From a backpacker’s delight to adventure enthusiast’s favorite place, Manali is everyone’s dream destination. It is a location that nobody will ever get tired from. The winters are something that you will always enjoy and the site has a plethora of Best places to visit in December. The majestic mountains will take away your heart and will make your vacations even more blissful.
Weather in Manali in December
The weather in Manali in December is freezing, with chilly winds blowing all day. Manali experiences its first snowfall in December. The weather is unpredictable, and snowfall may cause you to cancel some of your plans randomly.
In December, the weather in Manali fluctuates from 5 degrees Celsius at the highest to -10 degrees Celsius at the lowest. Although the sun shines in Manali in December, it provides little relief from the cold.
We know that there are a lot of people who visit the place in summers also but there are also winters when you can head especially at the time of December.
If you love snow then you can surely head here as in December, the location is filled with heavy snowfall. There are a lot of best Places to visit in Manali in December, winters.
Top 16 Places to Visit in Manali in December, Winter
- Manali Mall Road
- Siyali Mahadev
- Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara
- Manali Sanctuary
- Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
- Hadimba Temple
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
- Hampta Pass
- Beas Kund
- Bhrigu Lake
- Chandrakhani Pass
- Gauri Shankar Temple
- Gulaba Village
- Kasol
- Kullu Valley
1. Manali Mall Road
Mall Road is the main street in the Indian town of Manali, which is in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The police station, the heating service, and the city’s main office are all here. This road is off-limits to vehicles unless absolutely necessary.
Mall Road, which is full of restaurants, hotels, local shops, and emporiums, is one of the busy parts of this hill station. It is one of the best places to go in Manali in December for your winter trip plans.
- Average temperature in December: -1°C – 10°C.
- Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
- There are no fees to enter.
- Things to do: Shopping and sightseeing.
- Distance from Manali Bus Stand: 600 meters (approx.).
- Address: Mall Road, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131.
- The best time to visit is between November and February.
- Average time to cover: 2-5 hours.
2. Siyali Mahadev
The Siyali Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali. It has beautiful stone and woodwork all over it. Shiva followers love this temple in Manali because of its stunning architecture. It is one of the most popular places for Shiva devotees to visit. With the snow-covered hills of the Himalayas in the background, the temple looks very grand in the snow.
It is a famous place for pilgrims to go and one of the best places to visit in Manali in December when it snows. The soothing, fresh air will make you feel better and it is a great place to relax and meditate. Enjoy the beautiful view and wonderful feelings this place gives you.
- In December, the average temperature is -6. C.
- Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
- There are no fees to enter.
- Things to do: go on a holy trip, explore, or meditate.
- Approximate distance from the Manali bus stand: 3.5 kilometers.
- Location: Himachal Pradesh’s Siyali, Manali
- The best months to go are November and January.
- Average time to cover: 1-3 hours.
3. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara
The Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery is one of the holiest places for Buddhists. It is known for its beautiful design and divine energy. It is an excellent example of the Indo-Tibetan agglomeration. Beautiful art and skill have the power to enchant.
When it snows in December, this monastery in the snow-covered Himalayas looks like something out of this world. Dechen is the best choice for the top attractions in Manali in December because it is the most peaceful place in the beautiful Himalayas.
- December’s average temperature is -6°C.
- Timings: 6 A.M. to 6 P.M.
- There are no entry fees.
- Activities: sightseeing, photography, and exploration tours
- It is 52 km away from the Manali bus stop.
- Location: Sarabai, Himachal Pradesh, Gompa Road.
- October to December is the best time to visit.
- Average time to cover: 3–5 hours.
4. Manali Sanctuary
Your December trip to Manali will be complete if you visit this haven to see the native mountain animals and hundreds of different kinds of plants and trees. In this vital part of the protected northwest Himalayan biogeographic zone, you can see animals and birds like the Barking Deer, the Flying Fox, the Kashmir Flying Squirrel, the Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Pigeons, Chakor, Treecreepers, and more.
