Unlike the crowds of Old Manali, Kuthar is one of those hidden places in Manali that allows you to truly relax. You can hike along its pine-lined roads, do silent meditation, or simply sit on the rim of a hearth sipping butter tea.
Let‘s bid adieu to the tourist chaos and step into the serene face of Manali. If you‘re a nature enthusiast in the purest sense, a believer in secret trails, spiritual sunsets, and untouched Himalayan vistas, this list is created especially for you.
Kuthar – The Secret Hamlet Above the Clouds
Hidden in the serene Kullu valley of Manali is Kuthar, a little-known village in mainstream travel literature. Set amidst the shade of cedar groves and gra
slands, the village is as basic as can be.
Why you‘ll love it:
Picture-perfect wooden houses
Mist-kissed dawn horizons
Welcoming residents providing home-style meals
The surreal calmness of Himalayan wilderness
Unlike the crowds of Old Manali, Kuthar allows you to relax. You can hike along its pine-lined roads, do silent meditation, or simply sit on the rim of a hearth sipping butter tea.
Lamadugh – The Trekker‘s Secret Paradise
Ever heard of a meadow high above the hustle and bustle, but only a couple of hours‘ hike from Manali town? That‘s Lamadugh for you. Located behind thick forest cover of deodar and oak, Lamadugh is a paradise for trekkers and a bliss for those looking for solitude.
Why it is secret
It‘s a bit of a hike—a steep 6-7 km climb—but that‘s what keeps the crowds at bay.
There is no road to it. It is nature‘s gift to the adventurous.
Once you arrive, you are greeted by vast alpine meadows, Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and the Barabhangal range‘s breathtaking views. Pack a picnic, a mat, and your camera—it‘s a living landscape painting.
Sethan Valley – Manali‘s Winter Secret Best Kept
If you think Solang Valley is where the action happens in winters, then you have not yet seen the glory of Sethan. Located at a distance of about 12 km from Manali, Sethan is a tiny Buddhist village that turns into a winter wonderland in December to February.
What makes Sethan magical:
Unlike Solang, it‘s untouched by commercialisation
Perfect for snowboarding and skiing backcountry
Occupied by but a few households
You can stay in eco-friendly homestays, dine on Himachali cuisine, and if fortune smiles, watch the Milky Way illuminate the night sky. Sethan is the kind of place that does not shout to be heard but wins your heart.
Soil Village – Where Time Stands Still
Ever fantasized about a place where you could hear the sound of the wind blowing through the apple orchards and nothing more? Soil Village, just 8 km from Manali, is a picturesque rural getaway for those seeking digital detox.
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What you‘ll learn here:
No traffic, no noise, no stress
Himachali traditional architecture
River routes and organic farms
Take a book, leave your mobile behind, and spend days getting to know yourself again. The locals are friendly, the vegetables and fruits are pristine, and the scenery is purifying to the soul. Ideal for writers, artists, and fantasists.
Khoncha Waterfall – The Untouched Cascade
You‘ve heard about Jogini Falls and Rahala Falls, but Khoncha Waterfall? Not many. Off the beaten path along the Hamta trek, this hidden waterfall is a refreshing break that few trekkers notice.
Why it‘s unique:
Sparkling plunge pool
No trash, no sellers, only spotless nature
Covered in wildflowers and mossy boulders
The trail is brief but slippery, and that is why it is concealed. It is perfect for a romantic day out or a serene afternoon swim. Bring minimal, wear shoes with good traction, and allow the gushing sound of water to calm your senses.
Chichoga Heights – Manali’s Hidden View Point
You don‘t have to trek for hours to find a secret treasure. Just a little above Manali Club House, concealed on a meandering uphill path, is Chichoga Heights—a vantage point that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Kullu Valley.
Ideal for:
Sunrise fans
Birdwatchers
Aerial photography of the Manali town for photographers
This hidden gem is mostly off the radar even for locals and thus is the perfect hideaway during peak tourist season. Pack a thermos of chai, claim your favorite boulder, and watch the sun rise and work its magic on the Dhauladhar peaks.
Gulaba Meadows – It’s Not a Snow Point
While Gulaba is famous for winter sports like skiing, not many explore the area past the snowline. An easy trek from the car park takes one to the rolling lawns of Gulaba Meadows—green and lush with flowers and beautifully serene.
Why Gulaba Meadows worth visiting:
Rolling grass grazing grounds perfect for seclusion or yoga
Summer wildflowers, yaks grazing during monsoon
Instagrammable picnic spots
Steer clear of the weekends and you could as well have the whole meadow to yourself. Bring a picnic, stretch out on the grass, and observe clouds drift across the sky.
Why Go to These Quirky Spots in Manali Visiting remote areas of Manali is to step into a secret world that has been known up to now by very few. These places offer not only quiet and solitude, but a chance to connect deeply with nature and culture. You never merely see Manali—you feel it.
Whether you are a solo traveler seeking isolation, a couple seeking romance, or a remote worker seeking an idea spark—these secret spots in Manali will feed your soul.
How to Prepare for These Hidden Escapes
Following are some tips to get the best out of your offbeat Manali vacation:
Tip Description
Tip Description Pack Smart but Light
Pack warm clothing, rain boots, and power banks. There is no power in some areas. Offline Maps
There may not be an internet connection. Download Google Offline Maps before you go. Ask Locals
They don‘t show up on the web. Friendly locals are your most reliable GPS. Support Local
Choose homestays over hotels. Buy local produce. Hire local guides. Leave No Trace
Respect nature. Bring back your trash. Avoid fires in the woods.
Conclusion
Manali is not all about tourist throngs and selfie points. Behind the commercial façade lies a mystical, meditative landscape—waiting to be discovered. These offbeat destinations in Manali are where you will discover true beauty, serene bliss, and memories that will last you a lifetime. Forget the map, listen to the rustling of the wind, and let Manali show you its secret side.
