When we think of Manali, we mostly think of Rohtang Pass, snow, and mountains covering the entire hill station. But suppose you really want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. In that case, it’s always best to find an offbeat place to see near Manali for peace and serenity, and there are no limits to such options when it comes to tourist places near Manali. From embarking on a hardcore trek to having a peaceful family vacation near Manali, it has it all. All you need to do is dig deeper and find a perfect spot for yourself.
Below, I am giving you the exact details of a place called Dobhi, near Manali, which is perfect if you plan to chill with your family or have a gala time with your friends. This offbeat destination in Himachal is not only beautiful but also very few people know about it, making it one of the most pristine hidden places in the region.
From making new friends to having the perfect trip, I had it all. There are times when you meet some people, and there’s a certain click. Arjun from StayOnSkill and Vaibhav from Campostel are such people – they are the ones who aren’t only dedicated to working but also work ethically. You’ll have the best time with their team.
When I got to know that StayOnSkill and Campostel were organising the trip in Dobhi, I knew I had to go, and I had such an amazing experience with them. They not only organised everything perfectly but also coordinated with the bloggers in the best possible way. They just did everything for us to have fun.
I saw trout fish farms, a hidden waterfall in Dobhi, got to stay in riverside camps, and saw gliders flying right above my head during Dobhi paragliding sessions.
Moreover, Camping Kona was the name of the camp we stayed in. I chose this camp thoughtfully so that all of us could interact as much as possible and have fun at the same time. Camping Kona’s hospitality was commendable, with perfect food and an environment to have fun in. They also had a bonfire and music as complimentary during the night, which made the trip even more memorable.
Dobhi – A Hidden Gem among the Places to See Near Manali
Dobhi is gorgeous. If you’re looking for places to visit near Manali that aren’t famous amongst tourists while finding picturesque mountains, this is the perfect place for you. Here, you’ll be able to sit by the river stream while discovering so many hidden monasteries, paragliding spots, and lesser-known waterfalls. You’ll find peace and beauty at the same time.
This offbeat destination in Himachal Pradesh offers some of the most spectacular Dobhi paragliding experiences in the region. The thermals here are perfect for both beginners and experienced pilots, making it an ideal spot for adventure enthusiasts seeking attractions near Manali that offer adrenaline-pumping activities.
The area around Dobhi is also home to several ancient monasteries tucked away in the mountains, making it one of the most spiritually enriching places to see near Manali. These monasteries offer a glimpse into the rich Buddhist heritage of the region and provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist crowds.
Naggar – A Royal Heritage
Naggar lies at an altitude of 2,047 meters and served as the official seat of kings for centuries. According to legend, Raja Sidh Singh built this castle 500 years ago, using stones for construction. Over the Beas river, he made a human chain of labourers so that the stones could be transferred manually.
There was an earthquake in 1905 in which most of the houses were ruined; however, the castle survived the earthquake. In 1978, the castle was converted into a rest house and subsequently a heritage hotel run by HPTDC. Today, Naggar Castle remains one of the most significant tourist places near Manali, Himachal Pradesh, attracting history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.
The castle now houses an art gallery featuring works of Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist who lived here for many years. The panoramic views from the castle make it one of the most photogenic places to visit around Manali, especially during sunrise and sunset.

