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There are dozens of places to stay in Manali, including Hotel Tourist, Jhon Banon'n Guesthouse, Sunshine Guest House, Sunshine Guest House, Hotel Highlands, Pinewood Hotel, Hotel Chetna, Beas Hotel and Hotel Rohtang Manalsu. HPTDC runs several places and bookings can be made at the HTPDC Marketing Office on the Mall.
The
Mall in Manali offers many interesting items to be purchased, from cloths
to decorative pieces and gift items. Woollen goods are the town's real
forte, particularly the brilliantly patterned shawls for which it is known
for. The NSC or 'New Shopping Centre' Market near the bus stand sells a
good selection. Another reliable emporium is the government - sponsored
Bhutico, which has an outlet on the Mall, just opposite the tourist
office. Around the bazaar there are innumerable stalls stacked with
hand-woven goods and pillbox Kullu Topis. Manali's other specialty is
Himalayan handicrafts, mainly assorted Tibetan curios such as prayer
wheels, amulets, dorjees or thunderbolts, masks, musical instruments,
jewellery and thangkas.
The climate of Manali is very cold as it is located in the Himalayas and the snow line is not far from the place. The altitude of Manali gives it a climate, which is loved by one and all. The summers are cool and the winters prove to be very harsh. During the winters the snow line comes down and there is snowfall in the region and heavy woollen cloths are required. During the monsoon months due to heavy rainfall there are landslides, which hamper movement. The best time to visit Manali is May and October but one can visit this place during winters too.
Manali By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is
that of Bhuntar, which is 52-km from Manali. From Bhuntar one can take a
taxi or a bus to Manali.
Manali By Rail: The nearest railhead is that of
Joginder
Nagar and this narrow gauze railway station is 95-km from
Kullu.
The scenic beauty of
Kullu
while going to Manali can best be enjoyed on a bus or a taxi. It is better
to take a taxi, which one can stop and enjoy the nature at will.
Manali By Road: The road to Manali passes through the picturesque
valley of
Kullu.
The motorable roads to Manali connect the town with other major tourist
places in Himachal as well as in the nearby states. At the Manali bus
stand there are two booths, which do computerised reservation for buses.
The reservations can be made one month in advance. Both private and state
government buses are in service over here.
Rohtang
Pass : 50-km
Kothi: 12-km
Solang Nullah: 14-km
Bhuntar: 52-km
Kullu:
40-km
Jogindernagar
: 135-km
Vashisth Hot Sulphur Springs: 3-km
Jagatsukh Temple: 6-km