Manali is one of the most famous hill stations in India. Every year, thousands of people come here to enjoy the cool weather, snow, and beautiful mountains. But many people visit only the popular places like Mall Road, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass. These places are very crowded, especially in peak season.
If you want to explore something different and peaceful, you can visit some hidden places in Manali. These places are not very crowded and are full of natural beauty. You can enjoy trekking, camping, and see how people live in Himachali villages.
Here are 5 hidden places in Manali that are really amazing!
1. Jana Waterfall
Jana Waterfall is in a small village called Jana, around 35 km away from Manali. It is surrounded by tall deodar trees and apple orchards. The waterfall is small but very pretty. You can hear the sound of water falling and birds singing.
Why should you visit?
- It’s very peaceful and not crowded.
- You can have a picnic or click some nice photos.
- You can try tasty Himachali food like siddu, rajma chawal, and local chutneys.
How to reach?
Drive or take a taxi from Manali to Naggar (about 20 km). Then go another 15 km to reach Jana Village. From the village, walk for 10 minutes to reach the waterfall.
2. Sethan Village
Sethan Village is about 12 km from Manali. It is a small village where people of the Buddhist community live. It becomes a winter wonderland during snowfall!
Why should you visit?
- You can enjoy snow activities like skiing, snowboarding, and even igloo stays.
- It’s quieter than Rohtang and Solang Valley.
- You can watch amazing sunsets and sunrises from here.
How to reach?
You can go by taxi or drive from Manali. It takes about 45 minutes. The best time to go is in winter if you want to see snow.
3. Sajla Waterfall
Sajla Waterfall is near a small village called Sajla, about 10 km from Manali. It is hidden inside a forest. The air is fresh and clean.
Why should you visit?
- It is a good place to relax and enjoy the sound of nature.
- You can do yoga, meditation, or just sit quietly.
- There is also a very old Shiva temple near the waterfall.
How to reach?
Take a bike or taxi from Manali to Sajla Village. Then walk for 15 minutes to reach the waterfall.
4. Hamta Village
Hamta Village is 15 km from Manali. It is on the way to Hamta Pass trek. The village has wooden houses and apple orchards.
Why should you visit?
- You can see how Himachali people live and work on farms.
- The place is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and greenery.
- It’s a nice place to relax and enjoy nature.
How to reach?
Drive or take a taxi to Prini Village (near Manali). From there, you can trek for 1 hour to reach Hamta Village.
5. Chikka
Chikka is a nice trekking and camping place near Hamta Pass. It is about 18 km from Manali. There is a river called Rani Nallah, and lots of green meadows to camp on.
Why should you visit?
- It’s an easy trek, even if you are new to trekking.
- You can camp at night and watch the stars.
- It’s not crowded, so you can enjoy peace and quiet.
How to reach?
Drive to Jobra (about 15 km from Manali). From Jobra, trek for about 2 hours to reach Chikka.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (March to June): Best for trekking and exploring villages like Hamta and Chikka. The weather is pleasant and the flowers are blooming.
- Winter (December to February): Best if you love snow! Sethan Village is covered in snow and you can do skiing or snowboarding.
- Monsoon (July to September): It rains a lot, so trekking is not safe during this time. But the greenery looks beautiful!
Things to Carry
- Warm Clothes: Even in summer, it gets cold in the mountains.
- Good Shoes: You will have to walk a lot, so wear comfortable trekking shoes.
- Water Bottle: Always keep water with you.
- Snacks: Carry dry fruits, biscuits, or chocolates for energy.
- Camera: To click photos of the beautiful places!
- Raincoat or Umbrella: In case it rains suddenly.
- Torch: Useful if you plan to camp at night.
Travel Tips
- Always check the weather before you go.
- Start your trek early in the morning.
- Respect the local culture and don’t litter.
- Take help from local guides if you are going on a trek.
- Mobile network is not available in some areas, so tell your family where you are going.
- Don’t disturb wildlife or plants.
- Carry cash because there are no ATMs in villages like Sethan or Hamta.
Summary
If you are bored of visiting the same tourist spots in Manali, try these hidden places! These places are peaceful, full of nature, and give you a chance to see real Himachali culture.
- Jana Waterfall – A peaceful spot with a nice waterfall and local food.
- Sethan Village – A snow village with skiing and igloo stays.
- Sajla Waterfall – A quiet place for meditation and temple visits.
- Hamta Village – A small village with beautiful views and apple orchards.
- Chikka – A perfect place for trekking and camping under the stars.
So, next time you go to Manali, visit these awesome hidden gems and enjoy a different side of the mountains!