Where to Stay in Dobhi?
I would really recommend staying in Camping Kona, a gem of a stay among places close to Manali. Not only will you get the camp experience, but from here you can also easily access recreational activities like paragliding, rock climbing, zip lining, and river rafting.
Furthermore, the location of the camp is really gorgeous; it’s right next to the river stream, making it one of the most scenic places near Manali. The bathroom is attached to the respective camps. The beds are really comfortable, and they provide clean, hygienic bed sheets.
At night, you can enjoy the bonfire and music, which makes the stay so blissful. How heavenly would it feel to sit right beside the river stream and experience warmth and surreal music under the cold night sky? The camp also organises guided treks to nearby waterfalls and offers equipment for Dobhi paragliding adventures.
Additional Attractions and Activities
For those seeking more offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh, the area around Dobhi offers several unexplored trails and viewpoints. The region is perfect for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers looking for places to go near Manali that offer authentic Himalayan experiences.
The Manali hidden places in this region include secluded meadows, ancient rock formations, and pristine streams that remain untouched by commercial tourism. These spots are perfect for meditation, yoga retreats, or simply unwinding in nature’s lap.
As one of the most promising tourist spots near Manali, Dobhi is rapidly gaining recognition among travellers seeking authentic mountain experiences. The offbeat places near Manali continue to offer solitude and natural beauty, making them perfect for those who want to escape the crowds while still enjoying easy accessibility from the main town.
Whether you’re looking for places to visit in and near Manali for adventure, relaxation, or spiritual rejuvenation, the Dobhi region offers a perfect blend of all three, making it a must-visit destination for discerning travellers in 2025.
Complete Itinerary and Things to Do in Dobhi
Day 0 – Journey Begins
Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali and get down at Kali Mata Mandir – Dobhi. This journey marks the beginning of your adventure to one of the most offbeat places near Manali that offers pristine mountain experiences away from the tourist crowds.
Day 1 – Arrival and Initial Exploration
Take a cab to Camping Kona, or you can walk to this place from Kali Mata Mandir. Camping Kona is gorgeous; as soon as you enter this place, you’ll see paragliders above your head, white mountains in the far distance, and a river stream nearby your camp. After resting, you can start your tour by heading to the nearby trout fish farm.
We also explored a waterfall nearby that isn’t known by many, making it one of Manali’s hidden places where you won’t see many tourists. It’s so peaceful – perfect for dipping your feet in the stream or taking a dive from the cliff above. This waterfall represents the true essence of offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh, offering serenity and natural beauty in abundance.
Day 2 – Adventure and Adrenaline
Get ready to pump up your adrenaline on Day 2. You can experience Dobhi paragliding to see the world below while flying freely through the sky. The paragliding experience here is exceptional, with perfect thermals and stunning valley views that make it one of the top attractions near Manali.
Near Camping Kona, you can also opt for several other adventurous activities like zip lining, trekking, rock climbing, and river rafting. End the day by watching the sunset while sitting beside the river stream at Camping Kona – a perfect way to unwind after an action-packed day exploring places to see near Manali.
Day 3 – Cultural Heritage at Naggar
Another tourist place near Manali to explore is Naggar, which is just 12 kilometres from Camping Kona. Naggar Castle is located on the left bank of the river Beas and was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 A.D. Here, apart from overlooking the gorgeous valley of Kullu, you’ll also be able to enjoy a restaurant and an Art Museum. The entry charges for this castle are just INR 50.
Another interesting fact about this place is that many famous Bollywood movies have been shot here, from the filming of songs in “Jab We Met” to beautiful mountain scenes in “Tubelight.” The castle also features works by Russian artist Nicholas Roerich, making it a cultural hotspot among places to visit around Manali.

Typical Cost for Exploring Dobhi
Bus Transportation
You can get buses for as low as INR 800 from Delhi to Manali if you opt for an ordinary HRTC bus. However, for more luxurious travel, you can also find Volvos for INR 1,400 – INR 1,600 for a comfortable journey to these places close to Manali.
Stay at Camping Kona
The camps are luxurious with bathrooms attached to respective camps, comfortable beds, clean, hygienic bed sheets, and a beautiful riverside location. The camp costs INR 3,200 per person, which includes breakfast and dinner, along with a bonfire and music as complimentary amenities to set your night full of happiness at one of the most scenic places near Manali.
Dobhi Paragliding
You can fly in the sky and experience an adrenaline rush for just INR 3,800. This Dobhi paragliding experience offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the valley below, making it a must-do activity when visiting tourist places near Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Transportation to Naggar
You can take a bus from Dobhi to Naggar, which will cost only INR 30 to INR 40 (updated rates), making it easy to explore multiple places near Manali without breaking the budget.
Entry Charges to Naggar
The entry charges to Naggar Castle are just INR 50. If you want to have lunch, don’t worry – there’s a restaurant inside the castle itself where you can enjoy food with a spectacular view, making it one of the most memorable tourist spots near Manali.
Typical Food Cost per Day
Since breakfast and dinner are covered at Camping Kona, the only cost left is lunch, which you can easily have for INR 150 to INR 600, depending on your choice of restaurant and cuisine preferences.
Additional Activities and Costs
- Zip lining: INR 800 per person
- Rock climbing: INR 600 per person
- River rafting: INR 1,200 per person
- Guided trekking: INR 1,500 per person for day treks
- Photography sessions: INR 2,000 for professional shoots at scenic locations

Why Choose Dobhi?
Dobhi stands out among offbeat destinations in Himachal because it offers the perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, and tranquillity. Unlike crowded tourist spots, this offbeat destination in Himachal provides an authentic mountain experience where you can truly connect with nature.
The region around Dobhi is rapidly becoming recognised as one of the premier places to visit in and near Manali for travellers seeking unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in Dobhi paragliding, exploring hidden waterfalls, or simply relaxing by the riverside, this destination offers something for every type of traveller.
Do let us know if this blog intrigued you to visit Dobhi – a lesser-known paradise among places to visit near Manali that promises unforgettable memories and authentic Himalayan experiences!
Very informative article! 👍😊
It has to be on my list now.Thanks for the very aptly informative article 🙂 🙂