Situated at the northern end of the Kullu Valley at an altitude of 1,950m or 6,398 ft, Manali is a picturesque hill station surrounded by spectacular views of snowcapped peaks. Once the beginning of an ancient trade route stretching from Ladakh and points beyond including the Karakoram Pass to the Tarim Basin, Manali is best known for its abundant apple orchards and adventure sports including spectacular trekking, mountain biking and paragliding.

Manali offers a tranquil, yet commanding setting for treks and tours to nearby Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Lahaul and Spiti, Leh and beyond. Area interests include several temples including Hadimba and Manu as well as the Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Gadhan Thekchoking Gompa, located at the south end of the Mall area. The Mall features shops and restaurants, Tibetan handicrafts and curios and famous Kullu shawls. Across the Beas River from Manali, is the small village of Vashisht, featuring additional shops, and natural hot springs, temple and waterfall.

Manali’s cool atmosphere, in both climate and vibe, provides a contrast to hot Indian summers with the climate predominantly cold during winters with moderate summer temperatures ranging from 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F).

Manali is well connected by road to Delhi through NH-21 and NH 1, which traverses the Routing Pass to Lehn, the world’s second highest road. The nearest airport is at Bunter about 50 km (31 mi) south of Manali. Currently, Kingfisher offers daily nonstop services from Delhi, Air India provides twice a week nonstop services and MDLR Airlines provides services to Delhi six days a week.

Bus service via private operators, is the preferred route among travelers offering reasonable rates and comfortable reclining seats. Volvo A/C buses provide direct service from Delhi nightly with typical morning arrival in Manali, approximately 14 hours later.

Lahaul abounds with monasteries surrounded by a series of high mountains including the main Himalayas in the north and mid Himalayas due south with joining ranges on the east and west side.

From the Kunzum Pass (altitude 4,551 m or 14,931 ft) is the entrance to Spiti Valley from Lahaul. Spiti, meaning “middle Land” is the area between India and Tibet. With its rugged landscape and terrain, Spiti Valley is blessed with spectacular scenery including an abundance of wildlife such as snow leopards, ibex, Himalayan brown bear and blue sheep. Protected areas in the region that are a home to snow leopard and its prey include the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Spiti is also known for its profusion of wild flowers and medicinal plants and herbs found in the summer months.

Spiti Valley is a trekker’s paradise, offering moderate to challenging trips and expeditions in the Himalayas. Treks offered in the region take you through remote areas and villages following ancient paths and wildlife trails. Some of the popular trekking routes in the area include Kaza-Langza-Hikim-Comic-Kaza, Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza, Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La and Kaza-Tabo-Sumdo-Nako.

The dramatic scenery and distinct landscape offers a unique backdrop for Buddhist monasteries, such as Ki, Dhankar, Shashur, Guru Ghantal and Tayul Gompas. One of the most famous is the Tabo Monastery, located 45 km from Kaza, the capital of the Spiti region, the monastery rose to prominence when it celebrated one thousand years of existence in 1996. The monastery houses a masterful collection of Buddhist scriptures and statues. Another famous area gompa is the Kardang Monastery, built in the 12th century this monastery houses a large library of Buddhist literature and scriptures.

Treacherous winter weather in Lahaul and Spiti limits visitors to the months of June through October, when the roads are free of snow and the high passes of Rohtang and Kunzum are open although the road sometimes closes temporarily due to landslides or late summer snowfall.

Perhaps the best known destination in the region is Leh, Ladakh. Travelers from all over the world flock to Ladakh in the district of Jammu and Kashmir, with the area a favorite destination for adventure seekers, backpackers and cultural heritage buffs alike. Situated at an altitude of 3524 meters (11,562 ft) and amid two of the world’s most formidable mountain ranges, the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, Leh offers adventure for everyone including incredible scenery, boundless treks and village tours and historic monasteries hanging cliff-side among mountains. Buddhist monks and nuns live, study and practice their faith in these monasteries. And Buddhist art, architecture and heritage including local festivals and fairs featuring ancient rituals and artist exhibitions are numerous.

For centuries, Leh has been an important stopover on the famous trade route along the Indus River Valley between Tibet to the east, Kashmir to the west and between India and China. Travelers gather among towering peaks, clear cerulean skies and listen to the incantation of Buddhist monks and their rhythmic chants set amidst ancient monasteries. Ladakh, the Land of High mountain Passes, ancient trade routes and the Roof of the World awaits you.

Whether you wish to explore a Buddhist gompa (monastery), experience trekking in the high Himalayas or camping on the Ladakh plateau, you will experience a breathtaking land and culture that will astound you with its warmth and hospitality.