See thickets of flaming red rhododendrons and groups of horse chestnut, poplar, willow, and deodar trees close together. The refuge is one of the most popular places for tourists to visit in Manali in December. It is located on the beautiful banks of the Manalsu Nullah, with tall mountains in the background.
- December’s average temperature is -6°C.
- Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Entry costs: INR 10
- Activities: Watching animals and birds
- The Manali bus stop is located 2 kilometers away (approximately).
- Location: Manali’s Circuit House Marg
- The best time to visit is October-February and March-June.
- Average time to cover: 1-3 hours.
5. Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
This museum has been open since 1998 and shows folk art, culture art, and antiques from Himachal Pradesh. The well-known Hidimba Devi Temple is not far away, so why not add it to your December trip to Manali?
This museum is one of the famous places to visit in Manali. It has a beautiful and exciting collection of antiques and other artifacts showing Himachal Pradesh’s history and tradition.
There is a lot of native Himachali clothing, kitchenware, and jewelry to see and enjoy here. This is one of the best places to visit in Manali in December. This is an excellent place to start if you want to learn more about Himachali culture.
- December’s average temperature is -6°C.
- Timings: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Entry costs: INR 10
- Activities: Discover the rich history and culture of Himachal Pradesh
- The Manali bus stop is located 2 kilometers away (approximately).
- Location: Hadimba Temple Rd., Utopia Complex, Near Hadimba Temple, Siyal, Manali
- Best time to visit: 365 days.
- Average time to cover: 1-3 hours.
6. Hadimba Temple
Cradled in lush greenery, Hidimba Temple is one of the Best places to visit in Manali in December. The shrine is resting atop a huge rock and it is quite different than the other temples in India. The unique thing about this temple is that it is made of wooden and the architecture is also different. It is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, mother of Ghatothkack, wife of Bhima and the temple is said to be constructed back 16th century. It has four wooden storeys with intricate ambience that will reflect the ancient times.
- Famous for – Worship, religious purposes, exploration.
- Distance from Manali bus stand – 3 Km.
7. Rohtang Pass
Your Manali trip is incomplete without a visit to the iconic Rohtang La Pass. In December, if you wish to visit Manali, this destination should be on your list for sure. You will see some awe-inspiring views of mountains covered with snow. A lot of Bollywood movies have been shot here like Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Jab We Met.
The destination is perched at an altitude of 3,978 meters and the pass is connected only by road. It is also considered a blissful paradise for all the bikers and adventure seekers. Apart from that, you can also try out several activities like ice-skating, paragliding, skiing and many more if you visit here in winters.
- Activities – Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, skiing, ice-skating, winter sports.
- Distance from Manali bus stand – 53 Km.
Read This – Best Time to Visit Manali for Snowfall
8. Solang Valley
When talking about the Places to visit in Kullu Manali in December, how can we forget Solang Valley? Located 13 Kms away from Manali, Solang Valley is nestled away between the Beas Kund and Solang Village which showcases the stunning views of snow-capped mountains and magnificent glaciers that attracts a lot of tourists.
The beauty of this destination is unparalleled and beyond your imagination. Many of the people love visiting here in winters because they get to explore a lot of activities. You will be blessed to enjoy the pristine white snow; the whole place appears as if it’s a straight out of a movie. Solang is truly a blissful place that offers you splendid views in winters.
- Activities – Zorbing and paragliding.
- Distance from Nearest Airport – Bhuntar Airport is the nearest one and from there the destination is around 63 Kms away.
9. Hampta Pass
One of the most iconic places to visit in Manali in December is the Hampta Pass. It is also a famous trekking trail in Himachal Pradesh and offers a blissful experience of adventure. The Humpta Pass overlooks the mesmerizing valleys of Kullu and the deserts of Lahaul. The destination is situated at a height of around 14,035 ft. above the sea level.
The Pir Panjal Range and various other panoramic views will be clearly visible from here. However the heavy snow will not allow you to trek to the pass but it is well-accessible through the roads.
