Manali is the crowning jewel of Himachal Pradesh, often associated with images of the Rohtang Pass blanketed in snow, the bustling Mall Road, and the adventurous Solang Valley. The true essence of the Himalayas, with its tranquil town, unexplored landscapes and authentic local culture, lies in its offbeat and lesser-known treasures, though these well-known places are irrefutably beautiful. The region around Manali offers an abundance of undiscovered treasures for the traveller seeking a respite from the crowds and more intimacy with nature and culture.

Finding these offbeat places provides a unique opportunity to experience pristine, unspoiled environments, meet locals, and understand the Himachali culture. Relaxed travel, contemplation and immersing oneself in the real Himalayan splendor are the agendas of these places instead of energetic sightseeing.

Offbeat Attractions Near Manali:

Below are some offbeat and lesser-known gems in the area around Manali:

Sethan Village – A peaceful Buddhist village lies just 13 kms from Manali and at an altitude of around 9000 feet. It is also referred to as the “Snowy Hamlet Above.” During winter, it is a paradise for snow trekking and snowboarding away from the usual crowds, and offers beautiful views of the Dhauladhar range. It provides pure serenity during summer when it transforms into a kaleidoscope of alpine meadows and wildflowers.

Hamta Village – Manali is the quaint and peaceful Hamta Village is often confused with the Hamta Pass trek. It is apt for laid-back travellers with picturesque surroundings of apple orchards, dense pine forests and soothing sounds of the Rani Nallah River. It’s a go-to for anyone looking for beautiful places near Manali that provide pure nature and real experiences without the usual tourist crowds.

Chichoga Village – Only 1.8 miles away from Manali Mall Road, Chichoga is a pristine village offering stunning views of the beautiful Pir Panjal Range and Kullu-Manali valley. It’s a peaceful region with stepped fields, wooden houses, and apple orchards where traditional Himachali life is still followed. It’s the perfect place for leisurely walks around the outdoors, basking in the sunshine with a book, or sitting with locals to learn about their culture.

Koi Town – Approximately 45 45-minute drive away from Naggar, Koi is a little-known town with old mud houses, picturesque valley scenery, and almost absolute seclusion. A typical report from travellers is a time travel to the old Himachal. It stands out for the possibility of cultural immersion, revealing genuine Himachali life, yet with minimal business and travellers.

Hallan Valley – Being one of the smallest but loveliest valleys of Himachal Pradesh, Hallan lies around 25 kms from Manali. It is most famous for being peaceful, a direct contrast to Manali’s activity. It's dense, clean landscapes, which are home to authentic Himachalis, ensuring an undisturbed holiday. With almost no tourists, it’s an ideal spot for cycling, photography, and brooding.

Soyal Village – On Naggar Road, less than 15 kms from Manali, Soyal Village is an unexpected destination for those who visualise their hill vacation as finding a glacial water stream surrounded by forests with a couple of restaurants. This quaint town has succeeded in keeping itself peaceful and calm by not getting too many visitors.

Nayalag & Kasheri – Almost 20 kms from Mall Road, the Kasheri hamlet offers some of the most stunning views of the surrounding Kullu valley from its height of almost 2500m above sea level. There are no guest houses, so it’s a day trip spot. One of the lesser-known monasteries of the region, the Nyingmapa Pangan Monastery.

Spiritual Attractions and Natural Wonders:

Jana Waterfall – A stunning piece of nature, Jana Waterfall lies in a remote village, around 35 miles from Manali. Although the waterfall itself is not very large, the journey through apple orchards and winding forest roads lends itself to romance. It’s a scenic picnic spot where local dhabas offer wood-fired, traditional Himachali cuisine.

Kalath Hot Springs – Located beside the Beas River on the highway to Kullu, 7 km short of Manali, these natural springs of hot water bring warmth to the cold hills. Kalath hot springs are not very well-known compared to the better-known Vashisht hot springs.

Jogini Waterfall – Approximately 4 km from Manali and accessible via a scenic 1-hour trek from Vashisht village, Jogini waterfall is an undiscovered gem that seems like a fairytale.

Conclusion –

Visiting Manali’s lesser-known and offbeat gems provides a radically different and wonderful travel experience, although the city’s popular attractions. These unexplored hideaways offer moments of unparalleled peace, refuge from the chaos, a chance to connect with pristine nature, and an experience of real Himachali culture.