Manali is India’s most scenic and popular hill station located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Located at the height of 2050 m in the Beas River valley, Manali is an ideal destination for solo travelers and honeymooners. Moreover, it is a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley.
Some unique things making Manali a popular destination among all kinds of travelers include paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains. Visiting Manali in May is a good option as it gives some relief from the scorching heat. With lush greenery all around, the spectacular mountain flora, ideal weather and numerous exciting activities to get indulged in, Manali in May become a tourist paradise.
Best Places to visit in Manali in May 2024
Tibetan Monasteries
For travel enthusiasts, Tibetan monasteries in Manali are worth to be visited. Among many, Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa are two of the most popular Monasteries attracting lakhs of tourists and travelers each year. Sitting quietly at these monasteries helps you spiritually connect with your inner you.
Rohtang La
Rohtang is one of the most scenic and picturesque high mountains located in Northern India. The flower-covered patches and snow-covered mountains create a panoramic view for the visitors coming to Manali in May. During the month of May, Rohtang gets covered with snow letting you enjoy the ATV rides and snowy slopes here.
Manali Sanctuary
If you want to enjoy the natural mountain wildlife of Manali, then do visit Manali Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to different kinds of trees and plants. In this protected Northwest Himalayan zone, one can spot animals such as Snow Pigeons, Himalayan Black Bear, Flying Fox, Barking Deer, Chakor, Kashmir Flying Squirrel, to name a few.
Solang Valley
Located amidst the beautiful villages of Solang & Kund, Solang Valley is a place that must not be missed while traveling to Manali in May. The place is an ideal destination for enjoying several adrenaline-rushing sports like Zorbing, Horse riding, Skiing, Paragliding, Parachuting, etc. also the winter skiing festival is organized here.
Jogini Falls
Jogini Falls is located beside the Vashisht Hot Springs towards the Vanshist village. The visitors coming to this place can enjoy mouth-watering and traditional Himalayan delicacies while enjoying beautiful and stunning views. Tourists prefer trekking to Jogini Falls and offer their prayers at the shrines below the falls.
Manu Temple
Manu Temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Manali in May. The place holds importance in the Hindu religion as it is dedicated to the great Sage Manu. The temple is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Manali in May due to its gorgeous architecture, and wooden carvings. If you are looking for a tourist place in Manali in May where you can have some piece of mind as well, then you must definitely keep this on the top of your list.
Fun activities to do in Manali
1. River Rafting
River Beas is known best for its stretches for rafting in India as it offers a blend of short stretches for beginners as well as for experts. The river flowing through the mountain’s terrain is a complete package of thrilling adventures. While in Manali in May, river rafting is indeed one of the best things travelers can do here. Tourists prefer to do river rafting in summer as the cold water gives them some relief from the hot temperatures.
2. Paragliding
For enthusiastic and adventurous seekers, paragliding is another option to explore in Manali in May. While paragliding one gets a chance to fly up in the skies on a glider and have a bird’s eye view. Also, it gives them a chance to witness the breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar mountain range and Beas River. The ideal time to enjoy paragliding in Manali is from May to September.
3. Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali is an ancient cave temple dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, wife of Bhima. The temple was constructed by Raja Bahadur Singh in the year 1553, the temple is located just 1.5 km from Mall Road in Manali. For decades, an annual fair – Bahadur Singh Re Jatar is organized at the temple in the summer season. The temple which has been constructed in pagoda style is the best place to relax.
4. Trekking
Due to various trekking routes, Manali has become a popular destination for adventure seekers. Trekking gives the option to stay connected with nature while having a thrilling experience. Manali is a hub for trekking enthusiasts as it has many trekking trails located amidst the panoramic sights of the snow-covered Himalayas. The best time for trekking is April to June.
5. Hiking
Many travelers hike to Rohtang Pass which is located almost 50 km from Manali at an altitude of 4,111 meters. The place is known for its scenic views and thrilling trekking and hiking points. Tourists can enjoy different types of thrilling activities such as skiing and mountain biking in Rohtang. The main attraction of Rohtang is its location, it is located amidst beautiful glaciers, mountain peaks, and snow-covered hills.