- Activities – Trekking, exploration.
- Distance from Manali bus stand – 15.6 Km.
Read Also This – Get Close to Nature at Glamp Eco Stay in Manali
10. Beas Kund
Beas Kund is a glacial lake and it is the beautiful source river of the river Beas. Considered, one of the pious rivers in Himachal Pradesh, the Beas River will showcase some breath-taking vistas and weaves through beautiful dense forest. You can also do the trek and it begins from Dhundi via Solang Valley and the duration of this trek would be around 4 days. A lot of tourists’ come here for this trek in December. It is a great option for amateurs as the location is located at a height of 12,772 ft. This lake is believed to be a bathing spot of Rishi Vyas.
- Activities – Trekking, exploration.
- Distance from the Manali bus stand – 21 Km.
11. Bhrigu Lake
Bhrigu Lake is a beautiful lake nestled in the lap of the Himalayas of Manali. It is not less than any marvel and the trek to Bhrigu Lake is also quiet amazing as the whole route is filled with the scenic trails. Surrounded by the thick forests and lofty mountains, the Lake has moderate type of trail. This trek is also for the beginners as well as for the experienced adventure seekers. The trek begins from the dreamy village of Gulaba and the duration of this would be around 4 days. It is considered most amazing treks in India and a lot of people come here to witness this. Bhrigu Lake is a beautiful lake nestled in the lap of Himalayas of Manali. It is not less than any marvel and the trek to Bhrigu Lake is also quiet amazing as the whole route is filled with the scenic trails. Surrounded by the thick forests and lofty mountains, the Lake has moderate type of trail. This trek is also for the beginners as well as for the experienced adventure seekers. The trek begins from the dreamy village of Gulaba and the duration of this would be around 4 days. It is considered most amazing treks in India and a lot of people come here to witness this.
- Distance from Manali bust stand – 20 Km.
12. Chandrakhani Pass
Shaded in the Kullu region of Himachal Pradesh, Chandrakhani Pass is also said to be one of the best Places to visit near Manali in December as you can come here at that time for trekking. The location perched at an altitude of around 3,660 meters. Affording stunning views of the Himalayan neighbors like Deo Tibba and the Pir Panjal range, Chandrakhani remains the best part of Himachal.
The destination is perfect for knowing the rich, local culture, along with the untouched nooks of nature. It is a true paradise for the adventure seekers and photographers and trekkers. Chandrakhani Pass is also in great proximity to Malana.
- Distance from the Manali bus stand – 82 Km.
Also Read – Manali Rohtang Helicopter Ride
13. Gauri Shankar Temple
Next up we have Gauri Shankar Temple which is nestled in Dashal Village on Naggar-Manali road. The temple is built with the intricate stones carvings that depict the style of late Gupta period. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and considered an important religious place. The temple was built back in the 11th century and is home to a magnificent Shiva Lingam. It is around 50 meters away from Naggar Castle and yet another important tourist attraction.
- Famous for – Worship, religious purposes.
- Distance from Manali bus stand – 15 Km.
14. Gulaba Village
Waiting for the snow in Manali? Well, if you come here in December then you can visit Gulaba village which is a majestic one and attracts a lot of people across the globe. Located at an altitude of about 4,300 meters, Gulaba is gaining popularity amongst the tourists’ but still; it welcomes a lot of people who like to witness the white snow. It is a small village and will meet you enroute Rohtang Pass and the tourists’ can enjoy different activities here without a doubt.
- Things to do – Skiing, Paragliding, and other snow activities.
- Best time to visit – December to February.
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15. Kasol
One of best Places to visit near Manali in December is Kasol. It is also known as the true paradise for the trekkers. A lot of people turn up here to experience different trails of trekking and overwhelms you to the core. The fresh air to breathe along with the view of sunrise will make your heart skip a beat when you witness it. If you come to Manali, this place is a must-visit or else your trip would be considered as incomplete. The village located in the mystical Parvati Valley where travelers can enjoy a peaceful night and relish the riverside views.
