Mandi is built on the banks of River Beas. The best things to do in Mandi include taking trekking trips to nearby lakes like Lake Prashar. One can also enjoy the hiking and biking trips while they are in Mandi. Mandi is a major tourist attraction and tourism is a major portion of the local economy.
Mandi has a pleasant summer and very cold winters. It is surrounded by some really high hill ranges like Gandharv Hills, MotipurDhar, RehraDhar and Tarna Hill. One of the fastest developing towns in Himachal Pradesh, Mandi acts as a gateway to Kullu, Lahaul, and Leh-Ladakh. Mandi is also easily accessible as it connected to three national highway routes.
Mandi is very popular among the tourists. It is beautiful and scenic and tourists often describe it as heavenly when asked about their Mandi experience. The most popular things to do here is trekking as is the case with most places in Himachal Pradesh. Mandi has some beautiful trekking routes towards Prashar Lake, Rewalsar Lake, and a lovely, picturesque and visually stunning trek of the Barot Valley.
Another feature prevalent in entire Himachal Pradesh is the presence of religious sites. Mandi isn’t an exception either, as there are many temples and monasteries in and around Mandi which draw visitors in thousands, who are in search of a spiritual recluse, who have traveled thousands of miles to get spiritually enlightened and get a divine experience. Some of the important temples around here are Triloknath Temple, Shikari Devi Temple, Bh?ma Kali Temple and Kamaksha Devi Temple. The Bir Monastery is a significant monument in Mandi for Buddhist followers and monks. The temple visits indeed are one of the best things to do in Mandi for a tourist.
Dhauladhar, a stunning mountain range in Himachal Pradesh, is a place of incredible beauty and tranquility. Stretching across several districts, these snow-capped peaks offer breathtaking views and opportunities for adventure.
The Dhauladhar range is famous for its lush forests, sparkling waterfalls, and picturesque valleys, attracting nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. You can explore the area by taking scenic hikes along its trails, soaking in the peaceful surroundings and enjoying the stunning mountain vistas.
A highlight of Dhauladhar is McLeod Ganj, a charming town nestled in the mountains. Here, you can immerse yourself in Tibetan culture, visit Buddhist temples, and savor delicious Tibetan cuisine while enjoying the spiritual atmosphere.
For those seeking adventure, Dhauladhar offers a range of exciting activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. In winter, the region becomes a playground for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with its pristine slopes offering an exhilarating experience.
With its natural beauty and diverse range of activities, Dhauladhar is the perfect destination for a memorable Himalayan getaway.
Visit Prashar Lake, nestled in Mandi's serene heights at 2,730 meters. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this sacred spot boasts a mystical floating island and a charming pagoda-style temple. Ideal for trekking and soulful retreats, the Lake's tranquil waters reflect the majestic beauty of Himachal, inviting peace and reflection.
Rewalsar Lake located in the serene landscapes of Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district, Rewalsar Lake, also known as Tso Pema Lotus Lake, is a tranquil haven steeped in spirituality. This hidden gem holds deep significance for various religious communities, offering a blend of cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Surrounded by lush greenery and towering mountains, the lake's calm waters reflect the vibrant colors of its surroundings, creating a mesmerizing sight. According to local legends, Rewalsar Lake is believed to have been sanctified by Guru Padmasambhava, drawing pilgrims seeking blessings from afar.
Apart from its religious importance, the lake provides a serene escape for nature lovers and leisure seekers. Visitors can stroll along peaceful pathways, dotted with temples and monasteries, or enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the lake's pristine waters.
Mandi gives you the option of doing many things.
Mandi has some amazing trekking routes, which are famous in the entire country, which is why it gets so many trekkers to come round the year for an experience of a lifetime. Mandi has a pleasant climate most of the year which makes it a favorite with the trekkers. Some of the popular trekking options are:
Mandi, being a very popular trekking, biking, and hiking route, also houses a lot of camps in and around the city, especially on the trekking routes. The camps are all located in stunning locations with a splendid view of the valleys and hills around Mandi. Mandi, being sheltered by the Dhauladhar Range has some beautiful scenic locations, which is where the camps are. Some of the best camping sites in and around Mandi are –
Mandi is a great place for adventure and thrill seekers because there are many adventure sport options in and around Mandi, which makes it very popular with the tourists. Mandi caters well to those who seek a rush of adrenaline. All the activities are done under the strict guidance of professionals by maintaining safety guidelines. Some of the adventure sports options are:
Prashar Lake is one of the most popular treks from Mandi because it is not very difficult and doesn’t take much time. So if someone has around 3-4 days off and they feel like going on a trekking trip, Prashar Lake trip is a very good option, especially if the tourist is from the northern part of India. It is at a height of 8900 feet. Prashar Lake trek is easy and trekkers go there almost all the time of the year. The trek costs around INR 3000.
One of the most popular things to do in spring in entire Himachal is white water rafting. There are many private operators around Mandi who provide white water rafting facilities at Pirdi near Kullu. Whitewater rafting is done on the Beas River as well, but only by people who are very good at it and is not advised to novices. The rafting stretch from Pirdi has Grade II and Grade III rapids, which is suitable even for novices, hence it is very popular with those who just want an adrenaline rush by trying their hand at rafting.