Unearthing the Haunted Places of Manali Whispering Spooky Secrets

As the darkness of the night descends upon Manali, the shadows grow longer, and peculiar occurrences begin to take place. Yes, your favorite hill station is not just about beauty and serenity but also home to spirits from long ago, waiting for the right moment to make themselves known! Nestled in the towering, forested peaks and rough landscape of the Himalayan Highlands, the haunted places in Manali hold eerie stories and strange occurrences associated with them, from untimely deaths of past residents to tragic events that remain unexplained to date. And each story with it carries a warning – a warning for supernatural encounters with something that isn't quite of this world. Get yourself together to navigate through the paranormal universe of Manali, where every turn whispers of the past and a spine-chilling experience like nowhere else!

9 Haunted Places in Manali: Let’s Unravel Mysteries of the Hills

Manali, a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, possesses a dark past that's shrouded in eerie enigma and ethereal sagas. It's beautiful landscapes and stunning views combined with the stillness of the dark create a mysterious atmosphere for supernatural entities to hover beneath its surface. There are so many haunted places in Manali, and they are not just out of the books, but scream of terrifying real-life experiences of locals and travelers over many generations. People have felt the unseen eyes watching over them and had face-to-face encounters with otherworldly souls. Each haunted spot in Manali reminds you of the biggest childhood fear, leaving you in sweat and a sensation of breathlessness!

Seeking to discover the chilling side of Manali? Scroll down to check a comprehensive list of 9 most haunted locations in Manali that are bound to send shivers down your spine:

• Naggar Castle
• Citrus Manali Resorts
• Rahala Falls
• Gauri Shankar Temple
• Kulang Village
• Rohtang Pass
• Dhungri Forest
• Johnson Lodge Manali
• Ghost Temple of Gata Loops

1. Naggar Castle

Located on a hilltop, the medieval-era Naggar Castle is haunted by the wounded spirit of Rani Rasili, who committed suicide upon being accused of cheating on her King with a wrestler. One day, a wrestling contest was organized at the royal residence between an official wrestler and a young local man. Impressed with the local man's performance, Rani threw her necklace at him, which angered the King. Out of jealousy and suspicion, the King got the wrestler beheaded without a second thought. Rani, terrified by his anger, jumped into the Beas River flowing in the valley, killing herself on the spot. You can hear the sound of her silver anklets, as she wanders through the rooms, alleys, and the verandah of Castle Naggar, one of the most haunted places in Manali with a real story. Another legend has it that the ghosts of the previous royal families also inhabit the castle. Enigmatic whispers and squawking footsteps echo through forgotten corridors of the castle, where no one even dares enter. The air gets filled with disturbing conversations between unseen entities, enveloping the castle in a supernatural world.

Location: Patlikuhal - Naggar Rd, Patlikuhal, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175129

Visit hours: 9 AM to 6 PM

Entry Fee: INR 30 Per Person

Nearby Attractions:

• Van Vihar National Park
• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
• Baror Parsha Waterfall
• Gauri Shankar Temple

Hotels Nearby:

• Cafe Saffron Sips & Stays, Villa, Cottages, Restaurant
• Hotel Sheetal
• Rustic Roots Home Stay
• The Landsby Cottages Naggar
• Hotel Solitaire Manali Near Mall Road

2. Citrus Manali Resorts

What's better than a stay amidst the panoramic views of snow-clad mountains and Deodar groves overlooking the scenic river? That's the kind of magic Citrus Manali Resorts unfolded for the visitors, but with it came terrific horror experiences. Yes, the Hotel Citrus in Manali is haunted – and it's mainly in the basement where all the spooky activities take place. Major Burton, a British official who spent 13 years here with his family before being killed during the revolt of 1857, still wanders through the corridors of the hotel by many. But that's not it, he often goes on to slap the on-duty guards while they are asleep. Now, this haunted hotel in Manali has been closed down but remains a very much talked-about name for its dreadful side!

