Manikaran Hot Springs
Manikaran: Where sacred hot springs meet the majestic Parvati Valley, offering spiritual solace and natural healing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful soak
Manikaran Hot Springs
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful soak
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Manikaran: Where sacred hot springs meet the majestic Parvati Valley, offering spiritual solace and natural healing.
"A natural wonder with spiritual and healing vibes, truly an awesome and magical experience."
🎯 Soak in the Hot Springs
Experience the therapeutic hot water pools; separate areas for men & women. :woman-bathing:
🙏 Visit Gurudwara for Langar
Enjoy a free community meal cooked with hot spring water. :spoon:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manikaran Hot Springs
Parvati River banks
Naturally heated waters believed to have healing properties, bubbling up next to the cold Parvati River.
Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib
Central Manikaran
A sacred Sikh pilgrimage site offering free langar, famously cooked using hot spring water.
Hindu Temples
Near Gurudwara
Ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, steeped in local legends and mythology.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Embrace the Spiritual & Natural Blend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Soak in the Hot Springs
Experience the therapeutic hot water pools; separate areas for men & women. :woman-bathing:
🙏 Visit Gurudwara for Langar
Enjoy a free community meal cooked with hot spring water. :spoon:
🚶 Explore Parvati Valley
Take time to enjoy the scenic beauty and nearby villages like Kasol. :mountain:
💧 Respect the Waters
The hot springs are sacred; be mindful of your actions. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Soak in the Hot Springs
Experience the therapeutic hot water pools; separate areas for men & women. :woman-bathing:
🙏 Visit Gurudwara for Langar
Enjoy a free community meal cooked with hot spring water. :spoon:
🚶 Explore Parvati Valley
Take time to enjoy the scenic beauty and nearby villages like Kasol. :mountain:
💧 Respect the Waters
The hot springs are sacred; be mindful of your actions. :pray:
🛍️ Shop for Local Crafts
Browse stores for Himachali signature items. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manikaran is celebrated for its unique hot springs, spiritual significance, and the serene beauty of the Parvati Valley. Visitors praise the healing properties of the water and the welcoming atmosphere of the Gurudwara, especially the langar. However, some find the bathing areas less clean and the site can be extremely crowded, making it less appealing for a day trip from further afield.
"Manikaran Ghat, nestled in Himachal Pradesh, is a serene spot famed for its hot springs and spiritual vibes. Surrounded by mountains and the Parvati River, it offers peace, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences. The sacred Gurudwara and healing waters make it a must-visit destination."
Nityananda Pal
"Super experience , it is so beautiful and highly spiritual to experience such a magic . You can visually see the hot water rising from water in an altitude like that . Based on science there may be several explanations but it is really awesome . And the people also , there are several stores inside where we can purchase so many manali signature items . You can stay there free for many days with food by contributing for something in there progress."
harshal Majeed
"“A Natural Wonder with Spiritual and Healing Vibes”
Visiting the Manikaran Hot Water Pool was a fascinating experience! Located in the beautiful Parvati Valley, this natural hot spring is not only a marvel of nature but also holds deep religious and cultural significance.
The Hot Water Springs
The naturally occurring hot water here is believed to have medicinal and healing properties. The temperature varies across different sections, with some areas being extremely hot. It’s an incredible sight to see boiling water bubbling up next to the chilly Parvati River!
Religious & Cultural Significance
Manikaran is a revered pilgrimage site for both Sikhs and Hindus. The Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is located here, offering free langar (community meal) where food is cooked using the hot spring water—a truly unique experience! There are also ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu nearby.
The Bathing Experience
Taking a dip in the hot water pool is a must-do. Many believe it has therapeutic benefits for skin ailments and stress relief. There are separate bathing areas for men and women, ensuring privacy and comfort.
Things to Do Nearby
• Visit the Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib for a peaceful spiritual experience.
• Explore the Hindu temples and learn about the myths associated with Manikaran.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Parvati Valley, with stunning river views and mountains.
• Try local Himachali food at nearby cafes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re visiting for spiritual reasons, to witness a natural wonder, or just to relax, Manikaran Hot Water Pool is a must-visit destination in Himachal Pradesh. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, religious significance, and the unique hot springs makes it an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended!"
Er. Vinay Dicholkar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manikaran is a short 4 km drive from Kasol. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus. Many travelers opt to start their Parvati Valley trip here.
Manikaran is located about 45 km from Kullu town. The journey offers scenic views of the Parvati Valley.
Yes, local buses frequently run from Bhuntar and Kullu towards Manikaran, making it accessible via public transport.
Bhuntar is about 35 km from Manikaran. You can take a bus or hire a taxi for a direct and scenic ride.
While generally accessible, the Parvati River's flow can increase, especially after heavy rains, which might affect immediate surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the hot springs and the Gurudwara complex is generally free. However, donations are welcome.
The hot springs are accessible throughout the day, and the Gurudwara is open for visitors and langar services for extended hours. It's best to visit during daylight for the full experience.
