Manali enjoys salubrious weather throughout the year, which makes it a perfect tourist destination to visit in Himachal Pradesh. However, the winter season is magnanimously amazing for those who wish to enjoy snowfall. December is a perfect month to indulge in snow sports and enjoy snow showers. The region transforms into a winter wonderland after the snowfall and is covered by thick snow blankets, which makes it look like a paradise. Also, there are numerous places to visit in Manali to enjoy the best winter vacation.
Encompassed by snow-capped peaks, Manali boasts verdant meadows, dense jungles, apple orchards, gurgling streams, gushing cascades, and quaint villages. The winter season is at its peak in December and the region enjoys frequent snow showers, which makes it look like a fairyland. The fresh powdered snow on the towering deodar and pine trees enhances the beauty of Manali. It is popularly known as the winter sports capital of Himachal Pradesh and a perfect place to enjoy adventure activities in December.
Explore the scenic landscape of this hill town and soak in the serenity of Manali with your loved ones. We have jotted down a list of the best places to visit in Manali in December, which you can add to your itinerary for a memorable trip and some unique experiences!
10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Manali in December for a Memorable Stay
- Mall Road
- Gauri Shankar Temple
- Solang Valley
- Chandrakhani Pass
- Siyali Mahadev
- Gulaba
- Beas Kund
- Hampta Pass
- Old Manali
- Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara
1. Mall Road
With the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayas, Mall Road is among the best tourist attractions to visit in Manali in December. It is a paradise for shopaholics and a famous spot for buying souvenirs for your loved ones. Mall Road is covered with snow in December and you can enjoy shopping here. There are a plethora of shops, restaurants, hotels, and attractions on Mall Road, which makes it a perfect place for families and kids. You can buy antique jewelry, Buddhist prayer flags, singing bowls, woolens, Kullu shawls, paintings, and bamboo souvenirs for yourself and your family.
Average Temperature in December: -6⁰ C
Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Shopping and sightseeing
Distance from Manali bus stand: 350 m (approx.)
2. Gauri Shankar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Gauri Shankar Temple is situated in the idyllic village of Naggar. Built in the Shikara style architecture, this temple is an amazing place to visit for history buffs. This is one of the best places to visit in Manali in December with your loved ones. The snow-covered mighty Himalayas in the background make this mystical place look more gorgeous this month. Visit here to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple comprises the idols of Goddess Gauri and Lord Shiva. You can also trek to the temple and the trekking trail takes you through the lush jungle beside the Beas River.
Average Temperature in December: -2⁰ C
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Meditation, seek blessings, and trekking
Distance from Manali bus stand: 23 km (approx.)
3. Solang Valley
In winter, Solang Valley receives frequent snow showers due to which it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Manali in December. Solang Valley is a hub of adventure activities and an amazing place for thrill-seekers. This is a perfect month to indulge in skiing, tobogganing, sledding, and snowboarding. Surrounded by surreal slopes and snow-capped mountains, Solang Valley is a popular ski resort. Covered with white powdery snow, this enchanting place looks like heaven. Families, kids, solo travelers, and couples can enjoy quality time thereby partaking in thrilling activities.
Average Temperature in December: -10⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, skating, paragliding, horse riding, zorbing, and cable car ride
Distance from Manali bus stand: 12.4 km (approx.)
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4. Chandrakhani Pass
Nestled at an altitude of 3,660 m above sea level, Chandrakhani Pass is among the most popular winter destinations in Manali. You can trek to the pass, which starts from Chaklani. In December, the region enjoys snowfall and looks magical. While trekking you can get glimpses of shimmery white peaks of the Dhauladhar range, which is a sight to behold. Trekking through the thick forest of firs and oaks offers a unique experience of the region. From the Chandrakhani Pass, you can spot the peaks of Deo Tibba, Parvati, and Pir Panjal peaks. This is one of the most pictorial passes in the country, which provides a magical view of the snow-clad Himalayas and makes your Manali vacation unforgettable.
Average Temperature in December: -13⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Trekking, nature walk, camping, and stargazing
Distance from Manali bus stand: 36 km (approx.) from base camp
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5. Siyali Mahadev
Adorned with intricate wood and stonework, Siyali Mahadev Temple is one of the oldest temples in Manali. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its architectural beauty. The region is covered with snow and the temple looks majestic with the backdrop of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. It is a great center of attraction for devotees and one of the best tourist attractions in Manali to visit in December when the region enjoys snowfall. The freshness in the crisp air will calm your senses and offer you a perfect environment for meditation as well as rejuvenation. Soak in the divine vibes of this place and enjoy the captivating sight.
