, you can even witness the annual National Winter Sports Championship.

Manali, the veritable “valley of the Gods” and the “home of Manu”, can be reached by road from New Delhi (it's a 13 to 14 hour drive by car), or one can fly into Bhuntar, in the Kullu valley, some 50 kms from Manali.

The flight, by 18-seater Dornier aircraft, is an experience in itself. As the aircraft comes into land, one can see villages high up in the mountains at eye level. And the aircraft lines up to land on the runway at Bhuntar, laid almost parallel to the Beas river, after several intricate maneuvers around the mountains.

Manali, in summer, is a popular base for some of the more difficult treks into the Himalayas. The one to Chandra Tal, a pristine lake at about 4,000 metres, is particularly challenging. The four-day trek is not exactly for the faint-hearted, yet it is not tough enough to deter the determined. And the views when you reach Chandra Tal are well worth the effort.

OTHER MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Hadimba Temple: The temple is dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, the consort of Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharat. It has four-tiered Pagoda shaped roof and the doorway is carved with legendary figures and symbols.

Manu Temple: It is believed that this is the only temple of Manu in India, who is said to be the creator of the human race on earth.

Club House: The Club House has indoor games facilities and is located on the left bank of Manalsu Nallah. There are some picnic spots near it.

Tibetan Monasteries: There are three newly constructed and colorful monasteries in Manali, where visitors can buy carpets and other Tibetan handicrafts. Two are located in the town and one at Aleo on the left bank of Beas river.

Tourist Information
How to reach:
•           By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar airport, 50 km from Manali.
•           By Rail: The nearest railhead is Chandigarh.
•           By Road: There are regular bus services to Amritsar, New Delhi, Dharamsala, Kullu, Leh, Nagar, Shimla.
Best time to visit:
The best season to visit Manali is from April to mid-September in the summer and mid-December to March if you are a winter sports enthusiast.
Accommodation:
Manali offers a reasonably wide range of accommodation. Some nice old hotels are situated on the outskirts of the town, while inexpensive lodges and privately owned guesthouses abound in the old town.

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