Similar to the Gurudwara, the Hindu temples in Manikaran do not typically have an entry fee, but donations are appreciated.
Yes, there are designated separate bathing areas for men and women to ensure privacy and comfort during your soak.
The Gurudwara offers free accommodation for pilgrims and visitors, including food (langar), as long as you contribute to their progress.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature of the hot springs varies, with some sections reaching between 64 to 80°C, while others are cooler.
The hot springs are generally safe, but it's advisable to test the water temperature before fully immersing yourself. Some areas can be extremely hot.
Manikaran is a revered pilgrimage site for Sikhs and Hindus, with legends linking it to Lord Shiva and Guru Nanak Dev Ji. 
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the early morning, can help you avoid the peak crowds.
Expect stunning views of the Parvati River, surrounding mountains, and lush green valleys. The contrast of boiling water against the cold river is a unique sight.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can enjoy a free langar (community meal) at Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib. There are also local cafes and dhabas offering Himachali cuisine.
Yes, the langar at Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib is free for all visitors, a tradition of Sikh hospitality.
Absolutely! Several small eateries and cafes around Manikaran offer authentic Himachali dishes.
Yes, the langar is always vegetarian, and most local eateries also offer a variety of vegetarian dishes.
The unique aspect is that the food for the langar is often cooked using the natural heat from the hot springs.
📸 📸 Photography
The banks of the Parvati River, the Gurudwara complex, and the surrounding mountain vistas offer excellent photo opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed in the outer areas, but it's respectful to check for specific restrictions inside the main prayer halls or sanctums.
Capture the steam rising from the hot springs, the confluence of the hot springs and the cold Parvati River, and the majestic Himalayan landscape.
Yes, the area is known for diverse avian life, especially during migratory seasons. Look for Himalayan Monal and other species in nearby forests and meadows.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer soft light and dramatic skies, ideal for capturing the landscape and spiritual ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the spiritual sites are important, focus on the natural beauty of the Parvati Valley and the unique phenomenon of the hot springs. Consider shorter visits to avoid overwhelming younger children with long travel times or crowded conditions.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
+1Beyond the religious sites, the hot springs themselves are considered sacred and are believed to have purifying and healing properties.
+1📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Capture the unique phenomenon of boiling water emerging from the earth and the serene ambiance of the Gurudwara and temples. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the Parvati Valley's scenic vistas, lush greenery, and the powerful flow of the river. The area is also a hotspot for birdwatching, with diverse species found in the surrounding forests and meadows, especially during migratory seasons.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystical Hot Springs of Manikaran
Unlike many hot springs, these are said to be free of sulfur, a unique characteristic that adds to their allure. The visual contrast of steaming water emerging beside the icy river is a sight that captivates visitors and fuels local legends. These waters are not just a natural wonder; they are believed to possess significant healing properties. Many visitors come seeking relief from skin ailments, muscle pain, and stress, attributing their recovery to the therapeutic qualities of the mineral-rich water.
The experience of soaking in these naturally heated pools, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan landscape, is often described as both rejuvenating and deeply spiritual. While the exact scientific explanation for the heat is geothermal, local folklore offers more mystical origins. Legends connect the springs to Lord Shiva's rage and the hiss of Sheshnag, adding a layer of divine mystique to the natural phenomenon.
Regardless of belief, the hot springs remain a central attraction, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike for their perceived medicinal benefits and the sheer wonder of their existence. Spiritual Heart of the Parvati Valley
Beyond the Gurudwara, Manikaran is also home to ancient Hindu temples dedicated to deities like Lord Shiva and Vishnu. These temples are steeped in local mythology, with legends often intertwined with the origins of the hot springs and the very name 'Manikaran,' which is said to derive from a lost earring (mani) of Mata Sati.
+1 The spiritual atmosphere is palpable, offering visitors a sense of peace and connection to ancient traditions. +1The confluence of these religious sites with the breathtaking natural beauty of the Parvati Valley creates an unparalleled experience. The serene environment, coupled with the spiritual resonance of the temples and Gurudwara, makes Manikaran a place of profound peace and reflection for many.
Photography and Birding Opportunities
Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly rewarding, offering soft light that enhances the landscape's natural beauty and the spiritual ambiance of the site. For birdwatching enthusiasts, Manikaran and its surrounding areas, including the deodar forests and alpine meadows, are a haven. While not a formal sanctuary, the region hosts a variety of avian species, especially during migratory seasons. Keep an eye out for the vibrant Himalayan Monal, the state bird, and Koklass Pheasant in the forested trails. The riverbanks are ideal for spotting White-capped Water Redstart and Plumbeous Waterhen.
The best times for birding are early mornings (5-8 AM) and dusk, when birds are most active. The dawn chorus along the Parvati River is particularly magical. Exploring trails near Harinder Mountain or the forests en route to Kasol can yield sightings of various woodpeckers and warblers, making Manikaran a delightful spot for both nature photographers and avid birdwatchers.
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