Things to Do in Mandi
Treks, lakes, temples, food and a famous fair. 12 simple ideas with where to go, how long and the best season.
What can you do in Mandi?
Mandi is not just a stop on the way to Manali on a Shimla Manali trip. There are many things to do in Mandi, from easy temple walks and lake visits to treks, camping and a big yearly fair. Here are the best ones, with where to go, how long it takes and the best season, so you can plan your Himachal holiday with ease.
- Mandi has 80+ old temples, so a temple walk is a must.
- The Shivratri Fair brings 200+ local gods to town.
- Prashar Lake is the easiest high-altitude trek nearby.
- Barot is one of Himachal's top trout fishing spots.
- Bir Billing paragliding is just about 2 hours away.
- Mandyali Dham is the local meal you should not miss.
12 best things to do in Mandi
Filter by what you like. Each card shows where, how long, the best season and a tip.
Trek to Prashar Lake
A short, easy trek to a high lake with snow peaks all around.
Enjoy the Shivratri Fair
A week of god processions, folk dance and music in town.
Walk the old temples
See Bhootnath, Panchvaktra, Triloknath and Ardhnarishwar on foot.
Spend an evening at Rewalsar
Walk around a calm lake with monasteries and prayer flags.
Camp in Barot Valley
Sleep by the Uhl river in a quiet pine valley.
Go trout fishing
Barot is one of the best trout fishing spots in Himachal.
Trek to Kamrunag Lake
A 6 km forest trek to a holy lake.
Visit Shikari Devi
Drive or trek up to a roofless hilltop temple with big views.
Shop at Indira Market
An underground market for Himachali caps, shawls and gifts.
Eat Mandyali Dham
The local festive meal of rice, dal and slow-cooked dishes.
Watch sunset from Tarna Hill
The whole town and the Beas river glow at sunset.
Paraglide at Bir Billing
Fly over green valleys at a world-famous paragliding site.
Shivratri Fair: the best time to be in Mandi
The International Shivratri Fair is Mandi's biggest festival. It starts on Mahashivratri and goes on for about a week.
- Local gods are carried to town in decorated palkis.
- The first stop is Raja Madhav Rai and Bhootnath Temple.
- There are folk dances, music nights and a big market.
- It falls in February or March, so check the date each year.
Things to do in Mandi by type of trip
👨👩👧 For families
- Temple walk in town
- Rewalsar Lake
- Drive to Prashar Lake
- Indira Market
💑 For couples
- Sunset at Tarna Hill
- Camping in Barot
- Evening at Rewalsar
- Paragliding at Bir
🧗 For adventure
- Kamrunag trek
- Shikari Devi trek
- Trout fishing in Barot
- Paragliding at Bir
Good to know before you go
- Keep a warm jacket. Hill spots are cold even in summer.
- Check road status in winter, as snow can close high roads.
- Carry cash, as small villages may not take cards.
- Wear trekking shoes for Kamrunag and Shikari Devi.
- Keep the lakes and temples clean. Carry your trash back.
- Avoid treks in July and August because of heavy rain.
Things to do in Mandi: quick questions
What are the top things to do in Mandi?
The top things to do in Mandi are the Prashar Lake trek, a temple walk in town, an evening at Rewalsar and camping in Barot.
What is there to do in Mandi with family?
Families can visit the town temples, Rewalsar Lake and Indira Market, and drive almost to the top of Prashar Lake.
When is the Shivratri Fair in Mandi?
It starts on Mahashivratri, in February or March, and goes on for about a week.
Can I do paragliding in Mandi?
The nearest top spot is Bir Billing, about 2 hours from Mandi. Book only with licensed pilots.
Plan your Mandi activities with us
Treks, camping, temple walks or the Shivratri Fair. Tell us what you like and we will plan it. Add Mandi to our Shimla Manali tour, or see all our trips.