Location: National Highway 3, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, 175143

Visit Hours: N/A

Nearby Attractions:

• Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa Monastery
• Hidimba Devi Temple
• Jogini Falls
• Van Vihar National Park
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art

Hotels Nearby:

• Mastiff Grand Manali Resort
• Hotel Solitaire Manali Near Mall Road
• Hotel Meridian
• Hotel Ibex Manali
• Hotel Eco Groves

Suggested Read: Topmost Destinations to Celebrate New Year in India

3. Gauri Shankar Temple

Who could have ever imagined a place of worship to be haunted? Certainly, no one! But as they say, where divinity dwells, negative energies often linger nearby. And you can experience that for yourself at the ancient Gauri Shankar Temple in Manali, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Dating to the 12th century AD, the temple is built using stones with beautiful carvings on the outer walls and is among the oldest temples in India. While the lush greenery surrounding the temple adds to the tranquility of this religiously significant temple, it also intensifies the eeriness of the place. The claims of locals experiencing supernatural presence at this sacred site, especially during twilight hours, have made it to the list of well-renowned haunted places in Manali. Shadowy figures and strange lights are commonly seen around the temple when there is no one. It is believed that these ethereal visitors ate the spirits of those devotees who frequented the temple while they were alive, and even after the demise, they continue to visit the site even today to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva.

Location: 4577+6JX, Naggar Castle Rd, Naggar, Himachal Pradesh 175130

Visit hours: 8 AM to 7 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Naggar Castle
• Sajla Waterfall
• Murlidhar Krishna Mandir
• Jhiri Hindu Temple
• Tripura Sundri Mandir

Hotels Nearby:

• The Landsby Cottages Naggar
• Hotel Castle View
• Cafe Saffron Sips & Stays, Villa, Cottages, Restaurant
• Hotel Sheetal
• Rustic Roots Home Stay

Suggested Read: Places to Celebrate a New Year in Manali for a Memorable Start

4. Rahala Falls

Set about 16 km from Manali town, Rahala Falls is not only a normal nature retreat but also among the popular haunted places in Manali. Just that most people are unaware of the fact that this stunning site with gushing water spectacular views has horrifying tales associated with it. As per legend, Rahala Falls is the dwelling of the unsettled spirits of those hikers and travelers who encountered an untimely end at or close to the area. Even today, locals and visitors spot otherworldly souls near the waterfall, with the sight only giving you a chilling sensation through the spine. It is one of the most popular places to visit in India for nature lovers and ghost seekers alike.

Location: 86P9+G8X, Leh Manali Hwy, Himachal Pradesh 175103

Visit hours: 6 AM to 5 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Rani Nallah
• Nehru Kund
• Sagoo Waterfall
• Gulaba Viewpoint

Hotels Nearby:

• Manali Outdoor Retreat by Sheosante
• Matsya Manali
• Palchan Hotel & Spa (Radisson Individuals Retreats)
• Hotel Rohtang View
• The Apple Tree Lodge, Kothi Valley

Suggested Read: Asia’s Most Haunted Places to Experience the Thrill

5. Kulang Village

Nestled in the hills of Manali is the cursed village of Kulang, which happens to be one of the most haunted places in Manali! Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, the village serves as a prime dwelling spot for spectral beings and paranormal happenings. The locals believe that this ancient village endures a centuries-old curse, which prevents the former inhabitants from attaining peace even after death. To date, the spirits of those villagers continue to haunt the village. It is advised to avoid visiting the village or even passing through this area after sunset unless you want to encounter a Kulang villager who exists no more!

Location: 65VQ+JC7, Village Kulang, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Visit hours: 8 AM to 6 PM

Nearby Attractions:

• Nehru Kund
• Van Vihar National Park
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
• Lama Dugh Trek Start Point
• Hadimba Devi Temple

Hotels Nearby:

• Hotel Meridian
• Hotel Solang (Mall Road Manali)
• Hotel Bodh International
• Hotel Ibex Manali
• Hotel Saras Manali

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6. Rohtang Pass

A gateway to the Spiti Valley, Rohtang Pass is a very scenic stretch through the Pir Panjal Mountains close to Manali. But do you know what lies underneath its beauty? It’s the djinns, witches, rakshasas, and the unsettled spirits of travelers who couldn't make it through this high mountain pass. It's the eerie silence and fog blanketing over, where ghostly encounters are not just rumors, but a real thing. Yes, Rohtang Pass is among those renowned haunted places in Manali, where the dead come alive. As you drive through this aloof, winding road, the temperature drops unexpectedly. There is a sensation of an invisible company, which makes the heart race at an unspeakable pace and the hands turn cold. And sometimes, you might as well just spot ghostly apparitions!