- Distance from Manali – 75 Kms.
- Things to do – Camping, trekking, and dining at popular cafes.
16. Kullu Valley
Known as the ‘Valley of Gods’, Kullu is a popular destination which is always flooded with tourists. Nestled in the Himachal Pradesh, the location offers you with the most mesmerizing views of the snow-clad mountains if you wish to visit here in winters. From the historical temples to markets, Kullu Valley provides the people with everything to make the vacations perfect.
- Distance from Manali – 40 Kms.
- Major attractions – Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Beas River, Dhakpo Shedrupling Monastery.
What to do in Manali in December?
Manali is a popular vacation spot in December because there are so many things to do there. When it snows, the whole scenery looks exciting. Here are some things you can do in Manali in December.
1. Snow activities: The Solang Valley is where the real excitement of Manali winter happens. As soon as the first snow falls, Solang Valley is full of exciting things to do, like skiing, flying, snowboarding, and zorbing. Make a beautiful snowman in the valley to remember the Manali snow when you return home.
2. Dip in Vashisht hot water springs: For relief from the cool weather in Manali, dip in the healing waters of the Vashisht hot water springs. These springs are the best place to escape the cold if you can not find anywhere else.
3. Igloo sta: If you go to Manali in December, one of the best things you can do is spend the night in an igloo. Tourists can enjoy a better version of a camp-stay in Manali’s Sethan Valley. At 10,000 feet, the Igloo is the only place of its kind that you can go.
4. Hot air balloon ride: Besides paragliding, this is another way to see Manali from above. There is a better way to see the snowy scenery of Manali in December than by using a hot air balloon.
Tips for Visiting Manali in December
With its snowy scenery and happy vibes, December is a magical month to visit Manali. Here are some ideas to help you remember your trip:
1. Packing and Preparation
Layer up: Bring warm clothes like thermals, sweaters, coats, and rain gear.
Essential Things to Bring: Do not Forget to Bring boots, gloves, and a hat.
Sunscreen: The sun can be strong even when cold, so bring sunscreen with a high SPF.
Medicines: Bring the medicines you need, like those for altitude sickness, colds, and any other personal medication.
2. Safety and Comfort
Check Weather Updates: Keep up with the weather, especially if you want to go to high-up places.
Altitude Sickness: If you are coming from a lower elevation, increase your oxygen levels slowly.
Stay Hydrated: To deal with the dry air, drink a lot of water.
Choose Accommodation Wisely: Choose hotels with good heating systems and comfy rooms.
Additional Tips
Bring Cash: Even though most places take cards, having some cash on hand is still a smart decision.
Respect nature: Do good things for the environment and not throw trash away.
Make Memories: Do not forget to bring a good camera to record the beautiful snow-covered landscapes.
Be Flexible: Be ready for changes in the weather and your journey plans.
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So, these were some of the Best places to visit in Manali in December that you can visit without a doubt. If you visit here then do not forget to comment down your experience!
FAQs About Best Places to see in Manali in December, Winter
What are the major precautionary steps that I should take while travelling to Manali during pandemic?
Travelling in pandemic might be a tough task but if you still manage to visit Manali then you have to take care of some things.
- Maintain Social distance.
- Book your hotels in advance to avoid the cash transactions.
- Carry face masks and gloves plus sanitizers to keep yourself away from the virus.
Which are the best places to visit in Manali in Winter?
There are tons of places that Manali boasts in Winter like Gulaba, Rohtang Pass, Naggar Castle, Hidima Temple among others.
Which are the famous religious shrines in Manali where the devotees flock?
Manali has several shrines and temples that have their own authenticity. The list includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Gauri Shankar Temple, and Siyali Mahadev Temple.
Where I can witness snow in December in Manali?
Solang valley, Gulaba, and Rohtang pass are some of the places where you will get the abundance of snow to witness.
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