waterfalls in Manali
Place To Visit, Things To Do

Top 10 Waterfalls in Manali You Must Visit in 2026

Manali gets all the credit for its snowy mountains and adventure sports, but honestly, its waterfalls are something else entirely. Most people completely miss them as they are tucked into forests, perched on mountain highways, and hidden in valleys that barely anyone talks about. The best waterfalls located in Manali are Jogini Waterfall, Rahala Waterfall, Sajla Waterfall, and Sissu Waterfall, along with several lesser-known waterfalls. These waterfalls range from easy roadside stops to short scenic treks. I have been trekking and guiding people through these mountains for years and I’ve seen how often people miss out on some of the best spots. So, here are the top 10 waterfalls in Manali that deserve a spot on every itinerary.  What Makes the Waterfalls in Manali So Special? Waterfalls in Manali are largely fed by glacial melt and high-altitude streams, which means many of them remain active beyond the monsoon season. Unlike typical seasonal waterfalls, several falls here continue to flow strongly between May and October when snowmelt is at its peak. What sets them apart is the variety in how you experience them. Some waterfalls, like Rahala, are visible directly from the roadside, while others, like Jogini, require a short trek through pine forests and village trails. There are also lesser-known falls that are not clearly marked on maps and are usually accessed with local guidance. Another key difference is the setting. In Manali, waterfalls are not concentrated in one area. They are spread across highways, forest routes, and valleys, which means you often come across them unexpectedly during a drive or a trek. Because of this mix of accessibility and hidden locations, exploring waterfalls in Manali feels less like visiting a single attraction and more like discovering multiple landscapes across the region. Top 10 Waterfalls in Manali You Should Not Miss Here are your top 10 waterfalls in Manali that you should never miss while visiting: Jogini Waterfall, Manali If there is one waterfall in Manali that everyone should see at least once, it is Jogini. It sits near Vashisht Village, just about 3 kilometres from Manali town, which means you do not need to plan a whole day around it. You pass through pine forests and apple orchards on the way, which honestly makes the journey just as good as the destination. How to reach it: The trail starts at Vashisht and takes roughly 1 to 2 hours on foot. You can reach Vashisht easily by cab, auto, or local bus from Manali. Best time to visit: April to June and then again September to October for full flow with clearer skies and steady water flow. Local tip: Start your trek early in the morning. The trail can get a little slippery after the rains, so wear proper shoes and not sandals. This is one of the easier treks in the area, beginners handle it just fine. Rahala Waterfall, Manali Rahala is a scenic roadside waterfall located on the Manali-Rohtang Pass highway. It is formed by melting glaciers, which makes it especially powerful during early summer. How to reach it: It is about 16 kilometres from Manali on the Manali-Rohtang Pass road. You can reach it by cab, bike, or even bus. No trekking needed, it is roadside accessible. Best time to visit: May and June are ideal, right when the snowmelt is at its peak. The water volume is at its highest and the surrounding landscape is just starting to turn green. Local tip: Since you are already heading towards Rohtang, combine this with your Rohtang Pass visit and make a full day of it. Do not try to stand too close to the fall, the rocks get very slippery. Zana Falls, Manali Zana Falls is a small waterfall located near Zana (Jana) village on the Naggar side of Manali. It is not a major tourist attraction but is known for its natural setting and local food spots nearby. How to reach it: It is located about 30-35 km from Manali via the Naggar route. You can reach Jana village by cab or bike, followed by a short walk to the waterfall. The road becomes narrow and slightly rough closer to the village. Best time to visit: June to September, when the water flow is steady and the surroundings are green. Local tip: Most visitors come here as part of a Naggar trip and combine it with local Himachali food experiences near the waterfall. Sajla Waterfall Sajla Waterfall is a lesser-known waterfall located near Sajla village on the Naggar-Jana route. It is surrounded by dense forest and offers a quieter experience compared to more crowded spots near Manali. How to reach it: It is located about 15-18 km from Manali near Sajla village, on the route towards Naggar. You can reach the village by cab or bike, followed by a short walk to the waterfall. Local directions may be needed as it is not clearly marked. Best time to visit: July to October when water levels are at their fullest. Local tip: This one is my personal recommendation for people who want to escape the crowd completely. If you are tired of sharing every viewpoint with tour groups, Sajla is your answer. Bhagsu Waterfall (Bhagsu Nag Falls) Bhagsu Waterfall is a well-known waterfall located near McLeod Ganj in Dharamshala. It is often included in extended Himachal travel plans. But if you are extending your Himachal trip, this one is worth the detour without question. How to reach it: It is located about 220 km from Manali near McLeod Ganj. You can reach by car or bus, followed by a short trek from Bhagsu village. Best time to visit: September and October after the monsoons when the flow is strongest. Avoid peak tourist season in July if you want a less crowded experience. Local tip: If you are already in the Manali area and have an extra day or two, add this to your Dharamshala leg. The two places complement each other really well. Baror Parsha Waterfall Baror