Clothing for Manali in May
- Wear comfortable clothes made of breathable fabric. Prefer cotton fabrics as they absorb moisture and let your body breathe easily.
- Also carry lightweight jackets along as it gets warm during evenings when temperatures drop significantly.
- The temperature in Manali in May varies from day to night so make sure you carry layers of clothing and wear them according to the outside weather.
Other items to pack for a trip to Manali in May
The list of items one must pack while traveling to Manali are:
- Sunscreen lotion & Moisturising lotion
- Woollen Clothing & socks
- shoes for hiking
- Medication
- sunglasses
- Id Proofs
Festival in Manali in May: Doongri Forest Festival
The Doongri Forest Festival is organized between May and June. The festival is celebrated by women and is dedicated to Hadimba Devi. During this festival, women dress up in traditional attire and dance and sing throughout the day. With clear open blue skies and ideal weather, this forest festival lasts for three days.
Weather in Manali in May
The commonly preferred time to visit Manali is the summer months which includes May as well. The majority of the tourists plan their trip to Manali in May so that they can get some relief from the hot summer days.
The average temperatures in Manali in May vary from 20°C – 30°C, while the average low range lies anywhere between 5°C to 15°C; thus, offering great relief from the blistering heat. The visitors coming to Manali in May get indulged in different kinds of adventurous and thrilling activities such as paragliding, rock climbing, zorbing, river rafting, trekking, etc.
How to reach Manali During May Month
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Chandigarh Airport which is located almost 140 km away from Manali city centre. After reaching the airport, the travelers can take taxi services to reach Manali town.
By Train: Joginder Nagar railway station which is located at a distance of 143 km is the nearest railway station to Manali. One can take a taxi/ bus from the station to reach in any part of town.
By Road: The hill station of Manali is well-connected by road with many nearby cities in North India. If you are an adventure enthusiast, then a road trip to Manali will be an amazing experience for you. You can reach the town either by bike or by taxi. Also, regular buses are available from places like Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ambala to Manali.
Conclusion
Certainly, Manali in May is the ideal time to make the most of your holiday in the hills. These amazing places to visit in Manali in May will surely let you spend some days stress-free while giving you a chance to indulge in many exciting activities. So, plan your holiday packages to Manali in May with Honeymoon Bug now.
FAQs About Manali Trip in May
What kind of clothing should I pack while visiting Manali in May?
If you are visiting Manali in May, then you can carry normal woolen like jackets, shawls, caps, etc. Also wear sports shoes on the hills.
Is Manali good to visit in May?
Yes, in fact, May is one of the best seasons to visit Manali as numerous adventurous activities like river rafting, paragliding, trekking, etc. are organized during this period.
What can I buy in Manali?
Items that can be purchased in Manali include:
- Fancy clothes and accessories
- Handicrafts
- Tibetan souvenirs
- Winter apparels
- Artificial jewelry
List top attractions in Manali in May.
The list includes Hadimba Temple, The Manali Gompa, Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfalls, Manu Temple, Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, and Nehru Kund.
How is the weather in Manali in May?
The temperature in Manali in May varies from 10°C – 25°C and there are higher chances to spot snow at several points like Rohtang Pass.
Is Manali crowded in May?
Summer is the busiest season in Manali as the place is visited by more number of tourists between the months of May and June.
Which adventurous activities can I do in Manali in May?
Some of the top adventure activities which you can do in Manali in May include trekking, boating, paragliding, skiing, etc. most of these activities are organized at places like Solang Valley and Rohtang La.
Discover More:
- 10 Best Restaurants in Manali
- River Rafting in Manali
- 8 Best Hotels in Manali Near Mall Road
- 5 Star Hotels in Manali
- Best Time to Visit Manali for Snowfall
- 15 Best Places to Visit in Manali
- 10 Best Honeymoon Places in Manali
Manali Travel Guide – Month wise
- Manali in January
- Manali in March
- Manali in April
- Manali in May
- Manali in June
- Manali in July
- Manali in August
- Manali in September
- Manali in December
Check-out other domestic destinations in May month
- Tamil Nadu Trip in May
- Sikkim Trip in May
- Darjeeling Trip in May
- Kashmir Trip in May
- Himachal Trip in May
- Shimla Trip in May