Location: NH 3, Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh, India

Visit hours: 6 AM to 6 PM (Return Journey begins at 12 PM)

Entry (Permit) Fee: INR 500

Nearby Attractions:

• Rani Nallah
• Rohtang La
• Rahala Waterfalls
• Rohtang Curves
• Gulaba Viewpoint

Hotels Nearby:

• TRIBHAV Rohtang Heights Resort
• Hotel Rohtang View
• Snow Touch Resort by Sriniwasa Hotels
• The Apple Tree Lodge, Kothi Valley
• The Katoch Grand by Ostan

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7. Dhungri Forest

Located at a short distance from Manali town, Dhungri Forest is famous for its paranormal activities. The regular reporting of unusual incidents by locals and travelers has made it to the list of prominent haunted places in Manali. Although Dhungri Forest is a well-trodden site, especially for hikers and camping enthusiasts, there have been experiences that have left travelers with shortness of breath and a feeling of helplessness while they walked through this dense woodland. Strange noises and voices of people can be heard, only to find no one around except for you and your partners. Ghostly souls can be seen wandering around, and there's a sensation of being watched by unseen eyes, enough to spook you out. Hence, it is advised to take Manali group tour packages while you go exploring these spots where spirits haunt!

Location: 65XJ+967, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Visit hours: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fee: INR 5 Per Person

Nearby Attractions:

• Jogini Falls
• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
• Dhungri Van Vihar
• Nehru Kund

Hotels Nearby:

• De' Prashant Silverstag
• Mountain Top Hotel in Manali
• Forest Way Cottage Manali
• Hotel Nirvana Hills
• Forest View Retreat

Suggested Read: Places to Visit Manali: Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Serene Wonderland

8. Johnson Lodge Manali  

Another popular name among the haunted places in Manali is Johnson Lodge, a fairy tale colonial-era bungalow huddled in the heart of Manali. Located on Circuit House Road, this early 20th-century lodge served as the residence of Col. C.R. Johnson and his family till 1989 before being converted into a hotel. But Johnson Lodge Manali ghost story is fascinating yet much scarier than normal. It's believed that a British Lord who often visited the lodge fell in love with a local girl, who was disapproved of by his family. The Lord's family pushed her to death, post which he hung himself on the balcony and left a letter expressing his eternal love for her. While the property has a unique charm during the day, guests at the lodge have reported blood-curdling experiences during the night stay. The sobbing of a woman and the invisible presence of someone sitting at the feet of your bed can be experienced at the lodge. Many have also claimed to spot a young girl adorned in traditional Himachali attire wandering through the hallways of the lodge.

Location: Circuit House Road, Siyal, Kullu, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131

Visit Hours: 24/7

Nearby Attractions:

• Hadimba Devi Temple
• Solang Valley
• Rohtang Pass
• Manu Market
• Vashisht Hot Springs

Hotels Nearby:

• The Orchard Green
• Woodrock Hotel
• Hotel Crystal
• Holiday Heaven
• Apple Paradise Manali

Suggested Read: Things to Do in Manali: Immerse Your Senses in Adventure and Serenity

9. Ghost Temple of Gata Loops

Imagine yourself riding through the famous Leh Manali Highway only to see a man out of nowhere on the road? Scary, right? But this is not mere folklore, it’s a true story of the ghost of Gata Loops, who has been encountered by many while living their biker’s dream on this thrilling stretch. Gata Loops is a 10-km stretch with a series of sharp consecutive curves (21 hairpin bends) on the Manali to Leh Highway, which is among the most haunted places in Manali. Back in 1999, a truck driver and his helper got stuck on the Gata Loops due to a broken vehicle and heavy snowfall. The helper’s health deteriorated, so the driver went out looking for someone to help only to return a few days later and find his trucker partner dead due to cold, thirst, and hunger. Even today, the dead trucker appears before the travelers, covered only in a shawl despite the freezing cold weather. He asks passersby for some water to drink. As you approach him with water, he vanishes into the dark. To calm the ghost, a small shrine has been built (known as the Ghost Temple) by the villagers, where every traveler must offer a bottle of water and a packet of cigarettes. And those who don’t follow this tradition, end up facing dreadful consequences while journeying through the most dangerous and haunted places in India.

Location: 2HMW+HV5, Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh

Visit Hours: 24/7

Nearby Attractions:

• Sarchu
• Lachulung La
• Nakee La
• Pang
• Deepak Taal

Hotels Nearby:

• Beyond Rohtang
• Nordaling Guest House
• Lahaul Home Stay Sumnam
• Hotel New Gyespa, Keylong
• FabHotel Paradise Guest House

While Manali serves as a beautiful, peaceful holiday destination, its haunted side is a little too terrifying to be explored. The haunted places in Manali are sure to give you an uneasy feeling that will not leave your head anytime soon. And, if you can get hold of yourself after a spooktacular experience, step out to explore the top attractions and activities while you are still in this beautiful hill town. Don’t forget to indulge in its local traditions and culinary scene. Book one of our Manali tour packages today and get ready for an unforgettable venture in the hills!  

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