Average Temperature in December: -6⁰ C
Timings: 6 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Seek blessings, meditation, and sightseeing
Distance from Manali bus stand: 2 km (approx.)
Read Also: Places to Visit Near Manali
6. Gulaba
This quaint village is a hub of adventure activities and a paradise for nature lovers. It is nestled in the foothills of the mighty mountains and bounded by snow-capped lofty peaks. Gulaba is among the most popular tourist places to visit in December in Manali owing to frequent snow showers. You can partake in snow sports here and have an amazing experience with your loved ones. Snow fighting, sledding, and skiing are some of the popular things to do in Gulaba in December. The snow-white Himalayas offer a breathtaking view and make it a perfect place for nature lovers. The lush green meadows transform into never-ending shimmery white fields. It is once in a lifetime experience to witness the natural landscape in its most pristine form.
Average Temperature in December: -7⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, camping, and nature walk
Distance from Manali bus stand: 14 km (approx.)
7. Beas Kund
One of the most revered lakes of Himachal Pradesh, Beas Kund is the original source of the Beas River. It is believed to be a place where Sage Vyas meditates and takes a holy bath regularly. Beas Kund nestled at an altitude of 3,650 m above sea level in the lap of the Mt. Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters. The trek to Beas Kund starts from Dhundi Village. While trekking to the Beas Kund, you can witness the majestic view of Indrasan, Hanuman Tibba, and Deo Tibba peaks. The region remains covered with a thick blanket of snow and looks captivating in December making the trek enthralling.
Average Temperature in December: -10⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Trekking, paragliding, camping, and nature walk
Distance from Manali bus stand: 20 km (approx.) from base camp
8. Hampta Pass
Perched at an altitude of 4,270 m above sea level, Hampta Pass is one of the most popular mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Valley of Flower of Himachal Pradesh, this high-altitude mountain pass connects Chandra Valley and Kullu Valley. This is one of the best winter treks in Himachal Pradesh and a famous place to visit in Manali in December. The trek of Hampta Pass starts from Sethan Village in Manali and you will cross snow-covered meadows to witness the breathtaking landscape. You can spot Spiti Valley from the mountain pass, which is altogether a different world on its own. From glaciers to the frozen river, you will encounter various natural bounties during the trek.
Average Temperature in December: -12⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Trekking, hiking, camping, and nature walk
Distance from Manali bus stand: 14 km (approx.) from the base camp.
9. Old Manali
Flanked by the Manaslu River, Old Manali is a hub of hippies and known for its vibrant aura. This is among the best places to visit in Manali in December. Old Manali is sprawling with shops, restaurants, hotels, and cafes, which makes it a hotspot for tourists. With the backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, it is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers. Away from the hustle-bustle of the crowd, Old Manali is a perfect retreat for rejuvenation. Relishing the tantalizing food while admiring the scenic vistas from the cozy cafes of Old Manali is among the best things to do. It is also an amazing place to sneak peek into the rich cultural heritage of the town.
Average Temperature in December: -6⁰ C
Timings: 24-hours
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Café hopping, hiking, and nature walk
Distance from Manali bus stand: 1.2 km (approx.) from the base camp.
Read Also: Offbeat Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
10. Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara
Blessed with divine vibes and known for its architectural beauty, Dechen Choekhor Mahavihara Monastery is one of the revered sites for Buddhists. It is a perfect example of the Indo-Tibetan conglomeration. The beautiful craftsmanship and artwork can leave you captivated. Set against the snow-covered Himalayas, this monastery offers a heavenly view in December when the entire region is covered with snow. The color combination of the monastery shines in winter and looks mesmerizing when the entire region becomes white.
Average Temperature in December: -6⁰ C
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: Nil
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, and exploration tour.
Distance from Manali bus stand: 52 km (approx.) from the base camp.
From nature lovers to shutterbugs and adventure enthusiasts to peace seekers, Manali has something for different types of travelers. In December, Manali enjoys snow showers that make the region look like a winter wonderland. If you are planning a trip to Manali in December then you can add these attractions to your itinerary to make your trip cherishable. Enjoy trekking, nature walks, hiking, and partake in adventure activities with your loved ones to make your vacations memorable. Also, don’t forget to mention which place you like the most. Share your experience with us after the trip!
Read Also: Places to Visit in Manali