Wellness · Manali, Himachal
Vashisht hot springs and Jogini falls
A soak in the natural sulphur springs at Vashisht's stone temple tanks, then a 3 km walk through orchards to Jogini waterfall. Free, gentle and best done early before the day-trippers arrive.
Photo: Ktoya · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsVashisht is a village on the left bank of the Beas, 3 km from Manali. Hot sulphur springs rise here and are piped into stone bathing tanks next to the temple of the sage Vashisht, with separate enclosures for men and women. Locals use them as the village bath, so treat them with the same courtesy you would a home: shower first at the taps, no soap in the tank, and no photographs of bathers.
The temple itself is built in the kath-kuni and stone style of the valley, with carved wooden panels. Beside it is a smaller temple to Rama. The village lanes above are packed with old timber houses, guesthouses and small cafés, and are a good place for breakfast after the bath.
From the top of the village a signed path leads about 3 km through apple orchards and pine to Jogini waterfall, which drops in several stages down a cliff. The walk takes about an hour each way and is mostly gentle, with a steeper last section on rocks near the falls. Wear proper shoes, as the stones are wet. Do not climb above the lower pool; people have been injured on the upper rocks.
Good for
Also in Manali
More days here
Photo: Reflectionsbyprajakta · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Hadimba temple and Old Manali on foot
A morning loop from the Mall up to the 1553 Hadimba temple in its cedar grove, then across the Manalsu stream to Old Ma…
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Snow and slopes at Solang valley
A wide meadow at about 2,500 m, 14 km up the Beas from Manali, with snow from December to March and paragliding, a rope…
Trips through Manali
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Manali. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: Unknown author · Public domain · Commons
Comfort
Tirthan, Naggar and Manali by private car
Private car with driver
Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Manali, Naggar and Kasol on a budget
HRTC local buses and short shared taxis
Photo: Navneet Sharma · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Shimla and the Kullu valley in luxury
Private car with driver
Sleep nearby
Stays in Manali
Photo: Neerajsinghazm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Budget
Zostel Manali
A backpacker hostel in Old Manali, in the orchard village above the Manalsu stream, with dorm beds and private roo…
Photo: Original: Biswarup Ganguly Derivative work: Un… · CC BY 3.0 · Commons
Luxury
Span Resort and Spa
A riverside resort on about 12 acres on the banks of the Beas near Katrain, south of Manali, with cottages, garden…
Questions
Before you book
Are the Vashisht hot springs free?
Yes, the temple tanks are free to use. Private hotels nearby pipe the same water into rooms and charge for it. Bring your own towel and a change of clothes, and leave valuables at your hotel, as there are only simple changing areas.
How difficult is the Jogini waterfall walk?
Easy to moderate. It is about 3 km each way from Vashisht on a path through orchards and forest, with a short rocky stretch near the falls. Most people take 2.5–3 hours return including a rest. Trainers with good grip are enough.
Can women bathe at Vashisht?
Yes. There is a separate covered enclosure for women. Many local women bathe in the early morning. Swimwear or a light cotton outfit is appropriate, and the usual rule is to avoid photography in or near the tanks.