Expert Speak - Its a constant request from guests who are visiting Manali to ask, Manali and what else? During Summer options like Shimla, Dharamsala, Dalhousie are not only far but also don't present much of an experiential experience. So these combination that are suited in combination with Manali. 

Sohja (8500 ft asl) - About 120 kms from Manali and 80 kms from Bhuntar, a Himalayan destination at 8500 ft asl just 5 kms short of Jalori pass and offering excellent options for walks and treks around the area. 

Open - All round the year. It snows in Jan-March period.

Views from Banjara Retreat, Shoja

Tirthan Valley (4500 ft asl) - Here one can explore Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Activities such as Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Nature Walks, Joomaring, River Crossing, overnight camping etc are conducted by the resorts here. River Tirthan is known for Trouts and so good for Trout fishing (March - November)

Season - March - November is the best time to explore the area. It doesn't snow much in Winter but its cold.

Tirthan River 

Manikaran (5300 ft asl) - Earlier a Pilgrimage destination 45 kms from Kullu. Then it became popular for its hot springs and as a base point for a number of treks around Manali. Now resorts here offer activities such as Angling, Mountain Biking, Nature Walk, River Crossing, Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Treks, Jungle Barbeque, Mountain Climbing, Rafting, Hot Air Ballooning.

Open - All round the year. Apr - June and Sept-Oct are the best time to be here for activities. 

Raison (5500 ft asl) - Between Kullu and Manali is Raison, a riverside adventure getaway.  Here Nature Nest is a resort that offers cottage / tented stay and a variety of activities such as White Water Rafting, Fishing, Hot Air Ballooning, Trekking & rock climbing, Nature Walks, Village Tour etc.. 

Open - All round the year. Apr - June are the best time to be here for activities. 

Solang Valley (8000 ft asl) - 15 kms from manali offering excellent views and riverside ambience. This the centre of a lot of adventure activities being conducted in Manali. This is also an excellent option for those who want to have none of the Manali's crowded town centre and want to be as cut off as possible. 

Winter (Jan-March) - Skiing (During Winter Season) and Snow Scooters and Snow Tubing, Zorbing
Summer (Apr-June, Sept-Nov. Rest of the year subject to weather) - Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Paragliding, River Crossing, Rock Climbing and Rappelling, Hot Air Ballooning, Trekking, Night navigation, Bush Craft, Zorbing, Fishing / Angling in River Beas

Open - All round the year. There is always something for the adventure seeker in Solang Valley all round the year. 

Views from Solang Valley 

Kaza (12000 ft asl) - Ladakh type dry desert and high altitude experience at just 200 kms from Manali via Rohtang and Kunzumla Pass.  Ki Monastery, world's highest inhabited villages, arid desert like landscape, awesome Himalayan views all around await guests besides an exhilarating drive across river beds. glaciers and very remote uninhabited regions. Based on Kaza one can visit Tabo and Dhanker Monasteries as well.

Open - June (Kunzumla Pass opens around June 10th) - Sept

Views from Kaza Town

Chandertal (14000 ft asl) - About 100 kms from Manali and one has to take a detour few kms before Kunzumla Pass on the Manali-Kaza Route. The lake is considered ultimate in terms of adventure and beauty. The accommodation here is basic and therefore one has to be adventure frame of mind before considering an overnight stay.

Open - July - August

Jispa (11000 ft asl)  - 128 kms on the Manali-Leh Route. Riverside and Himalayan beauty all over. From here monasteries, Suraj Tal lake can be visited. There are some local trek routes also that can be explored.

Open - June - Sept (After Rohtang Pass opens)